WAIMEA, Kaua'i — Waimea Canyon School, on the sunny west side of Kaua'i, is the only remaining school on the island that includes classes from kindergarten through Grade 8.

It functions as an elementary school and also as a regional middle school, drawing kids from Kalaheo, 'Ele'ele and Kekaha schools into its upper classes. Most then go on to Waimea High School, just a couple of blocks away.

And if there's a place in the state where kids from several different towns join together seamlessly, this is it, said Patricia Isoshima, vice president of Waimea Canyon's parent-teacher-student organization.

"Everybody fits pretty well together on our side of the island," Isoshima said.

Principal Glenda Miyazaki agrees. Her challenge — on a campus that runs from 5-year-olds to teenagers — is related more to age than geography. The tradition at the school is to handle the lower and upper grades independently: The K-6 grades are generally schooled on one side of the campus and the seventh- and eighth-graders on the other. They have their lunches separately and generally don't mix much except at all-school activities such as May Day.

To keep a sense of unity about the school, Miyazaki tries to keep the teachers of the upper and lower grades in touch with one another — for example, keeping all of them informed about activities at both the elementary and intermediate sections.

"My goal for this year is being sure we can operate as one school," Miyazaki said.

The principal's other goal is to seek ways to build the student body. Waimea Canyon has 480 students, down about 50 from just a few years ago. A loss of students means lost funding and potential staff reductions. Miyazaki said she hopes to hit upon a way to reverse the trend.

It's a real challenge, she said. In some ways, the loss of students is inevitable in an aging community. One issue: There seems to be less housing development in west Kaua'i than in other parts of the island, so younger families with school-age children are being drawn to other areas where they can find places to live.

Best-kept secret: The staff works hard to provide diverse activities during recess and lunch so, in addition to sports, students can do art projects and study Hawaiian crafts and values, among other things: "We're trying to provide different activities so people with different interests can find things they like to do," Miyazaki said.

Everybody knows: Elementary counselor Susan Tokioka, computer expert Cinthy Kagawa and student support coordinator Sherry Walker.

What we need: An irrigation system. On the arid leeward side of the island, lawns dry up and the staff often must link multiple hoses together to keep the grounds watered.

Special events: Students and community members will gather Tuesday for the school's traditional night holiday activity, with singing, food sales and more.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.