Nicole Rockett teaches Holy Innocents Preschool students about chickens.

LAHAINA – Located at 561 Front St. on the grounds of historic Holy Innocents Church in Lahaina, Holy Innocents Preschool (HIP) opened its doors to West Side families in 1974.

Nicole Rockett graduated from HIP in the early 1980s.

Last week Thursday (Nov. 12), the alumnus returned to her alma mater for some giving back time.

Each month, HIP celebrates a monthly theme, and November is “Farm to Table Month.”

“The first week of November, we focused on fruits and vegetables – crops from the farm that we eat. We made different things to eat such as pumpkin pie, and we tried different fruits,” HIP teacher Meghan Ramos said.

“This week (Nov. 9-13) is farm animals and what they bring to the table.” Ramos added.

Rockett raises specialty breed chickens in Kula for their egg color and sells the organic produce on Saturdays at the upcountry farmers’ market.

Last week Thursday, she brought a (live) chicken and rooster and a dozen eggs of varying colors to share with the students. She also answered questions the teachers and keiki had.

“The kids were so smart; they all had good questions,” Rockett observed.

Next week, the preschoolers will be heading up to Kaua’ula Valley to work in the lo’i, harvest kalo and make poi with Dan Palakiko, Ramos’s father.