Hawaii public schools are set to reopen Aug. 4 with educators and pupils on campus for the new school year.
The state Department of Education on Thursday released its “Return to Learn: School Reopening Plan” that will be used by public schools to prepare safe and healthy learning environments and work sites for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year.
“As we move forward in our commitment to reopen schools on Aug. 4 for the fall semester, we know that the delivery of instruction in Hawaii, across the nation and globally is going to look very different,” Superintendent Christina Kishimoto said. “Our HIDOE ohana has been diligently working on plans for the new school year, growing from our experience navigating a global pandemic and applying lessons learned toward our commitment to high-quality learning and equity of access.”
The department said it is committed to maintaining the mandated 180 instructional days while providing learning models that are “developmentally appropriate to the needs of learners, adhere to health and safety guidelines, and consider the impact of COVID-19 in communities.”
As part of the plan, school leaders have created elementary, middle/intermediate, and high school models for reopening in the fall.
In general, models include face-to-face learning, where all students are on campus daily for instruction, and various blended learning models, where a combination of in-person learning and structured online distance learning is provided, according to the department. Priority for daily face-to-face learning will be given to K-2 students and vulnerable students.
Schools will be informing families about their selected models, the department said.
All schools are also preparing for the possibility of future school closures by increasing device accessibility to students, building teacher capacity for virtual engagement, and expanding course offerings for credits toward graduation.
“We’re in new grounds here. This is uncharted territory. We’re one of the first states that is even considering opening schools now so we’re going to be learning as we go,” said Dr. Bruce Anderson, director of the state Department of Health. “I think, given what I’ve seen being done here, everything can be done to get ready and we can make adjustments as we need to as we go forward.”
Working closely with public health officials and in consultation with labor unions representing school staff, the department created baseline guidance for schools that include:
• For on-campus learning, the same group of students should be kept with the same staff throughout the day; all day for younger students and as much as possible for older students.
• A distance of 6 feet between students and staff members should be maintained whenever possible.
• Face coverings should be worn by employees, students and visitors, especially when physical distancing is difficult or impossible.
• Individually plated meals are to be consumed in classrooms or at designated outdoor locations, or distancing precautions must be instituted in cafeterias.
• Windows should be opened for greater natural air circulation when possible.
• Employees, students and visitors should be screened for overt signs of illness in a safe and respectful manner.
• Adequate cleaning supplies, including soap, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer will be made available to schools and offices.
• Campuses, classrooms and offices will be cleaned and disinfected on a routine and frequent basis. High-touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected at least daily.
• Students, drivers and anyone else riding the bus should wear face coverings, and physical distance should be maintained between children on buses.
“Everything that we’ve been preaching is built into the protocols,” said Anderson, who added that the state’s recommendations are based in large part on guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Return to Learn reopening plan is scheduled to be presented at the Board of Education’s July 9 meeting.
Amid the challenges of implementing the plan, Art Souza, who has been serving as Hawaii Island complex area superintendent in residence retired on June 30. Souza mentored current Honokaa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena Complex Area Superintendent Janette Snelling prior to her appointment to the position last year.
Snelling did not respond to questions submitted regarding the planned Aug. 4 reopening, particularly for West Hawaii schools and students in areas where internet connectivity is limited.