All school facilities within the Hawaii State Department of Education system will remain closed to students until April 30, officials with the DOE announced Tuesday, following stay at home mandates from several Island county mayors and Gov. David Ige.
Until then, traditional, in-school instruction is on hold until schools reopen. Teachers will telecommute, providing distance learning. The DOE has also created an online resource guide for parents to aid in their child's education.
During the extended closure of HIDOE's campuses, more than 40 Hawaii public schools will be providing breakfast and lunch to children who are 18 years or younger.
Parents can review a list of designated schools and food pick up times here.
“I want to thank each and every one of the Department’s 44,000 employees for working in new ways during these unprecedented times,” Superintendent Christina Kishimoto said in a statement. “These are uncertain and anxious circumstances for everyone in our communities and we sincerely appreciate your patience as our response to this health crisis continues to evolve and we make the needed adjustments for health and safety.”
By the end of this week, DOE officials say they will share specific plans to ensure that Hawaii's 10,000 eligible high school graduates can earn diplomas, as well as plans for education through the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.
“We remain focused on and committed to our educational mission and we look forward to resuming instruction and a sense of normalcy as quickly as possible,” Kishimoto said.