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Back-to-School in the Midst of a Pandemic

August 10, 2020

From the Office for Social Ministry

Students prepping for the Fall 2020 semester will find their back-to-school experiences looking quite different from years past; as schools, colleges and universities find new ways to create safe and effective learning environments during this COVID-19 pandemic. Some Hawaii Catholic Schools are already in session with hybrid schedules; while many others officially start up this week. For more information on various school schedules and safety protocols, please visit the Hawaii Catholic Schools website and contact your specific school directly. Meanwhile, Hawaii public schools have pushed back their initial start dates to August 17 in order to prepare for safe reopening of classes. The Department of Education has modified its Return to Learn guidelines to implement new safeguards and restrictions. Due to rising infection rates, O’ahu public schools will now transition to distance learning for at least the first four weeks of the new school year. The DOE has outlined three phases for O’ahu public schools as follows:

PHASE 1: TRAINING - During the week of August 10-14, teachers and staff will be busy with training and preparations.  From August 17-20, students will have scheduled days and times to physically return to campus to meet their teacher and receive training on distance learning platforms, connectivity and other technology access matters.  . SCHOOL MEALS - Starting August 17^th, Oahu cafeterias will be serving grab and go meals, only. In-person dining will not be allowed. It is very important that parents call their particular schools to confirm any of these and other changes in policy and procedures.

PHASE 2: READY TO LEARN - From August 24 – September 11, full distance learning will be implemented.  Special Education services that cannot be delivered through distance learning will be available in person.  Supervised “in-person” labs at schools will also be available for students who do not have access to WiFi.

PHASE 3: BLENDED LEARNING – September 14 is the target date for transitioning from complete distance learning to blended learning once a determination is made whether conditions are safe for students to return to their respective campus.  That decision will be made on September 8, 2020.

DOE ‘OHANA HELP DESK – This help line is available to public school students and their parents statewide.  You may Call, Chat, or go online for technology support to aid in successful online and blended learning opportunities. Again it is important that parents call to confirm all these changes.

• Call the ‘Ohana Help Desk at 643-3375 Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 4:00-8:00 PM, closed on State Holidays.  You can also Chat at chat.ohanahelpdesk.org
• Go online 24/7 by visiting www.ohanahelpdesk.org.
• Phone support will also be available in various languages:  English, Hawaiian, Ilokano, Tagalog, Chuukese and Marshallese.  http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Ohana-Help-Desk-launch.aspx

NEIGHBOR ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS:  All other public schools on neighbor islands will reopen on August 17 with blended learning models. Again it is important parents call their schools to confirm any changes. DOE buildings will remain open for faculty and staff, and employees will be expected to follow all health and safety protocols (e.g. physical distancing, wearing masks, and staying home when sick).  By taking care of ourselves we take care of our community and the Common Good. Let’s stay healthy while supporting safe learning environments for all! Mahalo!