HONOLULU (Eagle News) – The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) all Oahu public schools will be starting the 2020-21 school year by implementing the full distance learning model. This modification was made to align the schools with new restrictions prompted by an increase of COVID-19 cases on the island.

Before the scheduled start of the school year on August 17, faculty will undergo training from August 10 to 14.

HIDOE has designed three phases for Oahu schools:

1. In-person training (August 17-20). During the first week of school, students will physically return to campus on a coordinated and scheduled basis, determined by each individual school, to connect with their teacher, receive training on the distance learning platforms, and address issues with connectivity and access to technology. Special considerations will be given to vulnerable students and their families for more in-person access to the school and teachers.
   Also beginning on August 17, Oahu school cafeterias will be serving only grab-and-go meals; in-person dining will not be allowed. After-school programs will be suspended until students return to in-person blended learning models.
2. Ready to learn (August 24 – September 11). For the remainder of the four-week period, full distance learning will be implemented. Staff will report to their designated work sites for continued distance learning instruction. Special education services that cannot be provided in a distance learning format will be available in person. Supervised in-person learning labs at schools will be available for students who do not have WiFi access.
3. Transition to blended learning (starting September 14). HIDOE will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with the Governor’s Office and the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) to assess whether or not students can safely return to in-person blended learning models. If distance learning will continue for the remainder of the first quarter of school, an announcement will be made on September 8.

Schools in Kauai, Maui, and Big Island will still reopen on August 17 as originally planned, with blended learning models. All HIDOE buildings will remain open for faculty and staff and employees will be expected to follow all health and safety protocols.

“It is our mission to ensure that all students in Hawai’i have equitable access to a quality education, even amidst this pandemic,” said HIDOE Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. “Learning must take place as we continue to safeguard our island community. Mahalo to our students, teachers, staff and school communities for their continued support and flexibility during these challenging times.”

As of this report, the Aloha State reported 201 new cases of COVID-19: 200 in Oahu and one in Maui, bringing the overall total to 3,115. Two more Oahu residents, both elderly and with preexisting conditions, have lost their battle to the disease, resulting in a statewide total of lives lost to 31.

(With reports from Alfred Acenas, EBC Hawaii Bureau, Eagle News Service)