The Hawai'i State Department of Education announced today that it will continue the Learn from Home phase of distance learning for most students statewide through the first quarter, which ends Oct. 2.
Ahead of the Aug. 17 return of students for the 2020-21 school year, the Department announced most schools would shift the majority of instruction to distance learning for at least the first four weeks of the academic year. This extends that by three weeks for the remainder of the first quarter.
The extension applies to all O'ahu schools and most neighbor island schools. Hāna High & Elementary School on Maui and Kilohana Elementary, Maunaloa Elementary and Moloka'i Middle schools on Moloka'i will continue their current models.
Update: Kaunakakai Elementary and Moloka‘i High plan to implement distance learning until Sept. 8.
During the Learn from Home phase, schools will continue offering learning hubs on campus to provide connectivity for students who need it. Schools will also continue educational programming for vulnerable students as previously identified.
Complex area superintendents will work with school principals to develop transition plans for the second quarter, with considerations for community-specific needs. The Department will continue to work closely with state, county and health officials to assess if and when students can safely return to in-person blended learning models. As decisions are made, schools will communicate with families.