DOE details full distance learning for Neighbor Isles

Announcement brings some ‘relief’ to school officials and teachers

Maui High School Principal Jamie Yap said he breathed a sigh of relief when the state announced Tuesday 100 percent distance learning for the start of the Neighbor Island public school year next week.

"I think for principals all the way down to teachers, there is a little sigh of relief," Yap told The Maui News on Tuesday evening. "The day got a little better after the announcement."

Yap, who anticipates 2,100 students this year, said school administrators and teachers were concerned about having a high volume of people on campus amid the pandemic. He also highlighted the Hawai'i State Teachers Association's call for distanced learning in recent weeks.

Distance learning "supports safety first and it helps eliminate some of the stresses of the teaching staff," he said. "It streamlines how we are going to deliver our education."

The state Department of Education announced Tuesday that Maui County, Hawaii island and Kauai public schools -- with the exception of Molokai schools and Hana High and Elementary School -- will transition to full distancing learning for the first four weeks of the 2020-21 school year, slated to start Monday.

Schools on Molokai will implement face-to-face and blended learning for the first quarter. Hana High and Elementary School will have face-to-face learning for grades K-5 and a hybrid model for upper grades.

Beginning Monday, school cafeterias will be serving only grab-and-go meals for their enrolled students; in-person dining will not be allowed, the DOE news release said.

Also, schools will provide in-person special education services as appropriate and will serve as "a learning hub" to assist students without internet access.

Yap said the biggest challenges for distance learning will always be the unpredictability of devices and connectivity.

"You cross your fingers the technology devices work, that the teachers will be able to connect and the students will be able to connect," he said. "Everything is new for everyone. This takes us into a whole different realm of education. We are learning as we go. Kids are learning as we go. Parents are learning as we go."

The DOE announcement encouraged students and families to use the 'Ohana Help Desk at sites.google.com/k12.hi.us/ohana-help-desk-portal/, which it touts as the "nation's first statewide, comprehensive technology support help desk to assist with distance learning."

After-school programs will be suspended until students return to in-person blended learning models.

During the transition, leaders will reevaluate plans for the rest of the quarter, the release said. However, Yap noted he anticipates that distance learning will be extended, likely into next year.

Baldwin High School Principal Keoni Wilhelm said before the DOE announcement that his school is committed to balancing concerns and needs from all stakeholders amid the various challenges.

"We're really working with the Baldwin employees to continue this growth mindset knowing that we are faced with uncertainties, not just based on the pandemic but changes that are occurring in our own system," he told The Maui News.

"I just thank all of our island members and our Baldwin community for their understanding, patience and support," Wilhelm added.

Moving forward, Yap said that his school is focusing on reaching out to students' families to make sure everyone is on board. He said some parents may be facing the hurdle of finding a device, internet access and space for learning, especially if there is more than one child at home.

"You have to be patient, you have to be flexible," Yap said. "Don't be afraid to call the school and ask any questions."

Overall, Yap said he feels confident his Maui High community can adapt to the changes.

"We're pretty confident we can do this," he said. "We will continue supporting our community as best we can."

The DOE on Friday announced a modification to school reopening plans for all Oahu public schools to implement full distance learning models for the first four weeks of the school year.

All DOE buildings remain open for faculty and staff, and employees are expected to follow all health and safety protocols, the release said.

"Plans are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation evolves," it added.

* Kehaulani Cerizo can be reached at kcerizo@mauinews.com. Matthew Thayer contributed to this report.