Blended learning postponed for some schools

Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui complex pauses plans as COVID-19 cases rise

As Maui County COVID-19 cases keep rising, the majority of the county's public schools will hold off on increasing face-to-face learning as planned for the second semester.

The Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui Complex announced the change Monday, which was a teachers' workday with no students on campus.

Complex Area Superintendent Kathleen Dimino said in a letter Monday that the scheduled shift to blended learning will be pushed to Feb. 1. Blended learning calls for one group of students to be on campus for face-to-face instruction while the other group participates in distance learning. Schools would have the option to rotate these groups.

While the schools did not see any COVID-19 impacts to their campuses during the winter break, Dimino attributed the setback to the overall increase in cases on Maui. She said she consulted with state Department of Education, state Department of Health and Maui County officials regarding the postponement of more face-to-face learning.

She said schools will continue using the learning models they had in place during the second quarter, which varies by school.

The Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area also will start the third quarter this week with the same learning models from the second quarter, said DOE spokeswoman Nanea Kalani.

She added that the exception is Hana High & Elementary School, which has transitioned from hybrid to in-person learning.

Schools were updating students and parents Monday on how the changes might affect their students' schedules. The DOE said schools also have informed families through social media that additional information will be provided when it becomes available.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates should case counts continue to rise," Dimino said in her letter Monday.

Dimino advised families to double-check with the administration and their children's teachers to be sure that correct contact information is on file in case there are any updates. She also recommended daily wellness checks for any students who are attending classes on campus.

Students who are exhibiting any symptoms, or who have been directed to quarantine by the state Department of Health, should not go to campus or visit an Education Department facility.

If someone in a household has been tested for COVID-19 or is exhibiting symptoms, students should remain at home and call the school before going to campus, the DOE said.

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.