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The Maui News
Most Maui public schools with the exception of those in Lahaina will begin welcoming back staff and students this week in a phased reopening.
With the exception of King Kekaulike High School, all Upcountry, South and Central Maui school staff will return to campuses today. Students will be welcomed to school on Wednesday, although Maui High's student start date will be announced later as its gymnasium was being used as an emergency shelter. Maui High staff will be back at campus today.
This staggered schedule will allow schools time to assess damage and staffing capacity to ensure a safe reopening, the state Department of Education said.
King Kekaulike High School facilities are still being assessed and will remain closed to both students and staff until the campus can be fully evaluated.
The Department of Education is working with emergency response officials to gain access to the area of its Lahaina schools as soon as safely possible to assess the scope and degree of damage to each of the schools.
Students who were enrolled at a Lahaina school under a geographic exception, including Lahainaluna High boarding students, should enroll at the public school in the geographic area in which they reside.
With the status of reopening West Maui public schools unknown, beginning today, families impacted by the wildfires are encouraged to re-enroll their children at another public school near their residence, even if their residence is temporary. Neighborhood schools may be found at bit.ly/HIDOESchoolSiteLocator.
DOE schools statewide will be welcoming the immediate enrollment of students impacted by the wildfires. Displaced families experiencing unstable housing conditions will be eligible to enroll at a school under provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act, which relaxes standard enrollment procedures.
For families facing unique circumstances in an area that has adequate internet connection, the department's State Distance Learning Program is available to students. With this option, parents may select between asynchronous learning (flexible schedule for accessing lessons and assignments) or synchronous learning (real-time participation in virtual classes through videoconferencing). Parents can register their child at bit.ly/MauiDistanceLearning. One form per child should be completed. The program will provide a device for any student who is accepted.
Students who were enrolled in a Hawaiian language immersion program at a Lahaina school may enroll in another Kaiapuni program. For Kaiapuni students who need a virtual option, the State Kaiapuni Distance Learning Program is available. Parents can enroll in the distance learning program at the nearest Kaiapuni school.
In response to the outpouring of generosity toward the recovery of West Maui school communities, the DOE is partnering with the Public Schools of Hawai'i Foundation to support impacted school communities. The most immediate need and request from Maui schools is for monetary donations that can provide direct support for response efforts. For more information, see bit.ly/HelpMauiSchools.