LIHU‘E — All public schools will be fully open for daily, in-person learning starting this fall, for the 2021-22 school year, according to state Department of Education’s Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto’s letter sent out to parents on May 17.
“Our schools have proven to be safe spaces throughout this crisis,” Kishimoto said. “Despite more than 800 cases reported by schools and offices since June 2020, consistent adherence to safety protocols has meant that — to date — no transmission of the virus has occurred at a HIDOE facility.”
Kishimoto mentions in her letter the added layer of protection with COVID vaccinations more widely available, including the recent approval of the vaccine for those ages 12 and older.
“With these systems in place, we are optimistic we can sustain positive changes and start to resume a sense of normalcy in the fall,” Kishimoto said. “This includes resuming co-curricular and extracurricular activities such as clubs, bands and athletics.”
Sarah Tochiki, a band director at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Puhi and Hawai‘i State Teachers Association Kaua‘i Chapter vice president, said she is excited about the possibility of having all of her students together on campus again.
“Teaching a hands-on class like band virtually was a challenge,” Tochiki said. “However, I hope those who make the decisions that impact our schools will continue to do so with the health and safety of the community in mind. I appreciate the scientists and medical professionals who continue to work hard to end this pandemic.”
Tochiki said educators worked hard this year to provide school during very challenging times, and noted that, to some, they may not see all that effort because students did not come to school every day.
“School looked very different this year, but that does not mean educators did not give their best to our students,” Tochiki said. “We provided asynchronous work, taught simultaneously online and in-person, navigated social-distancing protocols on campus and adapted our curriculum to whatever teaching model was asked of us. We will be ready in August to welcome our students back for another year of learning.”
A six to eighth-grade teacher Cindy Vea at Kauai Alternative Learning Opportunity also shared excitement about the news.
“I’m actually really happy about it,” Vea said. “Online teaching and learning is a constant struggle. It’s a big difference having to get their full attention in the classroom. I’m looking forward to the in-person learning experiences versus online.”
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Stephanie Shinno, education and business reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
