LIHU‘E — Kumu’s Cupboard got back to the basics in preparation for back to school Tuesday when volunteers worked through the educator resource facility on its fourth work day since schools closed at the end of May.
“We’re going to get slammed at back to school,” said Elyse Litvack, Kumu’s Cupboard president and founder.
“Last year, we had 35 people waiting at the door. We had to set up a check-in system in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also had to remind educators to keep their shopping time to a minimum to allow other teachers in.”
According to the school calendar released by the state Department of Education, public-school teachers report for their first day of the 2021-22 school year on July 28, with days following through Aug. 2 reserved as teacher work days. Students report to class on Aug. 3 for their first day.
Kumu’s Cupboard is scheduled to open to educators on July 21 with special back-to-school hours.
“There will be different needs,” Litvack said. “Last year, we didn’t have as many teachers shopping because a lot of teaching was done virtually. The classrooms looked a lot different than normal. We need to be ready when the teachers come in.”
During the school year ending in May, Kumu’s Cupboard serviced more than 360 teachers, Litvack estimating those teachers came from public, private and charter schools around the island.
Tuesday’s work day involved packing backpacks so teachers would have them available for students arriving on the first day without any supplies. The backpacks include some basic school supplies for students in kindergarten through high school, with grade-appropriate goods.
Additional school supplies are being prepared for teachers returning to the classroom as well as new teachers arriving to school.
“This brings us to the back to basics campaign,” Litvack said. “People are able to help us get supplies to re-engage our students in learning, help us provide the supplies teachers and educators need to re-engage students.”
Starting in July, Kumu’s Cupboard is a beneficiary of the Rob’s (Good Times Grill) Give Back Program, where a percentage of diners’ meals bills are set aside for the facility.
Additionally, Litvack invites people to join the Kumu’s Cupboard team for the virtual Visitor Industry Charity Walk that will be held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 12. More information can be found at charitywalkhawaii.org/kauai.html, or visit Kumu’s Cupboard for more information.
Individual and corporate contributions can also be made at kumuscupboard.org.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
