Kaleo o Kaimukī
HE WAʻA HE MOKU, HE MOKU HE WAʻA
KHS Community Bulletin
KYDO Food Distribution Registration - July 24
July 6, 2020
HIDOE launches new online student bus pass application and payment option
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) Student Transportation Services Branch (STSB) has launched an online bus pass application and payment feature for parents and guardians. Parents who have an email address in their student’s profile will receive an automated email message today with instructions to apply for school bus passes online or can visit https://hi.etrition.com/busapplication to sign up. Families with multiple students will receive separate emails for each child and should complete applications for each one. If the application is approved, parents will be prompted to submit payments online using EZSchoolPay and they will receive a receipt and temporary bus pass with the child's name, school, and assigned route number that can be printed at home. The temporary pass will enable immediate student access to the bus service. Free school bus transportation recipients can print their temporary bus pass at any time. Permanent bus pass cards will be available at the school office five to seven days after payment. Paper applications and in-person payments will still be available at school offices. “The health and safety of our haumana continues to be a top priority. The development of these online systems were planned prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and will provide not only a more convenient and efficient process, but also improve safety with a contactless experience for families,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said. "We ask for patience and flexibility from our school communities as school bus pick up and drop off times are adjusted to accommodate proper health and safety guidelines.” Students will be asked to observe safe social distancing at bus stops. Per Hawaii Department of Health guidelines, face coverings will be required for students riding buses. High-touch points on school buses, such as handrails and seat back tops, will be cleaned and sanitized after each route. Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, the Annual bus pass plan option has been temporarily removed and only Quarterly plans and one-way bus coupons will be offered. The price of one-way coupons has also been reduced from $12.50 to $10 for a sheet of ten. Families are also reminded that the unused portions of school year 2019-20 bus passes and unused bus coupons are eligible for refunds. Unused bus coupons must be returned to the school office from which they were purchased in order to be eligible for a refund. Parents and guardians who want more information or are inquiring on the status of their refund can contact their local student transportation office. Honolulu District: 784-6864 Central District: 622-0529 Leeward District: 687-9519 Windward District: 233-3680 Kauai District: 241-7120 Maui District: 243-1171 West Hawaii: 327-9500 East Hawaii: 974-6411
CONNECT WITH US >> HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
24 June 2020
Cash assistance available for children who receive free or reduced-cost school meal
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Parents/Guardians
June 22, 2020
What is the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer?
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) provides eligible families with a one-time payment for each child who previously received free or reduced-price meals. P-EBT works the same way Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits do and will help families get the food they need during the current pandemic. P-EBT will be administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in collaboration with the Department of Education (DOE). Who is eligible to receive P-EBT? Households are eligible because they: • include an eligible student(s) who, if not for the closure of their school, would receive free or reduced-price school meals; AND • include a student whose school has been closed for at least five consecutive days. Hawaiʻi households are eligible if they have students who are either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals or enrolled in a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision. A list of CEP schools can be found here: http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/HealthAndNutrition/StudentHealthResources/Pages/CEP.as
Do I need to get SNAP benefits to be eligible for P-EBT benefits?
No, it does not matter if you get SNAP benefits. Hawaiʻi households are eligible if they have students who are either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals or enrolled in a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision.
How much benefits will I receive for P-EBT?
Households will receive benefits equivalent to one free lunch and one free breakfast for each eligible student, $6.66 per regularly scheduled school day through the end of the 2019-20 DOE school year. This includes days during the months of March, April, and May. Benefits will be retroactive to March 16, 2020 through May 28, 2020 for students who were eligible to receive free and reduced- price meals at the time that schools closed due to the Pandemic. For newly eligible free or reduced price students, benefits will start at the beginning of the month that the family was certified as eligible for free or reduced-price meal or the date of enrollment at a CEP school. Eligible families may receive, depending on their date of certification, or CEP school enrollment, the following for each student:
• $80 for March
• $147 in April
• $133 in May
Do I need to apply for P-EBT?
No, the DOE will provide information for all eligible students directly to DHS. Households do not have to apply for PEBT. If you believe there are eligible students in your household, but you do not receive P-EBT by July 20, 2020, e-mail hi.pebt@dhs.hawaii.gov.
How will I get the P-EBT funds?
The Hawaiʻi Kokua Card (EBT) system is used to provide funds to ALL eligible students. Families receiving SNAP and/or cash assistance from DHS and already have a Kokua Card will have these additional funds added to their existing cards. Families who do not already have a Kokua Card will receive a pre-loaded Hawaiʻi P-EBT card in the mail. The Kokua Card and the Hawaiʻi P-EBT card will function in the same way. More information about the Kokua Card can be found here:
When will I receive my P-EBT benefits?
The P-EBT benefits for each eligible student for existing SNAP and/or cash assistance recipients will be loaded on the family’s Kokua Card by the first week of July. The P-EBT benefits for each eligible student for households receiving a Hawaiʻi P-EBT card through the mail will be loaded on the Hawaiʻi P-EBT Card by early to mid-July. If you haven’t received your P-EBT benefit by July 20, 2020, contact DHS at hi.pebt@dhs.hawaii.gov.
If I have more than one child, will I get different cards for each child?
All eligible students located at the same address on file with their school will be under one Hawaiʻi P-EBT card with the card account under the name of the oldest child. Parents/guardians will need to activate the card by following the instructions that will be mailed with the card. In situations where adding the eligible student is not possible or appropriate, a separate card will be mailed for the eligible student.
What can I purchase with my P-EBT benefits?
P-EBT follows the same rules as SNAP benefits. Please see the link for more information: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
Where can I use my P-EBT benefits?
P-EBT benefits can be used where EBT payments are accepted, including Farmer’s Markets. Most retailers will have signs that they accept EBT or SNAP. To find the retailer nearest you: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator
Will there be more than one P-EBT payment per child?
No, only one lump-sum payment will be approved.
My child’s school is closed, but the school district still offers grab and go meals. Can I still get P-EBT?
Yes, if your children are eligible for P-EBT, you will get it even if you currently receive free meals from your school district.
Do I need to spend my P-EBT benefits all at one time?
No. You will have 180 days (6 months) from the month you receive P-EBT benefits for families with a Kokua Card, or 180 days (6 months) from the date that you activate your Hawaiʻi P-EBT card, to spend your P-EBT benefits before it expires. For families with Kokua Cards, P-EBT benefits will automatically be spent first before your regular SNAP benefits.
Will getting P-EBT benefits affect by ability to receive any other benefits?
No.
Do I or my child have to be U.S. citizen to receive P-EBT benefits?
No. These benefits are for all children who are either enrolled for free or reduced-price school meals or enrolled in a school that provides free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or another provision.
Will getting P-EBT benefits count against me under public charge?
No. Getting P-EBT benefits does not impact you or your child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to P-EBT benefits.
My child attended a Charter school. Can we get P-EBT benefits? What about attendance at a private school?
If your child gets free or reduced-price meals at a charter or private school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or another provision, they can get P-EBT benefits.
My child got free or reduced-price meals at school. How do I know if my child’s school participated in the National School Lunch Program?
Contact your school or district and ask if they participate in the National School Lunch Program.
I share custody of my child, which parent/guardian will receive the Hawaiʻi P-EBT card?
The Hawaiʻi P-EBT card will be mailed to the primary address on file with the student’s school.
My child is enrolled at a child care center or family child care home that receives meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Is my child eligible for P-EBT?
No, children that participate in CACFP are not eligible for P-EBT benefits. Eligible students have to be certified for free or reduced-price meals at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or another provision to receive P-EBT benefits.
I’m eligible for P-EBT but have more questions. Who do I contact?
You can contact DHS via email at hi.pebt@dhs.hawaii.gov. When emailing please provide the following information: Your name (first and last), Student’s name (first and last), Student’s school, SNAP or TANF case number (if known or applicable), and your question.
Wednesday 10 June 2020
MidWeek Apologizes for Error in Acknowledging Kaimukī Grads
Watch, observe. Help others and accept help. That is the family way.
Monday 8 June 2020
A letter from Superintendent Kishimoto to HIDOE parents and guardians
Aloha parents and guardians,
I want to personally thank you for supporting your child’s education over these past few months. This pandemic has forced families to not only increase their responsibilities as caregivers but also as educators. Mahalo for working with us to deliver your child’s education amid these challenging times.
Moving forward, the delivery of public education will look different in classrooms and schools across our nation. We recognize that our learning channels must be expanded and improved to incorporate more technology and distance learning. The pandemic has also amplified areas of inequity, including a lack of devices in some households and inconsistent connectivity in rural communities. I want to reassure you that I am committed to achieving universal access to technology. It is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
As part of this effort, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) has distributed 12,000 devices to students statewide over the past couple of months, ordered 10,000 more to support learning over the summer, and will launch mobile learning labs to provide WiFi access and push learning into our hard-to-reach communities. However, we cannot do this alone. The HIDOE is part of a Broadband Hui working collectively to articulate a resolution to the state’s connectivity and access challenges and advance this effort.
The Department recently launched a multi-phase distance learning survey for teachers, secondary students and families to assess other gap areas and identify where we can enhance our support. Surveys were distributed to all HIDOE teachers and eligible secondary students this week, and the family survey will be distributed in early June.
We are going to grow from this experience and apply all that we’ve learned to better support our students through the summer and into the fall. The HIDOE ʻohana is diligently working on plans for next school year and we are relying on the expertise of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state’s Department of Health to inform our policies and procedures.
Parents will undoubtedly have concerns about their children physically returning to campuses. As a parent and on behalf of our leadership team, many of whom are parents of public school students, I assure you that your child’s safety and well-being is truly of the utmost importance. It will always be at the heart of every decision we make as we navigate these unprecedented times.
We look forward to welcoming our haumana back in the fall and will continue to communicate with you over the coming weeks regarding our plans for school year 2020-21. Stay safe and have a restful summer break.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto
Superintendent
Click below to download the letter.
Friday 5 June 2020
Aloha, Kasaleleia, Nesor anim, Fai taeao lelei...
If you have trouble with that link, try this: Your Survey Link
Any information you can provide will help. Mahalo, Faafetai, Kulo!
I mua Bulldog Nation!
Rapid Health Education Program
Graduates or anyone with a high school diploma, KCC has received federal funding for their Rapid Health Education Program. This summer KCC will offer accelerated courses in medical assistant, nurse assistant, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician, optometry assistant, and community health worker.
For more information there is a video overview at: tinyurl.com/RHEPINFO
Additional details can be found here: https://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/academics/non-credit-programs/
Distance learning survey for Hawaii DOE families
Thank you to all who have participated or helped to promote participation in the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) distance learning surveys.
At this time we are seeking feedback from HIDOE families regarding the transition to distance learning as a result of the COVID-19 situation. The information gathered from this family survey will help HIDOE and schools to better understand the experiences and needs as related to distance learning across the state. This feedback is essential in planning for the new school year.
Parents and guardians of students enrolled at any Hawaii public or charter school are invited to complete an online survey now until June 30, 2020. The survey can be accessed at bit.ly/FamilyDistanceLearningSurvey or hawaiipublicschools.org and is available in English, Ilokano, Chuukese, Tagalog and Marshallese.
Those who complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter a prize drawing for a new iPad or Chromebook.
Survey questions can be viewed here: English, Ilokano, Chuukese, Tagalog, Marshallese.
We encourage you to share this flyer with families to help promote participation across your networks. All surveys are completely confidential -- no one at the school, complex area or state office will be able to connect responses back to the individuals.
For questions, please contact Teri Ushijima at teri.ushijima@k12.hi.us.
Class of 2020 upload your photos for everyone to celebrate!
Submit your pictures and videos to Hawaii News Now Kaimuki High School Class of 2020. We can't wait to check out your submission.Once your media has been approved, you can find your submission as well as submissions from others by clicking here.
KYDO Food Distribution Registration - May 29
KYDO Food Distribution Registration - May 29
The food distribution is held on Fridays and KYDO is currently set to continue operations for the next 4 weeks. KYDO can be there to help, especially our youth, and they want to be ready to serve however they can.
Please help us by completing this survey
Take the SURVEY now by clicking on the link or using the QR code! You should come to the page in the image below. Mahalo in advance for your help and good luck on winning a prize.
Today: Diploma Drive Through! May 23, 2020
2020 STRONG! Virtual Commencement
Have you received your STIMULUS PAYMENT?
The IRS has established a special phone line for taxpayers with questions about their Economic Impact Payment - often called a stimulus payment - issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Taxpayers with questions can call 800-919-9835.
Answers to common questions will be given via automated message, but there will be an option to speak to a representative. Wait times may be significant due to high call volume. Taxpayers are encouraged to first see if their question can be answered by visiting www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center.
Taxpayers can still check on the status of their payment at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment. You will need your 2018 or 2019 tax return to access the portal. Due to high demand, the site may take longer than usual to load.
To access the survey, visit bit.ly/StudentDistanceLearningSurvey or hawaiipublicschools.org.
All surveys are completely confidential -- no one at the school, complex area or state office will be able to connect responses back to the individuals.
Updates as of May 18, 2020
Next Step: Free College Courses!
We know that the high school graduating class of 2020 persevered in the face of adversity and that many of their plans are disrupted. UH is offering graduating seniors a free summer class. The University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges' Next Step: Career Exploration classes will help graduates to explore career options and to discover the education and training to reach their goals.
The summer classes are online and free for students. Some classes have a career focus such as health, sustainability, or business. Students will earn college credits and may become eligible for additional college scholarships. There are four different start dates this summer. The first class begins on May 26. Encourage your graduates to reserve their spot by signing up at uhcc.hawaii.edu/nextstep.
Learn more at uhcc.hawaii.edu/nextstep or send questions via email or text to nextstep@hawaii.edu.
Gov. David Ige Shares plan for phased re-opening of Hawai'i
Gov. David Ige today outlined his plan to initiate a phased reopening of Hawaii and signed an eighth supplemental emergency proclamation in response to COVID-19. To learn more and to view the materials provided by the governor’s office, please see below.
- Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawaii presentation
- Governor’s reopening memo
- Eighth Supplementary Proclamation
The state’s transition from the “Safer at Home” phase to this new “Act with Care” phase comes at a time when our complex areas and schools are preparing for blended summer learning plans. The Department will be rolling out a robust menu of expanded programming primarily via distance learning, as well as in-person where deemed necessary in order to reach all students.
We have had to look for innovative solutions to reach our 180,000 public school students throughout this global health crisis, whether it’s instruction via distance learning or social services that many families depend on the Department to provide. This continues into the summer as we adjust to continuously changing conditions driven by health and safety needs.
An announcement about HIDOE’s summer plans and programs will be released tomorrow.
CONNECT WITH US >> HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
KYDO Continues to help families.
KYDO Food Distribution Registration - May 22
Click on the link above to register. The food distribution will be held on Fridays and we are currently set to continue the operations for the next 5 weeks. While we’re in this, there will still be a large number of our students and families affected heavily. Their situations may worsen as weeks and days progress. However way we can be there to help, especially our youth, we will be ready to serve.
Updates as of Friday, May 15 2020
Grab and Go Groceries
Have you had the VAPE talk with your keiki?
Graduation documents that have been sent out
Groceries to Go This Sunday, May 17, 2020!
Lodge le Progres De L’Oceanie of the Free and Accepted Masons of Hawaii, in partnership with Kaimukī High School will be sharing a bag of groceries to families driving through the entrance to the school from Kaimukī Avenue and exiting Leialoha Street, like our daily Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch program. Walk ups are welcome. Please follow social distancing and face mask guidelines. We will be distributing groceries from 12:00 noon through 3:00 pm or until our grocery bags are all distributed. Please take advantage of this opportunity and share this information with those who are in need. Please see our website, Kaimukihs.org, and the KHS Community Bulletin for updates.
Kaimuki Youth Development Organization
Kaimuki High School's Summer School
Kaimuki High’s Summer School online registration has officially opened. The registration window is May 11 to May 15 (this week). All important information can be found at 115summer.com
Summer School Dates: June 4 - July 9, 2020
Courses offered:
English 9 (1 credit)
English 10 (1 credit)
English 11 (1 credit)
Algebra I (1 credit)
Geometry (1 credit)
Algebra II (1 credit)
Physical Science (1 credit)
Biology (1 credit)
Chemistry (1 credit)
World History & Culture (1 credit)
U.S. History & Government (1 credit)
Participation in Democracy (0.5 credit)
Modern Hawaiian History (0.5 credit)
P.E. Lifetime Fitness (0.5 credit)
P.E. Lifetime Activities (0.5 credit)
Cost: $190 per one credit / $95 per half credit. All payments will be accepted via mail (personal check/cashier’s check). We will host one day of in-person payment only on Friday, May 15 at 9:00-11:00am.
Please spread the news and encourage your students to sign up. Our program is for both credit recovery/accrual and is open to students from all schools.
young athletes time
Visit www.p20hawaii.org/nextsteps for more information
Hotline available for HIDOE student-related health questions and Telehealth visits
Callers scheduled for a telehealth visit with an HK nurse practitioner will receive a link by email or on their mobile phone prior to the visit. To connect with the nurse, the caller simply clicks the link.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
HONOLULU – May is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) and the Children’s Mental Health Awareness Planning Group are highlighting special events to build awareness of the need for comprehensive, coordinated mental health services for children, youth, young adults and their families. Activities this year follow the theme: “Bringing Children’s Mental Health into Focus – Perfect Vision in 20/20.”
“Now more than ever, we recognize the importance of ensuring access to mental health services for our keiki,” said Dr. Scott Shimabukuro, acting administrator for Department of Health (DOH) Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD). “As a result of COVID-19, the youth and families of Hawai‘i are having to adapt to unprecedented social distancing measures, and many struggle to cope with this new way of living. We want to remind families that our keiki’s mental wellness is as important as physical wellness, and to use the community resources that are available.”
Events to commemorate this year’s National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month have been adapted to promote social distancing and other guidelines during COVID-19:
- A Facebook Watch Party on May 21 from 3 - 4 p.m. will showcase short films made by youth who participated online in the Reel Camp for Girls during the first week of stay-at-home orders. The mini-camp uses filmmaking to promote mental wellness. The Watch Party is hosted by Hawai‘i Women in Filmmaking and will be accessible on the @HIWomeninFilmmaking Facebook page. A Q&A session with the filmmakers on Zoom will follow the showing. Email aloha@hawaiiwomeninfilmmaking.org for the Zoom meeting invitation.
- The Hawai‘i Arts Alliance and Mental Health America of Hawai‘i are hosting a Healing Arts Series called “A Look Within Through Creativity.” The series starts on May 6 and it will run every Wednesday in May at 12 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Sara Mizban at sara@hawaiiartsalliance.org.
- Green is the color of mental health awareness, representing hope, strength, support, and encouragement for people who suffer from mental illness. In a show of support, the following buildings on O‘ahu will display green lights in recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month:
§ May 4-8: Aloha Tower; and
§ May 18-22: Honolulu Hale.
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health offers a variety of Awareness Month resources and activities to help families get involved throughout the month of May: https://www.ffcmh.org/cmha-activites-for-youth. Local resources regarding children’s mental health and evidence-based services can be found at https://www.keikimentalhealthmatters.org/ and http://helpyourkeiki.com/.
If you or your child is experiencing a crisis, call Hawai‘i CARES (Coordinated Access Resource Entry System) for free, 24/7 support at 1 (800) 753-6879 or text ALOHA to 741741. For more information about the Department of Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division’s services, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/camhd/ and https://health.hawaii.gov/bhhsurg/.
Led by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, the Children’s Mental Health Awareness Planning Group is dedicated to serving children and families and leading children’s mental health awareness efforts in our islands. Participating organizations include: The Bobby Benson Center, Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy-University of Hawaii at Manoa, Child and Family Service, Hawaii Department of Education, EPIC ‘Ohana, Evidence-Based Services, Hale 'Opio Kaua’i, Hale Kipa, Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking, Hawaii Arts Alliance, Hawaii Families as Allies, Kaeru Services, Kealahou Services, Mental Health America of Hawai’i, Parents and Children Together, Sutter Health Kahi Mohala and Wai`anae Coast Community Mental Health Center.
Updates as of April 29, 2020
Kaimukī Youth Development Organization’s (KYDO) community outreach offering food and goods.
Aloha Kaimukī ʻOhana,
We would like to share with you KYDOʻs community outreach offering of food and goods. This is not a school sponsored activity so you must submit your own information and want to participate.
Message from KYDO:
As a result of the effects COVID-19 has had on our communities, many of us are experiencing unexpected hardships. We have been blessed to partner with a few individuals, who were able to pull resources from private donors in an effort to feed our community. If you are interested in receiving food supplies, please complete this form. Once we receive your response, we will email you the information for pick-up time and location this Friday, May 1. In celebration of May Day (May 1), we will also have Frannyʻs Hawaiian Ice Pops (fresh/frozen) available. We will allow ONE per individual present in car at pick-up.
Please supply your information if you wish to take advantage of this opportunity by filling out the form.
Be well. Be safe.
Hotline available for HIDOE student-related health questions and Telehealth visits
Callers scheduled for a telehealth visit with an HK nurse practitioner will receive a link by email or on their mobile phone prior to the visit. To connect with the nurse, the caller simply clicks the link.
Kaimuki Scholarship
DUE DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 7TH BY 3:00PM
- You may turn in your application by emailing the completed application and recommendations directly to Mrs. Nakashima at cnakashima@kaimukihs.k12.hi.us
OR
- You may drop off your hard copy to the school on Thursday, May 7th by 3:00pm. There will be a box with a sign on a pillar at the front of campus on that day only to receive applications.
Updates as of April 23, 2020
Kaimukī High School Class of 2020 Cap and Gown Pick Up.
What an exciting time for the Class of 2020! Cap & Gown* distribution will be taking place next week: Monday, April 27, 2020, at the front of campus. Find your distribution time through the email sent to each of you. Each group will have 30 minutes to pick up their Cap & Gown. You must follow the guidelines in place for social distancing when you come on campus. You may drive-through or walk-in to pick up your Cap & Gown during your scheduled time. You will be able to pay for your obligations when you pick up your Cap & Gown. Once you pick up your Cap & Gown, and pay for your outstanding obligations if needed, you will need to safely leave campus.
You will need
- your school ID or another form of photo identification i.e. driver’s license or permit, state ID, or passport;
- to sign for receipt of your Cap & Gown;
- wear a face mask.
Monday, April 27, 2020 Groups are scheduled every half hour from 9:30 through 12:30. Refer to the email you received for your group.
Group 1: A-CA
Group 2: Ch-Hal
Group 3: Hao-Ku
Group 4: L-Ma
Group 5: Mi-O
Group 6: P-Si
Group 7: So-V
Group 8: refer to your email regarding your order
If you would like to pick up your Cap & Gown before your scheduled distribution time above, please email graduation@kaimukihs.k12.hi.us to arrange to pick up during breakfast grab & go (7:30a-8 a @ the Cafeteria).
*When you receive your Cap & Gown, please take it out of the bag and hang it up. If you need to or want to press your gown, you can lightly iron it—be sure to have a light towel between your gown and the iron and set your iron to the appropriate setting.
HIDOE enrichment and distance learning to continue for the remainder of the school year
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced today the continuation of enrichment and distance learning through May 28, the last day of the 2019-20 school year.
The decision was made based on the latest guidance and information from health officials and elected leaders.
Last day of the SY19-20: May 28, 2020 Final Grade Submitted: May 29, 2020 Last day for grade change for SY19-20: July 28, 2020 (the day prior to teachers reporting back to work for SY 20-21)
For more information please see HIDOE Guidance fo rLong Term School Closure document.
Kuhio School will begin a Free Grab 'n' Go Lunch-Only Program
Sponsored by the Hawaii Community Foundation Resilience Fund through the Kaimuki Waialae YMCA
Starting Monday, April 27, 2020 through June 30, 2020 at Kuhio School, 2759 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826.
- Monday - Friday, 11:30 am -12:30 pm
- Open to children 18 years of age or younger, children must be present.
- Pickup: Kahoaloha Lane parking area
Lunches must be taken home; no eating on campus and follow all CDC regulations: wear mask, social distancing.
HHSAA cancels spring sports season
HONOLULU – After consulting with state leaders, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association and its member leagues have decided to cancel the remainder of the 2020 spring interscholastic sports season due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health threat.
Chris Chun
HHSAA Executive Director
The HHSAA member leagues include the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF), Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH), Kauai Interscholastic Federation (KIF), Maui Interscholastic League (MIL), and the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA).
Be Aware of SCAMS!
It has come to the attention of the Assessment Section that parents of students are receiving calls from a person claiming to be part of the ACT and College Board, requesting that parents make a deposit so that students may participate in online testing in their homes.
We have confirmed with the ACT and College Board that this is a scam call, and they will be alerting their Customer Service staff about these calls so they may assist concerned parents and schools. This information from College Board may also be helpful: https://about.collegeboard.org/important-information-about-telemarketing-internet-scams.
If you receive calls or inquiries, please inform callers that these calls are scam calls and to hang up immediately, as neither ACT nor College Board will contact parents by phone to request deposits or personal information.
Updates as of April 2, 2020
Board unanimously approves HIDOE’s request to modify graduation and standardized assessment requirements
The Board of Education (BOE) unanimously voted today to approve the Hawaii State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) request to modify high school graduation and commencement requirements under Board Policy 102-15 for the graduating class of 2020.
This approval means the Department will be able to move forward with finalizing a graduation plan that principals, complex area and state leadership have been developing over the past two weeks.
For students who do not meet proficiency, an extension or other options will be available, and further considerations are being made for students within block or multi-track schedules. The plan also includes additional considerations for academic honors including Advanced Placement (AP) assessments, International Baccalaureate (IB) assessments and dual credit as well as workforce opportunities like Career and Technical Education and military designations.
The full plan will be released early next week pending a final review and approval by Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto.
“Adjusting to this global crisis has required school districts nationwide to rethink how education is delivered. We understand that students, families and our teachers want answers and we’re hoping that today’s decision will provide some closure as the Department will now be able to move forward with sharing and implementing plans for the remainder of the school year,” BOE Chairwoman Catherine Payne said.
There are currently 11,183 seniors, with approximately 90% eligible to graduate on time based on third quarter grades, which are still being processed. The Department is starting to identify and categorize students into four bands to provide necessary supports.
- Band 1: Students who are on track based on third quarter grades will receive a diploma. Enrichment and learning opportunities will continue to ensure they are ready for career, military and post-secondary opportunities.
- Band 2: Students who are not meeting proficiency based on their third quarter grades. They are targeted for intervention and remediation to help them graduate on time. These individualized plans will be developed at the school level.
- Band 3: Students who are not meeting proficiency based on third quarter grades and are unable to achieve proficiency during the fourth quarter time period. Supports being proposed include providing summer school or E-School options.
- Band 4: Students who were failing by the end of the first semester and are unable to achieve proficiency during the fourth quarter and with summer options. Administrators, counselors and teachers will work directly with these students and their families to develop a personalized plan.
“Our priority from the start of this crisis has been our students, staff and their families. Developing this plan was a heavy lift by school and complex leaders and was done so with guidance from our federal, state and county partners,” added Kishimoto. “This waiver does not relax our standards. It provides the flexibility to ensure our eligible seniors graduate on time and smoothly transition to their chosen path after high school.”
The Department will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and make a decision by April 15 regarding commencement ceremonies. School, complex area and state teams have started discussing alternative means of celebration in the event traditional ceremonies cannot be held.
The BOE also unanimously voted to approve the Department’s waiver request to cancel federally required statewide standardized assessments for the 2019-2020 school year. This includes Smarter Balanced Assessments for English language arts/literacy and mathematics, Hawaii State Science Assessments and Biology 1 end of course exams; Hawaii State Alternate Assessments; and the Kaiapuni Assessment Educational Outcomes (KĀʻEO). The public can submit comments until April 10 regarding this waiver through an online survey here. For more information as well as the anticipated impact, click here.
School facilities have been closed to students since March 19, with traditional, in-school instruction temporarily discontinued until at least April 30. All HIDOE employees continue to work remotely with the exception of those who are considered essential and must perform their duties at a campus or office.
Schools have launched distance learning opportunities and/or learning packets were distributed via email, school websites and some in-person. Work packets will not be graded, but many teachers are identifying unique ways to provide feedback to students. The Department has also stood up a resource for parents available at bit.ly/HIDOEVirtualLearningParentResource. HIDOE COVID-19 updates will continue to be posted on the Department’s website at hawaiipublicschools.org.
CONNECT WITH US >> HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Updates as of March 28, 2020
DISTANCE LEARNING WEEKLY SCHEDULE
In order to provide our families, teachers and students some consistency and organization during this period, teachers will be providing opportunities for learning, running virtual classrooms, and be available for students to contact them if they need support or have any questions. Parents and Guardians are able to leave messages for teachers and other school personnel at 733-4900 and expect a call from the person they are trying to get a hold of within 24 hours of our faculty and staff receiving the message. We highly encourage you to reach out directly via email and office hours communicated to our students by his/her teacher.
Schedules for Monday to Friday are being shared by our faculty. Please be sure your student is checking in to his/her google classroom, Jupiter Grades, or his/her normal means of communicating with his/her teacher.
INSTRUCTIONAL PACKET PICK-UP
Rest assured, we are taking precautionary measures for those needing packet distributions. We are also cognizant of the various mandates regarding social distancing and good hygiene so we working on a system for pick-up which will be communicated to our students. More information for dates and times will be forthcoming.
SENIORS
HIDOE High School Principals and Complex Area Superintendents are leading the discussion and decisions around ensuring our 10,000 eligible high school graduates can earn diplomas amid this extended closure and health crisis. We are hoping to get an approval from the Board of Education for a graduation requirement waiver so we can present the modification to the 2020 graduation requirements to our school community.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
During our March 25, 2020 meeting with all High School Principals and HIDOE leadership, we also discussed graduation and our commencement ceremony. A proposal for graduation was turned in to the Superintendent and a decision will be made on April 15, 2020 on whether or not graduation will continue as planned, modified or cancelled. This decision is a difficult one as HIDOE need to weigh the severity of COVID-19’s continued threat to the health and safety of our community, various health organizations recommendations and the importance of what graduation means to our 10,000 eligible Seniors. Once the decision is made we will share it out.
SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENT (SBA)
Due to the disruptions caused by the extraordinary public health crisis the HIDOE sent in a waiver request to cancel federally required assessments for the remainder of the school year 2019-2020. This waiver was approved by the US Department of Education and our SBA Assessments for this year are cancelled.
GRAB AND GO SCHOOL MEALS
The Office of Facilities and Operations started the Grab and Go Meals at various schools on March 23, 2020. Kaimukī High School has been designated a site in the Honolulu District and is offering free breakfast and lunch meals daily for children age 18 and younger. We continue to have breakfast pickup from 7:30 am to 8:00 am and lunch pickup is from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Parents and caregivers who come to pick up a meal must be accompanied by their child(ren). For pick-up, please enter from Kaimukī Ave and follow that road through the parking lot through to the cafeteria, passing our swimming pool, until you come up to the pick-up area backing our cafeteria. Once you are done picking up your meals, you can exit our Street gate.
NEED TO BORROW A COMPUTER?
We are cognizant that some of you may not have computer access at home. There are limited number of Chromebook that Kaimukī High School can loan out. If you are need to borrow a device, please go to the kaimukihs.org to complete the Online Learning Resources Survey
Are You Prepared For Online Learning Survey to help us assess who may need to be loaned a Chromebook.
FREE INTERNET TO K-12 STUDENT HOUSEHOLDS
Charter Communications is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATIONAL PLAN (IEP) AND 504 PLANS\
If you have an IEP or 504 Modification Plan meeting coming up, your child’s care coordinator will be contacting you soon. Since there are no face-to-face meetings at this time, IEP and 504 meetings will be done either by WebEx Conferencing or by phone conference.
CANCELLED EVENTS
Unfortunately, many of our school/community events, student and faculty interisland, mainland and foreign trips had to cancelled or postponed.
BUS PASSES
With school being closed and Stay-At-Home rule there will not be an April bus pass distribution. We will keep you informed of any changes.
Seniors: your best year...?
An Open Letter to High School Seniors
Posted onMarch 16, 2020by Chris Dier
Dear High School Senior,
On Friday afternoon a few seniors came into my classroom after the last bell rang. They were concerned about prom and their senior trip. It broke my teacher heart to listen. As you’re reading this, you most likely have similar concerns.
This is supposed to be your year. The year for your senior prom, sporting events, cheer competitions, senior trips, clubs, and the rest of what senior year has to offer. You were supposed to be the captain of that team, the officer of that club, or that student who wanted to be with their friends one last year before venturing into the unknown. This was THE year that your entire schooling was building up to. But it was robbed from you because of this global pandemic.
Let’s be abundantly clear – you were robbed, and it’s unfair. If you’re upset, then you should embrace those feelings. Commiserate with one another. Some folks will downplay the situation because they won’t know what it feels like to have their senior year stripped at the last moment.
I, for one, will not downplay it as it happened to me. Hurricane Katrina devastated my community when I was a high school senior. I remember leaving my school on a Friday afternoon with my buddies only to never return to that school. I was supposed to be the captain of my soccer team, go to prom with my longtime crush, and finish the year with my lifelong friends. But it was all canceled. Instead, I stayed in a shelter and finished high school in a different state. It was tough, and I had to find solace in places I never envisioned. It was hard, but we made it through. And I’m reliving that pain as I think of your disruption to your senior year.
Most do not need to experience Katrina to know that this is tough on you. Those of us who work in schools do so because we care above all else. That caring does not stop once you leave those school walls. In situations like these, we worry more about you. There is a lot of uncertainty, but rest assured, districts across the nation are working in creative ways, from potentially abbreviated school years to organizing social events when this subsides, to make this situation the best they possibly can for you. Some educators are working endlessly to transfer to virtual learning and accompany those without the internet. Administrators are working to get those meals together for those who need them. We are all in crisis mode but know that we are all doing everything we can to help during this tumultuous time. You are not forgotten. We are thinking about you. We are here for you. We care.
There’s nothing I, or anyone, can say to make up for that time you are losing in what is supposed to be one of the best years of your life.
But I can offer some encouragement. Right now, you have the power to make the most out of this unfortunate situation. If a decade of teaching has taught me anything, it’s that people your age are resilient and innovative. Your generation can navigate multiple worlds and bounce between physical and digital spaces with ease. You are part of the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, and you embrace those differences in ways adults seem to struggle. You courageously put yourselves out there for the world to see and criticize. You push boundaries and challenge norms. You find ingenious ways to compensate for any gaps you may have accrued without the help of educators, whether it’s through Khan Academy or a sibling. It’s a small wonder why “post-Millennials are on track to become the most well-educated generation yet.”
I can also offer some advice. Help one another and your family. They need you. Do your grandparents or your elderly neighbors need groceries? Offer support. Some teachers may even need your help as many try to transition to online learning. We need you. Utilize your tech savvy ways to bring yourselves closer together. Practice “social distancing,” or physical distancing, but stay as social as ever. FaceTime. Text. Tweet. Snapchat. Make TikTok videos (I don’t know if that’s still a thing so don’t laugh if I’m already out of date). Use these platforms to connect and uplift. Binge Netflix and Disney+. Make memes. Exercise. Read books – maybe even those boring ones your English teachers were stoked for you to read. Or just read manga. Read something! Reach out to those friends you know don’t have internet access. Call and check up on ‘em. Listen to podcasts. Make a podcast. Start a hobby. Journal for posterity. You’re living through history. Your bold reaction to this is going to make history.
Lastly, I can offer some support. You may not know me, but I feel your pain; it stings. We as educators mourn with you. Again, you are not forgotten. We see your hard work. We value your unique perspectives. We hear your audacious voices. We cherish all of it, and we will continue to do so even from afar.
I am sad for you; truly, I am. I feel deeply for you; truly, I do. It makes my heart hurt as I write. But if there is any group that can plow through this in creative ways, it is your group. There is no pandemic strong enough to silence you or dent the passion of your generation. Keep your head up and keep fighting. Our country needs you because you provide hope for our future. This year may not be what you envisioned, but I’m eager to see what you do with it.
After all, it is still very much your year.
Stay healthy,
Chris Dier, a high school teacher
We did it!
Thank you all for shopping and designating your points to KaimukĪ during this time!
Our points and designations has increased enough to get us into 24th. Remember we want to keep it in the top 25, we will get two scholarships of $2,000 for our seniors instead of only one! Let's keep shopping for our emergency supplies and earn scholarships for our seniors :)
Keep us in mind during your necessary shopping and keep safe during this extended break time.
Mahalo!
Counselor Nakashima
Grab and Go Food service during extended break from 26 March to 7 April 2020
Learning Packet Distribution
Because we are an HCN Grab-and-Go site we may also be providing learning packet pick up for the Kaimukī Complex schools. Please see your student's school web sites for added information and note if they will be participating in this morning pick up alongside breakfast Grab-and-Go from 7:30 to 8:00 am. This opportunity is anticipated to be once a week. More information to follow.
Week 35 March 23-27, 2020
KHS Phone messages sent to our community:
School Messenger text 20 March 2020 RE: Nutrition Program
On Monday, March 23rd Kaimuki High School will start providing breakfast and lunch to children who are 18 years or younger as part of the Hawaii Child Nutrition Program. Children will be able to stop by to pick up a grab-and-go meal at 7:30 to 8:00 am for breakfast and 11:30 to noon for lunch service. There will be no service on Kuhio Day, Thursday March 26. Be safe and be healthy. Please remember to check our website, kaimukihs.org for updates.
School Messenger text: Spring Break extension for Sunday, Mar. 15, 2020
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education is extending its spring break through March 27 for all public and charter schools. Mililani Middle, Kapolei Middle and Holomua Elem. will be off multi-track schedules for two weeks from March 16-27. Normal school operations for all schools are expected to resume Monday, March 30. A letter to faculty, staff, parents and guardians is posted on our website. For more details, see official Hawaii DOE COVID-19 updates at www.hawaiipublicschools.org. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in prioritizing the health and safety of our school communities.
SAT Assessments Cancelled
Critical Thinking from Scarlet Lewis: How we respond
My Choose Love Family,
We are in unprecedented times. Not only do we now, as a country, experience some amount of anxiety over our personal safety in public places, including schools, we now face a rampant deadly virus.
We have choices to make, right now, in how we thoughtfully respond. Our children learn from what we do more than what we say. How do we model "Choosing Love" in our thoughts, words, and actions for our kids, our family, friends and communities when anxiety and fear are seemingly at all time highs?
First bring everything to the present moment. Our brains are wired for survival, not peace and happiness, so it's easy to spiral down a fearful path. Research tells us most of what we fear never happens. We can override our ingrained negative bias and focus on what's right in front of us, and most likely this is your family, safe, and together in your home!
Reframe! With my constant travel and speaking schedule, the cancellation of events, although disappointing, has given me a chance to breathe! I've used the time to catch up and be more supportive of my team. JT is home from school and I am so GRATEFUL. In fact, I'm planning to spend the day with him, "Having a Lot of fun!"
Next, rather than fearing the virus, let's practice COURAGE by asking ourselves what lessons we can learn from this. It is humbling, for sure. Our vulnerability to illness reminds us that we are connected through our humanity. We rely on each other for even our basic needs (where is the toilet paper?). Everyone has someone who is susceptible. Perhaps this experience is telling us that we need to be more mindful of caring for ourselves, and each other. Perhaps we consider FORGIVING those who have hurt us and cutting the cord that attaches us to that pain by letting it go. Forgiveness is the key to healthy relationships and relationships are the secret to happiness (per Harvard University research).
Where do we find hope? Hope can spring eternal from the inside of each one of us; in our ability to choose to be present with our families; by reframing this moment to one of personal growth and focus on what's important, i.e. our needs rather than our never-ending wants; and using this time as an opportunity to strengthen ourselves by modeling for others how to practice COMPASSION IN ACTION by caring for ourselves and our neighbors. This is thoughtfully responding BY CHOOSING LOVE.
We are learning that ultimately we are all connected. CHOOSING LOVE is the strongest action plan to take our personal power back and be our best self, and live our best lives. Coronavirus is a wake up call to be GRATEFUL for every moment we have, tomorrow is not guaranteed. And it never was!
Thanks being a part of our Choose Love family.
Choosing Love Everyday,
Scarlett Lewis
Kaimukī High Bulletin
Email: jamie.delacruz@k12.hi.us
Website: kaimukihs.org
Phone: (808)733-4900
Twitter: @dela808