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Updated March 17, 2020
‘Ohana Help Desk
The ʻOhana Help Desk, launched on Aug. 4, 2020, is available for public school students and their families who need technology assistance. The Help Desk will provide assistance in areas such as devices and connectivity troubleshooting, questions on device security, and general technology questions. For HIDOE or school-specific technology questions, the Help Desk will refer the caller to the appropriate office/school.
Website: ohanahelpdesk.org
Phone: 643-DESK (3375)
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. HST (except on state holidays) Sundays 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. HST (except on state holidays)
Device Loan Program
The Department continues to address the "homework gap" by finding ways to get devices and internet access into the hands of our high need students. HIDOE continues to work towards a centralized purchasing and device loan process that would support schools, parents, and students. Parents in need of support should connect with their school to make this request. Parents who are investing in a family device can contact the teacher to learn about the type of device being used for instruction at the school.
Telehealth
During SY 2020-21, all HIDOE students can access a free resource for any health-related questions and telehealth services. Please see Hawaiʻi Keiki Health Hotline and Telehealth for information.
Data reports
The Department is committed to collecting and reporting qualitative and quantitative data around health and safety, equity, programs and operations to inform decision-making on curriculum, instruction, and student supports. Examples include:
Communications Plan
As the 10th largest school district in the nation and the only State Education Agency and Local Education Agency, HIDOE and its schools are charged with communicating to a wide range of audiences, including 22,000 full-time employees, 20,000 part-time employees, 180,000 students and their families, government officials, community partners and more.
The Department uses a diverse toolkit of communication channels to enhance engagement and ensure that the majority of its internal and external stakeholders can be reached during a crisis situation.
Statewide Communication
HIDOE will continue to share statewide updates about the 2020-21 school year and COVID-19 impacts, including school and office closures, on its public website, intranet and social media channels (Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
LinkedIn). Internal updates will also be emailed to official k12.hi.us Google accounts as needed.
Due to the large number of employees, students and families served by the Department, there will be situations where important and urgent messages are communicated through traditional media including news stations, newspapers and radio.
The statewide leadership team made up of key superintendents and key directors meeting twice a week for briefings and decision making. Complex area superintendents are charged with communicating with their complex area team and school leaders.
Multiple forms of communication and feedback loops are utilized for issue-based recommendations and includes:
- Deputy Superintendent's Principal Roundtable
- Principals' forums (e.g., elementary, middle/intermediate and high school)
- COVID-19 Response Team
- Situational crisis response teams
School-level Communication
Schools are encouraged to create a communications timeline to share information and updates about the 2020-21 school year with key school community stakeholders (e.g. staff, parents, students, area lawmakers, partners, vendors, etc.).
Key messages and updates that schools should anticipate communicating include, but are not limited to:
- Selection of school model;
- Updated school handbook;
- Health and safety guidelines;
- Updated school supply lists in response to COVID-19 impacts;
- Loaner devices;
- Potential positive COVID-19 case;
- Changes in school processes and procedures (e.g., pick-up and drop-off routines, campus visitors).
Schools should audit their communication channels to ensure that they are working properly, the appropriate staff have access and log-in information, contacts are up to date, and to determine whether or not additional channels are needed to communicate with internal and external school community audiences.
Communication channels include:
- SchoolMessenger
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube)
- HIDOE Gmail
- School website
- HIDOE-approved education applications
HIDOE's Communications Branch is tasked with providing support during crisis situations including media relations, school-level messaging such as letters to parents and staff, SchoolMessenger copy, and coordinating a communications response with Department leadership.
If media contacts a school, administrators are encouraged to work with the Communications Branch to ensure accurate and timely information is provided while also protecting student and employee privacy, as required by law.
Communications Branch contacts:
- Main phone line: (808) 784-6200 (staffed Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
- Email address:
doeinfo@k12.hi.us (monitored Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; however, in an emergency situation it is not recommended to email this account.)
- For after-hour emergencies, administrators should make sure they have the cell phone number for the Communications Director. If not, they can contact (808) 784-6200 during business hours to get it or work with their complex area superintendent.
In the event of a positive COVID-19 case, the Health & Safety Handbook outlines communications procedures for positive cases and possible exposure.
Major partnerships
HIDOE welcomes and encourages sponsorships and collaborative opportunities that strengthen and enhance school programs and help build solidarity and goodwill within the entire school community.
Public schools and public school students benefit from sponsorships and public-private partnerships that often include contributions of resources to support schools’ educational programs.
Learn more about
Partnerships and Collaborative Opportunities.
