| Maʻemaʻe Elementary, Mānoa Elementary, Wheeler Middle schools named 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-National-Blue-Ribbon-Schools.aspx | Maʻemaʻe Elementary, Mānoa Elementary, Wheeler Middle schools named 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools | Maʻemaʻe Elementary, Mānoa Elementary and Wheeler Middle schools have been named 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the US Department of Education. | | |
| BOE approves renaming of Central Middle to honor Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Keelikolani-Middle.aspx | BOE approves renaming of Central Middle to honor Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani | The Board of Education approved the restoration of Central Middle School to its former name honoring Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Keʻelikōlani. | | |
| Stakeholder Survey for the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages Adoption | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Stakeholder-Survey-for-the-World-Readiness-Standards-for-Learning-Languages-Adoption.aspx | Stakeholder Survey for the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages Adoption | The Department is advancing to align the World Languages standards to the WRSLL and will be seeking the Hawai'i State Board of Education's approval in the school year 2021-22. | | |
| HIDOE reports 89% of salaried employees at schools and offices are fully or partially vaccinated | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/HIDOE-school-office-vaccinations.aspx | HIDOE reports 89% of salaried employees at schools and offices are fully or partially vaccinated | The vaccination rate is as of Aug. 31 and represents 19,559 out of 21,980 active salaried employees at schools and offices statewide. | | |
| Department announces 2021-22 enrollment figures for public and charter schools | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-22-enrollment-figures-for-public-and-charter-schools.aspx | Department announces 2021-22 enrollment figures for public and charter schools | Enrollment at Hawaii's public and charter schools for the 2021-22 school year decreased to 171,600 students, compared with enrollment of 174,704 students at the start of last school year — a difference of 1.7%. | | |
| SY 2021-22 Student Transportation Updates and Information | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/Organization/Offices/FacilitiesandOperations/Transportation/RidingtheBus/Pages/Bus-status.aspx | SY 2021-22 Student Transportation Updates and Information | Please check this page regularly for the updates to bus routes as the Department works to manage staffing and consolidate routes due to a severe shortage of student bus drivers. | | |
| HIDOE launches data dashboard to inform public of confirmed COVID-19 cases in schools | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/HIDOE-launches-data-dashboard-to-inform-public-of-confirmed-COVID-19-cases-in-schools.aspx | HIDOE launches data dashboard to inform public of confirmed COVID-19 cases in schools | Dashboard will be updated daily and replace the Department’s weekly case reports. | | |
| HIDOE to implement weekly COVID-19 testing requirement for all employees and volunteers | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/HIDOE-to-implement-weekly-COVID-19-testing-requirement-for-all-employees-and-volunteers.aspx | HIDOE to implement weekly COVID-19 testing requirement for all employees and volunteers | Employees who certify and provide proof of full vaccination will not be subject to testing requirement. | | |
| HIDOE implements new safety guidelines with vaccination requirements for athletes, adults to participate in sports | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/HIDOE-implements-new-safety-guidelines-with-vaccination-requirements-for-athletes-and-coaches-to-participate-in-sports.aspx | HIDOE implements new safety guidelines with vaccination requirements for athletes, adults to participate in sports | Due to state’s high positivity rate, fall athletic season delayed until all student-athletes and adults working in athletics are vaccinated | | |
| Public comments sought regarding HIDOE's request for additional fiscal flexibility under ESEA | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/public-comment-ESEA-waiver.aspx | Public comments sought regarding HIDOE's request for additional fiscal flexibility under ESEA | The Department is seeking feedback through Aug. 31 regarding its waiver request for flexibilities afforded under the CARES Act. | | |
| Interim Superintendent Hayashi parent letter welcoming students back | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/superintendent-parent-letter-SY2021-22.aspx | Interim Superintendent Hayashi parent letter welcoming students back | As Interim Superintendent, my highest priority is ensuring every student has the opportunity to safely return to the classroom. | | |
| Hawaii public school educators eligible for up to $1,000 in DonorsChoose project funding | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Hawaii-public-school-educators-eligible-for-up-to-$1,000-in-DonorsChoose-project-funding.aspx | Hawaii public school educators eligible for up to $1,000 in DonorsChoose project funding | Eligible DonorsChoose projects must be submitted before midnight on Aug. 3 to qualify for funding. Donations will be made on Aug. 6 to eligible projects. | | |
| All public school students to receive free meals throughout school year 2021-22 | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/SY2021-Free-School-Meals.aspx | All public school students to receive free meals throughout school year 2021-22 | All students at Hawaiʻi’s 257 public schools will receive free breakfast and lunch meals for the entirety of the 2021-22 school year, thanks to a nationwide waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Federal funds will reimburse state education departments for meal costs. | | |
| Summer P-EBT benefits begin to roll-out in July 2021 | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Summer-P-EBT-Benefits-Begin-to-Roll-Out-in-July-2021.aspx | Summer P-EBT benefits begin to roll-out in July 2021 | DHS announced summer P-EBT benefits for children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, or attend a Community Eligibility Provision school during the COVID-19 pandemic. | | |
| HIDOE submits State Plan for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/HIDOE-submits-State-Plan-for-ARP-ESSER-III.aspx | HIDOE submits State Plan for the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) | The state’s $412.3 million in ESSER III funds was authorized to provide funding to support Hawaii’s schools in safely reopening and to mitigate learning loss. | | |
| Summer Meals Program begins June 4 for all children ages 18 and younger | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Summer-Meals-Program-begins-June-4-for-all-children-ages-18-and-younger.aspx | Summer Meals Program begins June 4 for all children ages 18 and younger | The summer meals program will begin on June 4 and run until July 19. Meal distribution will be at lunchtime only. All children ages 18 and younger may participate at the approximately 80 distribution sites, regardless of their enrollment status. Parents or guardians who choose to pick up meals without their child(ren) present must provide verification documents daily. | | |
| Parent letter from Supt. Kishimoto regarding in-person learning for school year 2021-22 | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/supt-kishimoto-parent-letter-SY2020-21.aspx | Parent letter from Supt. Kishimoto regarding in-person learning for school year 2021-22 | Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto issued a letter to parents to provide an update on plans for the upcoming school year. | | |
| 2021 National Children's Mental Health Awareness Month and Art Contest Winners | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-National-Children's-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month-and-Art-Contest-Winners.aspx | 2021 National Children's Mental Health Awareness Month and Art Contest Winners | To promote open communication about mental health, this year's student art contest theme was "Mental Health Talk," which aimed to raise awareness about resources and to encourage youth and families to connect about mental health. | | |
| COVID vaccines to be offered at school-based mobile clinics for students 16+ and eligible household members | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/COVID-vaccines-to-be-offered-at-school-based-mobile-clinics-for-students-16-and-older-and-eligible-household-members.aspx | COVID vaccines to be offered at school-based mobile clinics for students 16+ and eligible household members | Based on current enrollment and student ages, the population of students ages 16 and older in Hawai‘i public schools is approximately 32,000. | | |
| HIDOE announces expanded summer opportunities for student learning and support | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-summer-learning.aspx | HIDOE announces expanded summer opportunities for student learning and support | Schools will offer a comprehensive menu of summer programming aimed at addressing the learning needs of students as they transition back to full in-person learning and prepare for the 2021-22 school year. | | |
| Class of 2021 graduation celebrations scheduled for Hawaii’s public schools | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021 Graduations.aspx | Class of 2021 graduation celebrations scheduled for Hawaii’s public schools | Public high schools across the state today announced the dates, times and formats of their respective graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021. | | |
| Nānākuli Elementary principal named 2021 Hawaii National Distinguished Principal | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-Hawaii-National-Distinguished-Principal.aspx | Nānākuli Elementary principal named 2021 Hawaii National Distinguished Principal | The Hawaii Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association (HEMSAA) today named Principal Lisa Ann Higa from Nānākuli Elementary as Hawaii’s 2021 National Distinguished Principal. | | |
| 40 HIDOE educators earn, renew NBCT certification | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-National-Board-for-Professional-Teaching-Standards-Certification.aspx | 40 HIDOE educators earn, renew NBCT certification | This year’s newly certified National Board Certified Teachers class ranks 19th-largest in the nation. | | |
| Kanoelani Elementary teacher receives 2021 Teacher of Promise Award from the Milken Educators of Hawaii | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-Milken-Teacher-of-Promise-Award.aspx | Kanoelani Elementary teacher receives 2021 Teacher of Promise Award from the Milken Educators of Hawaii | Kanoelani Elementary special education teacher Jenna Oskey was honored today as the state winner of the prestigious Teacher of Promise Award from the Milken Educators of Hawaii. | | |
| Keith Hayashi becomes first high school principal to receive Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Keith-Hayashi-Phi-Theta-Kappa.aspx | Keith Hayashi becomes first high school principal to receive Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction | The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society recognized Waipahu High Principal Hayashi during PTK Catalyst 2021, the society’s annual convention, on April 9. | | |
| DHS announces third round of P-EBT benefits | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/DHS-Third-Round-of-PEBT-Benefits-April-2021.aspx | DHS announces third round of P-EBT benefits | DHS announced that there will be a third round of P-EBT benefits allocated to children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, or attend a Community Eligibility Provision school during the COVID-19 pandemic. | | |
| Jarrett Middle School celebrates new mobile health clinic | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Jarrett-middle-school-celebrates-new-mobile-health-clinic.aspx | Jarrett Middle School celebrates new mobile health clinic | William P. Jarrett Middle School expanded on their school health services by partnering with Waikiki Health to offer a new mobile health clinic. The clinic was established to address chronic absenteeism, which is a student success indicator on the Department’s Strive HI Performance System. | | |
| Moloka‘i High librarian receives 2021 School Librarian of the Year Award | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-School-Librarian-of-the-Year-Award.aspx | Moloka‘i High librarian receives 2021 School Librarian of the Year Award | Diane Mokuau, librarian at Moloka‘i High School, is one of the two distinguished recipients nationwide to receive this award. | | |
| HIDOE educators named 2021 Nat Geo Grosvenor Teacher Fellows | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-National-Geographic-Grosvenor-Teacher-Fellowship.aspx | HIDOE educators named 2021 Nat Geo Grosvenor Teacher Fellows | Two Hawai‘i public school teachers have been chosen to participate in the National Geographic's Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, a two-year professional development opportunity for pre-K-12 educators supported by a partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. | | |
| HIDOE to implement revised health and safety protocols aligned to latest DOH guidance for schools | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Revised-health-and-safety-protocols.aspx | HIDOE to implement revised health and safety protocols aligned to latest DOH guidance for schools | The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), in partnership with the state Department of Health (DOH), worked on ensuring that the health and safety protocols are consistent with the latest DOH guidance for schools. | | |
