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March 13
Editorial Mission: As the Department's primary publication, we aim to live up to the meaning of ha‘aheo – to cherish with pride – by bolstering and sustaining pride in public education and touting the successes happening across our system.
Editor’s Note: The newsletter will be taking a publication recess over spring break and resume weekly editions on March 27.
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Aloha, HIDOE Community –
This week began with the heartbreaking news that the lives of a family including three children were taken in a tragedy that defies understanding. The youngest was a bright student at Mānoa Elementary who is deeply missed. Understanding the impact of this shocking and distressing event, our devoted school staff and a crisis intervention team immediately mobilized to provide emotional support for students, families and school personnel.
Counselors at our other public schools are also helping their students and those experiencing grief. Please be aware of signs of grief among students of all ages which may include behavioral difficulties, decreased concentration, depression, irritability and withdrawal. The healing process will take time and our trained staff are always available to help at our schools. The Department also has a partnership with Hazel Health for additional mental health support through virtual counseling sessions, which is available to any student and can be accessed here.
Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another. As one community, let us stand together in support and compassion.
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#HIPublicSchoolsProud
Social media highlights of the most engaging posts of the week.
Use the #HIPublicSchoolsProud hashtag for a chance to be featured!
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West Maui Updates
We will be providing relevant information on Lahaina schools in this space,
including updates on health and safety, construction and more.
Extended spring break for King Kamehameha III Elementary
A reminder that there will be an extended spring break for King Kamehameha Ill students from March 18-29. The last day for classes at their temporary Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena Elementary site will be March 13, and the first day for students at the new temporary school at Pulelehua will be April 1.
Wipe tests
The Department continues to conduct bi-weekly wipe sampling in Lahaina classrooms to test for any particles settling on surfaces. The last wipe test on March 4 found no actionable levels of lead or arsenic, similar to previous samplings. Past results can be found here.
Air monitoring and sampling
The state Department of Health is conducting air sampling at stations around Lahaina, including at Lahaina Intermediate. The sampling is being conducted to ensure that debris removal activities do not significantly impact air quality in surrounding communities and will continue throughout the debris removal work. While Hawai‘i soil contains nominal amounts of natural metals, the detection of metals has been low. Results are posted weekly on their website.
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Important Dates
- March 15 - 3rd Quarter Ends
- March 18-22 - Spring Break
- March 18-22 - Hawai‘i State Legislature Education Week
- March 26 - Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day
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Community Query
Do you know the answer to this LifeSmarts environment question? Only 11% of participants on Instagram answered correctly.
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HIDOE Headlines
A roundup of announcements, resources and shoutouts.
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 » Washington Middle School eighth grader Evan Ho will be representing Hawai‘i along with three others – two from ‘Iolani School and one from Punahou School – at the national 2024 MATHCOUNTS competition later this year in Washington, D.C., after winning the state contest over the weekend.
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 » Pearl City High health care pathway students hosted an inaugural Keiki Career and Health Fair for neighboring elementary schools. Fifth and sixth graders from Lehua, Mānana and Momilani Elementary were invited to explore health careers, participate in interactive workshops, and tour Pearl City High's health services classrooms.
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 » Meet King Intermediate teacher Blaise Babineck, 18, and Waipahu Elementary teacher Skye Yasuda, 20. Through the Early College program, they earned their bachelor’s degrees in less than four years and are two of the youngest full-time teachers in the HIDOE.
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HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Keith Hayashi
Superintendent
Heidi Armstrong
Deputy Superintendent
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Curt Otaguro
Deputy Superintendent
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Tammi Oyadomari-Chun
Deputy Superintendent
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ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS
Sean Bacon
Talent Management
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Brian Hallett
Fiscal Services
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Audrey Hidano
Facilities and Operations
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Elizabeth Higashi
Strategy, Innovation and Performance
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Annie Kalama
Student Support Services
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Michael Otsuji
Information Technology Services
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Teri Ushijima
Curriculum and Instructional Design
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Ho‘oha‘aheo
PUBLIC SCHOOL PROUD
Nanea Kalani
Executive Editor
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Chanel Honda
Managing Editor
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Sara Miyazono
Creative Director
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Derek Inoshita
Contributing Writer
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Krislyn Yano
Contributing Writer
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Kimberly Yuen
Contributing Writer
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