Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter, Aug. 24 – Hawaii DOE

Our monthly online publication to highlight bright spots from across the public school system. This week's issue includes an update on DOH guidance and leadership appointments.
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Aug. 24
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.

Another round of updates has been incorporated into our Health and Safety guidance to align with the state Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among the changes, which are highlighted in this parent letter, are: no longer requiring vaccination or testing for student-athletes to participate in athletics and no longer requiring quarantine following exposure to COVID-19 in or out of school.

I’m also pleased to welcome two veteran leaders to the Department to help strengthen our capacity to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic on students and schools while also looking at ways we can modernize and improve our systems.

The Board of Education approved the appointments of Tammi Oyadomari-Chun as deputy superintendent of strategy, and Curt T. Otaguro as deputy superintendent of operations.

The appointments are a measured and necessary first step in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Department operations and the educational services provided.

Deputy Superintendent Oyadomari-Chun will be responsible for leading, directing and supervising the strategic planning, transformation and modernization, and implementation of the strategic initiatives of the Department. Deputy Superintendent Otaguro will be responsible for assessing and enhancing the operations and administrative functions of the Department.
#PublicSchoolProud
We asked some special guests to complete the sentence below.
“Great things are happening in Hawai‘i public schools. My top priority this school year is to ______.”
Family Focus
The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency is encouraging families to discuss their emergency plans and update their emergency "go" kits. Click here for a checklist of what should be included. Don’t be scared! Be prepared!

The Department’s Student Transportation Services Branch hotline continues to be available through Sept. 6 for parents and schools with queries related to bus applications, routes, and contractor and school information. Call (808) 784-6870 during normal work hours for assistance.
Community Query
Q: What’s your favorite high school subject? (Part 2)

CDC COVID-19 Community Levels
HIDOE Headlines
A roundup of announcements, resources and shoutouts.
» The Board of Education approved naming the new high school in Kihei Kūlanihāko‘i High School.
» Reporting for Student Reporting Labs, Kaua‘i High senior Natalie Lett helped tell the story of a Latin American studio helping young dancers achieve their dreams. The story aired Wednesday evening on the PBS NewsHour national broadcast.
» Kea‘au Middle SPEDucator Kristel Brogdon shares her passion project, Māla Mana‘olana: A Garden of Hope, a safe space garden program.
HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Keith Hayashi
Superintendent
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS
Christine Shaw
Cara Tanimura
Teri Ushijima
Ho‘oha‘aheo
PUBLIC SCHOOL PROUD
Nanea Kalani
Executive Editor
Chanel Honda
Managing Editor
Sara Miyazono
Creative Director
Derek Inoshita
Contributing Writer
Krislyn Yano
Contributing Writer
 

1390 Miller St. Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: (808) 784-6200 | Fax: (808) 586-3234

Communications Branch
Phone: (808) 784-6200
Email: doeinfo@k12.hi.us
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