Updates for Week of August 17, 2020
We have finally reached the point that you have all been working so hard in preparing for! The start of our new school year is here! We truly commend you for your dedication, hard work and courage to learn our new way of learning. There are so many exciting things going on and our students are very lucky!
A very special shout out to Jill Higa-
A HUGE Mahalo and Aloha to Jill Higa!!
Jill has worked tirelessly to ensure our entire school is up and running in our distance learning efforts. She willingly volunteers her time and expertise morning, noon, and night (not to mention all summer) to teach us the most effective ways of teaching students virtually. Her soothing voice (almost as good as ocean waves) and detailed video resources have been an anchor during our distance learning journey. Whether through email, text, or a call in the hallway, she is ALWAYS there to help us! Ho‘okele is more prepared than many schools because of all the professional development we received this summer that she prepared. She has tremendously gone over and beyond her job duties. We are so very lucky to have Jill on our side as we enter this ever-changing world of education!
We LOVE you, Jill!!
This week we look forward to our virtual connections with students and families. Please keep in touch to let us know how we can help support you. Support Team will meet Monday at 1:00 pm. We will call a faculty meeting if there are major changes to address. Otherwise, use the time to continue your planning with your grade level, prepping for DL and connecting with students.
I bet you’re wondering...Did I turn everything in I was supposed to turn in? If you turned in your acknowledgement for OSYP documents, and videos, and the confidentiality notice-you’re good for OSYP. For the Return to Learn videos and training-you need to submit your Distance learning module certificate (email or turn in to Mindy’s box) AND most importantly, complete the link on the DOE page https://bit.ly/Return2LearnTrainingSurvey. Please see the memo regarding documentation: Return to Learn Video documentation Memo. Please complete that link no later than 8/20/2020 and thank you to those who have done so already.
I will be going through my emails and the hard copies turned in and will notify which staff is missing documents. PLEASE do not panic if I send you an email and you know you already turned it in-just let me know so I can double check if I received it. Since you did not sign for receiving hard copies of the OSYP booklets this year, I am documenting the dates emails were sent, the 8/5/2020 faculty meeting attendance and your forms as verification you were provided the notices. If you have ANY questions, please ask.
IMPORTANT EMAIL AND ACTION NEEDED: See email sent by Regina on 8/16 regarding your rosters on infinite Campus. Thank you!
Connecting with students-Week of 8/17-8/20
First phase (Aug. 17-20): During the first week of school, students will virtually connect with teachers on a coordinated and scheduled basis to receive training on the distance learning platforms, and address issues with connectivity and access to technology. Cafeterias will be serving only grab-and-go meals; in-person dining will not be allowed.
Agenda: Office Hours are designed for families to join the Google Meet session to ask your child’s teacher questions about Seesaw or Google Meet. You are NOT REQUIRED to sign in to an office hour, but be sure you and your child(ren) are ready to learn at the start of your scheduled meeting time!
Office Hours: Are available for you to sign in to a Google Meet with your students
Grab and Go Location (South Lot, outside of D building)
Grab and Go Times for breakfast: 7:30 -7:45 am
Grab and Go Times for lunch: 12:30-12:50 pm
Please refer to the minutes and Q&A of our 8/10/2020 Faculty Meeting. Let us know what other questions you have.
Upcoming Weeks
Second phase, ready to learn (Aug. 24-Sept. 11): For the remainder of the four-week period, full distance learning will be implemented. Staff will report to their designated work sites for continued distance learning instruction. Special education services that cannot be provided in a distance learning format will be available in person.
Third phase, transition to blended learning (Sept. 14): HIDOE will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with the Governor’s Office and the Hawai'i State Department of Health to assess whether or not students can safely return to in-person blended learning models. If distance learning will continue for the remainder of the first quarter of school, an announcement will be made on Sept. 8.
Updates to share with Students-A recorded message
On behalf of your administrators, Principal Dunn, Vice Principal Umeno and myself, Vice Principal Pamatigan--Aloha and Welcome back!
This week is your opportunity to virtually meet your teacher and start practicing the skills you will need for distance learning. We know there has been a lot of information and so many changes, so, use this week to connect with your teacher and get the information you need to get started on our exciting new school year!
Your teachers have been training and learning many new ways to teach. We are very fortunate at Ho‘okele to have an awesome team of amazing educators who will work hard to provide you with the best education possible during these times.
We know you will miss seeing teachers and friends face to face. For now, enjoy seeing them on-line. Practice safety measures at home and in the community-Wear a mask, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, maintain social distancing of 6 feet-Stay healthy so we can hopefully get to see you in real life soon!
