Hawaii State Department of Education Superintendent Christina Kishimoto has released the plan for reopening schools.  Teachers will return on July 29.  Students will return on August 4, but will have half days for nine days before beginning a full-day schedule.

The DOE says that classes will be a combination of on-site classes and online learning.

The separation chosen by the State DOE is 3 feet between seats if students are facing in one direction, and 6 feet if students are sitting face to face.  Since the 6 foot distance has been promoted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers and parents have expressed confusion about the 3-foot space the DOE plans to use.

In a video released on the State DOE website, Dr. Bruce Anderson (head of the State Department of Health)  said there’s been a debate as to whether 6 feet or 3 feet is the “right distance.”  Dr. Anderson said if facing each other, 6 feet is critical, but if facing in the same direction, then less than 6 feet but at least 3 feet will be fine.  But if students are outside, they should wear masks and stay 6 feet apart.

Dr. Anderson did not address what happens if students in a classroom sitting 3 feet apart turned their heads to face each other.  He did say strict isolation is detrimental to the students’ development, as they need to learn how to interact with each other.

Dr. Sarah Park (state epidemiologist) said in the controlled classroom setting they could be closer than 6 feet, but the goal is to minimize physical interaction which could contribute to infection.  She said with young kids, there isn’t that kind of control, and there needs to be a balance between protecting from infection and helping them learn how to socially interact.

Dr. Park said if students are outdoors, it’s a little safer, with better ventilation, but physical distancing is still important.  She said if students are in a classroom, eat, and are on the playground together they could be considered a “bubble,” when mask-wearing might not be required.

Dr. Park said the older student groups that move from class to class together could be considered a “bubble.”  But when new teachers come in, or different students, more mask-wearing might be required.

The video discussion is here.

Also on the DOE page, there is a chart for each of the areas covered by the DOE’s “Return to Learn: School Reopening Campaign.”

The DOE says schools and classes may use a combination of in-class and online learning.   It says the cost of creating online learning platforms may run to $58 million.

The guidance may be customized by each school.

Screenshot of DOE Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson, and Department of Health Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park

Attached photo is Dr. Kishimoto