Helpful links to help communicate with your children and to reduce stress and anxiety about COVID-19.

The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced today it will keep all public schools closed for a total of three weeks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition, HIDOE offices except for essential functions will be closed for the next 15 days. School and state offices will continue to provide public services remotely. Instruction is expected to resume on April 7th for students.

During the extended closure, HIDOE will continue to provide student meals, including providing grab-and-go breakfast and lunch at select schools to children 18 years and under at the following days and times:

Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. for breakfast.
Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for lunch.
Note: Meals will not be served on Thursday, March 26 in observance of Prince Kuhio Day. Some schools may start serving meals later in the week.

Hawaii Island District:
● Kau High & Pahala Elementary
● Kohala High
● Konawaena High
● Pahoa High & Intermediate
● Waiakea High

Gov. David Ige announced earlier today (March 17) that all “non-essential” state government employees who can work remotely are being directed to work from home for 15 calendar days to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. However, the governor explicitly stated that his directive does not apply to the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE).

At this time, this means that all HIDOE employees are required to report to work as normal unless they feel sick, have been instructed by a health care provider to self-isolate or self-quarantine at home, or made alternative arrangements with their supervisor.