As parents, we arm our kids with cellphones in case of emergencies. Cellphones can also provide students with immediate access to educational resources. But students have a hard time detaching themselves from their personal devices and teachers struggle to keep kids focused. Some studies also indicate that prolonged use of smartphones, in combination with social media, affects students’ mental health.

According to Education Week, “at least 15 states have passed laws or enacted policies that ban or restrict students’ use of cellphones in schools statewide or recommend local districts enact their own bans or restrictive policies.”  Hawai‘i currently does not have a statewide school cellphone ban.

So how do we balance the pros and cons of the debate?

Click here for possible classroom cellphone control implementation strategies and an opportunity to voice your opinion.

Providing bus service has been highly problematic for many years. Though the HIDOE and legislature have sought solutions, just days before school start families have been shocked by the failure of the district to deliver bus service.

Here are links to news articles on the subject:

Hawai‘i News Articles on School Bus Issues from 2011- 2024

Click on the following link to see the School Bus Handbook

HI DOE School Bus Handbook and Application

The situation is complex, so we have inquired with HI DOE and bus company leaders.

Please click here for Our Findings and Possible Solutions

Findings and Possible Solutions

Then take our survey so we can help you voice your needs and concerns

Getting Keiki to School Survey

​​Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes §302A-l 155 requires that all students meet physical examination, immunization, and tuberculosis (TB) clearance requirements before they may attend a childcare facility, preschool, or public/private school in the State of Hawaiʻi.

Click here for for information regarding school entry requirements.

This year’s Kids Count Data Book, a report developed by the Baltimore-based Annie E. Casey Foundation, shows that fewer than half of Hawaii’s students are proficient in reading and math. The report also ranked Hawaii among the bottom third of states nationally for economic well-being, indicating a need for more state action supporting keiki and families. The findings are based on the most recent school year data available (2021-22). 

Some key findings as highlighted by Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network:

• Only 35% of Hawai‘i’s fourth graders were at or above proficient in reading in 2022, barely changed from before the pandemic (in 2019), when 34% were proficient.
• Just 22% of eighth graders were at or above proficient in math in 2022, significantly worse than in 2019, when 28% of Hawai‘i’s eighth graders were at or above proficient in math.
• In 2022, nearly 4 in 10 (39%) of Hawai‘i students were chronically absent from school. This share is more than double what it was in 2019, when 18.5% of students were chronically absent.
• Of special concern is that a majority (59%) of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students were reported as chronically absent in 2022, reflecting many disparities and barriers to learning that they face.
• Hawai‘i ranked in the bottom third of states  (38th) in economic well-being, mostly due to ranking 47th in housing cost burden.
• Hawai‘i also ranked in the bottom third of the nation (37th) for parent’s employment, with more than 1 in 4 (28%) of children living in families where no parent had full-time, year-round employment in 2022.

Click here for more on Hawaii’s profile.

Gov. Josh Green has named veteran state lawmaker Roy Takumi to the helm of the Board of Education following the abrupt resignation of Warren Haruki, who held the position for less than a year.

Haruki submitted his resignation to the board on March 11, citing the need to focus on his health and other personal pursuits. He was appointed as chair last June.

Read more at Honolulu Civil Beat –  https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/03/hawaii-board-of-education-to-get-new-leader-for-the-third-time-in-2-years

Governor Josh Green celebrates #PublicSchoolsWeek by sharing why it’s important to support Hawai‘i public schools and invest in our students.

https://www.facebook.com/HIDOE808/videos/697796362518934/

Please keep this page bookmarked as we will post the bills that we are following this legislative session.  We will keep you up to date on hearings and the status of the bills.
 
https://ppshi.org/2024-legislative-bills/ 

Saturday, January 20, 2024
1pm – 2pm

Many Hawai’i families worry about the changes their elementary children face in transitioning to middle/intermediate school. Over the past years, thousands of parents have told us our “Untangling Adolescence” workshop made a big difference for them.

An educational psychology professor (who is also a parent) provides an enjoyable and enlightening presentation on how adolescents think and change.

Parents, come and learn how you can help your child.

Educators, come and see if this is a program you’d like us to present to parents at your school.

Register for this FREE online event http://tinyurl.com/UntanglingAdolescence

Email us at info@ppshi.org if you have any questions.

Click on the following presentation for Superintendent Hayashi’s summary of the current information on the conditions in West Maui.

https://tinyurl.com/MauiReport082423