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September 6 Update from Principal Richard Carosso

Lahainaluna ʻOhana,

 

I want to thank the many of you who attended the DOE community meetings on Maui last week. I know that Superintendent Hayashi appreciated your openness and advocacy for children as the Department continues to explore learning opportunities for our Lahaina students. 

 

For our current situation, Lahainaluna High School will be meeting at Kūlanihākoʻi High School in Kihei for in-person learning starting next week. Please see below for details about attending:

 

  • We will be operating as Lahainaluna High school and maintain our own identity as a unified community.  

  • The first day for students to report is on September 14, 2023.

  • School day will run from 7:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. daily.

  • Students will wear Lahainaluna uniforms or approved club/athletic shirts. We have extras to give out for anyone who may need a uniform/shirt.

  • Free bus service will be available, and families can register at bit.ly/485vRXh.

  • Athletics and select extracurricular activities will run after school, and late buses will be available to return students to the West Side and Kahului.

I understand that this is not the perfect option and many families are now faced with tough decisions. We understand that each family is in a different situation and there are options for different family needs. Families who have already enrolled in other schools or the State Distance Learning Program, may choose to remain at their current school or join us at Kūlanihākoʻi; but families whose students are not currently attending a school will need to either join us at Kūlanihākoʻi, enroll in another school or distance learning, or choose to homeschool their student. 

 

Registration: For students who wish to join Lahainaluna at Kūlanihākoʻi: 

 

  • For Lahainaluna students who have not attended school yet this school year: Nothing needs to be done to attend LHS at Kūlanihākoʻi. We’ll see you on Thursday.

  • If enrolled at another DOE school: See the registrar at your current school to return to Lahainaluna. 

  • If enrolled at a private school: Disenroll from your current school, then come to Kūlanihākoʻi to re-enroll with Lahainaluna.

  • If enrolled in State Distance Learning Program: Complete the SDLP Withdrawal Form  to cancel distance learning. You will automatically be re-enrolled at Lahainaluna.

Busing:

  • The state is working on routes and pick-up/drop-off locations and times in both West  Side and Kahului. More information is forthcoming. You can use this link to access an online bus application. 

  • There will be no fee to ride the bus. 

  • If you have any problems with the application or have further questions about the bus, please call the hotline at (808) 727-6880.

  • Additional buses are being arranged to include students involved in after-school activities.

Student Parking:

  • Students will be allowed to drive to Kūlanihākoʻi.

  • On the first day, staff will be helping direct students to the correct parking lot.

  • Students need to bring their license, registration, and proof of insurance to the Kūlanihākoʻi office on their first day driving to be issued a free parking pass.

Student Schedules:

  • To minimize disruptions when we are allowed to return to the Lahainaluna campus, we will try to keep student’s schedules the same and begin instruction for all their registered courses.

  • Students returning to Lahainaluna from another school or distance learning will also be given their previous schedule.

Meals/ID Cards:

  • At least for the remainder of first quarter, which ends Oct. 6, breakfast and lunch will be free for all Lahainaluna students at the Kūlanihākoʻi campus. 

  • We will be able to make replacement student ID cards for students at the Kūlanihākoʻi campus.

Supplies:

  • Equipment and school supplies for students will be provided. 

  • If you have your school-issued Chromebook, please bring it with you. If you no longer have it, please don’t worry, we will make arrangements to replace it when possible.

Emergency Plan for Road Closures:

 

If you have any other questions, please contact the Department’s support hotline at (808) 727-6880 or text SUPPORT to (808) 736-1427.

Thank you so much for your understanding and patience. I look forward to seeing students once again as we reunite as a Lahainaluna community.

I Mua

Richard