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Coronavirus updates

Updated April 7, 2020

We continue to carefully monitor the coronavirus situation, which is evolving quickly. It may be necessary for Kamehameha Schools to continue to adapt and update our practices in response to guidance and directives from state and federal health officials. As more information becomes available, we are committed to providing timely, relevant updates about any impacts on KS operations.

School and community education operations

Kamehameha Schools intends to honor the Class of 2020 and is considering alternatives to traditional graduation ceremonies at all three campuses to recognize the achievements of our seniors. Similarly, KS preschool leaders are considering how they will honor the achievement of our youngest haumāna. We will provide you with updates as soon as possible.

All interscholastic athletic competition will be suspended indefinitely until further notice. See Hawaii High School Athletic Association press release.

In-person, on-campus summer school at all three campuses is canceled. As an alternative, we plan to offer distance-learning education programs during the summer at all three campuses, focusing on incoming grades 9-12. We will provide information about course offerings and registration as soon as possible.

For community education:

• Kamehameha Schools Kealakūlia intersession programs scheduled March 16-20 are canceled.
• All Kamehameha Scholars in-person programming, including Holomua ‘Ohana events, is suspended until further notice.
• All in-person community summer programs, including Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i and Kilohana, are canceled.

Events

All other KS events will proceed as scheduled until further notice.

Travel

The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly. Accordingly, we continue to update KS’ travel guidelines for all students and staff. Here’s the latest:

For KS staff, please refer to Ka Ipu o Lono for more information.

Health precautions

This is also a good opportunity to remember that the flu season is still with us. The same everyday precautions that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 can also help prevent the flu. Please continue to follow school protocols, in that any student exhibiting a fever or flu-like symptoms should stay home and have appropriate medical treatment. In addition:

• Students and staff should stay home from school and work until free of fever (100.4°), signs of fever, or any other symptoms for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing or symptom-altering medicines.
• KS students and staff are reminded to practice good respiratory etiquette:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Our goal is always to maintain a clean and healthy learning environment for our students. As such, maintenance and facilities staff are following all routine cleaning procedures, using effective and safe cleaning solutions.

Resources

• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
• CDC’s hygiene etiquette
• CDC’s handwashing video
• CDC FAQs on COVID-19 and children
• Hawai’i Department of Health COVID-19 website
• World Health Organization COVID-19 website