School is back in session: Hopes for A+in attendance

HONOLULU (KHON2) — School is back in session, and attendance is a top priority.

“Attendance matters, to have our kids in school every day for the full day. It’s so important to know that when kids are in school, that is when the learning happens,” Superintendant of HIDOE Keith Hayashi said.

The Hawaii State Department of Education has expanded students access to transporation that will provide safe and reliable rides to school.

“So last year our high school students, with partnership [from the county] were able to leverage the county busses. This year, that offer is being expanded to middle school students. So we have about 2,000 more students who have signed up, middle school students,” said Hayashi.

Access to free school lunches has been provided for more students.

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“This year we have about 11,000 more students who will be eating free… those reduced students who qualified for reduced lunch this year will eat free,” said Hayashi.

A focus on integrating more local ingredients has also been a priority.

Hayashi added, “We really want to focus on locally sourced [meals] so we are offering many options this year.”

HIDOE wants to remind parents and the community of their responsiblities during the school year.

“We want to remind all the parents and the communities to be sure and be aware. Students might be walking to school safety is really important,” said Hayashi.

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Keeping students in the classroom can become a lot eaiser with more accessible transportation for students of all ages.