East Hawaii keiki spent some time getting used to COVID-19 protocols while immersed in ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center’s Halau Lamaku last month.
‘Imiloa’s summer enrichment program provides social and academic stimulation for children in a safe environment. Children participate in place-based learning in the center’s museum, planetarium and the surrounding native gardens.
Each week offered new lessons revolving around native species, geology, volcanology and astronomy. The program also introduced education about COVID-19.
“The kids have been very receptive to our protocol, especially after our germ unit,” Education Manager Anya Tagawa said. “We’ve had to change a lot about our regular program, but the kids are happy to have structured time with others again.”
Keiki were divided up into five groups of nine so they could interact with the same people every day. There also were more rules put in place regarding restroom breaks, hand-washing and social interaction.
“Our new schedule is wrapped around COVID-19,” Tagawa said. “We took out all physical touching, every student has their own supplies, the desks are spaced 6 feet apart, and we do not have a large group time with them together.”
Participants were asked to wear masks for the entirety of the day and to stay socially distanced. Visual cues and reminders from teachers were necessary for some keiki as they got used to a new normal during the pandemic.
“The kids have been so good at adapting to this, and I think it’s great practice for school,” Tagawa said. “Sometimes, they even get excited about sanitizing desks and other materials right after they might touch something.”
The three-week program was open to students entering first- through fifth-grade. Keiki could come for the duration of the program or participate for one or two weeks, since the curriculum was always changing.
When school ended in the spring and summer programs were cut or changed, many keiki were starved for learning and social interaction.
“I think giving kids some structure after a long time without school is so important,” parent Alexa Hough said. “My daughter is really doing well with understanding the rules around COVID, while still being able to play with other kids.”
Parents and guardians also have been ready for their keiki to do something different and get out of the house for a little bit.
“COVID-19 has been really hard on Nicolas,” guardian Pua Evans said. “He is such a social kid, and now that he gets to interact with others, it makes things much easier at home.”
On July 30, the state Board of Education approved a recommendation to delay the start of school to today — nearly two weeks later than initially planned — and schools will utilize distance-learning for most students until Sept. 11.
Although the delay was intended to help teachers get ready for the school year, some parents and guardians are concerned about their options for child care during the day.
“It’s hard enough for me to get work done and watch Nicolas and I’m sure other parents are having a hard time too,” Evans said. “I don’t know how school is going to go for us with in-person and virtual schedules. It’s going to require a lot of flexibility.”
However, based on the success and safety of the summer program, as well as parents’ needs for childcare, ‘Imiloa has decided to expand Halau Lamaku into the fall.
“We decided to extend the program to help families with the challenges they may face with virtual schooling,” Executive Director Ka‘iu Kimura said. “We have the facilities and expertise to continue to do this and help kids succeed.”
‘Imiloa’s first fall session will begin on Aug. 31, with registration opening on Tuesday for members and Thursday for nonmembers.
“My keiki will be going to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with distance learning on Fridays, which is simply insufficient,” parent Elena Cabatu said in a letter to the DOE. “Our keiki need more, and working parents need support.”
To help expand the program, leadership at ‘Imiloa applied for Coronavirus Relief Fund grants with Hawaii County.
“If we are able to receive funding from the grant, then we could expand the program to 81 students,” Kimura said. “This will help us be able to offer more daily academic support for more keiki.”
If the grant is not approved, ‘Imiloa will open the program for 54 students in first- through sixth-grade, regardless.
“I think this is extremely important for kids and parents right now,” Kimura said. “It gives them the opportunity to continue to grow socially and intellectually during this time and will help working parents during the day.”
The fall program will continue to implement place-based learning to help keiki learn about Hawaii, while engaging in outdoor exploration, activities, crafts and observation grounded in Hawaiian culture, science and art.
Halau Lamaku also will include two 40-minute academic time blocks where students will be provided time to work on assigned school work.
The Department of Education has announced more changes to distance learning as the first day of school moves closer, which may bring changes to ‘Imiloa’s fall program.
More information and any updates for interested parents and guardians are available at https://imiloahawaii.org/halau-lamaku.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com