Hawaiʻi State Department of Education

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) will implement changes to school meal pricing, including expanded access to free meals for more students. Under Act 139 (Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2025), students who qualify for reduced-price meals will now receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day. This means no cost for qualifying students, helping to ensure more students have access to nutritious meals to succeed. Read more at https://lnkd.in/e9hgACiy #HIDOEnews

State and local leaders gathered to break ground on a new education and community facility that will serve as the future home of the Wahiawā Public Library, University of Hawaiʻi Community College satellite classrooms, and Hawaiʻi State Department of Education offices. https://lnkd.in/gW6P6knq #HIDOEnews

The unassuming campus mural has impact to spark inspiration, affirm school culture, and color core memories. For this school year, our new monthly Mural Moʻolelo series will feature the meaningful artwork found on public school walls, gyms and buildings. The series will delve into mural history and how they create pilina between students, school, community and legacy. The first post highlights a first — the state’s first stained-glass mural, “Kīpapa and the Path of Light.” Former teacher Susan Kam first conceived of the mural and rallied to have the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts commission a work that would express the heart of the school and bring students, staff and community together. Story highlights: ✔️Discover “Easter eggs” hidden in the mural  ✔️Volunteers invited to fit 15,000 mosaic tiles ✔️Hula dancer sibling and mural model returns to  campus To learn more, click link: https://bit.ly/40EqAE2

At this year’s Educational Leadership Institute (ELI), over 1,200 school leaders and educators gathered to launch the new school year united around a powerful equation: (why)^we = student success. Superintendent Keith Hayashi and keynote speaker Shalinee Sharma, CEO and co-founder of Zearn, challenged everyone to see math not just as numbers, but as a mindset. It’s a way of thinking that opens doors, builds confidence and fuels innovation. Together, we’re leading for student success. Neʻepapa! #HIPublicSchoolsProud #ELI2025

Fifteen Nānākuli and Waiʻanae high school students wrapped up a six-week paid summer internship organized by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi Education and Workforce Development program in partnership with the HIDOE. Students were matched with an employer that aligned with their career interests and received hands-on learning opportunities and valuable mentorship. Participating employers included Cutter Auto, MAD-learn, Old Town Pizzeria, Searider Productions Foundation, Hawaiiverse, Noʻeau Designers and Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Congratulations, interns! #HIPublicSchoolsProud

The "Kumu Kākoʻo" (Teacher Support) Initiative is a streamlined process for newly hired public school teachers to access short-term, low-interest loans through partnerships with local credit unions. There are 24 local credit unions statewide that will offer newly hired teachers quick access to a variety of loan options to help bridge the financial gap between getting hired and receiving their first paycheck. For a list of participating credit unions, visit https://lnkd.in/ertq9gS3.

Students took on campus weight rooms, fields, gyms and tracks at over 20 high school summer sports camps as part of the Department’s Summer Learning program. 42 Moanalua High girls charged up stairs and hit the weight room during their three-week volleyball camp. Strength and conditioning was the goal as students honed their skills to take on the competition.

Students entering the sixth grade in the Windward District are participating in the CTE Camp at Kalāheo High School. About 70 students are exploring career pathways in computer science, digital design, film and media, culinary arts, engineering, and agriculture and natural resources. The free, three-day camp is led by Windward area high school teachers and their students.

Summer's for learning! ☀️ The Department's Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design hosted printmaker protégées at the Fine Arts Conference. These teachers soaked up skills to rock the upcoming school year. Multiple printmaking methods were taught such as rubber eraser engraving, traditional ohe kapala (bamboo stamps), roller relief, and utilizing everyday-objects such as keys as a plate — ingenious!

Approximately 200 media arts, dance, and music teachers learn new techniques and refresh their knowledge over the summer at the Fine Arts Conference to prepare for the new school year. Music teachers focused on IRL practical skills such as instrument repair and maintenance. 🎶 Today’s project - the flute - with over 💯 parts to clean!