Health Policies and Procedures

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01-03-2023

01.03.23 UPDATE

All classes are operating on a normal schedule. Face coverings remain optional for all students. Please make sure all your child's health records are updated by January 10th. 

05.03.22 UPDATE 

All face coverings are optional for students. Morning temp checks will still take place. 

12.02.21 UPDATE

Ka Lama Iki administration and school board are monitoring the new OMICRON variant of COVID. 

12.01.21 UPDATE TO TRAVEL POLICY 

Ka Lama Iki will not require students, at this time, visiting the mainland for the holidays, to quarantine 5 days before returning to school if a negative COVID-19 test is provided within 24 hours of returning to school. The school may require extra rapid testing if results are not submitted upon returning. 

Please keep your child home if symptoms of illness or fever appear in any household member, at any point in your travel. **This may change without warning if a new threat variant is introduced to the public/community. 

11.01.21 VACCINATION UPDATE

Ka Lama iki will not require students to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine at this time, as this is a family choice. Ka Lama Iki leadership does encourage each family to DILIGENTLY research safe and medically reliable sources regarding the vaccine, and to consult with medical professionals with any questions.

8.02.21 COVID FAQs

Will you start face to face learning?

• Yes, all students Kindergarten-8th grade begin school August 9th, 2021 with noon dismissal.

Will masks be required? 

• Ka Lama Iki will strive to minimize the need for students to wear masks in a safe manner by setting up classrooms according to social distancing rules and frequent cleaning that minimize contamination. 
• Students and teachers will be required to wear masks for close-contact activities indoors at all times. 
• Students and staff will not be required to wear a mask when outdoors in open air, but must practice safe bubble spacing. 
• Students working at their own desks and practicing social distancing will be allowed to remove their mask at teacher discretion.
• Students will be asked to wear masks during before and aftercare supervision unless participating in physical activity outside and practicing social distancing.
• The office will always have extra masks on property if needed.

Precautions for drop off and pick-up routine:

• An office kiosk has been purchased for all students and visitors entering the main office. All teachers have hand held thermometers. 
• We know that the pros of a private school are being able to socialize and spend more time on campus, but due to COVID-19 we must ask that all parents will remain in their cars when possible. Parents must wear masks on campus at all times until further notice.
• Staff will use radios at the entrance gate each day. Students will be dismissed directly from classrooms each afternoon. 
• Continue to use the identification signs in windshields with no parking unless dropping off supplies, etc. 
• Student(s) temperatures will be taken before student enters a classroom in a non-invasive manner via forehead or kiosk (Includes before-care and late drop off)
• All students will REMAIN in their drop-off car until 7:45 am if there is no need for beforecare. 
• NO STUDENTS will be left unattended by class doors prior to 7:45 am on the stairs/hallway area.

When are students asked to stay home? 

  Guidelines provided by the CDC state that students should stay at home if he/she (or anyone in the shared household) shows:

• Fever at 100.5 or higher
• Dry cough or Shortness of breath
• Persistent pain in chest
• Bluish lips or face
• Traveled or has come into contact with anyone traveling unvaccinated who has not passed COVID-19 test to enter the state.
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy nose, congestion, sore throat 

If a student exhibits any of the above symptoms, parents (and/or emergency contacts) will be contacted to pick the student up within the hour. 

• A student showing symptoms of illness will be kept in an isolated area away from others in a calm, supervised area while wearing a mask until pick up.
• Students cannot return to class until being 24 hours symptom free. 

How will lunch time be accommodated? 

• Lunch will be eaten in the open-air cafeteria where social distancing can be enforced. Students will not eat directly across from each other.
• Hot lunches made in the cafeteria will be in “to go” boxes and prepared by qualified staff only, wearing masks and gloves at all times. 
• No food/beverages can be shared by students at any time.

What will the classroom be like and how many students in each classroom?

• Ohana Bubbles: Ka Lama Iki will keep the same group of students within the same class cohort throughout the day; Classes will limit blending inside the classroom until the COVID-19 case count drastically decreases. 
• Proper hand washing during transitions.
• Class sizes will be kept under 20 students at all times. 
• Students will continue to use social distancing to prevent infecting others.
• Shared use of toys and supplies: Students are not allowed to share common items that are difficult to clean or disinfect.  

When are clearing and disinfecting measures being implemented?

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (i.e. playground equipment, door handles, bathrooms, sink handles) between use.  
• Teachers will provide clear expectations of when hands should be washed and when surfaces should be cleaned. 
• Water bottles must be used by each student, as our communal water fountains will remain off. Sanitized fill stations will be provided for EACH classroom. 
• Students wash their hands when coming in from playing outside, before eating, and when around other students in close proximity.
• Each classroom has purchased extended air filtration to lessen contamination in the air.
• Ventilation: Windows will be kept open when temperatures are safe to do so.

How are you ensuring campus safety? 

• Hand Hygiene
• Stay Home if Ill
• Monitor Health
• Signage
• Visitors: We will limit non-essential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups and organizations on school campuses until restrictions are lifted.

How will chapels be held in the auditorium? 

• Friday chapels will be held within each classroom virtually until the COVID-19 numbers drastically decrease. 

What if a student contracts COVID-19?

• Ka Lama Iki relies heavily on the honor system and appreciates families understanding the importance of following guidelines and informing Ka Lama Iki of ANY exposure of COVID-19 to staff or students as soon as possible. 
• If in any case we are alerted that a staff member or student/family member in the household has contracted COVID-19, Ka Lama Iki will follow the proper protocol set forth by the Hawaii Department of Health to contain and inform parents as soon as possible.

Before and after school extended care expectations:

• Begins at 6:15 am and ends at 5:30 pm.  
• Before and aftercare can not be treated as additional play time for students wanting socialization.
• Before care will be held outside in the cafeteria where the temperature of a student must be scanned BEFORE a parent can leave campus.

Will the school participate in off-campus activities?

• Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, Ka Lama Iki classes will only participate in outdoor off-campus activities and field trips until further notice. 
• Sports at HMA will continue for 7th-8th graders (See HMA sport policy). 

• Can my child celebrate their birthday in class?
  • No non-essential visitors will be allowed within any classroom until further notice. 
  • Plan ahead and notify the teacher 24+ hours prior.
  • Please drop off pre-sealed (preferably healthy and low sugar) snacks and/or goodie bags in the office for a staff member to retrieve. 

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Live COVID-19 Updates

Update: 6/14/2021 Hawaii enters Tier 4 

At this time, HMA Ka Lama Iki will continue to abide by all Hawaii State lawas and restrictions within tier 4. 

TRAVEL 2/15/21

• Please avoid unnecessary travel. If your child has traveled outside the state of Hawaii, you are required to notify principal@kalamaiki.org. 
• Travel in and out of the State of Hawaii should adhere to the State of Hawaii mandates, policies, and measures for safety requirements at all times due to the pandemic. 
• Approval to return to school, after travel is completed, is necessary. The State of Hawaii mandates a 14-day quarantine OR, as of October 15th, a negative COVID-19 test result.  Parents will need to provide the school with a second, follow up COVID test 5-7 days following all travel.

Safety Guidelines

• Small class sizes: Ka Lama Iki is very lucky to have a smaller student population. Fortunately, the school is rather isolated and is approved to go forward with plans to reopen safely in accordance to CDC guidelines. Ka Lama Iki continues to monitor the changing reports and will remain vigilant in implementing the most recent guidelines for student safety. If any changes occur pertaining to the rising cases, we will reassess and inform.
• Temperatures: When your child arrives on campus--  if no fever OR symptoms of both your child and your family are presented—students will receive a stamp or sticker and can go to class. Teachers will also have contactless hand-held thermometers in each classroom. Students who are late, past 8:05, will visit the office and be scanned by our office kiosk. All visitors to the school must have their temperature scanned by the office kiosk. (see FAQs below)
• Cohorts: Due to COVID-19 concerns, Ka Lama Iki has restructured quite a bit to keep your child as SAFE as possible in our ‘ohana "bubbles". Students in each classroom will be in a cohort together all day--and until restrictions are lifted, will be quite isolated from other classrooms for safety reasons. We are excited to plan Zoom-in time with other classrooms to encourage socialization. 
• SIX feet: Students will remain 6 feet apart in class/at lunch and will be permitted to take off their masks when seated safely. Each child will have a "mask bag" where they can safely take them off and put them in a sanitary place instead of letting them fall on the floor, etc. Anytime a student needs to transition around the room or students are working in groups within 3 feet--they will need to wear a mask. 
• Teachers/staff: All adults will wear a mask/shield at all times throughout the day when six feet of distance cannot be maintained until the CDC guidelines are updated. Our staff will be very intentional on keeping both themselves and their students safe at all costs. 
• Hand washing will be a serious skill this year. Handwashing will occur quite frequently. Students will wash their hands with soap and water when entering in the morning, before eating, from outside play, or periodically if working in small groups, etc.
• Lunch time/Recess: Each class will have their own spaces and times for lunch and recess away from other classes. Kitchen staff will prepare all food in 'to-go' containers. Home lunches are always welcome.  
• Physical Education: Students will NOT have to wear a mask during outdoor play as recommended by the CDC, while maintaining socially distant. We have altered our PE curriculum to follow CDC guidelines and though students will be able to bring in their own volleyballs, etc. students in each class will have their own set of equipment. If you would like your child to wear a clear face shield during PE, those are more than welcome. 
• Water: Fill stations have been purchased for each classroom-- water fountains will be turned off. Only the classroom bubble will be allowed to refill at the class station--it will be disinfected between use. 
• School Supplies: School supplies will not be shared-- we will have extra items in case your child runs low.
• Online: Parents who have chosen the remote (online) option for the first few weeks of school will be expected to keep times according to the class schedule. Ka Lama Iki understands that some families have older family members at home, new babies, and/or compromised immune systems. Meeting the needs of these students and families are just as much a priority as face-to-face learning opportunities. COVID is overwhelming, and Ka Lama Iki continues to respect each parent's decision pertaining to the return to school. Students can still socialize, ask questions in live time, and receive tutoring as needed during remote learning. 

For more helpful information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.htm

HMA Ka Lama Iki Reopening Details 

First and foremost, these guidelines can be overwhelming to read all at once. Our first week of school will be quite different, but our teachers will do an excellent job of patiently and intentionally setting up these safety precautions and routines with their students. We do not want students to be fearful and nervous, but educated on proper hand washing and self awareness. Ka Lama Iki will continue to follow all recommended guidelines, although consistently changing, and the office will continue to update and inform you of changes to these guidelines as instructed by the CDC and the Department of Health.

• Will you start face to face learning?
  • Yes, we plan to begin school August 3rd, 2020. It will be a half day.
  • Kindergarten start days will be staggered to 5 students per class for the first three days of school and have noon dismissals.
  • Ka Lama Iki will continue to follow the state Department of Health and CDC guidelines and will not hesitate to change our opening date based on these guidelines. 

• How will COVID-19 affect the drop off routine?
  • The principal will be conducting temperature checks at the entrance gate, while asking several wellness questions before students can continue to class.
  • An office kiosk has been purchased for all students and visitors entering the main office. All teachers have hand held thermometers. 
  • We know that the pros of a private school are being able to socialize and spend more time on campus, but due to COVID-19 we must ask that all parents will remain in their cars when possible until recommended restrictions pertaining to social distancing are lifted. Parents must wear masks on campus.
  • Students will not use the auditorium for dismissal due to the need of social distancing. We will dismiss from classrooms, BUT continue our circle/identification signs in windshields with no parking unless dropping off supplies, etc. 
  • Student(s) temperatures will be taken before parent leaves campus in a non-invasive manner via forehead or kiosk (Includes before-care and late drop off)

• When are students asked to stay home? Guidelines provided by the CDC state that students should stay at home if he/she (or anyone in the shared household) has:
  • Fever at 100.4 or higher
  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain in chest
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Traveled or has come into contact with anyone traveling who has not passed COVID-19 testing (per June 24 notice from the Governor)
  • Diarrhea
  • Stuffy nose, congestion, sore throat 
  • If a student exhibits any of the above symptoms, parents (or emergency contacts) will be contacted to pick the student up within the hour. 
  • A student showing symptoms will be kept in an isolated area away from others in a calm, supervised area while wearing a mask until pick up.
  • Students will not be accepted back into school until being 72 hours symptom free. (as per current CDC guidelines)

• Will masks be required?  Ka Lama Iki will continually monitor the changing recommendations of the CDC and Hawaii Department of Health, that being said:  
• Ka Lama Iki will try to minimize the need for students to wear masks in a safe manner by setting up classrooms according to social distancing rules and frequent cleaning that minimize contamination. Social interaction is a key developmental stage in a learner’s school experience. 
• Students and teachers will be expected to wear masks for close-contact activities (ie. cooperative group work, small group interaction within 6 feet, etc.)
• Staff visiting a different classroom will wear a mask upon entering.
• Students working at their own desks and practicing social distancing of 6 ft will be allowed to remove their mask.
• Students will be asked to wear masks during before and aftercare supervision unless participating in physical activity outside and practicing social distancing.
• Ka Lama Iki is actively following the recommendations and benefits of wearing face shields for younger students needing more teacher facial cues, social interaction, etc. 
• The office will have extra masks on property if needed.

• How will lunch time be accommodated? 
  • Lunch will be eaten in the open-air cafeteria where social distancing can be enforced. Students will not eat across from each other.
  • Hot lunches made in the cafeteria will be in “to go” boxes and prepared by qualified staff only, wearing masks and gloves at all times. 
  • No food/beverages can be shared at any time.
  • Unfortunately, we will NOT allow any birthday foods to be supplied until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Birthdays can be celebrated with other non-edible favors and will need to be planned with the teacher a week in advance. No other children or adults will be allowed into the classroom at any time, including younger siblings. 
  • Microwaves: We will have one student per microwave and have handles wiped down with disinfectant wipe between each use.

• How will before and aftercare be safer for students?
  • Before care routines are being updated. Students will have to sign up for before AND  aftercare if families need to drop off students BEFORE 7:45 am. 
  • Before and aftercare can not be treated as additional play time for students wanting socialization. 
  • Before care will be held inside where temperatures of students must be scanned BEFORE a parent can leave campus. Students will remain 6 feet apart with masks on during before care 6 am-7:45 am. 
  • All students will REMAIN in their drop-off car until 7:45 am. At that time teachers will be at their classroom doors ready to check for healthy student stamps/stickers or rescan students coming in past the scanning time at the main gate. 
  • NO STUDENTS will be left unattended by class doors prior to 7:45 am. 
  • NO STUDENTS will congregate by the cafeteria at any time. 
  • Aftercare will be covered by certified teachers only Monday-Thursday. Students will remain in a teacher’s disinfected classroom and NOT at the cafeteria area. Friday will be staffed by our trained before and aftercare supervisor due to teacher planning needs. 

• What will the classroom be like and how many students in each classroom?
  • Cohorts: Ka Lama Iki will keep the same group of students within the same group throughout the day; Classes will not blend in the classroom as before. We have restructured the ‘rotating’ classes for upper grades/middle school to remain in a single homeroom classroom. Teachers will be moving to student classes- as allowing all students to be in one classroom for the majority of the day. (With exceptions to P.E, labs, and lunchtime) 
  • Class sizes will be kept under 20 students at all times. 
  • Physical Distancing: Students will maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between seats, including group tables. At least 6 feet of distance will be maintained if students are seated facing each other. This will determine the safe amount of students per class.
  • Face Coverings: Face coverings must be worn during small group time with teachers or when physical distancing is difficult. Students will be able to have as much fresh air without a mask as possible. 
  • Shared use of toys and supplies: We can not allow the sharing of items that are difficult to clean or disinfect.  Classrooms will have a cleaning schedule for equipment, materials and assistive devices that must be shared. 
  • Personal Items: We will separate each child’s belongings separate from others in the classroom. 
  • Travel: We can only pursue virtual activities and events; no off site field trips are allowed (until those restrictions from the health department are lifted)

• When are clearing and disinfecting measures being implemented?
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (e.g. playground equipment, door handles, bathrooms, sink handles) between use.  
  • Teachers will provide a guide of when hands should be washed and when surfaces should be cleaned. 
  • Water bottles must be used by each student, as our communal water fountains will be turned off. Sanitized fill stations will be provided for EACH classroom. 
  • Students wash their hands when coming in from playing outside, before eating, and when around other students in close proximity.
  • Frequent cleaning of classroom areas and common areas (will occur after any transition time. We have purchased a large amount of disinfecting wipes for extra sanitation. 
  • Ventilation: Windows will be kept open when temperatures are safe to do so.

• How are you ensuring campus safety? 
  • Hand Hygiene: We have soap and water and/or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol available in work and public settings for use by employees and the students. 
  • Stay home if Ill: Educating staff, students, faculty, and their families about the importance of staying at home when ill and when they can return to school.
  • Monitor Health: We will continue to screen staff, students, and visitors for overt signs of illness in a safe and respectful manner.
  • Signage: Signs will be in highly visible locations to promote everyday protective measures on how to prevent spreading germs by properly washing hands, properly wearing a face covering and physical distancing, and staying home when feeling ill.
  • Visitors: We will limit non-essential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups and organizations on school campuses until restrictions are lifted. 
  • Travel outside of Hawaii: All quarantine regulations set by the state will also be strictly enforced. If students leave Hawaii, they must not return to school without properly quarantining at home for the recommended amount of days. 
  • Ka Lama Iki is not accepting any international students at this time.
• How will chapels be held in the auditorium? 

• Friday chapels will be held in smaller groups in the auditorium with chairs 6 feet apart and limited to one class at a time.
• All other students will be watching remotely from their classrooms screens for all auditorium chapels and assemblies. 

• Will your Ka Lama Iki offer Online Remote Learning? 
  • Yes! For parents who inquire directly with the principal, students can choose to work remotely until the threat of COVID-19 is minimized. 
  • Remote learning is determined on a case by case basis and strict guidelines will be created between each family and teacher to assure student’s needs are being met and that parents and teachers are clear on expectations of both involved. 

• What if a student contracts COVID-19?
  • Ka Lama Iki relies heavily on the honor system and appreciates families understanding the importance of following guidelines and informing Ka Lama Iki of ANY exposure of COVID-19 to staff or students as soon as possible. 
  • If in any case we are alerted that a staff member or student/family member in the household has contracted COVID-19, Ka Lama Iki will follow the proper protocol set forth by the Hawaii Department of Health to contain and inform parents as soon as possible.