Big Isle pediatricians to DOE: ‘Open our schools’
In a letter sent to Superintendent Christina Kishimoto and local complex area superintendents, six East Hawaii pediatricians — Lauren Stuart, Miki Cain, Darrett Choi, Joseph D’Angelo, Ty DeSilva and Diana Lindreoth — have recommended keiki return to full-time, in-person learning without delay.
Although closing schools to in-person instruction was originally thought necessary to protect the health and safety of the community, the physicians say it’s now clear that the move has had negative impacts on students and their families.
“Depression, suicide attempts … child abuse and domestic violence have skyrocketed dramatically nationwide and on the islands,” the letter reads. “Despite the best efforts of our teachers and aids, online learning cannot adequately provide personalized attention, equal learning opportunities, nutrition or the social and emotional benefits of attending school in person.”
