Shocked that geographic exception was denied

What are schools doing to ease stress and harm to our children? I have been an active member of my children’s educational journey since preschool. I’ve participated in afterschool activities, cookie sales, fun runs, etc. I was even willing to work with my children’s school last year when a staff member of the A+ program sprayed my kindergartner with a hose for having an accident, so I was shocked to learn that my children’s geographic exception was denied this year due to capacity. My daughters have always attended this school while living outside of their district. They are acclimated with not only staff but their friends as well. They have roots and connections there and isn’t that what Hawaii is all about?

With all the changes implemented on our students due to COVID I am saddened and discouraged at the DOE’s decision to proceed and take part in a “warm hand off” which could add more stress and confusion at this time. I am extremely disappointed by this decision and ask how I can trust a department who took 12 hours to turn their backs on these children. Maybe the school is facing capacity issues but aren’t all schools facing the same problem? Does continuing the conduct of care they were already receiving from adults they have grown to know and trust mean nothing? If so it frightens me of what else is to come from the opening of schools. Glad to see that no child is being left behind! Nicole Walker Wailuku