A Safe and Healthy Learning Environment

The following letter from Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto was sent home with students earlier this year. A PDF version is attached for your convenience.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome your child back to school. In line with the Board of Education's goal of ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for your child, I want to encourage you to please raise any issues concerning bullying, harassment, or discrimination with your school principal immediately so as to allow the principal to act promptly concerning such behavior.

The Department of Education is committed to a safe learning environment. We have done much to promote safety and awareness in our schools. The Department of Education adopted Chapter 19, which was created to address student misconduct, discipline, school searches and seizures, and other related matters. I ask you to please review Chapter 19 with your child, and contact your school administrator should you have any questions concerning Chapter 19.

Additionally, the Board of Education adopted BOE Policy #4211, which is the Anti-Bullying, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Discrimination Against Student(s) by Employee Policy on February 21, 2008. If you believe that your child has been subjected to bullying, harassment, or discrimination by a DOE employee, please complete and submit a complaint form that can be found on our website, at the school, or you may contact the Civil Rights Compliance Office directly for assistance.

Thank you for your continued support of our Hawaii public schools. I look forward to a fulfilling and exciting school year!

Very truly yours,
Patricia Hamamoto
Superintendent