National Emergency Alert System

As part of their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information, should it ever be needed. The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. ET. This test may last up to three and a half minutes, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” When the test is over, regular programming will resume. For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407 and www.FCC.gov . On November 9 at 2 p.m. EDT, please remember: Don’t stress; it’s only a test

Drug Free Schools Pledge

In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, members from the Student Council led students in a Drug Free Pledge during lunch.  The Red Ribbon campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent, in 1986.  This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs.

Act 183 (SLH 2010) Amended Kindergaten Entry Age

The 2010 Legislature passed Act 183, which amends the age requirement for entrance into public school kindergarten.  Beginning School Year 2013-14, students who are five years old by the first day of instruction may enroll in kindergarten.

Currently, the Early Learning Council is working on developing an early learning system that partners both private childcare providers and the public schools to offer quality programs to the student cohort with five-year old birthdates from August 2 to December 31.  Information on the possible plan to partner private childcare providers and public schools will be available next year.

For more information...http://www.doe.k12.hi.us/kindergartenjunior.htm

Assembly with Frank DeLima

Comedian Frank DeLima talked to students in grades K-5 about bullying, respect, hope and "Peanut Butter & Jelly."

National Passenger Safety Week

The Driver Education Program and Honolulu Police Department, in cooperation with police departments across the state are partnering with the Department of Transportation to promote the 2011 National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 18-24, 2011.  Nationally, motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for children aged 3 to 6 and 8 to 14 years of age.

Police officers will be randomly stationed at public elementary schools throughout the state during drop-off and pick-up times to ensure that children are properly restrained.  They will be prepared to answer any questions regarding Hawaii's child restraint laws and cite violations if necessary.