KAILUA, Oahu (AP) — Parents of kindergarteners at a Kailua elementary school have reported to police that their children are being denied water in class following an incident involving a 5-year-old boy who was treated for dehydration early in the school year.
KAILUA, Oahu (AP) — Parents of kindergarteners at a Kailua elementary school have reported to police that their children are being denied water in class following an incident involving a 5-year-old boy who was treated for dehydration early in the school year.
“He told the teacher repeatedly that he had felt sick,” said the boy’s mother, Ashlynn Hurst.
Five sets of parents have filed police reports with the Honolulu Police Department complaining that their children are being denied water and cool air in class at Mokapu Elementary School, Hawaii News Now reported (https://bit.ly/1JQu6wB).
The parents claim the teacher only allowed students to get water during recess and lunch recess.
Sara Garcie said her daughter would also complain about being thirsty after being picked up from school.
“We would ask her, ‘well did you ask for water? And she would say, yes, but I got told ‘no’, not while we’re on the carpet,’” Garcie said.
The Department of Education said in a statement that they investigated the claims and had confidence that students have access to water. In regards to Hurst’s son, they said administrators are confident the teacher handled the student appropriately.
“Our students are never denied the opportunity to get access to water. The school administration looked into the issue and believes this was miscommunication that turned into a personal matter.”
The school also said it is now accepting donated fans to help circulate air in warm classrooms.
Hurst had her son moved to a different kindergarten class at the school. She said his new teacher allows students to keep water at their desks.