How is your child’s public school performing? It’s the parents’ turn to issue grades.

The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) is gathering feedback from students, parents/guardians and staff about its public schools through the annual School Quality Survey.

The deadline to complete and return the survey is March 13, and all responses will remain anonymous.

Participation last year was disappointing.

“We highly encourage parent participation in this feedback survey, as last year’s return rate was only 28 percent,” said Rodney Luke, assistant superintendent, Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance.

“This is a great opportunity for parents to share their feedback on what works and where we can improve in providing a quality education for their children. We want them to know that their voice matters, and the department is listening.”

The survey results provide information on how schools are doing with respect to campus culture, satisfaction, safety and engagement.

Feedback gathered is used to support planning and improvement efforts, and fulfill legislative and Board of Education requirements.

Students in grades 3-12 took the survey online at school. Teachers, administrative office staff and instructional support staff have the opportunity to take the survey from now until March 13.

Parents/guardians of the students in grades K-12 should have, or will receive, a hard copy of the survey form along with a prepaid postage envelope. Replacements for lost survey forms can be requested at the child’s school office.

To review the detailed SQS reports on Lahaina’s schools, go to arch.k12.hi.us/. Hover over the “School” tab on the main page, then click “SQS: School Quality Survey” to search by year and school.