Congratulations KAHAKAI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
Kahakai Elementary School celebrated their recognition as they became a Blue Zones Project Approved™ school and worksite in West Hawaii. They are the first approved school in West Hawaii and first school to be approved as a worksite on the Big Island.
Staff and teachers celebrate their BZP approval at an all school gathering. From L to R: Shari Yates (Moai Captain and Grade 3 Teacher), Nia Lovell (Vice Principal), Nicole DeLaTorre (Wellness Committee and Grade 4 Teacher), Carol Lam (Grade 3 Teacher), Tiare Hee (Wellness Committee and Grade 1 Teacher), Dr. Denight (Principal)
Kahakai hosted two walk-to-school events in October 2017 and May 2018 for their students. Over a hundred students and their families participated at each walk. Kahakai students walked safely to school with the support of PATH: People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaii, Hawaii County Police and Blue Zones Project volunteers.
Through their participation with the Blue Zones Project, staff at Kahakai participated in walking Moais, walking groups that met weekly for 30 minutes at Walua Trail, over the course of a 10-week period. Their Moais included 19 walkers, with staff participation and retired Kahakai teachers. They have successfully walked more steps as a team than any other Moais in West Hawaii with over 61,000 steps walked.
Kahakai Elementary staff participated in Walking Moais to get healthier and bond with their co-workers. Together, they walked over 61,000 steps!
Kahakai Elementary achieved Blue Zones Project Approved status by successfully adopting best practices that promote well-being, including:
- Promoted turning off electronics at night;
- Enhanced Cafeteria to encourage healthy nutrition choices;
- Hosted a Purpose Workshop for their staff;
- And used Blue Zones Challenge Curriculum to build student self-awareness around nutrition, physical activity and screen time.
Barbara Kossow, Deputy Managing Director - County of Hawaii, keiki, teachers, volunteers and their families pose for a quick photo with the Blue Zones Project Walking School Bus before they walk safely to school in October 2017 on International Walk to School Day.
There are currently 9 total schools, including Kahakai Elementary, in West Hawaii that have engaged with the Blue Zones Project since the community started in 2017.
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Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com
