Are you a school leader, parent, student, or simply interested in all things school wellness? Review important updates, upcoming opportunities and school highlights! 

CHANGES TO BLUE ZONES PROJECT

HAWAII ARE COMING!

After nearly ten years of dedicated community effort and positive impact, important changes are coming to Blue Zones Project in Hawaii. As we enter the new year, a new scope of work in 2024 will focus on worksite well-being thanks to the continued sponsorship of HMSA. 

We encourage every school to keep the momentum established by Blue Zones Project going and continue your commitment to making a lasting impact on the youth and communities we love. As Blue Zones Project enters its new phase of worksite well-being programming, let’s celebrate the accomplishments and lessons learned along the way.

Through the tireless work and participation of organizations, schools, and community members like you, we have successfully implemented numerous initiatives that have positively impacted nearly 750,000 individuals across the state. Because of your participation:

• Seven communities across Hawaii are now certified Blue Zones Communities®.
• More than 1,000 organizations and businesses have partnered with Blue Zones Project to improve community well-being, including 64 schools who became Blue Zones Project Approved^TM and 34 schools who became dual-approved as schools and worksites.
• We have passed dozens of policies at the county and statewide level to improve food equity, reduce tobacco use and create tobacco-free spaces, and enhanced built environments to promote safety and accessibility.
• Chronic disease risk factors have improved significantly, and countless individuals have shared first-hand stories about the positive impact Blue Zones Project has had on their lives. 
  

Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment, enthusiasm, and belief in the power of creating positive change. Please reach out if you are interested in supporting Blue Zones Project in its next chapter by emailing bluezonesprojecthawaii@sharecare.com.

Island Pacific Academy Leads Giving Tree Initiative for Maui Families

Island Pacific Academy has had a longstanding giving tree program for a local transitional housing shelter. When the shelter closed earlier this year, IPA’s Sustainability and Innovation Coordinator, Katherine Jones, developed a new initiative called the Maui Giving Tree.

Katherine mentioned that when she was meeting with area leaders and researching alternative giving initiatives this past fall, she found that all the donation drives for Maui focused on household items and she worried the children of displaced families might not be receiving holiday gifts this year. So, this season, IPA led efforts to collect toys and books for Maui keiki.

Donation partners include the Blue Zones Project Hawai’i team, Mauka Lani Elementary School, Austin Tsutsumi & Associates, and Fukuji & Lum PT. ‘Ewa Community Church will facilitate shipping, and donations will be received and distributed by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club on Maui.

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Waiakea High School’s Keiki Fun Run 

Waiakea High School’s Annual Keiki Fun Run, a student-organized event, was held on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. A record-breaking 800+ students from area schools participated in the 17^th Fun Run, which is meant to promote healthy lifestyles. This year also featured a Health Fair with games and informational booths for youth and their families.

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Kid-friendly Homemade Holiday Gifts and Decorations

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Learn more at www.bzphawaii.com