Are you a school leader, parent, student, or simply interested in all things school wellness? Check out our monthly updates for upcoming opportunities and school highlights!
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
May is National Bike Month
For those on O’ahu, Hawai’i Bicycle League is hosting a LOT of activities like energizer stations, bike safety classes or intro to e-bikes. You can also get involved with one of their volunteer opportunities. View all events and get more information here: www.hbl.org/bikemonth.
On Big Island, tune up your bike and ride! If you don’t have your own, rent a bike, e-bike, or use one of the many rideshare bike stations around the island. Bike your neighborhood, join a tour, or bike through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park where there are trails for every skillset. Visit https://pathhawaii.org/may-is-bike-month for more ideas and tips.
On Maui, join the Ride of Silence on May 20th, honoring cyclists who have been hit or killed while riding on public roadways. Stay tuned in to Maui Bicycling League for other educational opportunities, rides, and events.
On Kaua’I, take part in Pedal to the Meadow, a hill-climb road race on Saturday, May 27th. Cycle from sea-level at Kekaha up to Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in Koke`e State Park, climbing over hills and through the woods. Distance = 15.75 miles; Elevation gain = 3,835 feet!! If that sounds a bit daunting, join Sunday’s relaxed group ride along the east side/north shore.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and KidsGardening have announced their new Lots of Compassion grant program, designed to support local leaders looking to transform vacant lots into gardens to help grow compassion in their community. In 2023, 10 grantees will receive $20,000 each to transform a vacant lot into a garden. A total of $200,000 will be awarded annually.
Add Movement to Your Math Toolbox
Explore the science behind movement-based learning and experience simple, yet effective ways to integrate more movement into your K-12 classroom, P.E. lessons, and after-school programs Math & Movement resources.
Register for the live event on May 23, 6-7PM (EST). Cannot attend live? You can still receive the recording by registering.
Summer Enrichment for Wai`anae and `Ewa Moku
The 11th Mālama 'Āina Field School program happening this summer for students currently in grades 7-9. This will be run as a three-week summer enrichment program focusing on sustainable agriculture in Hawai'i and will include content-driven lessons/projects, problem-based learning, and huaka'i* (field trips) to multiple sites each week.
Students may be eligible to receive up to a $100 stipend award upon successful completion of course requirements. Qualified applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis, and recruitment for the program will continue until enrollment is filled, so apply early!
Program Dates:
June 5 to June 23, 2023 (Monday - Friday)
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center at Māʻili
87-790 Kulauku Street, Wai‘anae, HI 96792
*Transportation from meeting location as well as lunch on huaka'i dates will be provided.
BRIGHT SPOTS
What's Happening in Schools to Support Wellness?
Keiki Rainbow Run = a Ton of Fun!
Schools from all over O’ahu were represented at the 2023 Keiki Rainbow Run at Kaka’ako Park at the event’s first in-person run since Covid closures. “It was a joy to watch 800 participants (keiki and their parents) challenge themselves on the course,” said Debra Pratt, event coordinator. The run raised $10,000 that will be donated to 31 elementary schools to support P.E. and nutrition programs.
West Hawai 'i Field Day
In March, Project No Ke Ola Pono O Nā Keiki held a “Field Day” event at Hōnaunau Elementary. The Project’s mission is to strengthen schools’ wellness programs & build capacity for quality health & physical education by providing professional development opportunities, community partnerships and an array of fun physical activity stations through which students rotate. Read more about the Honaunau event in Big Island Now’s article.
Second Graders Give Back
Island Pacific Academy 2nd Graders’ completed their annual project-based learning venture tied to their economics unit. They sold bracelets and used the funds to sponsor a family for the Giving Tree, and they purchased soccer goals for the school to improve outdoor play. The soccer goals are now being utilized by the entire school in K-12, for recess, breaks, aftercare, and PE. Katherine Jones, the school’s Sustainability and Innovation Coordinator says, “This is definitely a passion project of the 2nd Grade teachers and helps the kids to be community minded.”
JCHS’ Academies Highlight the Importance of Self-Care
James Campbell High School’s Voices of Campbell ‘Ohana (VOCO) Club coordinated a You-niverse week the second week in April that focused on self-care. Each day was hosted by one of the academic academies and focused on different aspect of staying healthy, from staying safe on social media to keeping the creative juices flowing.
Campbell 4 Causes Showcases Local Resources
Campbell High clubs and academies worked with various causes to help bring awareness to the Saber community. Ewalution 96706, Mālama Loko Ea Foundation, Hale Kipa, and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers were just some of the many community partners sharing info and resources.
Mia Fetalco, one of the student organizers says, “Not only have [these organizations] made an impact in my life, but they have also made an impact in the hundreds of students that attend Campbell.”
Join the Well-Being Movement!
Email our team to learn more about partnering with us to make healthy choices easier at your worksite, school, grocery store, restaurant, or faith-based organization.
Check out all participating organizations.
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Learn more at www.bzphawaii.com
