D.O.E. Project
Deron Doi(D.O.E.), Cathy Shanks, Mary Williamson and Bev will work with the teachers to promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools. Deron reported that he wants to teach teachers fitness and the importance of physical activity so they'll take the children out to play and include P.A. in their daily curriculum. Bev and Deron on working on the "Chair-ish your body" program and funding opportunities will be explored.

Deron Doi from D.O.E. reported that GFK and DOE are partnering to come up with "teacher friendly" activities for kids. This would include as little as 5 minutes of aerobic activity that could be done anytime throughout the school day. Deron explained that Bev will present the "Chair-ish Your Body" program to the elementary school facility so that they themselves can experience the program and "buy into it." DOE and GFK are planning to provide teachers with a cassette tape of music as well as an instructional booklet in a complete package. The booklet would contain photos of the exercises as well as written instruction. There would be 10 lesson plans in all. GFK and DOE are hoping to get this program implemented by the end of 2003 if not before. Bev and Deron will be looking into funding opportunities for the music, booklets and other materials.

Deron went on to tell us that the Big Island is very interested in this program and Deron would like to fly Bev over to meet with Big Island DOE reps.

Bev shared a California study that showed the positive relationship between physical activity and academic achievement. Deron shared that DOE wants to cut the 1 year requirement of P.E. to a semester. There was group discussion about this and ways GFK could advocate keeping P.E. in schools.

Deron finished off by announcing that he had a curriculum for the emersion schools if Marla would like a copy. (Now that's what partnership is all about!)

Ho'ola Lahui Hawaii
Ho'ola Lais also working in the Hawaiian Emersion schools in Kapaa and Kekaha teaching students physical activity and nutrition. They have hired 2 new staff members that are helping implement these programs.