David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is announcing a record number of Hawaii public schools that will be receiving “Excellence in Wellness” awards this spring. Since 2013, public schools have received the award based on their outstanding implementation of the Department of Education’s Wellness Guidelines. The Guidelines are a set of standards for foods and beverages provided to students that include goals for school-based wellness committees, health and physical education, and other practices that support student health.

According to the annual Safety and Wellness Survey (SAWS), a total of 84 Hawaii public elementary, middle, and high schools met over 90 percent of the Wellness Guidelines during the 2014-2015 school year, up from 45 schools in 2013-2014.

“Excellence in Wellness” banners will be presented to school principals during annual fitness meets and at recognition events statewide. The awards are co-sponsored by the Hawaii Department of Health and Action for Healthy Kids.

“The increase in support for wellness in our schools is notable and we hope that this momentum will continue” said Director of Health Virginia Pressler, M.D. “This data demonstrates the successful partnership we have with the DOE to strengthen implementation and monitor the Wellness Guidelines as we move forward.”

The Hawaii Departments of Education and Health jointly administer the SAWS annually to track implementation of the Guidelines. Results indicate a consistently high level of achievement with survey respondents meeting an average of 82 percent of the DOE Wellness Guidelines in 2014-2015.

Highlights from the 2014-2015 SAWS include:

• All school meals (100 percent) continue to meet or exceed federal nutrient standards;
• Health and Physical Education classes align with the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards III at 94 percent and 97 percent of schools, respectively; and
• Students have at least 20 minutes a day of supervised recess, during which they are encouraged to be physically active at 84 percent of schools.

“Healthy habits not only result in a student’s physical wellness but also contribute to a successful pathway in college and career readiness,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “Implementing wellness practices is an important element to ensuring that students are prepared for life after high school. Congratulations to all the schools that have made this a priority.”

The Wellness Guidelines, SAWS, and public reporting of SAWS data fulfills requirements of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act (2004) and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (2010).

The Safety and Wellness Survey Data Report for School Year 2014-15 is available at: https://bit.ly/1QeM3HY

More information about the Wellness Guidelines, visit: https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/HealthAndNutrition/WellnessGuidelines/Pages/home.aspx

Schools Achieving Excellence in Wellness in School Year 2014-2015 (SAWS score of 90 percent or higher):

Ahuimanu Elementary
Kamalii Elementary
Nanakuli Elementary
Aiea High
Kaneohe Elementary
Nanakuli High & Intermediate
Aiea Intermediate
Kanoelani Elementary
Noelani Elementary
Aina Haina Elementary
Kapolei Elementary
Olomana
Ala Wai Elementary
Kapunahala Elementary
Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate
Aliiolani Elementary
Keaau High
Pahoa High & Intermediate
August Ahrens Elementary
King Intermediate
Palisades Elementary
Castle High
Kipapa Elementary
Pearl City Elementary
de Silva Elementary
Kohala High
Pearl Harbor Elementary
Hahaione Elementary
Koloa Elementary
Pope Elementary
Hana High and Elementary
Kuhio Elementary
Pu’u Kukui Elementary
Hauula Elementary
Laie Elementary
Red Hill Elementary
Hawaii Center for the Deaf and the Blind
Lehua Elementary
Salt Lake Elementary
Heeia Elementary
Liholiho Elementary
Scott Elementary
Helemano Elementary
Lokelani Intermediate
Solomon Elementary
Highlands Intermediate
Lunalilo Elementary
Sunset Beach Elementary
Hilo Intermediate
Maemae Elementary
Waialua Elementary
Honaunau Elementary
Makaha Elementary
Waianae Elementary
Iliahi Elementary
Makakilo Elementary
Waimea Canyon Middle
Kaaawa Elementary
Maunawili Elementary
Waipahu Intermediate
Kaahumanu Elementary
Mililani Ike Elementary
Webling Elementary
Kaala Elementary
Mililani Mauka Elementary
William McKinley High
Kahala Elementary
Mililani Uka Elementary
Wilson Elementary
Kahuku Elementary
Moanalua Middle
Waianae High
Kailua Elementary
Mokapu Elementary
Waikele Elementary
Kailua Intermediate
Molokai High
Waikiki Elementary
Kaimiloa Elementary
Momilani Elementary
Waikoloa School
Kalihi-uka Elementary
Nanaikapono Elementary
Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate

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