Mid-Pac is working with DOE. How your keiki can benefit

HONOLULU (KHON2) – Mid-Pacific Institute is launching an innovative collaboration with the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) to offer online physical education courses for students in grades 9-12.

The goal of this initiative is to provide critical credit to students who may find it difficult to fit traditional physical education courses into their busy schedules.

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Elizabeth Cleary, vice president of academic affairs at Mid-Pacific Institute, provided insights into the motivation behind this program.

“We wanted to fill a need in our community,” Cleary said. “Many students have demanding schedules full of extracurricular activities that make it difficult to participate in physical education classes during the school day. This online option allows them to earn credits while balancing their obligations.”

Nicole Kuamoo, associate associate director of the Global Exchange Academy at the Mid-Pacific Institute, explained how the idea came about.

“In discussions with the DOE, we have been exploring what we can offer to support students who need these credits,” Kuamoo said. “This program is specifically designed to meet DOE requirements and ensure students receive appropriate recognition for their hard work.”

The online PE course will be a ten-session virtual program running from January to May. Each student must engage in at least 1.48 hours of physical activity per week.

“We structured the course to include weekly check-ins with a teacher who guides students through the modules,” Kuamoo explained. “Students are also required to complete projects and exit tickets to check their understanding before proceeding.”

Cleary emphasized the importance of this initiative to the broader community.

“We are a private school, but our mission extends beyond our own walls. By partnering with the DOE, we can support public school students in achieving their educational goals,” she said. “This partnership is an example of our commitment to meeting the needs of the community.”

This program is particularly beneficial for students who may have busy extracurricular schedules or attend schools that may not offer enough athletic offerings.

“We are targeting students who need these credits to graduate but are struggling to fit traditional courses into their lives,” Kuamoo said. “The flexibility of online learning allows them to meet their needs at their convenience.”

What can students expect from a typical session?

“Each module will cover a variety of topics, from basic skills to team sports and safety,” Kuamoo noted. “Students will engage in physical activity while learning to play well together, which has broader implications for teamwork in life after school.”

Cleary added that the skills learned in this course are valuable to all students, regardless of their future careers.

“Whether students are going to college or entering the workforce, learning how to collaborate and manage time effectively is critical,” she said. “Physical education is not just about fitness; It’s about developing skills that apply to all areas of life.”

This collaboration also highlights the importance of community partnerships.

“We believe we can create opportunities for all students by thinking outside the box,” Cleary said. “We want to promote a cohesive society, especially here in Hawaii, where collaboration is essential.”

“We encourage students to take advantage of this unique opportunity,” Kuamoo said. “By participating in this program, they will not only meet graduation requirements, but also gain valuable skills in a supportive, engaging environment.”

The course is open to all Hawai'i DOE Public and Public Charter students in grades 9-12. However, students must obtain approval from their principal to ensure that the credits are recognized on their official transcript.

This course aims to integrate physical activity and personal fitness by allowing students to self-assess their fitness level, document their physical activities, and develop a personal fitness plan that includes goal setting, exercise techniques, and nutritional advice.

Attendance at all weekly synchronous sessions is mandatory, but students may not miss more than three sessions to receive credit.

Participants must have a stable internet connection and provide their own iPad or laptop with camera capabilities; Headphones or earphones are optional. A mandatory orientation is scheduled for January 5, 2025. The time is still to be determined.

The synchronous sessions take place on the following dates:

• January 13th and 27th.

• February 10th and 24th.

• March 10th and 24th.

• April 7th and 21st.

• May 5th and 19th

All courses take place from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course offers 0.5 credits at a cost of $150. Students must notify the instructor via Canvas as soon as possible if they are unable to attend a session.

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You can click Here to register your Keiki. You can click Here to learn more about Mid-Pacific Institute.

While the program prepares to launch, registration for the online sports course is open until December 30th.

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