We are so pleased to have taken the pledge to do our best to embrace Blue Zones Project pillars and strategies for Living Longer Better! WMS formally received it's Blue Zones Project Certification in early February, and we thank our teachers, admin and staff, our Mala'ai School Garden partners, our families and community for encouraging and supporting us! Special thanks to Carol Ignacio and Megan Yarberry for your help and encouragement. YOU ARE IMPORTANT - HELP IS AVAILABLE! If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can also go to: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. Or: Text 741741. There is help and it will get better. THIS WAS A BIG SUCCESS -- WE'LL DO IT AGAIN! THEY SAY: IT TAKES A VILLAGE – and no question, our Waimea/North Hawai’i “village” was out in force for our school’s first “WE ARE COMMUNITY FAIR!” Such a rewarding experience for all who participated! Nearly two dozen caring community support organizations came together to connect with our students, families and community and share out the programs and services they offer. It was casual, informative, fun, delicious and there was something for everyone! Special thanks to the Hamakua Kohala Health Center both for being the first to say, "Yes! Let's do it!" and then for bringing an array of providers (a pediatrician, psychologist, substance abuse counselor, tobacco cessation and vaping facts counselor, information on scheduling a dental appointment and applying for MedQuest and Auntie Deb - who is our favorite instructor for middle school adolescents learning about themselves and the changes occurring...and being healthy and smart. We are incredibly grateful to all who participated for their “can do” commitment to helping make life better for all. This was just the beginning… SHARED VALUES It is the responsibility of Waimea Middle School to address the academic, physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of our entire learning community. We recognize that when wellness needs are met, we attain higher levels of achievement. We also believe that there is a link between nutrition education, the food consumed in our school, and physical, social, cultural and environmental education. We believe that wellness is affected by all of these. Whenever possible, we will provide nutritious, fresh, locally grown food that reflects Hawai'i’s cultural diversity. TOBACCO & VAPING FREE SCHOOL In compliance with Hawai’i Revised Statues, smoking and other use of tobacco and vaping products shall be prohibited at all times at Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School, including the following: (1) On public school campuses, school vehicles, and off-campus sites under the operational control of the principal or designee, except as part of a bona-fide classroom instruction or theatrical production approved by the principal; and (2) In all buildings and facilities, or portions thereof, which are assigned to the district and state offices of the department of education, and which are under the supervision of the district superintendent, assistant superintendents, the superintendent of education, or their designees. (b) The above prohibitions shall apply to all persons, including the following: (1) Students enrolled in community schools for adults, school employees, authorized school visitors and guests; (2) Persons participating in or attending a non-school activity or event conducted on the school campus when school is not in session; and (3) Employees, visitors, and guests of district and state offices. PEANUT FREE SCHOOL WMS is a PEANUT FREE SCHOOL. Students and/or staff may have severe allergic reactions to peanuts and/or peanut substances. Please refrain from having any type of peanut foods on campus. OUTSIDE FOODS AND BEVERAGES Families are encouraged to support student readiness to learn and their overall well-being by providing their children with a healthy breakfast and by ensuring that any foods brought onto campus meet or exceed current USDA Dietary Guidelines. This includes foods and beverages sent to school for birthdays and other celebrations. In addition, families are asked to help the school by encouraging their children to bring only healthy food and drink to school. Beverages containing sugar as a first ingredient and caffeine, guarana or taurine are not permitted. Please do not send your child to school with any type of energy drink. WMS Earns Blue Zones Project Approval!ANNUAL FLU SHOTS: |
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