School: Waiʻanae Elementary School
Grade Level: Grades 4-6
Teacher: Lili Razavi and Michelle Burke
Driving Question: How do we, as Waiʻanae keiki, learn, practice and promote wellness so that we can give back to the community?
What did the students DO?
With a deep focus on holistic well-being, this PALS group embraced the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and community. Guided by the principle that healthy keiki make healthy communities, students actively engaged in physical activity, mindfulness practices, and outreach to uplift others around them. Their multi-dimensional approach included yoga, art, healthy cooking, and participation in school-wide and island-wide wellness events. Each activity helped cultivate lifelong habits of health and connection, all grounded in aloha and kuleana.
- Physical Wellness Through Outdoor Activities: Students consistently played outdoor sports like kickball and basketball to support physical wellness and teamwork. They also engaged in daily running and stretching to prepare for wellness events such as the Keiki Great Aloha Run and the Rainbow Run.
- Yoga for Mind & Body: With brand new yoga mats, students explored beginner’s yoga led by their kumu. This calming and energizing practice supported both mental clarity and physical strength.
- Healthy Cooking & Nutrition Exploration: From rainbow salads and veggie pizzas to fruit smoothies and homemade crepes, students created and enjoyed nutritious meals. They also celebrated relationship-building with creative treats like Halloween cookies and sushi bars.
- Mindfulness Through Art & Gratitude: Activities such as canvas painting, tie-dye shirts, and creating a colorful “thankful tree” encouraged self-expression, reflection, and emotional well-being. These mindful projects gave students a peaceful space to decompress and appreciate the present.
- Spreading Positivity Through Creative Expression: Students used sidewalk chalk to write uplifting messages like “Be happy” and “Be kind” around campus, while artistic posters with inspiring words promoted a caring, mindful school community.
- Community Connection Through Field Experiences: Students visited the Bishop Museum to learn about traditional cultural practices, strengthening their sense of place and history. They also attended the Nānākuli Performing Arts Center’s production of Once On This Island, exploring the healing power of storytelling and the arts.
This wellness-focused PALS group has embodied the value of lokomaikaʻi (kindness) by prioritizing health in all aspects of their lives. Their active engagement in movement, mindfulness, and cultural learning has laid a strong foundation for lifelong well-being. By nurturing their bodies, minds, and connections to their wider community, these keiki have become shining examples of what it means to live aloha and uplift others through intentional action and care.
