7 Big Island Schools Qualify for REACH Program

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui at Moloka‘i Middle School. Courtesy photo.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui today announced the participants in the statewide R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Arts, Culture and Health) Initiative for the 2016-17 school year.

Nearly 5,000 middle and intermediate public school students at 28 schools across the state will be part of the program.

R.E.A.C.H.’s mission is to ensure all public school students in grades six to eight receive the academic and community-based support they need to stay on track toward high school graduation by engaging them in a broad-base of programs and activities, outside of regular instructional hours, in the areas of academic enrichment, arts and culture and athletics.

“I am thrilled that we, along with the support of the Department of Education and community partners, are able to continue positively impacting after-school programs for middle and intermediate schools,” said Tsutsui. “The after-school programs participating in the R.E.A.C.H. initiative are improving and reaching more students every year.”

The initiative, spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Tsutsui in collaboration with state Department of Education Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi, provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer students expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours.

“R.E.A.C.H. provides a very positive option for our students that keeps them engaged in activities and learning after the school day has ended,” said Matayoshi. “Keeping young minds and bodies active is essential for growth and we appreciate the support of our R.E.A.C.H. partners and their commitment to our keiki.”

Studies have shown that after-school programs not only keep students safe and engaged in learning, but also help improve their academic performance, school attendance, behavior and health.

Selection of the schools was based on criteria, which included: strong student interest and/or participation for the after-school program and established relationships with key stakeholders.
The applications were also evaluated on its readiness to achieve the goals and student outcomes set forth by the initiative. Some schools apply for the grant every year and are selected based on the criteria. This year, 14 of the 28 schools are returning R.E.A.C.H. participants.

Since the initiative was launched in 2013, 39 public middle/intermediate schools (including this year) from across the State have benefited from R.E.A.C.H. funding. To date, along with its partners in the business sector, the Initiative has awarded $2.25 million to middle and intermediate schools statewide.

Big Island Schools

• Connections Public Charter School
• Hilo Intermediate
• Ka‘ū High & Pahala Elementary
• Ke Kula O Nawahiokalani‘opuu Charter School
• Kea‘au Middle School
• Pāhoa High & Intermediate
• Waiakea Intermediate

Other island schools participating in the R.E.A.C.H. Initiative during the 2016-17 school year are:

• Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle
• Dole Middle
• Hāna High & Intermediate
• ‘Iao Intermediate
• Kalama Intermediate
• Kapolei Middle
• Kawanakoa Middle
• Lahaina Intermediate
• Lāna‘i High & Intermediate
• Lokelani Intermediate
• Maui Waena Intermediate
• Moanalua Middle
• Moloka‘i Middle
• Nanakuli High & Intermediate
• Niu Valley Middle
• Stevenson Middle
• Wahiawa Middle
• Waialua High & Intermediate
• Waianae Intermediate
• Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate
• Wheeler Middle

For more information on R.E.A.C.H., go online.