HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Mid-Pacific Institute is launching an innovative collaboration with the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) to offer online physical education (PE) courses for students in grades 9-12. This initiative aims to provide essential credits to students who may struggle to fit traditional PE classes into their busy schedules. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Elizabeth Cleary, vice president of Academic Affairs at Mid-Pacific Institute, shared insights into the motivation behind this program. “We wanted to fulfill a need in our community,” Cleary said. “Many students have challenging schedules filled with extracurricular activities that make it difficult to attend PE classes during the school day. This online option allows them to earn credits while balancing their commitments.” Nicole Kuamoo, interim assistant director for Global Exchange Academy at Mid-Pacific Institute, explained how the idea was born. “In conversations with the DOE, we explored what we could offer to support students who need these credits,” Kuamoo said. “This program is designed specifically to align with DOE requirements, ensuring that students receive proper credit for their hard work.” The online PE course will be a ten-session virtual program running from January to May. Each student will need to engage in at least 1.48 hours of physical activity weekly. “We’ve structured the course to include weekly check-ins with a teacher who will guide students through the modules,” Kuamoo explained. “Students will also have projects to complete and exit tickets to assess their understanding before moving on.” Cleary emphasized the importance of this initiative for the wider community. “We’re 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 exemplifies our commitment to serving the needs of the community.” This program is particularly beneficial for students who may have busy extracurricular schedules or who attend schools that may not offer sufficient PE options. “We’re reaching out to students who need this credit to graduate but have difficulty fitting traditional classes into their lives,” Kuamoo said. “The flexibility of online learning allows them to complete their requirements at their convenience.” What can students expect from a typical session? “Each module will cover a variety of topics, from fundamental skills to team sports and safety,” Kuamoo noted. “Students will engage in physical activity while learning how to play well together, which has broader implications for teamwork in life beyond school.” Cleary added that the skills gained in this course are valuable for all students, regardless of their future paths. “Whether students head to college or enter the workforce, learning to collaborate and manage time effectively is crucial,” she said. “Physical education is not just about fitness; it’s about developing skills that apply to all areas of life.” This collaboration also underscores the importance of community partnerships. “We believe that by thinking outside the box, we can create opportunities for all students,” Cleary said. “We want to foster a cohesive society, especially here in Hawaii, where collaboration is essential.” “We encourage students to take advantage of this unique opportunity,” Kuamoo said. “By joining this program, they not only fulfill 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, with the requirement that students seek approval from their Principal to ensure the credit will be accepted on their official transcript. This course aims to integrate physical activity and personal fitness by allowing students to self-assess their fitness levels, document their physical activities and develop a personal fitness plan that includes goal setting, exercise techniques, and nutrition guidance. Attendance at all weekly synchronous meetings is mandatory, but students are allowed to miss no more than three meetings to receive credit. Participants must have a stable internet connection and provide their own iPad or laptop with camera capabilities; headphones or earbuds are optional. A mandatory orientation is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2025l time is to be determined. The synchronous sessions will take place on the following dates: Jan. 13 and 27. Feb. 10 and 24. March 10 and 24. April 7 and 21. May 5 and 19 All classes take place from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course offers 0.5 credit at a cost of $150. Students need notify the instructor via Canvas as soon as possible if they are unable to attend any session. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 You can click here to register your keiki. You can click here to learn more about Mid-Pacific Institute. As the program prepares to launch, registration for the online PE course is open until Dec. 30.