HONOLULU – Ewa Makai Middle School is one of 41 schools selected by Noodle, a comprehensive website for education information and resources, for its inaugural "Innovative Schools" list. The school's unique approach to physical education through its Tech P.E. program helped earn them a spot on the list out of 140,000 schools.
"Ewa Makai Middle School is one of the schools leading the way in transforming the academic experience through the use of technology," said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. "Congratulations to Principal Oshiro, teachers and staff for their commitment towards innovative learning to maximize our students' experience in school."
The Tech P.E. program allows students and teachers to monitor progress on iPads using a special application developed by the school's technology department. Principal Edward Oshiro used school funds, grants and donations to launch the program, which has become popular among the students since they are able to track their development and improve at their own pace.
"We have found that utilizing technology to promote physical activity has really motivated our students to be active," said Oshiro. "We also use the information gathered on the iPads to help students draft reports and presentations about their progress, which brings everything full circle back to the classroom and academics."
Ewa Makai Middle School prides itself on being an innovative campus with laptops or tablets in every classroom. In 2009, the school was the first public school to be Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and in 2012, it was recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.
"This year's top 41 institutions exemplify new ways of addressing educational challenges and encouraging students to thrive," said Suzanne Podhurst, editor-in-chief, Noodle. "All of the featured schools are making a demonstrable impact on the students they serve – and on the larger education space. At Noodle, we are shining a spotlight on the schools that are redefining education and creating exciting opportunities for their students."
For more information about the Innovative Schools list and Ewa Makai Middle School's Tech P.E. program, visit www.noodle.com.
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