Please take a moment to write to the Board of Education before this Friday, November 22nd, to express your concern over the possible PE credit reduction. Also please ask concerned students and parents to consider sending a letter similar to the attached sample parent letter, to the Board of Education.

We need to act now.

Mahalo nui,

Board of Education
PO Box 2360
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96804

November 18, 2002

In several recent media news articles, I have learned that the physical education high school credit is being considered for reduction. I have also seen in the news the results of several studies here in Hawai`i that indicated that we have an epidemic of childhood obesity and type II diabetes. In those articles I have learned that Hawai`i has one of the highest rates of obesity in the nation. This letter is to encourage you to re-consider this action. There should not be a reduction in the physical education credit; in fact there should not be a reduction in the physical education credit, but rather an increase in the Department of Education’s attention to the health-related issues of our children.

As a parent I believe that PE is very important to the growth and development of my child. I believe in the education of the whole child and the clear connection between health, well-being and academic achievement. Please reconsider the decision to reduce the high school physical education credit.

Sincerely,