HONOLULU, HI – Pieology Pizzeria is proud to donate $10,000 to support Hawaii’s middle schools through the R.E.A.C.H. Initiative, whose mission is to ensure all students in grades 6 to 8 receive the academic and community-based support they need to stay on track toward high school graduation, college, career and beyond.

The $10,000 donation will go to Niu Valley Middle School, which recently requested the support from R.E.A.C.H., and is located very close to Pieology at the Aina Haina Shopping Center.

“After learning about the R.E.A.C.H. program and the invaluable tools and lessons they provide for our middle schoolers, we wanted to show our support,” said Cotti Foods’ president and CEO, Peter Capriotti II.  “This donation is just one of the ways that Cotti Foods and Pieology would like to say ʻMahaloʻ to the community for their overwhelming patronage and support during our first year in Hawaii.  We plan to get involved in other excellent programs like this one that help Hawaiiʻs keiki, and look forward to opening more Pieology locations around the state and get involved in all of the local communities we serve.”

“On behalf of R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii and the R.E.A.C.H. Initiative, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Cotti Foods and Pieology for becoming a partner in our mission to provide quality after-school programs for public middle and intermediate school students,” said Lt. Governor Tsutsui.  “Cotti Foods and Pieology join our family of business partners who have stepped up to the plate to support the schools in the community in which they serve, and I encourage other businesses to join our ohana.”

ABOUT REACH OUT HAWAII

REACH Out Hawaii is the 501c3 non-profit fundraising and support arm of the R.E.A.C.H. Initiative.  It was created by Lieutenant Governor Tsutsui to be uniquely positioned to be able to build innovative public-private partnerships that can match government with the charitable resources of the private sector, partnering Hawaii’s public middle and intermediate schools with generous community partners seeking to help our schools move forward.

The purpose of this statewide initiative is to provide an organizational framework and a funding base for public schools to offer after-school programs for middle and intermediate school students so they can stay on track toward high school graduation and be better prepared for future success. The programs offer instruction and activities from three general areas: academic enrichment, arts and culture, and athletics.  For more information, visit www.reachouthawaii.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.

ABOUT PIEOLOGY PIZZERIA

Using only the freshest ingredients along with signature sauces and crusts, award-winning Pieology Pizzeria offers hand-crafted, personally-inspired pizzas in unlimited flavor combinations that are stone oven fired in less than three minutes.  The recently introduced customizable salad program is available at select locations with plans to roll out chain wide in 2016.  Founded in 2011 by Carl Chang, Pieology was created from the simple idea to turn America’s most crave-able food into an affordable and interactive experience.  The mission of Pieology Pizzeria is to inspire individual creativity in a positive atmosphere where guests can gather with family and friends, while enjoying their delicious pizza creations.  Along with providing great food and a memorable dining experience, Pieology is committed to making a positive difference in the communities it serves, one pie at a time.  Recently named the #1 Fastest Growing Chain by Technomic, Pieology is steadily expanding its U.S. footprint, with commitments throughout the country in various stages of development.   For more information, visit www.pieology.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Pieology Pizzeria – Aina Haina

820 West Hind Drive

Honolulu, HI 96821

(808) 373-5550

Restaurant Hours:

Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

On Saturday, April 23, 2016 over 100 students and their parents participating in the Hawaii Soccer for Success pilot initiative were invited to the University of Hawaii at Manoa by the University of Hawaii Athletics Department and the Rainbow Wahine Soccer Team for a soccer clinic, workout, and light scrimmage on the Manoa campus. Lunch was provided for all parents and students in one of the University’s dining halls that boasted an all you can eat brunch consisting of a pizza station, made to order omelet bar, entrée station, made to order deli station, breakfast favorites, salad and dessert bar in addition to a full beverage station. Parents also received information on University admissions policies, financial aid and scholarships, and preparing your child for college.

HONOLULU – Students at Lahaina Intermediate School’s after-school program received more than $2,000 in sports equipment from R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii, in partnership with Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

Much needed volleyballs and equipment were donated to the nine teams in the program. Students have been practicing with balls that were inadequate and worn. And with the growing demand of the program, there has also been a shortage in volleyballs.

“R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii is pleased to be able to provide Lahaina Intermediate’s volleyball teams with equipment that will help them become better student-athletes,” said Tyler Tokioka, R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii Director. “We hope that this donation will help expand the program, thus allowing more students to participate.”

“I hope that this donation will make a lasting positive impression on the students,” said Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui. “Our students deserve to have the best equipment, which enables them to do their best at practice and at games.”

Senator Roz Baker (District 6, South and West Maui) said the donation provides a wonderful opportunity for the school and its students. “Lahaina Intermediate has been in dire need of new equipment and I thank R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii and Lt. Governor Tsutsui for their generous donation,” she said. “With the new equipment, students will be in top performance shape!”

“Donations for sports equipment are hard to come by, especially for after-school programs. And I thank R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii and Lt. Governor Tsutsui for fulfilling Lahaina Intermediate’s need,” said Rep. Angus McKelvey (District 10, West Maui, Maalaea, and North Kihei).

Lahaina Intermediate’s volleyball coordinator, who is also a special education teacher at the school, said this equipment donation will help students further themselves as student-athletes. “The teams have been winning different tournaments and high school coaches are already taking an interest in a few of our players,” said Charmaine Ganer. “The new equipment will help continue the focus of our Renaissance program of promoting, hard-working athletes with positive attitude, and a sense of belonging in a community by giving back.”

The school’s Renaissance program forces the student-athlete to have good grades, complete four hours of community service, and be a good wholesome student, community member, and child.

Currently, there are 80 students in the volleyball program.

Photo By: Lori Ann Koyama

---

 

In The Press

• Lahaina Intermediate Receives Free R.E.A.C.H. Sports Equipment

 

HONOLULU – Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, along with R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii Board Members Tom Apple, Lori Lum, and Tyler Tokioka, received a $50,000 check from The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO). The money will go to R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii, a nonprofit corporation, which provides support for intermediate and middle school programs in Lt. Governor Tsutsui’s R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) initiative.

“Thanks to Coca-Cola Hawaii’s charitable support, more of Hawaii’s intermediate and middle school students will be able to participate in the R.E.A.C.H. initiative,” said Lt. Governor Tsutsui. “Because of Coca-Cola’s generous donation, after-school learning programs for our keiki will be expanded.”

More than 3,000 middle and intermediate public school students at 14 schools across the state are part of the after-school program this year. 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.

“Our company understands that the middle school years are a critical time in a child’s life. And we’d like to do our part in providing resources like R.E.A.C.H. to students, with the hope that it will help them to lead successful lives,” said Joyce Sahara-Nagashima, Coca-Cola Hawaii Plant Manager

“We are extremely grateful that Coca-Cola has recognized the significant impact this initiative is making on Hawaii’s youth,” said Lori Ann Lum, R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii Board of Director. “Our students deserve quality after-school programs that enhance and engage them in learning.”

Twenty-one schools thus far have benefited from R.E.A.C.H. since it was launched in 2014.

####

About The Coca-Cola Company:

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.cocacolacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

About R.E.A.C.H.:

R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours. The initiative’s mission is to ensure all public school students in grades 6 to 8 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. Started in March 2013 by Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, the R.E.A.C.H. initiative continues to develop with support from the State and the community.

---

 

In The Press

• Coca-Cola Donates $50K to R.E.A.C.H.

 

HONOLULU — Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui today announced the participants in the statewide R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) Initiative for the 2015-2016 school year. More than 3,000 middle and intermediate public school students at 14 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 6 to 8 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.

“The investment we make in the education of our youth, whether it’s during school or after-school will have insurmountable returns for our keiki’s future and our community,” said Tsutsui. “If we are able to reach our middle and intermediate school students through engaging and enriching activities, especially during this critical time in their lives, the academic and social benefits will be exceptional.”

The initiative, spearheaded by Lt. Governor Tsutsui in collaboration with state Department of Education (DOE) 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 positive option for our students to remain engaged when class is out for the day,” said Matayoshi. “We appreciate the support and commitment by partners who understand the value that R.E.A.C.H. brings to our schools.”

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 a 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, 9 of the 14 schools are returning R.E.A.C.H. participants. There were 29 applicants for this year’s program. The maximum grant a school received was $70-thousand.

Since the initiative was launched in 2013, 21 public middle/intermediate schools (including this year) from across the State have benefited from R.E.A.C.H.

The schools participating in the R.E.A.C.H. Initiative during the 2015-16 school year are:

Jarrett Middle School

Kahuku High & Intermediate

Kalakaua Middle School

Kalama Intermediate School

Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School

Kapolei Middle School

Moanalua Middle School

Molokai Middle School

Waiakea Intermediate School

Waialua High & Intermediate School

Waikoloa Middle School

Waimea Canyon Middle School

Waipahu Intermediate School

Washington Middle school

Some of the funds provided to the schools were made possible through public-private partnerships with Debartolo Development and Hawaii Business Magazine.

HONOLULU — During an assembly this afternoon, Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, along with R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) Out Hawaii in partnership with the National Football League (NFL) Foundation, presented Washington Middle School’s after-school program with new sports equipment. The donation included volleyballs, soccer balls and baseball equipment, valued at $3,000.

“Funding for after-school programs are limited; therefore, we truly appreciate R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii’s generosity, along with Lt. Governor Tsutsui and the NFL Foundation,” said Principal Michael Harano. “The donation of the much needed equipment will enable us to expand the sports program and increase student participation.”

R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii, the nonprofit arm for R.E.A.C.H., purchased the equipment with a grant it received in 2014 from the NFL Foundation through its Pro Bowl Community grant program.

“Washington Middle School does an exceptional job in keeping its students engaged and excited about learning during its after-school program,” said Tsutsui. “I’d like to thank the NFL Foundation for being a partner in recognizing the program’s efforts in providing health, fitness, educational and social enrichment opportunities to the students.”

“We are proud to be able to help expand and support after-school programs at schools such as Washington Middle,” said Tom Apple, President of R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii. “This donation is just a small way to show students that we care about them and their future.”

R.E.A.C.H. provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours. The initiative’s mission is to expand learning opportunities during non-instructional hours to public middle and intermediate school students so they can stay on track toward high school graduation and be better prepared for future success.

Started in March 2013 by Lt. Governor Tsutsui, the R.E.A.C.H. initiative continues to develop and is currently being considered by the State Legislature to become a permanently funded program within the Office of Youth Services. Twenty schools thus far have benefited from the program since it was launched in 2014.

---

 

In The Press

• Washington Middle School gets $3,000 in new sports equipment

 

WAIALUA, OAHU —Waialua High & Intermediate got a big boost for its after-school sports program. Today, Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, along with R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) Out Hawaii in partnership with the National Football League (NFL) Foundation, presented representatives of the basketball, volleyball and soccer teams with new balls and equipment, valuing at $3,000.

The teams have been using hand-me-down balls and equipment from the high school teams and were in dire need of new equipment.

“Funding to purchase equipment for our intermediate after-school sports program is difficult to come by. That’s why we’re extremely grateful for the generous donation from R.E.A.C.H.,” said Avis Nanbu, Waialua High & Intermediate School principal.

“Waialua High & Intermediate School’s after-school program for its intermediate school students set an exemplary example in fulfilling R.E.A.C.H.’s mission,” said Tsutsui. “This is a small way to recognize the outstanding work the school, community and its partners and what they’ve done to support the after-school program that will make a big impact on the students for years to come.”

R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii, the nonprofit arm for R.E.A.C.H., purchased the equipment with a grant it received in 2014 from the NFL Foundation through its Pro Bowl Community grant program.

“It is gratifying to see that we are helping to make a difference in the lives of middle schoolers through the donation of the equipment,” said Tom Apple, president of R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii. “This is a fine example on how public-private partnerships can work together towards providing more positive educational opportunities for our keiki.”

Waialua High & Intermediate is among 11 schools selected this year to participate in this year’s R.E.A.C.H. Initiative. Waialua High & Intermediate’s after-school program includes an award-winning VEX IQ and VEX robotics team, a band program, digital media, graphics and athletics.

R.E.A.C.H. provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours. The initiative’s mission is to expand learning opportunities during non-instructional hours to public middle and intermediate school students so they can stay on track toward high school graduation and be better prepared for future success. Started in March 2013 by Lt. Governor Tsutsui, the R.E.A.C.H. initiative continues to develop and is currently being considered by the State Legislature to become a permanently funded program within the Office of Youth Services. Twenty schools thus far have benefited from the program since it was launched in 2014.

---

 

In The Press

• Waialua Gets Much-needed Sports Equipment From NFL Grant

 

HONOLULU – The Keiki Caucus, a bipartisan group of House and Senate members, today unveiled its 2015 legislative package of priority measures that addresses a variety of issues related to ensuring the protection and welfare of Hawaii’s children and youth. The package includes five key areas of focus including safety and well-being, education, health and early intervention, local food and healthy meals, and affordable housing.

In a press conference held this afternoon, state lawmakers and community advocates emphasized three key proposals. They include creating a 5-year Safe Places for Youth pilot program, establishing the R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, and Health) program in the Office of Youth Services, and implementing policies that address bullying and create safer schools for children.

“The driving force behind this package and the collaboration between all stakeholders is to give our children and youth the best opportunities now and into the future,” said Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland (13 Liliha, Palama, Iwilei, Kalihi, Nu‘uanu, Pacific Heights, Pauoa, Lower Tantalus, Downtown), co-chair of the Keiki Caucus. “This includes providing the necessary after-school programs and services that provide our keiki with a safe, inspiring environments and continuing to support bullying awareness and prevention initiatives.

“Our keiki represent our state’s most precious resource. They are our future and the reason why we need to invest in the youth today for a better tomorrow,” said Rep. John Mizuno, co-chair of the Keiki Caucus,

“The REACH program is poised to have a significant impact on Hawaii’s future. It provides middle school students with dynamic after-school activities that keep them engaged in school and on track towards graduation,” said Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui. “With the support of the Keiki Caucus, I hope to see the REACH bill move through the Legislature successfully.” said Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui

The Keiki Caucus is a bipartisan group of 27 House and Senate members joined by a community resource group of over 150 children and youth advocates, various non-profits, educators, youth, parent groups, researchers, agency officials, businesses and other experts working to develop initiatives to address a variety of issues affecting Hawaii’s children and youth, including education, health, child safety, youth development, food security, and other critical issues. The Keiki Caucus is co-chaired by Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland and Rep. John Mizuno.

---

 

In The Press

• Hawaiʻi After School Initiative Selected for NFL Grant
• Mililani Earns Grant For After-school Plan
• Educational Success for all at Dillon Middle School
• Tsutsui Launches New Hawai’i School Challenge Initiative
• Statewide after school plan for intermediate students launched