{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ala Wai Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8824270,"projectId":10103678,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to thank you enough for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"A Space for Every Learner.\" When the boxes arrived in our classroom, the students were absolutely thrilled! They couldn't wait to see what was inside, and their eyes completely lit up as we unpacked our new classroom resources.\r\n\r\nThe impact on our daily routine was immediate. The new cushion chair and comfy bench have completely transformed our independent reading and work time by giving students comfortable, flexible seating options. They love having the choice of where they learn best, which has immensely boosted their focus and engagement. Our math blocks have also been elevated thanks to the magnetic counters, which turn abstract numbers into a hands-on, visual experience that the students actively look forward to using. Additionally, the new bubble tower has helped us create a peaceful, welcoming calming area. It provides the perfect, soothing space for students to reset their emotions and return to learning ready to succeed. Thank you for making our classroom a more joyful, productive, and inclusive community!","fullyFundedDate":1771710777654,"projectUrl":"project/a-space-for-every-learner/10103678/","projectTitle":"A Space for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shigetani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8824270_orig.jpg?crop=3512,3512,x456,y871&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759200684729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824270"},{"teacherId":3253535,"projectId":10111551,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donations of gallons of glue and buckets of clay to our Donors Choose project, \"Squishy Squad.\" Your support has brought immense joy and hands-on learning to our classroom, and the impact of your kindness has been felt deeply by all of our students.\r\n\r\nThe \"Squishy Squad\" CREW was a resounding success, largely because we had the exact materials needed to bring our ideas to life. These supplies allowed our students to explore their passions while being highly engaged in the scientific process of turning liquids into solids. Beyond the science, this club created a beautifully successful, inclusive environment where our high-needs and special education students interacted and collaborated seamlessly with their peers. Watching the students bond, share, and learn together through these sensory slime creation projects was truly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nBecause of your remarkable generosity, the legacy of the \"Squishy Squad\" will continue. The abundance of supplies you provided will serve several hundred students, as we are now fully equipped to run this exact same club again next year. Thank you once again for believing in our project, investing in our students, and donating to our school. You have made a lasting difference in our Ala Waicommunity.","fullyFundedDate":1771786165059,"projectUrl":"project/sqishy-squad/10111551/","projectTitle":"Sqishy Squad","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moku","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3253535_orig.jpg?crop=1124,1125,x0,y453&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664222428202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3253535"},{"teacherId":3743350,"projectId":10109013,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has had a meaningful impact on our students every day.\r\n\r\nThe paint, paintbrushes, and smocks have allowed our students to explore creativity through hands-on art projects while building fine motor skills and self-expression. The sand and sensory materials have been used extensively in our sensory table, giving students opportunities to explore, investigate, and engage in meaningful sensory play.\r\n\r\nWe also used many of the materials to make our own play dough and slime, which became favorite activities for practicing sensory exploration, following directions, and cooperative play. These experiences help make learning fun and engaging for our students.\r\n\r\nThe monitor has been an invaluable addition to our classroom. We use it to view lessons, participate in interactive learning activities, and practice songs and movements. It was especially helpful as students prepared for their performance, allowing them to follow along and build confidence through repeated practice.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students have access to enriching learning experiences that support their academic, social, and creative growth. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping make learning engaging and memorable for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1771719918082,"projectUrl":"project/see-it-match-it-make-it/10109013/","projectTitle":"See It, Match It, Make It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kathy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3743350_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x1464,y384&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700036079610","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kilby"},{"teacherId":2403496,"projectId":10280068,"letterContent":"These materials are essential as we prepare for the upcoming school year. In our classroom, a different student leader is proudly in charge of setting our timer each week, which helps everyone pace themselves during tasks. Unfortunately, after a few years of accidental tumbles, our old timer's screen cracked so badly we could no longer read the numbers! Without a running timer, it is easy for students to lose track of time, work too slowly, or leave tasks unfinished. Having this new timer ready for next year ensures our student leaders can keep our daily routines running smoothly and predictably.\r\n\r\nAlongside that daily structure, your generosity is also bringing so much joy to our classroom culture. My students absolutely love when their peers sing \"Happy Birthday\" to them, and believe it or not, second graders still adore wearing birthday crowns! The crowns and seasonal pencils are the perfect way to celebrate each child's special milestones and provide them with a meaningful treat. Thank you for helping us balance focus and fun!","fullyFundedDate":1779262816138,"projectUrl":"project/sharp-minds-and-seasonal-surprises/10280068/","projectTitle":"Sharp Minds and Seasonal Surprises","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Masuda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2403496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704780564496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-masuda"},{"teacherId":8978344,"projectId":10109880,"letterContent":"Many people think of technology in schools as computers, tablets, or online programs, but in a music classroom, audio technology is one of the most important tools we can use. The new sound system has made a meaningful difference in how students experience music in our classroom. With clearer and stronger sound, students are better able to hear musical examples, accompaniment tracks, recordings, and one another. This helps them listen more carefully, match pitch more accurately, respond to rhythm with greater confidence, and understand the difference between simply \"hearing\" music and actively listening as musicians.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting parts of this project has been giving students the opportunity to record themselves and listen back with better sound quality. When students hear their own singing or playing, they begin to notice details they may not recognize in the moment, such as whether their voices are blending, whether their rhythms are together, and whether their tone matches the musical goal we are working toward. Students have also used recordings to give feedback to other classes, which has helped them listen respectfully, identify strengths, and offer thoughtful suggestions for improvement.\r\n\r\nThe group that has benefited most from this project has been my upper grade students in Grades 3–5, especially our Menehune Singers. Because these students are developing more independence as musicians, the ability to hear themselves clearly has been especially valuable. They can better understand concepts such as blend, balance, tone, diction, and rhythmic precision. For the Menehune Singers, this technology has supported their growth as an ensemble by helping them hear how their individual voices contribute to the overall group sound. We are so grateful to our donors for helping make this possible. Your support has made rehearsals more meaningful and has encouraged students to take greater ownership of their musicianship.","fullyFundedDate":1772049020541,"projectUrl":"project/a-sound-classroom/10109880/","projectTitle":"A \"Sound\" Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8978344_orig.jpg?crop=1478,1478,x0,y103&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772042838067","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978344"},{"teacherId":2403496,"projectId":10112362,"letterContent":"The students were absolutely thrilled to use the new base-ten blocks! Their faces lit up the moment they saw them, and they were so excited to upgrade from our old paper models to these durable, hands-on tools.\r\n\r\nThese blocks have been a game-changer, especially for my students who rely on tactile manipulatives to grasp abstract math concepts. It was incredible to watch the \"lightbulb moment\" happen as they physically broke a ten apart to regroup for subtraction. Thank you for bringing this vital, hands-on learning to our classroom!\r\n\r\nWhile this year's students are now heading into summer break, these base-ten blocks will be put to incredible use the second school starts again. I am so grateful for your generosity; you have provided an essential learning tool that will benefit my incoming second graders for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1778007055799,"projectUrl":"project/building-number-sense-one-block-at-a-tim/10112362/","projectTitle":"Building Number Sense One Block at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Masuda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2403496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704780564496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-masuda"},{"teacherId":7464862,"projectId":10105220,"letterContent":"As a Leader in Me Lighthouse school, Ala Wai Elementary amplifies student voice and believes all students can be leaders. The new painting supplies allowed us to create a mural outside of our room based on a quote the class selected, \"Be a leader, not a follower.\" Each student got a letter and was able to contribute to the wall outside of our class.\r\n\r\nThis was a fun way to end our year, having students work together to leave a mark on the school with a nice message. The impact that this gift left is helping my class to use their creativity and teamwork during their last weeks of school to leave a great legacy.","fullyFundedDate":1771656375768,"projectUrl":"project/coloring-our-campus-a-legacy-in-paint/10105220/","projectTitle":"Coloring Our Campus: A Legacy in Paint","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shinsato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7464862"},{"teacherId":8356400,"projectId":10108684,"letterContent":"My students have been so excited to use the crafting materials to create their projects for our leadership day. They used the clay, tissue, felt, doublestick tape and markers to create wonderful projects representing different parts of the ahupuaa system. They were also so excited to use their engineering design process to create different marble runs and challenge each other. They also loved exploring with the lego kits and circuit board activities.You have helped to engage them in learning and make it fun and memorable.We appreciate your support and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1771713577019,"projectUrl":"project/cool-crafty-collaborators/10108684/","projectTitle":"Cool Crafty Collaborators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eng","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8356400_orig.jpg?crop=474,474,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649208527099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8356400"},{"teacherId":9676972,"projectId":10107003,"letterContent":"It's coming up to the end of the school year and I am blown away by my students and their talents. I had originally planned to use the materials for next school year, however, my students have enjoyed being able to pursue their interest in exploring art and different types of medium and materials. Aside from the aprons and composition books, most of the materials that we had requested in this project are almost gone. That's a really good thing. \r\n\r\nThrough your generous donation, my students are able to plan their work and have the materials they need handy so they do not have to wait to try out their ideas. We will be using the remaining materials for the new school year so that they have a drawing book to preserve their work throughout the school year. \r\n\r\nWe could not have made this possible if not for your kind donations. Thank you for thinking of us.","fullyFundedDate":1771655459625,"projectUrl":"project/head-start-for-the-new-year/10107003/","projectTitle":"Head Start for the New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dona","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9676972_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724230676101","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-dona"},{"teacherId":9370381,"projectId":10107272,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of supplies! Your support came at the perfect time—we needed proper storage to protect our delicate paper and materials during the recent heavy rains and flooding.\r\n\r\nI was able to involve my students in the organization process, which turned into a meaningful learning experience. They especially enjoyed using the laminator to create labels for our storage bins, and they are incredibly proud of the work they did to clean and organize our classroom. This project became a valuable lesson in accountability and pride of ownership.\r\n\r\nNow, my students take responsibility for maintaining the space and encourage others to keep it neat, knowing how much effort went into creating it.\r\n\r\nThank you for continuing to support teachers and students in public schools!","fullyFundedDate":1771734093780,"projectUrl":"project/updating-organizing-for-greater-produc/10107272/","projectTitle":"Updating & Organizing for Greater Productivity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9370381_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y105&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700158453940","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/awesartroom16"},{"teacherId":8831595,"projectId":10108638,"letterContent":"The resources we received though our DonorsChoose project, \"Seating Choices for Successful Second Graders,\" have made an incredible impact on our classroom environment and on my student's ability to learn successfully throughout the day. The new seating options are used every single day during whole group lessons, independent work time, silent reading, and computer based learning programs. The cushions have become an important. part of our carpet lessons because students are able to sit comfortably and remain focused for longer periods of time. Many of my second graders struggle with remaining still during instructions, and the cushions have provided them with a personal space that helps them feel calm, secure, and ready to learn. The bouncy ball seats have also been especially beneficial for students who need movement while working at their desks. Instead of becoming distracted or leaving their seats frequently, they are now able to move quietly while staying engaged in their assignments and classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on the students' faces when they first saw the materials was unforgettable. They walked into the classroom amazed and full of gratitude, asking when they would be able to use everything. Many students carefully explored each new seating choices and immediately began talking about how it would help them learn better. Students were thrilled to have a cozy, welcoming place where they could read comfortably and enjoy books. One of the most meaningful moments happened during our independent reading time shortly after the materials arrived. I watched several students who typically struggle to stay focused during silent reading spend much longer periods of time engaged with their books simply because they felt relaxed and supported. One student even commented that reading in the beanbag made school feel \"peaceful and fun.\" \r\n\r\nThese resources have done far more than provide flexible seating; they have helped create a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable, included, and excited to learn. My students now have opportunities to choose seating options that meet their individual learning needs, which has increased both engagement and independences in our classroom. The flexible seating choices have also encouraged positive behavior because students feel trusted and empowered to make responsible decisions about where they work best. As a teacher, it has been wonderful to see students become more focused, confident, and enthusiastic throughout the school day. I am deeply grateful to the generous donors who make this project possible. Their support has had a direct and lasting impact on the daily learning experience of my second graders, and the benefits of these resources will continue long into the future.","fullyFundedDate":1771700645376,"projectUrl":"project/seating-choices-for-successful-second-gr/10108638/","projectTitle":"Seating Choices for Successful Second Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chattergy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831595"},{"teacherId":2590103,"projectId":10108054,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the new, colorful headsets. The children absolutely love them! They are much more comfortable now and no longer struggle with the old headsets that were worn and peeling.\r\n\r\nThe new place value kit have also made a meaningful difference in learning. Students who have had difficulty with place values are more engaged than ever—their eyes light up as they take on the challenge of building and understanding numbers.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your generosity and the positive impact it has had on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771684285558,"projectUrl":"project/listen-up-how-do-we-measure-it/10108054/","projectTitle":"Listen Up! How Do We Measure It?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kawamura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2590103_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x0,y130&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646785481460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2590103"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50822","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":344,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":25,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":38,"percentMultiracialImputed":20,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.1,"schoolId":50822,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ala Wai Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ala Wai Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/honolulu-school-district/ala-wai-elementary-school/50822"}