{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ala Wai Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9370381,"projectId":9774355,"letterContent":"All of our students are very excited to use the new watercolor supplies for an important project that will begin upon return from winter break! This project was pushed back due to some unexpected events, but the students have seen the new items and have begun planning their designs! \r\n\r\nThis project is their biggest and most important for the year, as it will require them to incorporate what they've learned, to show individual creativity, and to utilize their time wisely. Over the course of only two class periods (40 minutes each), students will choose a part of our new school song to depict through watercolor complemented and other mediums: salt, sponges, Sharpies, pencils, etc. Each student will present their final design to their classmates. Those who are interested may also enter their designs into our annual AWES 'Believe, Achieve, Succeed' Art Contest! \r\n\r\nFor our students, having the opportunity to create with materials they may not have access to at home is a big deal. Our school is a Title 1, inclusive, and immersive...many are exposed to art in various forms only at school. I take my role seriously but also show students that it is fun to express yourself creatively as well!\r\n\r\nWe appreciate your generous donation in support of our efforts, and if possible, we'll post the finished poster designs to this platform. If you're interested, I do try to post student work onto my FB page under Stacey Stewart. (Student faces/names are not included.)","fullyFundedDate":1759568457152,"projectUrl":"project/singing-a-song-of-watercolors/9774355/","projectTitle":"Singing a Song of Watercolors","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":6530768,"projectId":9774415,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the stools, chair, table, and fans. My students especially love the stools and fans. The fans are making our classroom cooler, and students enjoy sitting on the stools during independent work time.\r\n\r\nWhen the new materials arrived, the class was so excited, and that excitement has continued. They enjoy choosing where to sit and which furniture to use. Offering flexible seating gives students voice and choice in their learning, helps them build independence, and supports them in making positive decisions.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation is already making a meaningful difference in our classroom every day. Thank you again for supporting my students.","fullyFundedDate":1759428795768,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cool-classroom-with-flexible/9774415/","projectTitle":"Creating a Cool Classroom with Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6530768_orig.jpg?crop=1677,1677,x0,y245&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597202761306","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6530768"},{"teacherId":7938636,"projectId":9778180,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support is already making a significant impact on my students. We are actively using the highlighters to improve our comprehension writing skills by color-coding: using pink for the question and answer, yellow for text evidence, and blue for our explanation. \r\nAdditionally, the students love to show their deep thinking and synergize with others using the white board posters and papers for our Thinking Building Classrooms activities, which allows them to display different problem-solving methods and compare them with classmates. The paper trays help us organize our class papers by subject, while the buckets are essential for teamwork point systems and organizing our writing supplies. \r\nFinally, the English Language Development and other activity cards are proving instrumental in helping my students and English Language Learners build essential skills and show noticeable improvement in their reading. Thank you again for investing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1759503651136,"projectUrl":"project/accelerating-growth-through-differentia/9778180/","projectTitle":"Accelerating Growth: Through Differentiated Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938636"},{"teacherId":8975834,"projectId":9775059,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support! The elementary school students and I are so fortunate to have you looking out for us. Your support has allowed me to provide enrichment activities to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The extracurricular classes provide students with opportunities to plan, design, and create. Students' imaginations are being fostered while they simultaneously develop connections with other students outside of their homeroom community. Thank you so much for all the beads, jewels, and more!\r\n\r\nWe also appreciate your donations of snacks and favors. Students were able to participate in learning revolving around your donations and the holidays. They even got to take home a small goodie bag!\r\n\r\nWords alone don't express how grateful we are for your support! Hooray!","fullyFundedDate":1759445469545,"projectUrl":"project/bead-it/9775059/","projectTitle":"Bead It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tokumura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8975834"},{"teacherId":8355272,"projectId":9493868,"letterContent":"Thank you for all the Rubik's Cubes, jigsaw puzzles, and instant film. When the students saw all the cubes and puzzles, they were so excited. They couldn't stop talking about the different types of cubes and puzzles they were about to use. They shared their knowledge and experience around the items with me and their classmates. Once Puzzle Mania Crew began, they had a blast experimenting with each type of cube and the various puzzles. They used the \"How To\" book to help them in their journey to solve puzzles as well. They also loved the 3D model of the body, which included bones, muscles, and organs. \r\n\r\nDuring Puzzle Mania Crew time, the students were so happy to have photos to take home photos taken with the instant film you provided. It was such a nice way for them to share what happens in school with their families. \r\n\r\nI look forward to more exciting Puzzle Mania Crew classes this year with our kindergarten through 5th grade students!","fullyFundedDate":1759169404517,"projectUrl":"project/puzzle-mania/9493868/","projectTitle":"Puzzle Mania","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wadsack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8355272_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753113538036","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8355272"},{"teacherId":9676972,"projectId":9702184,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support in funding our DonorsChoose project! Your kindness has provided our students with materials that spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning across art, science, and math.\r\n\r\nWith your help, our classroom has become a place where students can explore, experiment, and express themselves in new and exciting ways. The art materials inspire imagination and self-expression, while the science and math resources encourage hands-on discovery and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nDuring our recent class study of seeds, these materials had a powerful impact. Students used magnifying lenses, measuring tools, and art supplies to observe, document, and illustrate the different stages of seed growth. They drew detailed diagrams, made predictions, and compared plant development over time—blending science, math, and art in meaningful ways. The excitement and wonder they showed as they made new discoveries were truly inspiring. The next step is to be able to capture the children's learning through drawings, class discussions, journal entries, and song and dance. \r\n\r\nYour contribution has made a lasting difference—not only by supplying tools and resources but also by showing our students that their ideas and creativity matter. Thank you for investing in their learning and for helping us build a joyful, dynamic classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1757790661766,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-through-art-science/9702184/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds Through Art, Science & Math","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":9676972,"projectId":9389671,"letterContent":"Throughout the school year, we provide a variety of art experiences for our students to participate in, from painting, ink and watercolor, modeling clay, and collages. Varying in application, media, and medium, our children apply their senses and engage their creative energy to yield beautiful works of art. \r\n\r\nThe purpose of this project was to provide a safe place for the students to keep their finished work as well as those that were still in progress. We used the zipper pouches to organize work that we would add to their working portfolio so that we can share them with our families during parent-teacher conferences, family engagement events, and end-of-year meetings. \r\n\r\nWhile we knew that it was important to have a space to organize their work, we didn't anticipate the huge interest that the students would have in art this year. We are always thrilled to see the focus in the children's eyes as they make another stroke on their paper or figure out where to add the next button on their collage. We know that our students are proud of their work and happy to share their process as well as progress with their art. We are so thankful to be able to use the art supplies and storage container to foster their creativity and problem-solving skills.","fullyFundedDate":1754214879848,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-art-keeping-creativit/9389671/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Art: Keeping Creativity Safe & Special","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":9967853,"projectId":9775627,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! The cooking supplies will help student learn valuable life skills to carry on with them as they gain independence. These supplies will reach 3 classes this year and many classes beyond. \r\n\r\nThe breakfast snacks are invaluable. They provide nutrition and sustenance to students who have obstacles in obtaining breakfast. The food will meet the students' basic needs and free up their body and mind to engage in classroom learning.\r\n\r\nStudents will learn to self-regulate through the use of yoga mats. They will learn breathing techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Yoga poses will build their mind-body connection to bring awareness into changes or fluctuations their body goes through throughout the day and in various situations. \r\n\r\nThe listed ways your support will reach our students is just the tip of the iceberg. The materials you provided can also develop social emotional learning, physical education, and life skills.","fullyFundedDate":1759425782204,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-movement-enhancing-physical-and/9775627/","projectTitle":"Mindful Movement: Enhancing Physical and Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alvarado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967853_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741986927825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967853"},{"teacherId":3743350,"projectId":9153885,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our project. The cots have been wonderful as each child has their own individual cot and rest space. The cots provide a sense of self and belonging. \r\n The children love the pretend play foods. The ice cream station was a big hit that helped the children develop their social skills, pretend play, language and communication skills, and turn taking skills. It has evolved from the children fighting over the ice cream to opening up an ice cream shop, taking orders, taking turns, sharing and passing out ice cream flavors to friends. It's been a beautiful experience. \r\n The kitchen sets were also such a perfect next step in our planting and harvesting projects. The children picked vegetables from our garden and prepared fresh salsa for guests visiting the school. Thank you so much for giving our preschool students the supplies and tools to learn and grow from and to apply the skills from pretending to real life. We truly appreciate your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1741971055983,"projectUrl":"project/basic-preschool-essentials/9153885/","projectTitle":"Basic Preschool Essentials","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":2005891,"projectId":9156498,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now stocked with headphones, supplies, and incentives that are already making a huge difference. With the headphones, students can focus during digital lessons without being distracted by background noise, giving them the independence to work at their own pace. Many of our programs, like reading comprehension and math practice, provide instant feedback, and students are more engaged when they can hear clearly and concentrate. For families who may not realize how important this is in today's classrooms, the headphones have become an essential tool for learning—not just an accessory.\r\n\r\nThe excitement from students has been amazing! They are thrilled to have their own supplies ready for projects, writing, and math activities. The small incentive rewards have also boosted motivation—students are eager to meet their goals and celebrate their progress. One student who used to get frustrated during online reading assessments now beams with confidence, sharing how the headphones make it \"feel like it's just me and the story.\" For others, having the right tools at hand has built both independence and pride in their learning.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a more focused, motivated, and joyful classroom. These resources go far beyond simple supplies—they've built confidence, encouraged persistence, and shown my students that their education matters to people beyond our classroom walls. Thank you for investing in their success!","fullyFundedDate":1741810011541,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-up-for-success-headphones-sup/9156498/","projectTitle":"Stocking Up for Success: Headphones, Supplies & Incentives!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baldaino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2005891_orig.jpg?crop=1745,1746,x0,y192&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646855376655","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2005891"},{"teacherId":8355272,"projectId":9200611,"letterContent":"Thank you for everything! The new, official size basketballs will be used for our basketball unit in physical education. They will also be used for our Special Olympic Unified Basketball teams. The students will be over the moon to have regulation sized balls in new condition. I can't wait for the season to start, the students will be so surprised and excited with our new equipment.\r\n\r\nThe electric pump made pumping the balls so quick and easy! I don't have to manually pump soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, and kickballs anymore, phew! You are a lifesaver. \r\n\r\nAll the foam balls will make teaching the \"Littles\" (pre-k, kindergarteners, and first graders) fun and safe. The colors will help me organize students in groups and the squishiness of the balls will make mistakes, forgiving. Physical Education class will be a safe environment for students to build up skills such as underhand and overhand tossing and catching.\r\n\r\nI am so excited to start using all the sports equipment!","fullyFundedDate":1752923711545,"projectUrl":"project/gear-upgood-game/9200611/","projectTitle":"Gear Up...Good Game!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wadsack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8355272_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753113538036","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8355272"},{"teacherId":3253535,"projectId":9160466,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your generous support in helping Ala Wai Elementary School obtain a Cricut Venture through DonorsChoose. This incredible tool has already made a meaningful impact on our campus by allowing us to design and create vibrant artwork that reflects our school's mission, vision, and the Leader in Me 8 Habits. Even more importantly, it has given our students the opportunity to contribute their ideas and voices to the creative process, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and pride in our school environment.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for the kindness and support of each donor who helped bring this vision to life. Your contributions are helping to transform our campus into a more inspiring and student-centered space—one where creativity, leadership, and collaboration thrive. Thank you for believing in our students and in the power of education to shape a brighter future.","fullyFundedDate":1742924875171,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-world-with-inspiration/9160466/","projectTitle":"Color our World with Inspiration","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"}],"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","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.6,"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"}
Join the 185 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ala Wai Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Honolulu, Hawaii that is part of Honolulu School District.
It serves 344 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.3:1.
Its teachers have had 194 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
36%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Ala Wai Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 25, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Ala Wai Elementary School
$135,095
raised using DonorsChoose
194
projects
funded
36
teachers
funded
185
donors
10
projects
for
basic supplies
30
projects for
technology
19
projects for
books
16
projects
for
art supplies
Ala Wai Elementary School has received support from
101 individuals from Hawaii and
84 individuals out-of-state.