{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ala Wai Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7938636,"projectId":10106811,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing \"Standing Up for Math: Building a Thinking Classroom\" to life! When the new vertical whiteboards and wipeable markers first arrived, students were instantly curious and eager to jump right in. Instead of sitting quietly at traditional desks with paper and pencils, students are now up on their feet from the moment math class starts. Working standing up at vertical non-permanent surfaces has completely transformed the daily routine—energy levels are high, collaboration is thriving, and students are taking bold risks with their problem-solving because they know any mistake can easily be wiped away.\r\n\r\nThese resources have empowered students to become active, confident mathematical thinkers rather than passive listeners. Every day, students dive straight into challenging, open-ended tasks in randomly assigned small groups, sharing strategies across the room and building on each other's ideas. They are learning how to persevere through tough problems, communicate their mathematical reasoning, and take ownership of their learning. As class progresses through the curriculum, these materials will remain the core foundation of daily math practice, helping students discover the joy and power of thinking deeply together.","fullyFundedDate":1780792951711,"projectUrl":"project/standing-up-for-math-building-a-thinkin/10106811/","projectTitle":"Standing Up for Math: Building a Thinking Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938636"},{"teacherId":8355272,"projectId":10528995,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous gift of yoyos and kendamas to Ala Wai Elementary. Your donation gives our K–5 students a fun, hands-on enrichment opportunity that brings movement, learning, and connection into their school day.\r\n\r\nStudents will soon start practicing with the yoyos and kendamas during enrichment sessions, learning trick progressions and working at their own pace. As they practice, they will build fine motor control, hand-eye and bilateral coordination, and spatial awareness. Working through new skills will also strengthens focus, sequential thinking, and problem-solving. Each step forward will help students develop confidence, perseverance, and a growth mindset.\r\n\r\nThe sessions will offer students plenty of opportunities to help and encourage one another. They can share techniques, learn through peer teaching, and practice patience and emotional regulation as they work through challenges together. The activities also provide the potential to connect to classroom learning: students can explore math concepts such as counting, patterns, and angles, and physics concepts such as force, motion, and gravity.\r\n\r\nNo prior experience is needed, and students can participate at their own level, making the program naturally differentiated and welcoming to a range of skill levels. Because the equipment is reusable across grades and classes, your gift will keep giving to our school community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this enriching experience possible for Ala Wai Elementary students.","fullyFundedDate":1789835165627,"projectUrl":"project/skill-builders-yoyo-and-kendama-enrichm/10528995/","projectTitle":"Skill Builders: Yoyo and Kendama Enrichment","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":9370381,"projectId":10640289,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding this project! My students and I are incredibly grateful to have a large water cooler and reusable water bottles, giving us easy access to cold, clean water during our hot Hawaiʻi days.\r\n\r\nIt has been such a relief not having to send multiple students to the cafeteria or main office throughout the day to refill their water bottles. Having water readily available right outside our classroom helps us save valuable learning time and keeps everyone hydrated and ready to learn!\r\n\r\nMy students especially enjoyed decorating and personalizing their own water bottles with markers and stickers. They were so proud of their creations and excited to show them to their families!\r\n\r\nThe allergen-free snacks have also been a wonderful addition to our classroom. Students with food allergies can safely enjoy a special treat alongside their classmates during celebrations and our FUNday Fridays, when we end the week with an educational movie and a movie treat.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom and public elementary schools. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our students' everyday school experience, and we truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1789463833724,"projectUrl":"project/cool-relief-for-hot-days/10640289/","projectTitle":"Cool Relief for Hot Days!","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":8361470,"projectId":9698547,"letterContent":"My students have really enjoyed having more opportunities to learn through play, movement, and creativity. I love watching them work together with the agility ladders and balls, cheering each other on, practicing their coordination, and learning how to take turns and follow directions. The Magna-Tiles have also been a favorite because students can build, take apart, and try again when something doesn't work. It has been wonderful to see their excitement when they create something they are proud of.\r\n\r\nThe art supplies have given my students another way to express themselves and use their imaginations, while the storage containers have helped keep our materials organized and easy for students to access. I am so thankful to our donors for making these experiences possible. Having these materials gives my students more chances to move, create, explore, and learn in ways that feel natural and exciting to them. Seeing their smiles, creativity, and willingness to try new things reminds me how important it is to give children the opportunity to learn in different ways.","fullyFundedDate":1759502148718,"projectUrl":"project/ignite-imagination/9698547/","projectTitle":"Ignite Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361470"},{"teacherId":8361470,"projectId":9188202,"letterContent":"I am so grateful to our donors for providing wobble chairs for my students. They have been such a helpful addition to our classroom, especially for students who need a little movement while they work. I have noticed that some students are more comfortable and able to stay focused when they can gently move and adjust their position instead of having to sit completely still. It means a lot to see students finding a seating option that helps them feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMy classroom includes students with many different learning needs, and having choices can make a big difference for them. The wobble chairs have given my students another way to manage their energy while staying engaged in lessons and completing their work. I am truly thankful for the generosity of our donors and for thinking about the individual needs of students like mine. Your support has helped me create a classroom where my students feel cared for, supported, and given the tools they need to be successful.","fullyFundedDate":1746786063563,"projectUrl":"project/move-and-learn-wobble-chairs-for-our-le/9188202/","projectTitle":"Move and Learn: Wobble Chairs for our Legendary Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361470"},{"teacherId":8361470,"projectId":9173244,"letterContent":"My students have been so excited to use the new math manipulatives during our lessons. I love seeing them pick up the base-ten blocks, move pieces around, and talk through how they got their answers. The number charts and number lines have also helped make math feel less overwhelming because students can actually see the numbers and relationships we are talking about. For some of my students, being able to physically work with the materials has made a big difference in helping the math click.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite things to see is when a student who was unsure about an answer becomes confident enough to explain their thinking to a classmate. These materials give my students the chance to try, make mistakes, and try again without feeling like they have to get everything right the first time. Since my students all learn differently, having hands-on tools gives me another way to support them and meet their individual needs. I am very thankful to the donors who made this possible and helped make math a more hands-on, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1742157546858,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-for-our-legendary-lea/9173244/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives for our Legendary Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361470"},{"teacherId":8361470,"projectId":9901597,"letterContent":"Because of the generosity of our donors, my 2nd grade inclusion classroom now has additional resources to support the many different learners, learning styles, and unique strengths in our classroom. These materials have helped create a more welcoming and engaging learning environment where students can work independently, participate in hands-on activities, explore their interests, and feel confident in their abilities.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers and privacy boards provide students who need reduced distractions and additional structure with tools that help them stay focused during independent work. Glue sticks, gel pens, and other creative supplies give students opportunities to learn through hands-on projects and express their ideas in different ways. The Magic Tree House books have added engaging, high-interest choices to our classroom library, encouraging students to read and discover new adventures. Snacks help students stay focused and ready to learn, while the work gloves give them the opportunity to participate in outdoor learning and service projects that build teamwork, responsibility, and real-world problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these donations have helped my students feel supported, included, and valued. In a classroom filled with diverse learners, having the right resources means that more students can access learning in ways that work for them. I am so grateful to our donors for helping us build a classroom where students can learn, create, collaborate, and grow together.","fullyFundedDate":1763426347295,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-supplies-and-success-for-every/9901597/","projectTitle":"Snacks, Supplies, and Success for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361470"},{"teacherId":2005891,"projectId":10105649,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Cut, Create, and Innovate: A Cricut for Student Makers\" project! Having a Cricut in our classroom has given my students an exciting new way to turn their ideas into real products. They were incredibly excited when they first saw the new materials and immediately began thinking of things they could design and create. What started as a new classroom tool has quickly become a way for students to practice creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nStudents have already used the Cricut to create personalized stickers and decals for water bottles and classroom items, as well as signs for our school garden identifying native Hawaiian plants such as naupaka, ʻilima, and ʻaʻaliʻi. Projects like these allow students to see that their learning can have a purpose beyond a worksheet or assignment. They get to design something, make adjustments when it doesn't work the first time, and ultimately create a finished product they can be proud of.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue incorporating the Cricut into our classroom projects and student-led activities throughout the year. Students will have opportunities to design products, create materials for our classroom and school, and use their creativity to solve real-world problems. Your generosity has provided much more than a machine—it has given my students another way to discover what they are capable of creating. Thank you for helping us turn our ideas into something real!","fullyFundedDate":1778012444870,"projectUrl":"project/cut-create-and-innovate-a-cricut-for/10105649/","projectTitle":"Cut, Create, and Innovate: A Cricut for Student Makers","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":2005891,"projectId":10103066,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Printing Possibilities: Bringing Student Ideas to Life in 3D.\" Because of your generosity, my fourth-grade students now have the opportunity to transform their ideas into real, tangible creations. What was once limited to paper and imagination can now be designed, printed, held, tested, and improved. This hands-on experience has brought STEM learning to life in ways that simply weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer has become one of the most exciting tools in our classroom. Students eagerly work through the engineering design process by brainstorming solutions, creating digital models, and watching their designs come to life layer by layer. They are learning that innovation involves creativity, persistence, problem-solving, and revision. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, they are excited to make improvements and try again. These authentic learning experiences build confidence while strengthening critical thinking, collaboration, and technology skills that will serve them well into the future.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts has been watching students who don't always shine in traditional academic settings become classroom leaders. Students who may struggle with reading or writing have discovered talents in design, spatial thinking, and engineering. Their classmates now look to them for ideas and technical expertise, giving them a newfound sense of pride and confidence. Your generosity has provided much more than a piece of technology—it has opened doors to creativity, innovation, and opportunities that inspire every child to believe they can turn their ideas into reality.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us, thank you for investing in our students and helping us build a classroom where imagination has no limits.","fullyFundedDate":1771442896853,"projectUrl":"project/printing-possibilities-bringing-student/10103066/","projectTitle":"Printing Possibilities: Bringing Student Ideas to Life in 3D","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":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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50822","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":359,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":27,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":39,"percentMultiracialImputed":18,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.0,"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"}