{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Aliamanu Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":44.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8366136,"projectId":9784050,"letterContent":"This project elevated my students' motivation and creativity in so many ways. Students move from being passive consumers of media to active creators. By navigating software on their HP laptops and managing a \"live\" set with the Smartboard, they gain a professional-grade understanding of how the media they watch every day is actually constructed. Students practice real-world teamwork, often taking on specialized roles: As Writers: Synthesizing information into punchy, clear scripts. As an editor, learning the \"logic\" of a story through pacing and visuals. As an anchor: Developing leadership and clarity. Students worked through critical media analysis\r\nby building their own \"news visuals\" and backgrounds. Students naturally begin to question how professional media uses graphics to influence an audience. This project builds a skeptical and informed lens through which they will view the world.","fullyFundedDate":1766456989547,"projectUrl":"project/digital-broadcast/9784050/","projectTitle":"Digital Broadcast","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. De Pina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8366136"},{"teacherId":6565258,"projectId":9773097,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Because of your support, our 7th-grade English classroom has been transformed from a room full of \"hard chairs\" into a dynamic, comfortable learning environment.\r\n\r\nMore Than Just a Seat\r\n\r\nMy students are full of energy and creativity, but as any middle school teacher knows, \"the wiggles\" can often get in the way of deep focus. Your donation of floor cushions, wobble stools, and comfy chairs has made a world of difference:\r\n\r\nIncreased Focus: Students who once struggled to stay still are now using wobble stools to channel their energy into their writing.\r\n\r\nDeep Reading: I have seen a visible shift in our independent reading time. When students are curled up in a soft chair, they dive deeper into their novels and stay engaged longer.\r\n\r\nStudent Agency: By choosing their own seating, my students are learning to identify how they learn best. This independence is building a sense of maturity and ownership over their education.\r\n\r\nThe Heart of the Classroom\r\n\r\nOur room now feels less like a traditional lecture hall and more like a community hub. Whether they are huddled on floor cushions for a small-group discussion or drafting a personal narrative in a cozy corner, my students feel empowered and supported.\r\n\r\nYou haven't just provided furniture; you have provided a space where my students feel they truly belong. Their comfort, joy, and academic engagement have all increased thanks to your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1759262173200,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-focused-middle-scho/9773097/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Focused Middle School Readers & Writers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6565258_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619053112873","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6565258"},{"teacherId":8974261,"projectId":9775916,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! While many of us use tablets for scrolling or entertainment at home, seeing the iPad transformed into a powerful educational tool in our classroom has been nothing short of inspiring.\r\n\r\nHere is a glimpse into how your gift is changing the way my students learn:\r\n\r\nTurning Students into Leaders\r\nThe most exciting feature of the iPad for my students isn't a specific app, but rather AirPlay. It allows them to wirelessly project their work directly onto our Smart Board.\r\n\r\nThis has completely shifted the classroom dynamic. Instead of me standing at the front, the students take the lead. They step into the \"teacher role,\" showcasing their problem solving steps to the entire class. This sense of ownership has turned our daily routine into a high energy collaborative environment.\r\n\r\nMorning Momentum\r\nYou can truly feel the impact every morning during bellwork. In the past, getting started could be a struggle, but now, the moment the bell rings, students are eager to dive into their \"bell ringers.\"\r\n\r\nProactive Participation: There is a visible rush of hands wanting to be the one to \"AirPlay\" their answer.\r\n\r\nConfidence Building: The technology provides a \"cool factor\" that lowers their anxiety about getting an answer wrong.\r\n\r\nA Breakthrough for My SPED Learners\r\nI am particularly moved by how my Special Education (SPED) learners have warmed to this technology. For students who sometimes struggle with traditional paper-and-pencil tasks or feel hesitant to speak up, the iPad acts as a bridge.\r\n\r\nMath has quickly become a favorite subject for them. The iPad's tactile nature, combined with the excitement of leading the class from the Smart Board, has significantly boosted their engagement. They aren't just \"getting through\" math anymore, they are genuinely excited to participate and show what they know.\r\n\r\nYour support has given my students more than just a piece of hardware; you've given them a platform to find their voices and lead their peers. Thank you for making our classroom a place where every student feels like a teacher.","fullyFundedDate":1759437948278,"projectUrl":"project/visualizing-success-using-ipads-to-make/9775916/","projectTitle":"Visualizing Success: Using iPads to Make Math Tangible","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mariano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974261"},{"teacherId":8824359,"projectId":9154630,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my students and our classroom. The materials you helped provide have made a real difference in both the learning environment and my students' daily experiences. Having disinfectant wipes and a clean, organized space helps my students feel safe and comfortable, which is especially important for learners who can be sensitive to their environment. The lamps have created a calmer atmosphere, and I've noticed that students are more relaxed and ready to focus during lessons.\r\n\r\nThe instructional materials have also had a strong impact on learning. The whiteboards and whiteboard table give students the chance to actively solve problems, work together, and share their thinking. These hands-on opportunities are incredibly valuable in math, because my students learn best when they can talk through their reasoning and see ideas visually. With color ink and chart paper, I've been able to create vocabulary walls, visual notes, and anchor charts that help make abstract math concepts clearer and easier to remember.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources have helped my students feel more confident and engaged. They are excited to participate, proud to share their work, and more willing to take risks in their learning. Your generosity has created a classroom environment where students feel supported, comfortable, and ready to learn. I am truly grateful that you chose to invest in my students and their success.","fullyFundedDate":1741814826491,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-our-struggling-math-learners/9154630/","projectTitle":"Empowering Our Struggling Math Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Agonoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8824359_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y532&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667283753254","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824359"},{"teacherId":8824359,"projectId":9772354,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting my classroom. The technology and supplies from this project have made a meaningful difference in how my students experience math. Many of my students struggle to visualize abstract concepts, and the iPad has allowed me to model problem-solving in real time, annotate examples step by step, and use interactive tools like virtual manipulatives and graphing apps. Being able to see the math unfold visually has helped students better understand multi-step equations, proportions, and graphing concepts that once felt overwhelming. The cleaner classroom environment has also helped students stay regulated and focused for longer periods, which is critical for deep learning.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting for my students is how interactive and immediate the learning feels now. They are highly engaged when we use the iPad to explore problems together, and they often ask to revisit examples or watch short recorded explanations again during independent work. The clean, organized classroom space has also made a noticeable difference—students comment that the room feels calmer, and transitions between activities are smoother because distractions are reduced.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled to stay engaged have especially benefited from these tools. Visual learners who often felt lost during traditional instruction are now more confident participating and attempting challenging problems. I have seen students who once hesitated to ask for help independently replay explanations, follow modeled steps, and successfully complete work that they would have previously given up on. These changes may seem small, but for my students, they represent real growth in confidence, independence, and belief in their ability to learn math. Your generosity has helped make that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759249333949,"projectUrl":"project/tech-and-tidy-focus-tools-for-8th-grade/9772354/","projectTitle":"Tech and Tidy: Focus Tools for 8th-grade Math Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Agonoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8824359_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y532&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667283753254","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824359"},{"teacherId":10293899,"projectId":9774228,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your needed donations for our Japanese language program at Aliamanu Middle School. Forgive me for the late message of thanksgiving, but your contribution has definitely made an impact on our students. Along with language acquisition, we have explored the realm of Japanese art, especially origami and calligraphy. \r\n\r\nYour contribution of origami paper and calligraphy supplies have provided the students the opportunity to explore this very fascinating area of culture and art. if we did not have these resources, we would not be able to traverse this very important area in their Japanese language and culture education. Thank you very much. We have been so blessed. \r\n\r\nMr John Vierra MEd\r\nJapanese language teacher\r\nAliamanu Middle School","fullyFundedDate":1759416596937,"projectUrl":"project/japan-immersion/9774228/","projectTitle":"Japan Immersion","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. John Vierra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10293899"},{"teacherId":10187924,"projectId":9621694,"letterContent":"Due to the generous donation of the diverse library to my classroom, it has transformed my special education ELA classroom from a space of hesitation to a classroom that student's like to use to discover what they like. My classroom is a place where every student can find a place in literacy. Graphic novels have been used as a bridge for reluctant readers by using them to decode complex narratives and build reading confidence. These books have empowered my students that read below grade level to engage with age-appropriate themes, and confidence that they might have been missing before. These book have not only accommodated individual learning needs but have created a genuine excitement for reading, and proving that the right book in the right format can unlock potential in every student.","fullyFundedDate":1759311980395,"projectUrl":"project/essential-tools-for-engagement-books-c/9621694/","projectTitle":"Essential Tools for Engagement: Books, Choice, and Community Building","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaiktsian (K)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10187924"},{"teacherId":9296437,"projectId":9777166,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing this project to life! When the boxes arrived, my students were buzzing with excitement—one student even asked, \"Are these really for us to keep?\" Seeing their faces light up made it clear that your support did more than just provide supplies; it made them feel like their education is a priority. They've already started diving into the engineering kits, and having professional-grade materials has completely changed how they approach their work. They're no longer just \"trying things out\"; they're acting like real-world engineers.\r\n\r\nThe impact showed up immediately during a recent building challenge. When a team's prototype didn't work the first time, instead of the usual frustration and \"I give up,\" I saw them use the new emotional tools to take a quick breather and reset. It was incredible to watch a student use a sensory tool to calm down and then immediately turn back to their partner to say, \"Okay, let's try the base again.\" These resources are teaching them that failure is just part of the design process, giving them the emotional grit to keep going when things get tough.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, they now have the right mindset and the right materials to turn their ideas into reality. We are so grateful for your investment in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1759457085253,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-design-equipping-students-with/9777166/","projectTitle":"Ready to Design: Equipping Students with Emotional and Engineering Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9296437_orig.jpg?crop=300,300,x62,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699037679925","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9296437"},{"teacherId":9191679,"projectId":9773864,"letterContent":"With the new laptop from Donors Choose, students are able to present their projects in class. This gives them the opportunity to showcase their learning and for other students to learn from them. So far, the students have presented their projects on Native Americans.\r\nThe supplies that are most exciting are the scented markers because the students have used them for group assignments that required them to write on a large chart paper. They also love them because its scented.\r\nMost of the students are pretty savvy with technology, but this laptop has helped them to share their work with the class on Canva, Google Slides, and Capcut.","fullyFundedDate":1759432274488,"projectUrl":"project/making-memories-with-mr-meinecke-in-202/9773864/","projectTitle":"Making Memories with Mr. Meinecke in 2025/2026!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Meinecke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9191679_orig.jpg?crop=2207,2207,x0,y584&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692149042448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9191679"},{"teacherId":9970012,"projectId":9589960,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to send a huge \"Thank You\" for the wonderful games, materials, and snacks you donated to our class. They have sparked a wonderful change in our room!\r\n\r\nAs we all know, food is a powerful language for middle schoolers! The food treats you provided have been a total game-changer for student motivation. Sometimes, when a student is staring down a task that feels a bit challenging or intimidating, they just need a little nudge to get started. The treats provide that comfort and motivation to dive in. Once they get over that initial hump, they get into the work and do great things, but having that snack makes the start so much easier.\r\n\r\nThe games have been equally impactful. Students are working hard to finish their independent tasks early so they can use \"study hall time\" to play the new table games with their friends. My personal favorite moment, however, comes at the end of a busy week. We head outside, set up the colored dots, and play \"I Like My Neighbor Who...\" It is such a fun, high-energy way to build connections.\r\n\r\nBecause of these shared experiences, the camaraderie in class is at an all-time high. I see students supporting each other more during group projects, and the overall vibe in the room is one of caring and positivity.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our students feel seen, supported, and motivated.","fullyFundedDate":1759170722959,"projectUrl":"project/fun-and-games-to-build-a-strong-support/9589960/","projectTitle":"Fun and Games to Build a Strong, Supportive Class Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beth Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9970012_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758144423311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9970012"},{"teacherId":10248432,"projectId":9701681,"letterContent":"We are overwhelmed with gratitude! Since the arrival of the supplies you funded, our class has undergone an exciting transformation, moving from a standard lecture model to a dynamic, hands-on, and focused learning environment. Here is an update on how your donations are directly impacting our students:\r\n\r\nThe Transformative Power of Classroom Technology\r\n\r\nMany people associate the iPad with streaming or gaming, but in our math class, the iPad paired with the Apple Pencil has become a powerful tool for creation and analysis.\r\n\r\nInstead of simply consuming content, students are using the device to solve problems in real-time and visualize complex algebraic ideas. For example, when learning about linear equations, students use the Apple Pen to sketch a line and then instantly load that function into a graphing app. This allows them to see how changing one variable shifts the entire graph immediately. This process provides instant visual feedback that makes abstract concepts concrete—a critical requirement for algebraic success. It allows me to personalize lessons and remediation in a way a traditional textbook simply cannot.\r\n\r\nThe Most Exciting Tools: Whiteboards and Hands-On Learning\r\n\r\nWhile the iPad is revolutionary, the products that generate the most daily excitement are the personal whiteboards, erasers, and Expo markers.\r\n\r\nStudents love having their own space to test ideas. They are now far more willing to attempt challenging problems because the risk of making a mistake is low—they can simply wipe it clean and try again. When I ask a question, every student holds up their answer simultaneously, turning a quiet room into a dynamic space where every student is actively engaged. This small change has dramatically increased class participation and made our daily formative assessment efficient and fun.\r\n\r\nImpact on Focus and Inclusion\r\n\r\nThe effect of the Chair Bands has been immediately noticeable, especially for students who struggle to maintain focus. We have seen significant benefits for several students who deal with sensory processing needs or anxiety.\r\n\r\nFor instance, one student who previously struggled to sit still for more than a few minutes is now able to engage with complex 15-minute lessons without disruption, as they can silently expend energy by pushing against the band with their feet. These bands, along with the quick Snacks to combat hunger, help students self-regulate and stay attentive, ensuring that all students are in a state ready to learn math. Your gifts have truly made our classroom more inclusive and effective for every learner.","fullyFundedDate":1759629064438,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-math-to-life-engaging-8th-gr/9701681/","projectTitle":"Bringing Math to Life: Engaging 8th Grade Lessons and Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Middleton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10248432"},{"teacherId":9655228,"projectId":9708477,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations! These supplies are used every single day in our classroom. With the supplies purchased, I've been able to keep the class clean, functional, and most importantly, an environment where learning can happen. \r\n\r\nOne of the supplies purchased was wall art of the periodic table. While this seems like a silly purchase, Students have started to come to class feeling like they're entering a science classroom ready to learn. Other notable supplies were wall clocks and various cleaning supplies. The clocks help students keep track of time, while cleaning supplies have kept us safe.","fullyFundedDate":1757871720297,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-give-my-students-a-clean-and-fun/9708477/","projectTitle":"Help Me Give My Students a Clean and Functional Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sonsona","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9655228"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50885","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":755,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":18,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.5,"schoolId":50885,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Aliamanu Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Aliamanu Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/central-oahu-school-district/aliamanu-middle-school/50885"}