{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Helemano Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9380468,"projectId":10103046,"letterContent":"The arrival of these new resources has completely transformed our daily classroom dynamic, and the student reactions were pure joy! When the boxes arrived, the kids were instantly mesmerized by the swirling colors of the hand2mind Sensory Tubes, and there was an immediate rush of curiosity to try out the active ECR4Kids Wobble Stool. We immediately put the items to use during our literacy block; while a small group enthusiastically built vocabulary structures using the Tower of Sight-Words Games, other students grabbed their individual Kisston Lap Desks to find comfortable, independent working spots on the rug. We even used the JBL Flip 5 Speaker to play soft, instrumental concentration music, creating a focused and calming environment where students could thrive.\r\n\r\nThese tools have already proven invaluable for emotional regulation and academic focus. For instance, during a challenging reading task, a student who started feeling overwhelmed was able to quietly retreat to our new \"Calm Down Corner,\" using the primary emotions sensory bottle to take deep breaths and successfully reset. Moving forward, our next steps are to launch a \"Sight-Word Championship\" using the Lakeshore learning games and to teach the students how to self-advocate for their learning needs—learning to recognize when they need a lap desk for isolation versus when they need a wobble stool to burn off extra energy. Your investment has given these children a comfortable, supportive place to grow, and we are so grateful for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1771438769175,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-all/10103046/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Takafuji","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9380468"},{"teacherId":7936826,"projectId":10104445,"letterContent":"The impact of this project has been immediate and meaningful for my students. With the introduction of classroom money and a classroom store, students are highly motivated to demonstrate positive behavior, perseverance, and responsibility. They earn classroom money throughout the week and use it to shop or save for rewards, which has helped them make strong connections between their choices and outcomes. The organized shelf allows students to independently browse and make thoughtful decisions, reinforcing ownership and independence. One powerful moment was seeing a student choose to save his money for a larger reward—something he proudly shared with his classmates, who encouraged him. Moments like this highlight growth in self-control and goal-setting.\r\n\r\nStudents were incredibly excited when they first saw the materials, and that excitement has continued to drive engagement. Beyond motivation, the classroom store has created meaningful academic connections. Students practice real-world math skills like counting, adding, and budgeting, and they reflect on their goals through discussions and writing. The system has strengthened our classroom community and created a positive environment where effort is recognized and celebrated.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will take on leadership roles in managing the store and help design new reward options. We are also connecting this system to a goal-setting unit where students track their progress and reflect on their growth. This project has become more than just a reward system—it is helping students build responsibility, confidence, and lifelong skills.","fullyFundedDate":1771619845283,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-that-inspire-our-classroom-stor/10104445/","projectTitle":"Rewards That Inspire: Our Classroom Store","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M-M","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936826"},{"teacherId":9804010,"projectId":10104973,"letterContent":"Thank you for recognizing that 7- and 8-year-olds aren't meant to sit still all day! The wobble chairs and standing desks have given my students a sense of agency over their own learning. They are learning to recognize when their bodies need movement and are choosing the workspace that helps them succeed. The sensory toys have been a game-changer for my students who struggle with transitions, providing a calm way to reset. Our classroom is a much more inclusive, joyful place because of your support.","fullyFundedDate":1771550983650,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-all-students/10104973/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for All Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Trevino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9804010"},{"teacherId":10437999,"projectId":10105497,"letterContent":"Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and thoughtfulness. We were really excited to open our deliveries and start using our new resources! \r\n\r\nThe Grade 1 students we service were so excited to open the magnetic phonics kits and couldn't wait to start spelling and decoding their words. Your donation has helped us to bring fun into our classroom with the use of the magnetic boards for hands on learning. The students find it so much more engaging than just writing on paper or even using whiteboards. Each student has been eagerly participating and excited to learn. You helped us do that!!\r\n\r\nThe incentives that you helped us purchase has really helped in motivating our students to try their best in class and provide their maximum effort. When they participate, work hard, and show their thinking, we reward them with stars. When they reach 10 stars, they are able to trade them in for a ball in our ball machine. Your donation has helped us fill those balls with rewards. Not only does your donation reward students with incentives, but it also teaches them a life lesson that if you work hard, and have a good attitude, good things will come your way. \r\n\r\nThank you again for all of your support of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1771783603345,"projectUrl":"project/reinforcing-and-building-literacy-skills/10105497/","projectTitle":"Reinforcing and Building Literacy Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shimoda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10437999"},{"teacherId":10273828,"projectId":10095696,"letterContent":"Since receiving the most recent donations, our classroom library has truly flourished. The new collection of chapter books has generated great excitement among students, who are eagerly borrowing and reading them. These additions have not only refreshed the classroom environment but have also fostered a culture of reading, with students encouraging one another to explore new series. Providing access to engaging, grade-level chapter books has been especially rewarding.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the other donated supplies have significantly supported classroom organization. For example, the 2-inch binders are being used to store curriculum materials and instructional resources, as well as to organize worksheets for early finishers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous support of both teachers and students—it is making a meaningful impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771785072770,"projectUrl":"project/books-rewards/10095696/","projectTitle":"Books & Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dureg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10273828"},{"teacherId":9076510,"projectId":10111034,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project! This project helps us run our Kindness Rocks project that we do every fall. This is a campus wide event where my counseling students paint kindness rocks and hide them around campus for others to find. It has grown every year and teachers and staff now help paint extra rocks for us to hide. This coming year, we will also be handing out one of the affirmation cards to each student on campus that week. \r\nIn addition to the Kindness Rocks project, I also requested some fun new fidgets, snacks, and fun updates for the counseling office. The pluffle and the new slime where they can find objects hidden within have been huge hits! These type of items help kids relax and they are often more likely to open up and share during sessions when they are just playing with things like this in a no pressure environment. \r\nAgain, your support is greatly appreciated not only by myself but my students as well!!","fullyFundedDate":1772039405644,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-matters/10111034/","projectTitle":"Kindness Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076510_orig.jpg?crop=1257,1257,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686860333496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9076510"},{"teacherId":10379691,"projectId":9952611,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support of my students. Because of you, our school now has social emotional learning tools that are already making a meaningful difference in students' daily experiences. \r\n\r\nThe fidgets, wiggle cushions, and headphones are being used both during counseling sessions and in classroom settings. These tools help regulate their bodies, calm their minds, and stay focused during instruction. The calm down corners are used to reset, ground themselves, and ease anxiety before retuning to learning. The incentives are also motivating students to meet daily classroom goals and celebrate positive growth. \r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped my students feel safe, confident, and ready to succeed. I am deeply grateful for your support and for the lasting impact you've made on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1769177436377,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-feel-calm-confident-a/9952611/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Feel Calm, Confident, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Higa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10379691"},{"teacherId":5298073,"projectId":9777582,"letterContent":"Your generous donation of the \"A Little SPOT of Emotion\" book series has profoundly shifted our students' ability to navigate their internal worlds and social interactions. By giving abstract feelings a colorful, tangible form, students are now identifying \"spots\" of anxiety or frustration before they boil over, leading to a marked increase in emotional regulation. This newfound confidence has bled into their academics; we have seen a surge in reading engagement as students eagerly reach for these books to understand themselves better. Teachers have shared heartwarming anecdotes of this impact in action: one teacher noticed a student, who typically struggles with personal space, proactively using his \"Patience Spot\" to wait his turn during a high-energy game. Another educator observed a group of students noticing a peer's \"Gray Spot\" of sadness and immediately gathering to offer comfort, demonstrating a level of empathy and compassion that has transformed our classroom culture.\r\n\r\nThe impact expanded beyond the classroom walls through our StoryWalk, which transformed our school grounds into an interactive literary journey where families could read together while enjoying the fresh air. This initiative brought the entire school community together, allowing parents and neighbors to engage with these vital social-emotional lessons one page at a time. Seeing our community walk, read, and discuss the importance of kindness and mental well-being has strengthened our collective bond and reinforced that these lessons are valued both at school and at home.","fullyFundedDate":1759459139180,"projectUrl":"project/story-stroll-with-little-spot/9777582/","projectTitle":"Story Stroll With Little Spot","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5298073"},{"teacherId":9380468,"projectId":9772536,"letterContent":"Your incredible support has completely transformed our classroom into a dynamic, inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. The adjustable standing desks have become our favorite \"innovation hubs,\" where students use the writable glass tops to map out complex math problems and then flip the boards to present their ideas to the class. When the students first saw the memory foam bean bags and the massive treasure box of sensory fidget toys, their excitement was tactile—they finally felt they had a space designed specifically for their comfort and focus. We are already putting the laminating pouches to work by creating durable \"Success Folders\" that students will use to track their progress during our upcoming literacy unit. This project hasn't just provided us with furniture and supplies; it has given my students the physical freedom to move, the sensory tools to stay regulated, and a renewed sense of pride in their classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759341786571,"projectUrl":"project/learning-and-engagement/9772536/","projectTitle":"Learning and Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Takafuji","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9380468"},{"teacherId":9076510,"projectId":9780378,"letterContent":"Your generous donation to my counseling office is much appreciated!! It is so nice to be able to have access to the things my students need and want. With this project, I chose to focus on my most highly requested items from students and staff. Snacks is the number one item. A good portion of our students at Helemano come from lower income families and they often come to school hungry. Having healthy snacks to offer them is a great way to help them learn and stay engaged. \r\nAnother high level ask is for sensory items like chewelry (sensory necklaces and chewy items) that students can use in the classroom without drawing attention to themselves, kick bands for their seats, and headphones to help mutes distracting noises and help them focus. \r\nLastly, it was fantastic to be able to get to some new games and books for my office. My students have really enjoyed playing the new games and learning new skills from them. CBTrail is already a new office favorite.","fullyFundedDate":1759546373450,"projectUrl":"project/resource-refresh/9780378/","projectTitle":"Resource Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076510_orig.jpg?crop=1257,1257,x91,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686860333496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9076510"},{"teacherId":10273828,"projectId":9745749,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my first DonorsChoose project. The students were thrilled to see the boxes of supplies arrive, and I was just as excited to share all the new materials with them. Reading has become much more engaging with the new floor cushions, which help students stay comfortable while working in different areas of the room. The class set of headphones and mice has also been incredibly helpful during Chromebook activities.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, I was even able to start a classroom rewards store filled with stickers, fidgets, and other fun items. Your support has made such a positive impact on our learning environment, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759362638402,"projectUrl":"project/first-year-teacher/9745749/","projectTitle":"First Year Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dureg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10273828"},{"teacherId":7936826,"projectId":9777388,"letterContent":"Aloha and Thank You!\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful for your generosity and support of our classroom project! When my students first saw the new materials, their eyes lit up with excitement and curiosity. They couldn't wait to explore, build, and learn. Many immediately began creating number towers with the linking cubes and testing out the magnetic blocks to design patterns and structures — transforming math time into hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun using the Sensational Math Place Value Discs, Cuisenaire Rods, and polyhedral dice during small-group lessons to strengthen number sense and problem-solving. Students are collaborating, comparing strategies, and explaining their thinking with greater confidence. The Surf Lap Desks have been a huge hit too — students love choosing their own learning space for reading, partner work, or independent reflection.\r\n\r\nOne special moment came when a group of students used the magnetic blocks to model arrays for multiplication. They proudly shared their creations and explained how each layer represented a repeated addition sentence — a perfect blend of creativity and math reasoning!\r\n\r\nOur classroom store continues to motivate positive behavior and perseverance. Students earn M&M Bucks for demonstrating effort and teamwork, and they love exchanging them for fun rewards like bouncy balls and bracelets. These incentives have helped build responsibility, patience, and goal-setting skills.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using these same manipulatives and flexible seating tools to explore measurement, geometry, and STEM challenges. Thanks to you, my students are not only learning important academic skills but also discovering the joy of collaboration, curiosity, and self-directed learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759495660186,"projectUrl":"project/3m-math-move-and-market/9777388/","projectTitle":"3M: Math, Move, and Market","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M-M","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936826"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50888","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":417,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":30,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":13,"percentMultiracialImputed":25,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.2,"schoolId":50888,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Helemano Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Helemano Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/central-oahu-school-district/helemano-elementary-school/50888"}