{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ilima Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":44.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9688183,"projectId":9906420,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our entire school community, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a hub of innovation.\r\n\r\nOur goal was to create a classroom environment where every student feels safe, comfortable, and ready to engage in learning. The requested items helped transform our room from a standard space into a dynamic learning environment. A Bluetooth speaker allowed us to incorporate music and auditory lessons, helping students regulate their emotions and focus during independent work.\r\n\r\nYour investment is doing so much, it is building confidence, sparking curiosity, and preparing these our ELs for a future where they can truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1763645839649,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-and-creativity-building-a-welco/9906420/","projectTitle":"Comfort and Creativity: Building a Welcoming El Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Doon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9688183"},{"teacherId":9469212,"projectId":9777203,"letterContent":"In our classroom, technology acts as the bridge between \"seeing\" and \"understanding.\" While many donors use technology for communication or productivity at home, my students use it as a scientific lens. By using digital sensors and tablets to document our experiments, students aren't just watching a reaction; they are capturing real-time data. This technology allows them to see the invisible—tracking minute temperature spikes during a chemical change or recording slow-motion video of a physical transformation. It turns a simple \"cool\" moment into a rigorous, evidence-based discovery, teaching them that tech is a tool for inquiry, not just entertainment.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this new equipment for my students is the autonomy it provides. There is a palpable buzz in the room when they realize they have the power to \"prove\" their hypotheses using professional-grade tools. They love the instant gratification of seeing a graph populate on a screen or a microscopic image come into focus. It makes the science feel \"official\" and high-stakes, which naturally boosts their engagement. They aren't just students anymore; they are researchers with a mission, and that shift in identity is where the real magic happens.\r\n\r\nI have been especially moved by how this technology has leveled the playing field for my students who struggle with traditional literacy. One student, who often feels defeated by long textbook chapters, became our \"Tech Lead\" during the latest lab. Because the technology provides visual and tactile feedback, they were able to explain the concept of energy transfer to their peers with total confidence. Seeing their face light up as they mastered the digital interface was a highlight of my year. Your support hasn't just provided \"gadgets\"—it has provided a voice to students who finally feel like they can succeed in science.","fullyFundedDate":1759597047971,"projectUrl":"project/fun-labs-happy-hearts-fueling-science/9777203/","projectTitle":"Fun Labs & Happy Hearts: Fueling Science and Smiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bercasio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/larriza-bercasio"},{"teacherId":9470103,"projectId":9773749,"letterContent":"Our National Junior Honor Society students have jumped headfirst into using our new Cricut machine to boost school spirit and refine their design skills. They've already completed an impressive first project: creating custom stickers for all six of our school's teams. By using the machine's precision cutting and the Cricut Design Space software, the students are learning how to translate digital graphics into physical products. Beyond just making \"cool swag,\" this technology is helping them develop leadership and organizational skills as they manage production for different groups across the building.\r\n\r\nWhen the NJHS students first unveiled the custom stickers for all six school teams, the reaction was nothing short of electric. There's something uniquely special about seeing your specific team's identity captured in a high-quality design, and the student's faces lit up with immediate pride and surprise. It wasn't just about the \"cool factor\"—the teams felt genuinely seen and celebrated by their peers, creating a palpable sense of school spirit that turned a simple project into a major campus highlight.\r\n\r\nNow that our NJHS students have successfully designed and produced custom stickers for all six school teams, the next phase focuses on community engagement and distribution. The students will transition from creators to ambassadors by coordinating with teams to ensure every student receives their stickers. This final step turns their creative project into a tangible contribution to our school's culture, celebrating both athletic effort and student service.","fullyFundedDate":1759330691994,"projectUrl":"project/ewa-beach-innovators-a-student-led-recy/9773749/","projectTitle":"Ewa Beach Innovators: A Student-Led Recycling and Design Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9470103_orig.png?crop=913,914,x0,y194&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708039900991","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9470103"},{"teacherId":124880,"projectId":9780295,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for supporting my students with these incredible resources. When I became a STEM teacher, I moved from a traditional science classroom to doing more \"hands-on\" learning where the teacher acts as a facilitator and students learn by doing. I love this model of education, but it can be very expensive for teachers. \r\n\r\n Enter: the amazing DonorsChoose.org! The STEM supplies from this proposal allowed my students to do a variety of STEM challenges where they worked together to solve problems, applied STEM concepts, and wrote about their results. As you can see in some of the photos, they loved the activities. \r\n\r\n Also, I ended up going on maternity leave a little earlier than I had planned and these resources allowed my guest teacher to keep the \"hands-on\" learning going, even in my absence. I am so grateful. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1759576460806,"projectUrl":"project/stem-challenge-accepted/9780295/","projectTitle":"(STEM) Challenge Accepted!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Milianta-Laffin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp124880_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501359911826","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-milianta"},{"teacherId":124880,"projectId":9581976,"letterContent":"\"Unboxing\" DonorsChoose materials always makes our day in the classroom. My students are obsessed with the bright paint pigments from the mural paint and have used them to make art, signs, projects, murals, and quote pieces to hang around our campus and school. They also used the paints for our holiday door decorating contest and the paints were borrowed and used by other classes too. \r\n\r\n One of the coolest things about DonorsChoose supplies is having the conversation with students about philanthropy. I tell my students that folks around the country, who we've never met, still care that we have excellent classroom supplies. It's a beautiful lesson, and I encourage my students to pay it forward whenever they can. \r\n\r\n Thank you for supporting our love of learning, and for giving us resources to help student create and \"own\" our classroom space. It means the world to us! Mahalo!","fullyFundedDate":1755714517081,"projectUrl":"project/building-an-inclusive-classroom-everyon/9581976/","projectTitle":"Building An Inclusive Classroom: Everyone is Welcome Here","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Milianta-Laffin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp124880_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501359911826","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-milianta"},{"teacherId":9154056,"projectId":9779334,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for supporting our classroom and believing in our students. Because of you, my students now have access to digital microscopes and tracing backlight boards—tools that have transformed how they learn science and how they see their role as future biologists, environmental scientists, marine biologists, and possibly engineers.\r\n\r\nOur learning is rooted in place. As part of a project-based learning unit focused on ecosystem health, students collected real samples from Kalauhaʻihaʻi, a local site they are working to understand and restore. Using the digital microscopes you provided, students examined water, soil, and plant samples to identify cells and microorganisms connected to that ecosystem. These tools allowed students to gather authentic data and evidence, not just observations from a textbook or worksheet.\r\n\r\nThe tracing backlight boards gave students the time and space to slow down, sketch what they observed, label structures, and use their drawings as scientific evidence. Students referenced these sketches and microscope images when building explanations, writing claims, and connecting microscopic findings to larger ecosystem patterns at Kalauhaʻihaʻi. This made their learning feel real, purposeful, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhat makes my ʻIlima students special is their curiosity and their strong connection to place. Many are using scientific tools like these for the first time, and they take that responsibility seriously. Because of your generosity, my students were able to act as scientists—collecting data, analyzing evidence, and using their findings to inform solutions for a real-world project.\r\n\r\nMahalo nui for investing in our students and helping them see that science starts right where they are.","fullyFundedDate":1759534176335,"projectUrl":"project/from-reef-to-rainforest-hawaii-micro-e/9779334/","projectTitle":"From Reef to Rainforest: Hawaiʻi Micro-Explorers Uncover Cells & Microorganisms","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nishimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9154056_orig.jpg?crop=900,900,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691181626740","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9154056"},{"teacherId":9577699,"projectId":9702442,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project to bring linography supplies to our 7th grade art students. As a Title I school, many of our students have never had the opportunity to work with professional printmaking tools before, and your generosity made this experience possible.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students were able to explore linocutting, printing techniques, and creative problem-solving in a hands-on, meaningful way. For many, this was their first time carving a design and seeing their ideas come to life through printmaking. The excitement, focus, and pride they showed in their work was truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nYour support opened the door to new artistic skills, confidence, and creative expression for our students. Thank you for believing in their potential and for investing in an experience they will remember for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1757807123351,"projectUrl":"project/linography-anyone/9702442/","projectTitle":"Linography Anyone?!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9577699_orig.png?crop=1276,1276,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719425863868","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rcouryclassroom"},{"teacherId":9577699,"projectId":9773710,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our 7th grade art class. Because of you, our classroom now has a beautiful, colorful rug and a comfortable floor cushion that have completely transformed our space.\r\n\r\nThese additions have created a more welcoming, flexible, and inspiring environment where students can gather, collaborate, and feel at ease while creating art. The students were thrilled to see the new setup, and they take great pride in caring for a space that feels special and thoughtfully designed.\r\n\r\nYour kindness directly supports creativity, comfort, and community in our classroom. We are truly grateful for your generosity and belief in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1759417020853,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-inspires-creativity/9773710/","projectTitle":"Comfort Inspires Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9577699_orig.png?crop=1276,1276,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719425863868","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rcouryclassroom"},{"teacherId":8974446,"projectId":9776840,"letterContent":"Getting these paint supplies from the Hawaii Department of Education was the spark that really brought our classroom to life. Instead of just talking about the values of ALOHA in a textbook, my students are using these materials to literally transform our walls into a visual story of what they've learned from our community partners. It's been amazing to see the shift: my 8th graders aren't just \"using paint\"—they're using it as a tool to mentor the 7th graders, passing down techniques and leadership as they work together on these murals. The supplies didn't just give us a project to do; they created a \"Living Lab\" where students stopped asking for permission and started taking ownership, realizing that every brushstroke is part of the legacy they're leaving behind for the kids who will sit in these seats next year.","fullyFundedDate":1759449760579,"projectUrl":"project/the-empowerment-project/9776840/","projectTitle":"The Empowerment Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Allen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8974446_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677799049631","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974446"},{"teacherId":10042924,"projectId":9773174,"letterContent":"These resources are all about fostering independence. We are currently using the sturdy plastic clipboards for \"flexible seating\" days; students can grab a clipboard and work on the pink bean bag chair or in a quiet corner rather than being tethered to a desk. It gives them the agency to choose the environment where they work best.\r\n\r\nHaving body wipes and sanitizing wipes in the room has been life-changing. 8th graders are very self-conscious about their appearance and hygiene, especially after PE; having these available allows them to freshen up quickly and focus on their work rather than their discomfort.\r\n\r\nThe reaction was a mix of genuine excitement and appreciation. Students can sometimes play it \"cool,\" but there was no hiding their enthusiasm when the Pringles, Chex Mix, and Fruit by the Foot arrived. For many of my students, the school day is long and their appetites are growing; seeing the \"Snack Station\" fully stocked with Nabisco variety packs and healthy granola bars made them feel respected and cared for. One student said, \"Finally, a teacher who understands how hungry we actually are!\" They were also surprisingly excited about the Wacky Tracks fidgets, which many use as a quiet tool to manage stress during long lectures.\r\n\r\nThe biggest impact was the beanbag chair. I have students lining up wanting to be first in the line to claim the beanbag chair to sit on. They have even created a system of who gets to sit on it and when. I would not think something as simple as a bean bag chair would have such a great impact on these kids.","fullyFundedDate":1759449950341,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-success-fueling-focus-an/9773174/","projectTitle":"Essentials for Success: Fueling Focus and Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10042924_orig.jpg?crop=995,995,x659,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759171464574","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10042924"},{"teacherId":10042924,"projectId":9750442,"letterContent":"This project provides the \"fuel and the tools\" my students need to be successful every single day. By providing healthy snacks like Sun-Maid raisins, GoGo squeeZ, and fruit gummies, you are ensuring that hunger never stands in the way of a child's focus.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, learning is active. The KleenSlate paddles and Volcanics markers turn every lesson into an interactive experience where students can show their work in real-time. The students really like the ability to hold the boards and have their own to write on. When they need a brain break or sensory support, the Wacky Tracks fidgets help them regulate so they can jump back into the lesson. Your generosity creates a classroom environment that is clean, well-fed, and fully engaged in the joy of learning!","fullyFundedDate":1758741509120,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-build-an-inclusive-classroom-fro/9750442/","projectTitle":"Help Me Build an Inclusive Classroom from the Ground Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10042924_orig.jpg?crop=995,995,x659,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759171464574","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10042924"},{"teacherId":8980479,"projectId":9772977,"letterContent":"The technology is helping my students learn through positive reinforcement. Students, for the most part, want to attend school and want to complete their work and tasks. Therefore, through using gaming as a reward system, students are engaged, focused and excited to complete work and learn! \r\n\r\nHaving the latest and newest gaming system is very exciting for students. Some of the students cannot afford a new gaming system; therefore, it is definitely a treat to play the latest system and games. Many of my students like to play the Madden football game. Other students like the new MarioKart World game. Again, thank you for your generous gift of gaming!","fullyFundedDate":1759248228603,"projectUrl":"project/boosting-academic-performance-through-ga/9772977/","projectTitle":"Boosting Academic Performance Through Gaming","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gonzales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8980479"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50794","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":725,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":56,"percentAsian":39,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.1,"schoolId":50794,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ilima Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ilima Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/ilima-intermediate-school/50794"}