{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kailua Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10401358,"projectId":10025947,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your generous donation. Thanks to you, our classroom now has a beautiful, brand-new class set of Under the Blood Red Sun. Because our students live right here in Hawaii, this specific book holds incredible meaning for them, and having fresh, readable copies has completely revitalized our novel study.\r\n\r\nMany of you are readers yourselves, but you might wonder what teaching a novel like this actually entails. Beyond just following a plot, this text introduces my students to crucial historical fiction skills. We are using these books to practice analyzing shifting character dynamics, understanding the impact of setting on a story, and examining multiple perspectives during a time of war. More importantly, it teaches profound lessons about empathy, prejudice, and resilience. We are using this novel as our core preparation for an upcoming field trip to Pearl Harbor, and reading it gives them the emotional and historical context they need to truly appreciate that experience.\r\n\r\nReading this book in our classroom is a powerful, shared experience. Because we have a full class set, reading looks like a community event. We take turns reading aloud, pausing to have deep, guided discussions about the difficult choices the characters face. You will often hear students excitedly pointing out familiar street names, local foods, and cultural references that they recognize from their own daily lives. Having everyone physically holding the same book, on the same page, creates a wonderful sense of unity in the room.\r\n\r\nThe local connection has drawn in students who don't typically love to read. One student, who is usually hesitant to participate in English class, lit up when they recognized the local slang and specific locations around Oahu mentioned in the early chapters. Another student has been especially captivated by the history of the Japanese-American experience in Hawaii during WWII, constantly asking insightful questions about what it would have been like for their own family during that time.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools they need to connect with their local history and for making our upcoming trip to Pearl Harbor so much more meaningful. We are so incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1768674013324,"projectUrl":"project/help-replace-our-classroom-set-under-th/10025947/","projectTitle":"Help Replace Our Classroom Set: Under the Blood Red Sun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gerger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10401358_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768067103495","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10401358"},{"teacherId":10401358,"projectId":10018941,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity. Thanks to your support, our classroom library is now filled with brand-new, high-interest chapter books perfectly suited for my fifth graders. Having a fresh, diverse selection of books is completely transforming our classroom environment, and the students were absolutely thrilled when the boxes arrived!\r\n\r\nMany of you are avid readers yourselves, but you might wonder how these specific books translate into classroom lessons. Fifth grade is a massive transition year where students move from \"learning to read\" to \"reading to learn.\" These new texts are vital tools that help my students practice advanced comprehension skills like making inferences, understanding complex character development, and identifying a story's overarching theme. More importantly, having books they actually want to read builds their reading stamina, which is a crucial skill as they prepare for middle school.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become a highly anticipated event. Currently, students are utilizing these new books to fill their free time. Whenever they finish an assignment early, instead of getting restless, they eagerly head to our classroom library to browse. You will often see them curled up at their desks or finding a quiet corner of the room, completely lost in a different world. It brings me so much joy to see them choosing to read for fun.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your gift was immediate. The very day I unpacked the books, one of my students checked a title out right away, unable to wait even a single day to take it home. Another student spotted Jack London's classic, The Call of the Wild, and immediately expressed a strong interest in reading it. Seeing a fifth grader get excited about tackling such a legendary story is exactly why a well-stocked classroom library is so important.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for giving them the gift of literacy, adventure, and imagination. Your kindness will impact these readers for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1768657961455,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-give-my-students-a-classroom-lib/10018941/","projectTitle":"Help Me Give My Students a Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gerger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10401358_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768067103495","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10401358"},{"teacherId":9165770,"projectId":9844052,"letterContent":"We are writing to share the incredible impact your recent contributions to \"Beyond the Map: Live from Anywhere\" have had on our 5th-grade classroom. When we first envisioned this project, we dreamed of breaking down the four walls of our school building. Thanks to you, that dream is now a daily reality.\r\n\r\nIn the short time since this project was funded, the atmosphere in our classroom has shifted from passive learning to active discovery. Because we can now \"go live\" from anywhere, our geography and science lessons are no longer confined to static textbook images. When we study ecosystems, we aren't just looking at diagrams; we are speaking with rangers in national parks. When we discuss global cultures, we are interacting with peers and experts across oceans.\r\n\r\nThe most significant impact, however, is the spark in our students' eyes. For many of our children, this is their first \"passport\" to the world. You have shown them that the world is accessible, interconnected, and full of wonder. This project has given them the confidence to realize that they aren't just students in a classroom—they are global citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1762266257625,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-the-map-live-from-anywhere/9844052/","projectTitle":"Beyond the Map: Live from Anywhere","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Thacker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9165770_orig.png?crop=358,358,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724545049227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9165770"},{"teacherId":10258585,"projectId":9710789,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous contribution to our classroom. The moment we unpacked the boxes was truly magical; I wish you could have been there to see the huge, beaming smiles on my students' faces as they saw the new materials. It was a scene of pure joy and excitement. Your support has done so much more than just fill our shelves; you have helped transform our room into a warm, welcoming, and inviting space where my students feel proud to learn every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our daily routine has improved immensely. The kids immediately grabbed the fresh writing and drawing utensils to start creating, and the new games have made indoor recess a time of laughter and bonding rather than boredom. We have so many hands-on projects planned for the coming months, and my students will be using these resources all year long to bring their ideas to life. Thank you for believing in us and for giving these wonderful kids the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1760760088776,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-safe-and-comfortable-learning/9710789/","projectTitle":"Creating a Safe and Comfortable Learning Environment for 3rd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kohtala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10258585"},{"teacherId":8820960,"projectId":9772144,"letterContent":"These materials brought so much joy into my classroom. I have loved seeing students enjoy their new place to comfortably read and regulate themselves. They have also enjoyed the art supplies and games donated to us. All of these materials have helped learners practice their interpersonal skills and build relationships with their peers. \r\nMy students work so hard in class on a daily basis, so I am happy to be able to provide them with some materials that bring joy back into our class. I have used some donated supplies to reward students who are working especially hard. I have also set up some calm areas for regulation and reading. Finally, I used some materials to provide opportunities for art and play within my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759224800038,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-and-happy-learners/9772144/","projectTitle":"Healthy and Happy Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaiser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8820960_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y62&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667184098027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820960"},{"teacherId":10084756,"projectId":9858624,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! The materials you helped provide are already making a meaningful difference. Whether students are writing, organizing their work, completing hands-on activities, or collaborating with classmates, these supplies are helping them stay focused, confident, and ready to grow. It's amazing to see how something as simple as having the right resources can transform the learning experience. Thank you for investing in their futures and for making our learning environment brighter, more organized, and more supportive.","fullyFundedDate":1761529524210,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-welcoming-and-inspiring-envir/9858624/","projectTitle":"Creating a Welcoming and Inspiring Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKenzie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084756"},{"teacherId":8368425,"projectId":9774899,"letterContent":"The kids love the new game that was denoted by you. Their interest to participate and practice sounds or answer questions make it fun while still learning. \r\n\r\nThe other is the hands on manipulatives help to learn vocabulary more engaging. The kids love to touch and play with the toys. \r\n\r\nThe books are also a great way to learn new vocabulary and to be able to listen and answer questions. \r\n\r\nThank you for your dedication to help special education students learn in a fun way. Your generosity is truly appreciated!!","fullyFundedDate":1759446809459,"projectUrl":"project/language-vocab-and-more/9774899/","projectTitle":"Language, Vocab, and More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Otani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8368425"},{"teacherId":9804377,"projectId":9772803,"letterContent":"The integration of sensory tools and skill-based games like kinetic sand, Perfection, and Crocodile Dentist has created remarkable positive impacts on students' social-emotional development and learning environment. These tools offer powerful, low-stakes opportunities for social interaction and cooperative play. For example, the shared activity of sculpting with kinetic sand naturally encourages students to communicate, share tools, and collaborate on projects, fostering essential skills such as turn-taking and mutual respect. Similarly, games like Perfection and Crocodile Dentist, which require following rules and reacting to unpredictable outcomes, provide a structured setting for students to engage with peers, practice polite communication—like asking for a turn or offering encouragement—and celebrate achievements together. These shared, engaging experiences strengthen peer relationships and cultivate a more inclusive classroom community.\r\n\r\nBeyond social opportunities, these tools function as invaluable emotional regulation outlets. When students experience feelings of frustration, anxiety, or sensory overload, engaging with kinetic sand offers a non-verbal, tactile means of self-soothing and grounding. The repetitive squeezing, shaping, and manipulating of the sand provides a constructive and calming way to release pent-up energy, effectively channeling intense emotions into a safe, sensory activity.","fullyFundedDate":1759271481878,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-scaffolds/9772803/","projectTitle":"Sensory Scaffolds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Becky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9804377"},{"teacherId":2393990,"projectId":9199530,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our 2nd grade class. We just love everything we got for our room.\r\n\r\nWe havenʻt had a chance to try everything out as it got here at the end of the school year but weʻre happy to share with next yearʻs class. \r\n\r\nHaving items that enrich our learning experience is so vital to our education. Students who have an opportunity to touch and use as many senses possible have a higher rate of retention. Learning while doing is the best way.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving us the tools to learn about the world around us.","fullyFundedDate":1743509427757,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-and-science/9199530/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM and Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Doane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2393990_orig.jpg?crop=775,775,x468,y667&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741979726072","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-doane"},{"teacherId":2393990,"projectId":9162975,"letterContent":"These phonics activities are a lifesaver and we are so happy to have them in our room as a resource.\r\nAs we know phonics are the corner stone for learning. These games and activities have given my students a fun way to practice and learn how to read through phonics practice. My students love to work in small groups and do the activities and games that are available for them to use. When they are playing, they are learning. They donʻt always know this but it makes them more engaged and have fun while doing it.\r\nMaking learning fun helps to solidify learning into their long term memory.","fullyFundedDate":1742076037764,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-for-the-win/9162975/","projectTitle":"Phonics for the Win","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Doane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2393990_orig.jpg?crop=775,775,x468,y667&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741979726072","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-doane"},{"teacherId":8820960,"projectId":9152070,"letterContent":"It is always an amazing thing to witness students getting excited about new materials. Often, students can fall into a routine of spending time with the same peers and doing the same activities day after day, but new materials can ignite curiosity in students, coax them out of the comfort zone and encourage them to try something new. Even after months of being in the same class, these materials helped me get students to play with new peers and try new things at school. I truly appreciate your support in allowing my students these fresh opportunities and helping them realize that every day is a new opportunity to make new friends and discover something new about themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1741634944378,"projectUrl":"project/building-healthy-peer-friendships/9152070/","projectTitle":"Building Healthy Peer Friendships","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaiser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8820960_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y62&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667184098027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820960"},{"teacherId":9369450,"projectId":9160819,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind donations to my first grade class! Your help has made a big difference and brought joy to our students. This project has really made a difference in my classroom with students being able to build independence and promote problem solving strategies when working together.\r\nBecause of you, we now have a new whiteboard and expo markers for students to work together during math center time. Students are learning from each other. The new draw carts help students put away the materials in the proper place and clean up when center time is over. These items help us organize our classroom time better. Our new things are making learning fun and helping kids enjoy reading and school even more.\r\nI would also like to say Mahalo for the new addition to books to our classroom library. Some of the titles were books that my students wished we had in our class. Students were yelling with excitement when I showed them that your contribution purchased the new books for us!\r\nIt's wonderful that you care about our young learners. Your gifts help us create a great classroom where every child feels happy and ready to learn. We are truly thankful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1742163381501,"projectUrl":"project/friends-in-first-collaborate/9160819/","projectTitle":"Friends in First Collaborate!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dalpos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9369450"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50934","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":267,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":52,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":69.8,"schoolId":50934,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kailua Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kailua Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/windward-school-district/kailua-elementary-school/50934"}