{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kailua Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9165770,"projectId":10108342,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in funding our project. The arrival of these resources has completely transformed our classroom energy. Having a dedicated, organized space with our new wooden bookshelf has turned our reading corner into a buzzing hub of excitement. My students were absolutely thrilled to unpack everything, and the immediate engagement across the room has been nothing short of inspiring.\r\n\r\nThe carefully curated selection of books has had a profound impact on my readers. Because the items accommodate varied reading levels, every single student was able to find a book that felt accessible, challenging, and personal to them without feeling left out. Seeing students confidently dive into the class sets of Odder and The Westing Game with their new headphones has leveled the playing field for my diverse learners, allowing everyone to participate fully in our literary community.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project truly special is how perfectly the content and subjects of these books connect to what we are already learning in class. By pairing these stories with our new math and geography puzzles, the rocket STEM kits, and the kitchen cooking utensils, my students are seeing abstract concepts come to life. They aren't just reading text on a page; they are building spatial awareness, practicing functional math through cooking, and connecting story themes to real-world science. Thank you for giving my students the tools to see that learning has no boundaries!","fullyFundedDate":1771695854237,"projectUrl":"project/the-literacy-lounge-life-skills-lab/10108342/","projectTitle":"The Literacy Lounge & Life Skills Lab","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":8820960,"projectId":10103448,"letterContent":"My students have truly enjoyed everything that our classroom received as a part of this Donor's Choose project. We are all very thankful for your contributions to our classroom. \r\nThe difference in their excitement for reading has been night and day. The comfy seating drew them into our library space and the new books hooked them and got them excited to stay. I have also seen improvements in other literacy skills like writing as a result of items like the whiteboards with primary lines. \r\nOnce again, thank you for your support of my classroom. My students are very appreciative of all their new learning materials.","fullyFundedDate":1771599792970,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-literacy-development/10103448/","projectTitle":"Supporting Literacy Development","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":10401358,"projectId":10108809,"letterContent":"Thank you again for bringing Fish in a Tree into our classroom. While many of us love a good story, using a text like this in a classroom setting is a strategic process designed to build specific academic and emotional muscles. I wanted to share exactly how your gift is being put to work.\r\n\r\nTeaching a novel like this allows me to introduce complex literacy skills that go far beyond basic plot summary. With these new texts, I am teaching my students:\r\n\r\nCharacter Analysis & Inference: We dive deep into \"reading between the lines\" to understand why characters act the way they do, helping students develop social-emotional intelligence.\r\n\r\nPerspective Taking: We use the protagonist's journey with dyslexia to discuss how everyone's brain is wired differently, turning a reading lesson into a masterclass in empathy.\r\n\r\nVocabulary in Context: Students are learning to decipher academic language through the lens of a compelling narrative, which helps the definitions \"stick\" much better than a standard list.\r\n\r\nWhat Reading Looks Like in Our Room\r\nBecause of your donation, reading time has shifted from a passive activity to a vibrant, active workshop. On any given day, you might see:\r\n\r\nLiterature Circles: Small groups of students huddled together, debating a character's choices.\r\n\r\nSocratic Seminars: A full-class discussion where students lead the conversation, using their individual copies of the book to cite evidence for their arguments.\r\n\r\nInclusive Literacy: Since every student has their own book, we can read together as a community, ensuring that no student feels left behind regardless of their reading level.\r\n\r\nThere are a few students in particular—those who have historically struggled with reading or felt \"different\" in a traditional academic sense—who have been completely captivated by this story.\r\n\r\nThank you for being such a vital part of our community and for helping my students discover the power of a great book.","fullyFundedDate":1771789164963,"projectUrl":"project/enhance-classroom-reading-and-stem-exper/10108809/","projectTitle":"Enhance Classroom Reading and STEM Experiences","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":10084756,"projectId":9956392,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donations to our classroom. I wanted to share with you the immediate and wonderful impact your kindness has already had on my students.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the items you provided, there has been a noticeable boost in morale across the board. The snacks, in particular, have been a total game-changer. Following recess, it can often be a challenge to keep energy levels high for the remainder of the afternoon, but these snacks are keeping my students well-fed and energized so they can focus on their learning for the rest of the day.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the toys and trinkets have become a highlight of our daily routine. They provide my students with a tangible goal to strive for during our lessons. Seeing their faces light up as they earn a reward for their hard work and participation is truly rewarding, and it has created a much more engaged and motivated learning environment.\r\n\r\nAs we approach the upcoming state testing, your contributions will continue to play a vital role. We plan to use the remaining prizes and snacks as incentives and morale boosters during this high-pressure time. We are all very hopeful for great success this year, and I want you to know that you have played a significant role in helping our classroom as a whole reach its full potential.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support and for investing in the success of my students. We are so lucky to have you in our corner!","fullyFundedDate":1775879634155,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-reward-box/9956392/","projectTitle":"Classroom Reward Box","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKenzie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084756"},{"teacherId":9804377,"projectId":10111090,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new resources has sparked a wave of engagement and curiosity in our classroom. We have been utilizing these tools daily to create a more immersive and interactive learning environment. Specifically, my students recently used the materials to dive into a hands-on project where they explored new ways to solve problems and collaborate in small groups. Seeing them work together, using high-quality resources that meet their unique needs, has been a highlight of our semester. These materials have truly bridged the gap between a lesson plan and a lived experience.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, the room was filled with pure joy and wonder. There were wide eyes, excited whispers, and a collective rush of energy as they realized these items were just for them. One student even asked if we were \"fancy now\" because the equipment was so nice! This moment of discovery did more than just introduce new tools; it showed my students that there are people out there who care deeply about their education and want them to have the very best. That boost in their confidence and sense of belonging is a gift that will last far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve integrating these resources into an upcoming unit focused on creative expression and skill-building. The students are already brainstorming ways to use the materials for our final projects, and I am excited to see how their newfound tools will elevate their work. Your contribution didn't just provide supplies—it opened a door to a new chapter of learning that we are just beginning to explore. Thank you for being such a vital part of our classroom's journey and for investing in the bright futures of these incredible children.","fullyFundedDate":1771777735890,"projectUrl":"project/the-nest-nurture-initiative/10111090/","projectTitle":"The Nest & Nurture Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Becky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9804377"},{"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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":20,"percentMultiracialImputed":35,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":70.8,"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"}