{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kainalu Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10438346,"projectId":10108321,"letterContent":"Mahalo so much for your generous support of our classroom project! The arrival of our new supplies has brought a wonderful wave of energy to the \"Petersen Patch.\" With the addition of much-needed snacks, vibrant art supplies, and practical storage items, our classroom environment has been transformed into a more organized and nourishing space. These items are the backbone of our \"Petersen Patch Motivation\" initiative, ensuring that every student has the tools and the fuel they need to stay focused and inspired throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe impact on student morale was immediate and truly heartwarming to witness. The students were absolutely thrilled to receive these donations, and I have seen a significant increase in daily motivation across the board. Our art projects have always been a highlight of the week, but having high-quality, new materials has made the creative process even more exciting for them. Additionally, the new workbooks have been instrumental in supporting higher-level learning, allowing our students to push themselves academically and keep their intellectual momentum going as we head toward the end of the year.\r\n\r\nWe truly believe our students have great things ahead of them, and your kindness is helping to pave that way. By providing these resources, you have made our spring semester extra fun and meaningful, proving to the students that their community is invested in their success. We are so grateful for your partnership in making our classroom a place where creativity and hard work go hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1771690129731,"projectUrl":"project/the-petersen-patch-motivation-campaign/10108321/","projectTitle":"The Petersen Patch Motivation Campaign!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Petersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10438346"},{"teacherId":2066143,"projectId":10105214,"letterContent":"The donations of snacks has been transformational in my class. The students are given LiveSchool points for certain positive choices. They may then \"purchase\" snacks with these points. They look forward to this daily routine. \r\n\r\nThe clipboards are very useful during math partner activities, and a recent activity we used them for was playing a game similar to Battleship, where students practiced graphing on the coordinate plane. \r\n\r\nThe scissors always come in handy for all subjects, as many students don't have a pair, and the headphones are used daily for iReady Lessons. State testing is coming up soon and the headphones will be great for any students who don't have a pair or their pair breaks. All of these items are very appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1771714118883,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-and-engagement/10105214/","projectTitle":"Motivation and Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McAngus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2066143_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009666458","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsmcangus"},{"teacherId":2066143,"projectId":10153486,"letterContent":"The new Biographies that arrived in my classroom, are an exciting addition to our classroom library. My students love learning about the lives and histories of famous people. \r\n\r\nThey are currently working on a project that involves reading about a famous person who has had an impact on the world, writing a multi-parageaph essay, designing a backdrop poster and costume, and then presenting to their peers. This project is exciting and the books have added even more excitement as the students have many books to choose from.","fullyFundedDate":1773879854882,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-sharing-life-stories-about-i/10153486/","projectTitle":"Reading and Sharing Life Stories About Inspirational People","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McAngus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2066143_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009666458","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsmcangus"},{"teacherId":9179794,"projectId":10109106,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my first project. With Growing towards our GLOs, I was able to stock my classroom store so students could actually make purchases with their LiveSchool points! It's so fun to see how motivated they are to earn points. I have had students even staying after school to take care of the classroom with me. \r\nStudents seem to love the snacks the most - and it seems they often come to school hungry, so it's nice that they can actually purchase something when they need it! They also used their liveschool points to buy things from the store for their kindergarten buddies! I love the opportunity for them to exercise generosity with their earnings!! Thank you again for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1771712812305,"projectUrl":"project/growing-towards-our-glos-keep-shining-w/10109106/","projectTitle":"Growing Towards Our GLOs! Keep Shining With PBIS!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hanlon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9179794"},{"teacherId":7401462,"projectId":9773078,"letterContent":"The new resources have transformed our \"Classroom Store.\" The Squishmallows, fidgets, and snacks are the crown jewels of our classroom store, and the students are more motivated than ever to earn LiveSchool points through positive behavior and academic effort.\r\n\r\nOne standout moment involves the automatic pencil sharpener. It might seem like a small tool, but it has become a coveted \"Classroom Job.\" Students use the new sharpener to get the whole room ready for any leftover pencils. It's turned a mundane chore into a leadership opportunity.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, the room felt like Christmas morning. There were audible gasps when they saw the stadium seats—the \"cool factor\" of having flexible seating. However, the snacks definitely won the \"most popular\" award. Since my students are very food-motivated, seeing a stocked pantry of treats created an immediate sense of excitement and a \"we can do this\" attitude.\r\n\r\nNow that the excitement has settled into a routine, we are using these items to fuel our current Math and Life Skills unit on Budgeting. 1) Students are currently tracking their \"earnings\" to save up for the high-ticket items, 2) We are using the pouches to create \"Grab-and-Go\" kits. These keep their individual supplies organized so we can transition from our desks to other classes without losing five minutes to \"where is my pencil?\" and 3) Our next step is a \"Long-Term Savings\" project where students must decide whether to spend their points on immediate snacks or save up for a week of \"VIP Seating\" in the new chairs.","fullyFundedDate":1759446542363,"projectUrl":"project/the-happy-classroom-project/9773078/","projectTitle":"The Happy Classroom Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bali","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7401462_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596837442015","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7401462"},{"teacherId":8103659,"projectId":9746182,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the photography and digital gallery station supplies! This setup has revolutionized how we document student work, and I am incredibly impressed by how quickly our upper elementary students have mastered the equipment. They are already taking pride in professionally capturing and uploading their own masterpieces to our digital gallery.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is also paving the way for future innovation; I plan to use this exact station as a launchpad for our upcoming animation projects. By providing the tools for stable, well-lit environments, you've given our students the perfect stage to bring their stories to life. Thank you for investing in our vision and our young artists!","fullyFundedDate":1759608416755,"projectUrl":"project/capture-the-creativity/9746182/","projectTitle":"Capture the Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8103659_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632856362796","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8103659"},{"teacherId":7943929,"projectId":9781287,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to support my student's, and helping to make their learning and functioning in the classroom a multi-sensory experience.\r\n\r\nThe great low tech items including the noise cancelling headphones, weighted puppy lap pad, band on the chair, vestibular rocking toys, vibration ball, massager and several other adaptive items have been very helpful. My student's now are sitting and attending to task in the classroom for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nAlso, my lower functioning student is tolerating the water mat, light up and auditory toys making his transition into preschool a sensory learning experience. \r\n\r\nThe fidgets are also very supportive for many of my student's tactile and movement sensory needs. These are improving their attention and focus to task by keeping them in their seats while completing their work. \r\n\r\nThank you again for all your support, and donation's to my Sensory Strategies that Improve Functioning and Learning in the School a successful project!","fullyFundedDate":1759602344789,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-strategies-that-improve-function/9781287/","projectTitle":"Sensory Strategies that Improve Functioning and Learning in the School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7943929"},{"teacherId":7943929,"projectId":8221962,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in meaningful and lasting ways. The new Cricut machine and iPad keyboard have immediately become powerful tools that support both student learning and daily instruction.\r\n\r\nStudents are using the keyboard to build essential typing and written-expression skills, which is especially impactful for learners who struggle with handwriting or fine motor fatigue. Being able to type their work has increased their independence, confidence, and willingness to engage in writing tasks. Several students who previously avoided writing are now eager to participate, proudly completing assignments and seeing themselves as capable learners.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were excited and curious. The keyboard felt \"official\" to them—like real tools used by adults—which instantly boosted their motivation. The Cricut sparked creativity and enthusiasm, as students realized they could design, create, and personalize materials rather than just consume them.\r\n\r\nFrom an instructional standpoint, the keyboard allows me to efficiently document student progress and therapy notes in real time, ensuring accurate, timely support for each child. This directly improves the quality of services students receive.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue to develop typing fluency as part of their ongoing academic and functional skill goals. The Cricut will be used to create customized learning materials, visual supports, fine-motor activities, and student projects that align with current lessons and individual needs. These tools will continue to support student growth well beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students access to resources that promote independence, creativity, and confidence. Your support has made a lasting impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1708299597590,"projectUrl":"project/increase-the-students-independence-usin/8221962/","projectTitle":"Increase the Student's Independence Using Sensory Regulation Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7943929"},{"teacherId":2090896,"projectId":9772542,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project. Our students were absolutely thrilled when the new resources arrived! The excitement in the room was immediate .\r\nWe are currently using the materials as part of a hands-on project where students are working collaboratively to design and create their own costumes for our upcoming program. One memorable moment was watching a group of students who don't usually work together successfully problem-solve and encourage each other. The new resources gave them the tools — and the confidence — to take ownership of their learning in a whole new way.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were eager to explore and immediately began asking thoughtful questions. Next, students will be deepening their learning by applying what they've discovered to a culminating project. They will refine their designs, test their ideas, reflect on their results, and share their work with classmates. We are also building in opportunities for student presentations so they can practice explaining their thinking and celebrating their progress.","fullyFundedDate":1759452045437,"projectUrl":"project/the-show-must-go-on/9772542/","projectTitle":"The Show Must Go On!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caldeira","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2090896_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535323452035","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2090896"},{"teacherId":9090158,"projectId":8202347,"letterContent":"There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a child gets their hands into the soil for the first time. This term, our classroom was transformed into a living, breathing laboratory. Through our recent botanical project, our students didn't just learn about biology from a textbook; they became caretakers, observers, and eventually, the proud providers of something beautiful. This journey allowed them to truly develop their \"green thumbs,\" but more importantly, it taught them the quiet, rewarding discipline of nurturing another living thing.\r\n\r\nFrom the very first day, the energy in the room shifted. What started as a simple lesson on seeds and soil quickly evolved into a daily ritual of care. Our students were tasked with making consistent, thoughtful observations. They learned to look closely at the details—the way a stem leans toward the light, the subtle change in the color of the soil when it's thirsty, and the triumphant moment a tiny sprout finally breaks the surface. They weren't just \"growing plants\"; they were practicing the art of paying attention. They learned that growth isn't something you can hurry; it's something you must earn through steady, proper care.\r\n\r\nThe success of this project was made possible by the generous materials we received. Having the right pots, high-quality soil, and healthy seeds gave our students a sense of professional pride. They treated their workspace with respect because they knew they were working on something significant. Because of these resources, every single student was able to see their hard work come to fruition. Watching them realize that their personal effort—their watering schedule, their placement of the pot, their patience—directly resulted in a thriving plant was a highlight of our school year.\r\n\r\nAs the weeks went by, it became clear that this project wasn't just about the science of photosynthesis or root systems. It was about intentionality. We intentionally timed the growth cycle so that the plants would be ready to go home for Mother's Day. This added a beautiful layer of motivation to their work. The students weren't just growing a plant for a grade; they were growing a gift for the most \"awe-inspiring\" people in their lives.\r\n\r\nWhen the day finally came to take the plants home, the classroom was filled with a sense of accomplishment that you simply can't get from a standard writing assignment. These weren't just last-minute gifts picked up from a store. These were gifts \"from the heart\"—living proof of the time, effort, and love the students had invested over many weeks. They were able to hand their mothers a piece of their own dedication.\r\n\r\nThis project proved that when we give students the right tools and a meaningful purpose, they rise to the occasion every time. They walked away with more than just a \"green thumb\"; they walked away with the understanding that the most meaningful things in life—whether they are plants or relationships—require time, effort, and a gentle hand. We are so incredibly proud of the work they put in and the love they shared. This experience reminded us all that while we were teaching the students how to grow plants, they were actually showing us how much they were growing themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1708141926441,"projectUrl":"project/let-it-grow/8202347/","projectTitle":"Let It Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9090158_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704481762134","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9090158"},{"teacherId":8821048,"projectId":9782782,"letterContent":"Although I was unable to acquire the mini fridge due to shipping issues, the other classroom supplies such as water table smocks, sand/water table tools, finger painting paper, etc. were very well received by our excited preschoolers! It was like Christmas when we unpacked the new supplies as the students cheered with glee. The water table smocks were perfect to keep their clothes dry while exploring the water play toys. They also work well for managing how many students can play at the center. We added the funnels and measuring tools to the sand table to increase engagement and to promote higher thinking. Other sensory items that we included from the Donors Choose donation was finger painting paper! The students loved creating art and mixing vibrant colors with their whole hands. \r\n I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Donors Choose for making these experiences possible and for making core memories at school for these earliest learners.","fullyFundedDate":1759610329860,"projectUrl":"project/mini-fridge-and-classroom-supplies-for-p/9782782/","projectTitle":"Mini Fridge and Classroom Supplies for Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tracy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8821048_orig.jpg?crop=1951,1952,x0,y39&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667089209183","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821048"},{"teacherId":2330898,"projectId":9459222,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in providing our classroom with new books, art supplies, sensory bins, pillows, and organizational tools. When the packages first arrived, my students were filled with excitement over the boxes as we opened the colorful chair pouches and plush calming corner pillows. One student immediately dove into a sensory bin and explored the textures. These resources have instantly transformed our space into a more organized, tactile, and comforting environment where every child feels they have the tools they need to succeed.\r\nCurrently, we are using the art supplies to kick off our \"100 Days of School\" unit. Just yesterday, I watched a group of students use the new craypaas and paper to create their displays. I love seeing the kids feel comfortable learning and reading with their friends in the reading nook or taking a quiet moment to focus their thoughts in the calming corner. Seeing them take pride in their new chair pouches—where they now keep their favorite \"just-right\" books—has been a highlight of my year. Our next step is to use the sensory bins as inspiration for descriptive writing workshops, helping the students translate physical sensations into vivid adjectives for their stories.\r\n\r\nThank you for being such a vital part of our learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1761938908791,"projectUrl":"project/organized-calm-and-ready-to-learn/9459222/","projectTitle":"Organized, Calm and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Molinaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2330898_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752290112997","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mia-molinaro"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50937","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":559,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":17,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":43,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"20.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.9,"schoolId":50937,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kainalu Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kainalu Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/windward-school-district/kainalu-elementary-school/50937"}
Join the 386 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kainalu Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Kailua, Hawaii that is part of Windward School District.
It serves 559 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.7:1.
Its teachers have had 291 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
20%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Kainalu Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 30, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Kainalu Elementary School
$211,427
raised using DonorsChoose
291
projects
funded
63
teachers
funded
386
donors
21
projects
for
basic supplies
31
projects for
technology
21
projects for
books
17
projects
for
art supplies
Kainalu Elementary School has received support from
297 individuals from Hawaii and
89 individuals out-of-state.