{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kealakehe Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":55.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10059186,"projectId":9723877,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom. Your contributions have made a meaningful difference, not just in the environment where my students learn, but in the joy, motivation, and curiosity they bring with them each day. I'm excited to share how we've been using the wonderful new resources, how my students reacted, and what we are working toward next.\r\n\r\nFirst, the books and complete series you helped provide have already become treasured parts of our daily routine. My students wasted no time diving into them. One of the most touching moments happened during our first \"book reveal.\" I arranged the new titles on a table before they arrived, and the second they walked in, their eyes grew wide. Several students immediately rushed over, running their hands along the covers as if they couldn't believe they were allowed to actually touch them. A few students asked, \"Are these really for us?\" It was such a powerful reminder of how special access to high-quality literature can be for children, especially those who may not have many books at home.\r\n\r\nThe wobble stools have also transformed our classroom dynamics in ways I hadn't anticipated. Students absolutely love them. The first day they appeared, there was a collective gasp followed by an excited chorus of \"Can we sit on those?!\" The stools offer just the right amount of movement for students who need to wiggle to stay focused. They have created a more flexible environment where students can choose what helps them learn best. One of my students who often struggled with sitting still during independent work told me, \"This stool makes me feel calm. I can think better.\" Moments like that show me how important it is for students to have access to tools that support their individual needs.\r\n\r\nFrom a teacher perspective, the filer have been helpful in a very practical way as well. This helps me better manage grading and organization. While they're happily working there, I can more easily review their assignments without disrupting the flow of the class. It has made our classroom feel more efficient and more collaborative at the same time.\r\n\r\nAs for what's next, we are continuing to build on the momentum you helped create. In reading, students are preparing to begin book clubs where they will discuss themes, make predictions, and gather evidence from the text—skills that will support them throughout their academic future. The new series will be central to these discussions, ensuring that every student has engaging and age-appropriate material to work with. In writing, students are about to begin opinion essays, and the wobble stools will be part of our flexible seating plan that helps them stay engaged during longer writing sessions.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide supplies—it renewed energy, sparked excitement, and expanded opportunities. Thank you for giving us the tools to learn, explore, and grow together. My students and I appreciate your kindness more than words can fully express.","fullyFundedDate":1758858225633,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-organization-and-books/9723877/","projectTitle":"Classroom Organization and Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Merjan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10059186"},{"teacherId":1470644,"projectId":9675771,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, my students have access to the snacks they need to stay focused, energized, and ready to learn each day. Having something to eat when they're hungry makes a tremendous difference in their confidence, engagement, and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created a more caring and supportive learning environment, and my students feel it. We are truly grateful for your willingness to invest in their success.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and helping make learning a little brighter—and a lot less hungry.","fullyFundedDate":1758636818338,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-kids-cant-learnsnacks-to-fuel-s/9675771/","projectTitle":"Hungry Kids Can’t Learn—Snacks to Fuel Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1470644_orig.jpg?crop=958,958,x30,y157&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619211096607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1470644"},{"teacherId":7930363,"projectId":9781547,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Thanks to your donations, my students now have the tools, materials, and joyful surprises they need to learn, grow, and feel supported every single day.\r\nYour contributions made an immediate impact in our classroom:\r\nThe Quaakssi teddy bears have become a beloved part of our reading corner. Students now get to choose a \"reading buddy\" each day, which has made even my most reluctant readers eager to curl up with a book.\r\nThe 15-drawer rolling organizer cart, stackable storage bins, flat storage trays, and plastic storage baskets have completely transformed our classroom organization. My students can now independently access materials, return items to assigned spaces, and transition more smoothly throughout the day. What used to be clutter and searching for supplies is now calm, clean, and purposeful.\r\nThe Number of the Day Pocket Chart, soft dot dice, foam numbered dice, base ten rods, bingo chips, and write-and-wipe number lines are already being used during math small groups. These hands-on tools help my students visualize place value, practice number sense, build fluency, and stay engaged—especially those who learn best through tactile and movement-based activities.\r\nThe mini whiteboard erasers have given every child their own tools for quick writing and problem-solving. No more sharing or waiting; students can participate instantly.\r\nThe Big Joe bean refill is helping us repair and refill our classroom calming chair—a safe place where students can regulate their emotions, reset, and return ready to learn.\r\nThe birthday pencils and bracelets ensure every child will feel celebrated and valued on their special day. For many of my students, these small gestures mean the world.\r\nEvery single item you provided—large or small—has made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of my students. Your generosity has brought comfort, structure, joy, and hands-on learning into our classroom. Because of you, my students feel seen, supported, and excited to learn.\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for investing in our children's futures. Your kindness reaches far beyond supplies—it builds confidence, community, and possibility.\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1759599338732,"projectUrl":"project/math-skills-and-developing-independence/9781547/","projectTitle":"Math Skills and Developing Independence with Neurodiverse Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Boyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7930363"},{"teacherId":2073373,"projectId":9784097,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation. The other day I was working with a small group of students. They were working on division and several students had stopped trying. I gave them a snack to help them focus and get to work. Just a small snack helped the students to start thinking to solve the division problem. \r\nOn another day one student complained his stomach hurt. I asked if he ate breakfast and he said, \"No.\" A simple snack helped him make it to lunch.\r\nOur students want to learn they just need relationships with caring adults and snacks.","fullyFundedDate":1759619113209,"projectUrl":"project/give-some-energy/9784097/","projectTitle":"Give Some Energy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2073373_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468889491703","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csimon"},{"teacherId":9654586,"projectId":9773913,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom aquarium project. Your generosity has brought science to life in the most meaningful way for my students. As soon as the new decorations, food, and water-testing supplies arrived, the class immediately began using them to explore how living ecosystems work. Students now rotate through \"aquarium care\" jobs—testing water levels, feeding the fish, and observing changes in the tank. This hands-on routine has become a daily highlight that teaches responsibility, scientific thinking, and attention to detail.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was unforgettable. They gathered around the aquarium, pointing out the new décor and predicting how the fish would react. Several students eagerly volunteered to be the first \"tank helpers,\" and even those who are usually reluctant learners were fully engaged. The addition of organizational bins and healthy snacks has also made our classroom run more smoothly—students independently access materials, keep our space tidy, and stay energized throughout lessons.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our next steps involve deepening our scientific inquiry. Students will soon begin recording weekly observations, comparing how different conditions affect the tank's ecosystem, and discussing the importance of nutrition both for animals and for themselves. Your support has created a hands-on learning experience that my students truly cherish. Thank you for giving them the tools to learn, grow, and care for the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1759417621854,"projectUrl":"project/boy-boost/9773913/","projectTitle":"BOY Boost","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Borkowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654586"},{"teacherId":9654586,"projectId":9711690,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting this classroom project. Your contribution creates meaningful, immediate change in our learning environment, and my students feel that impact every single day. Because of you, we are able to build a space where curiosity, joy, and academic growth can flourish—something that would not be possible without your support.\r\n\r\nYour donations brought so many purposeful tools into our classroom. The aquarium has transformed science into a hands-on, inquiry-driven experience, igniting curiosity and responsibility in my students. Engaging book sets, flexible seating tools like clipboards, and high-quality writing materials have elevated both literacy and creativity, giving students the confidence to express themselves and grow as readers and writers. The addition of healthy snacks, sensory tools, organizational bins, stickers, and interactive learning materials has improved focus, emotional regulation, and daily routines, helping students feel supported both academically and socially.\r\n\r\nFinally, the structured play items—like the Giant 4-in-a-Row game and World Footbag Hacky Sack—have strengthened teamwork, cooperation, and morale. All of these pieces work together to build a classroom where students feel safe, energized, and excited to learn. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success. Your kindness truly makes a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1757975139555,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-learning-smiles-for-growing/9711690/","projectTitle":"Tools for Learning, Smiles for Growing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Borkowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654586"},{"teacherId":7824556,"projectId":9774513,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom! Through this project, students were given new behavior reinforcement flexible seating options. Two table groups now have new rolling chairs, and they are definitely a hit! This project has also given us updated organization materials to help keep student materials safe in clear labeled locations throughout our classroom. We have been able to update our classroom book bins, and have also used this storage for some of our fun Friday materials (building blocks, legos, magna tiles). Mahalo nui loa for your kokua!","fullyFundedDate":1759417087196,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-a-new-year/9774513/","projectTitle":"Rolling into a New Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nuzum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7824556_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741910518879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7824556"},{"teacherId":9198897,"projectId":9157639,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support of my classroom. My students have had hours of fun and found many ways to use the supplies you have given our classroom. We have build many items during science focusing on engineering. We love having the ability to build and use hands on materials that without your generous donations would not be possible. \r\n\r\nStudents have spent many hours drawing and painting using items that your donations have given them. They love using stem items to work on their critical thinking skills, they work on building partnerships and understanding that many things can get the same out come even if two people do things differently. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous donations to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1741899666263,"projectUrl":"project/art-is-the-building-blocks-to-a-bright-f/9157639/","projectTitle":"Art Is the Building Blocks to a Bright Future","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sumahit","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9198897_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723753166956","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9198897"},{"teacherId":7928001,"projectId":9606768,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to fulfil my project! A well-decorated classroom plays a powerful role in shaping third graders' learning experiences by creating an environment that stimulates curiosity, comfort, and motivation. A thoughtfully designed classroom—with bright colors, organized learning centers, and visually appealing displays—encourages active engagement and positive emotional responses to learning.\r\n\r\nFor instance, vibrant, clean bulletin boards displaying student work not only build confidence but also promote a sense of ownership and pride. The calming blue color that was donated will help with a calm environment. When the classroom feels warm, inviting, and well-organized, students are more likely to feel secure, focused, and ready to learn, reducing anxiety and distractions that can interfere with academic success.\r\n\r\nMy students were super excited to see the snacks and use the brand new clipboards to help them keep their writing neat when sitting closer to the board.","fullyFundedDate":1757806260922,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-refresh/9606768/","projectTitle":"Classroom Refresh!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tanaka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7928001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728536700181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7928001"},{"teacherId":7928001,"projectId":9607135,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project! Color printing plays an important role in helping third grade students learn by making lessons more engaging, interactive, and visually stimulating. At this age, children are developing stronger reading and comprehension skills, and color can be a powerful tool to capture their attention and aid understanding. \r\n\r\nColor enhances memory retention and helps young learners organize information more effectively. For example, a science worksheet with colorful diagrams of the water cycle or a social studies map that uses distinct colors for different regions allows students to absorb complex ideas more easily. Overall, using color in printed materials transforms ordinary lessons into more dynamic learning experiences, helping students connect ideas and stay motivated to learn.\r\n\r\nStudents and families also love seeing their typed reports, diagrams, and pictures printed out in color, providing a memorable keepsake from third grade. I am also able to print out Third grade memory books for my students in color!","fullyFundedDate":1755389954148,"projectUrl":"project/print-it-in-color/9607135/","projectTitle":"Print It in Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tanaka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7928001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728536700181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7928001"},{"teacherId":10070000,"projectId":9718153,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new classroom materials, their excitement filled the room! They were instantly drawn to the Expandable Breathing Ball Sphere, amazed by how it opened and closed. We used it to practice calm breathing during transitions and group times, and it quickly became a classroom favorite for helping students self-regulate and focus.\r\nThe Magnifying Glasses sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity. My little explorers eagerly examined shapes that I taped to the floor. The Wooden Color & Shape Sorting Matching Box and Counting Dinosaurs Montessori Toys brought hands-on learning to life. Students practiced sorting, counting, and identifying colors and shapes while strengthening fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities through play.\r\nThe Engineer Creative Building Set inspired teamwork, creativity, and persistence. My students used their imaginative creations. These materials transformed our classroom into a space of exploration, discovery, and joyful learning.\r\nThank you for your kindness and generosity. You've helped my students develop important early learning skills while fostering curiosity, cooperation, and confidence. Your support has truly made our classroom a brighter, more inspiring place to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1758255833302,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-tools-for-little-learners-to-sh/9718153/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Tools for Little Learners to Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10070000"},{"teacherId":10072509,"projectId":9449850,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your generous donations to my students and classroom. With your donations I was able to provide for my students a computer cart to charge and store their Chromebooks, unique and colorful chair pockets where they get to store all their classwork, bins to store their art supplies, and rolling carts where they can turn in their classwork and store their headphones and computer mouses.\r\n\r\nMy students loved getting to pick out their favorite color for their chair pockets and matching the color with their folders and pencil bags. My students have personalized their chair pockets even further by decorating their name plates and putting their nicknames. \r\n\r\nIn particular, the computer cart has been super useful. My students are extremely responsible with their Chromebooks and return them to their spot when they are not using them. This computer cart is super handy as it keeps all the chargers organized in the back. I have seen other teachers having to fix their chargers at the end of everyday and I'm grateful that I have this computer cart to make this part of teaching easier.","fullyFundedDate":1753034167753,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-welcoming-space-for-my-haumn/9449850/","projectTitle":"Creating a Welcoming Space for My Haumāna","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10072509_orig.jpg?crop=2651,2651,x211,y110&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751953031019","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sarong"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50773","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":924,"numTeachers":61,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":44.5,"schoolId":50773,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kealakehe Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kealakehe Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kealakehe-elementary-school/50773"}