{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kealakehe Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":53.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2390971,"projectId":10256719,"letterContent":"Mahalo for helping keep my students fueled and ready to learn! The snacks provided through this project have become a simple but incredibly valuable classroom resource. Middle schoolers have long days, and sometimes hunger becomes a very real distraction. Having snacks available means students can meet that basic need and return their attention to learning rather than trying to push through the rest of class hungry.\r\n\r\nI have especially appreciated being able to quietly offer a snack when I notice a student struggling to focus or when a student simply lets me know they are hungry. There is no stigma and no complicated process—just something they need in that moment so they can get back to learning. Your generosity has helped me create a classroom where students know they are cared for as people as well as learners. Mahalo for helping my students feel supported, focused, and ready to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1778061128662,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-in-the-classroom/10256719/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2390971_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y308&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627993450603","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissaburr"},{"teacherId":2390971,"projectId":10233506,"letterContent":"Mahalo for helping make our Student-Created Care Kits possible! Through this project, students were able to thoughtfully select and assemble personal care items into kits designed to support the dignity, confidence, and well-being of fellow students. What made this project especially meaningful was giving students an active role in caring for their school community and showing them that even small acts of kindness can make a real difference.\r\n\r\nThe completed care kits provide students with discreet access to essential items when they need them, while also helping create a school culture where asking for help is met with compassion rather than embarrassment. Your support allowed my students to turn empathy into action and experience firsthand the impact they can have on others. Mahalo for helping us care for our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1778061140040,"projectUrl":"project/student-created-care-kits-supporting-co/10233506/","projectTitle":"Student-Created Care Kits: Supporting Confidence, Dignity, and Well-Being","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2390971_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y308&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627993450603","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissaburr"},{"teacherId":2390971,"projectId":10301371,"letterContent":"Mahalo for helping me strengthen my photography skills through UC San Diego Extended Studies! Through this course, I moved beyond automatic camera settings and learned to intentionally use aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition, exposure, and editing to tell a story.\r\n\r\nI am excited to bring these skills back to my middle school students through Media Arts and visual storytelling projects. I can now better teach students how photographers use light, perspective, composition, and camera settings to communicate meaning. Thank you for investing in my growth as an educator and expanding the creative opportunities I can provide my students!","fullyFundedDate":1780025739102,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-professional-photography-skills/10301371/","projectTitle":"Bringing Professional Photography Skills to Middle School Media","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2390971_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y308&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627993450603","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissaburr"},{"teacherId":7933772,"projectId":9779318,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to this project! The items in this project ultimately made my students feel so comfortable in this space and therefore at school. In this space that the project helped fund, I was able to offer intense one on one ans small group support for our most at risk students. These groups focused on social skills, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. \r\n\r\nWhen students returned from suspension I was also able to meet with them and their families in this space and help to ease the transition back to school for the entire family.","fullyFundedDate":1759532586627,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-soothe-and-study/9779318/","projectTitle":"Snacks, Soothe, and Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stroud","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7933772_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1643348958259","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7933772"},{"teacherId":9615927,"projectId":9772417,"letterContent":"Your generous support has transformed our special education classroom into a space where 20 seventh-grade students can focus, engage, and truly thrive each day. With the addition of flexible seating, essential classroom supplies, and healthy snacks, students are better equipped to meet their academic and personal goals. These resources have led to improved attention, stronger participation, and increased confidence, while also supporting students' overall well-being. Most importantly, students now feel supported, valued, and empowered to take ownership of their learning and reach their full potential in a positive, inclusive environment.","fullyFundedDate":1759226738408,"projectUrl":"project/special-education-classroom-supports/9772417/","projectTitle":"Special Education Classroom Supports","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Moustakas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9615927_orig.jpg?crop=848,848,x0,y124&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1785206117964","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9615927"},{"teacherId":9615927,"projectId":10103665,"letterContent":"Your generosity has transformed our classroom into a vibrant, student-centered learning environment where well-being, focus, and engagement thrive every day. Thanks to your donation, we were able to provide healthy snacks that keep students energized and focused throughout the school day, incentive prizes that encourage positive choices and motivation, and standing desks with flexible seating that promote movement, improve posture, and accommodate diverse learning needs. Since implementing these resources, we've seen improved concentration, better behavior, and enhanced well-being, with students reporting they feel more able to focus, take ownership of their learning, and stay energized during lessons. Your support has not only provided essential resources—it has empowered our students to perform at their best academically and personally, and we are deeply grateful for your investment in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1771453102253,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-sped-incentives/10103665/","projectTitle":"Healthy SPED Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Moustakas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9615927_orig.jpg?crop=848,848,x0,y124&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1785206117964","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9615927"},{"teacherId":133816,"projectId":9780216,"letterContent":"The resources from this grant helped bring two major projects to life for our students — a thriving mala (garden) rooted in Hawaiian cultural practices, and a geodesic dome built to serve as a nursery for future plants.\r\nIn the mala, students planted tomatoes, basil, green onions, and many native Hawaiian and Polynesian canoe plants. Many of the plants grew from seeds that were purchased with this grant donation. Each week, students engaged with ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (Hawaiian proverbs) to guide their work in the garden and in life. They tracked the lunar calendar — Kaulana Mahina — to guide their planting. Additional seeds from the grant were put to use in our hydroponics system, where students grew greens and herbs that made their way (along with the food grown in the mala) into soups, stir fry, and salads.\r\n\r\nOne standout moment: students became teachers. This spring, they hosted 7th graders from Kealakehe Intermediate in the mala — teaching the Hawaiian names of kalo plant parts, leading them through harvesting, collecting data on the lau (leaf), ha (stem), and corm, and guiding them in planting more than 150 huli (kalo cuttings). Watching our students step into that role with confidence was a highlight of the year.\r\nThe mala also became a source of culinary pride. Students grew ingredients that were used to compete in the statewide Kalo Challenge — a competition among ALPSS programs across Hawaiʻi. After finishing in the top three in the semifinals on Maui, our Hoʻi I Ke Kumu students advanced to the finals on Oʻahu — a remarkable achievement in our first year competing.\r\n\r\nFor the geodesic dome project, students completed OSHA 10 training before picking up the drill and safety glasses purchased with grant funds. They built all the components of a geodesic dome through a partnership with the University of Wyoming, learning construction techniques alongside the cultural and ecological importance of native Hawaiian and Polynesian canoe plants. Students could identify and name the plants in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, and they gained hands-on propagation skills. We also took huakaʻi (field trips) to Puʻu Waʻawaʻa, Kalaemano, Honuaʻula Forest Reserve, and Kealakekua Mountain Reserve — deepening learning through place and community.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next\r\nThere is so much momentum to build on. For the mala, the vision is to expand fencing to keep out the wild pigs that have been our biggest challenge, grow additional kalo varieties, and deepen the connection between our agricultural and culinary work. We'll also be using the drones — which students have begun learning to operate — to document the garden's growth as the new school year begins.\r\nFor the dome, once we get approval from the DOE Office of Facilities, we'll erect the geodesic dome and establish it as a working native plant nursery. Irrigation supplies for both the mala and the dome are the next critical need — a consistent water source will significantly improve the germination and survival rate of our seedlings. We also plan to deepen community partnerships with organizations focused on environmental restoration, so our students can contribute meaningfully to those efforts while continuing to learn.\r\nOur students are not just growing plants — they're growing into stewards of their land, their culture, and their community.","fullyFundedDate":1759546408571,"projectUrl":"project/making-more-mala-magic-alternative-lear/9780216/","projectTitle":"Making More Mala Magic: Alternative Learning Program Students Building Gardens","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Duke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/133816"},{"teacherId":8367092,"projectId":10111358,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting this project. We have been able to use it for multiple events now, given us the ability to capture footage that was previously not possible due to stabilization.\r\n\r\nThe DJI Ronin has enhanced the quality of our videos and has given students more hands on work that will help them in any future pursuits in film. The use of stabilizers is an industry standard. We expect to get further use from the Ronin in many future projects and we continue to learn how to effectively use it and try new things.","fullyFundedDate":1771780704167,"projectUrl":"project/stabilizing-our-film-projects/10111358/","projectTitle":"Stabilizing Our Film Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kahakua","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8367092_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y36&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771546019248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sodogo"},{"teacherId":9591794,"projectId":10107627,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of comfy seats for our students. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in our classroom. The new seating has created a more welcoming and comfortable learning environment where students can focus better, collaborate with classmates, and enjoy their time in school.\r\n\r\nStudents are excited to use the new seats each day, and the added comfort helps them stay engaged and ready to learn. Your generosity shows our students that their community cares about their success and well-being. Gifts like yours help create positive learning experiences that students will remember and appreciate.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and for investing in our classroom. Thank you for helping us create a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to do their best every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771652459703,"projectUrl":"project/alternative-seating/10107627/","projectTitle":"Alternative Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Duckworth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9591794"},{"teacherId":9789376,"projectId":10105642,"letterContent":"Thank you, your donations made a big difference in our classroom. The chair socks helped create a calmer, quieter testing environment by softening chair noises so students could concentrate without distractions. The pencil dispenser gave students a reliable, shared place to find writing tools each morning, which reduced lost time and helped our routines run smoothly. The magnetic write-and-wipe boards let students see and refer to the daily agenda at their desks, so they came to each activity better prepared and more confident.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support. These materials have not only improved day-to-day organization but also helped students focus, feel more independent, and make the most of learning time. Thank you for investing in our classroom and in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1771699047654,"projectUrl":"project/math-uplift/10105642/","projectTitle":"Math Uplift","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hanks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9789376"},{"teacherId":10341542,"projectId":9876311,"letterContent":"The new books in our classroom are helping students build both language and cultural connections. Many of the stories are centered around Hawaiʻi, local places, traditions, and experiences that feel familiar to our students. Because of this, students are much more engaged and excited to read. They are learning reading comprehension skills, vocabulary development, pronunciation, fluency, and confidence while also seeing themselves and their culture represented in literature. Some of the books are written in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, which gives students the opportunity to strengthen their pronunciation and listening skills in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is very student-centered and community-focused. Once students complete their classwork, many immediately pick up where they left off in their books. It has become part of our classroom routine and something students genuinely look forward to. When reading Hawaiian-language books, we often take turns reading aloud together. Sometimes the focus is not necessarily understanding every single word right away, but instead becoming comfortable hearing and speaking the language correctly. These moments help students grow more confident in using ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and create a supportive environment where they can practice without fear of making mistakes.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful things to witness is how students bond over stories that reflect their own lives, families, and communities. Students become excited when they recognize places they have visited, traditions they practice at home, or words they hear from their kūpuna. Even reluctant readers are more willing to participate when they feel personally connected to the text. These books have helped create a classroom environment where reading is not viewed as a chore, but as a way to connect with culture, language, and one another. We are incredibly grateful for the support that made these resources possible.","fullyFundedDate":1771630883026,"projectUrl":"project/lelo-hawaii-books/9876311/","projectTitle":"'Ōlelo Hawai'i Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kumu Ohi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341542"},{"teacherId":10294033,"projectId":10105316,"letterContent":"Your gift has increased access forP pacific islanders to engage in STEM education. With your gift these students have engaged in problem solving and hands on activities. Using the STEM kits designed to integrate science, technology , engineering, and math students have accomplished great things including continuing to progress towards further studies in this devils AND a career in the field of STEM. STEM Education had the ability to lift students out of poverty and increasing their earning potential.","fullyFundedDate":1771600303631,"projectUrl":"project/pacific-islanders-access-to-stem-educati/10105316/","projectTitle":"Pacific Islanders Access to STEM Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chianna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10294033_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y97&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759182200259","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294033"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53775","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":688,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":40,"percentMultiracialImputed":16,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":46.5,"schoolId":53775,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kealakehe Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kealakehe Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kealakehe-intermediate-school/53775"}