{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Konawaena Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":60.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6919220,"projectId":9767415,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our school community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our project. Your support immediately and tangibly changed the daily learning experience in our classroom by providing essential resources for regulation, focus, and wellness.\r\n\r\nHow We Are Using the New Resources\r\n\r\nThe impact of having these resources readily available has been nothing short of transformative, especially in linking basic needs to complex emotional and academic regulation. Our project's goal was to teach students how to access the \"thinking part of their brain\"—and we are seeing incredible success.\r\n\r\nA specific moment: Our new ice machine has become a vital tool in our \"crisis zone.\" When students become overwhelmed by big emotions or sensory input, they often need physical strategies to down-regulate. The ability to use ice or a cold compress from the machine has provided a fast, tangible way for students to physically and mentally \"stay cool.\" This intervention quickly moves them out of an emotional \"fight-or-flight\" state and allows them to think clearer, making them ready to re-engage with the lesson.\r\n\r\nThe snacks and fidgets are utilized every single day. The snacks provide necessary fuel, stabilizing blood sugar and giving students the energy required for sustained concentration. The fidgets offer quiet, safe sensory input that helps students focus their energy, allowing them to participate in class without distraction.\r\n\r\nStudent Reactions\r\n\r\nThe students' reaction to the new materials was immediate and overwhelmingly positive! They were so excited when they first saw the variety of snacks and the new collection of fidget tools.\r\n\r\nMore importantly than the initial excitement, the students quickly internalized the purpose of these resources. They now confidently and proactively ask for a fidget, grab a snack during a break, or request a cold compress, demonstrating their growing ability to recognize and advocate for their own needs. This self-awareness is the greatest achievement of this project.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Students\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to build on this success by continually reinforcing the coping skills and strategies we have introduced. We will continue:\r\n\r\nTeaching Self-Regulation: Integrating these tools into our curriculum to teach students how to access their rational, thinking part of the brain when stressed.\r\n\r\nSustained Fuel and Focus: Ensuring their bodies are fed and fueled with snacks and continuing to help them stay mentally cool through access to our sensory tools and the ice machine.","fullyFundedDate":1759441035705,"projectUrl":"project/cool-minds-initiative/9767415/","projectTitle":"Cool Minds Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kyra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6919220"},{"teacherId":6621951,"projectId":9484494,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, this project has helped students start the school year prepared and confident. By providing essential school supplies for math class, such as tablets, pencils, 4-color pens, and other writing utensils, we've ensured that each student has the tools they need to focus on learning, explore their creativity, and succeed academically in math class. \r\n\r\nYour contributions make a real difference. My students feel equipped from the first week. These resources can be a burden to families and alleviating this is great for our local families. I know that all my students have what they need and can focus on learning, rather than looking for a pencil for 10 minutes. Everything they need each day can be found in their pouches. \r\n\r\nWith your support, my students are ready to learn, grow, and thrive. I are grateful for your generosity and commitment to helping KMS 7th grade students be successful in math this year.","fullyFundedDate":1755911500745,"projectUrl":"project/start-of-school-supply-restock/9484494/","projectTitle":"Start of School Supply Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. J. Murphioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6621951_orig.jpg?crop=568,568,x46,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597084475340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/murphiokamath"},{"teacherId":9806968,"projectId":9785720,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, our classroom has experienced meaningful, daily improvements that have truly impacted my students' learning and well-being.\r\nThe snacks provided through this project have made a noticeable difference. Many of my students come to school without having eaten enough to fuel them through a full day of learning. Having access to healthy, consistent snacks ensures they can stay focused, energized, and engaged—especially during those mid-morning or afternoon stretches when hunger can be a major distraction. It's more than just food; it's about creating a classroom where students feel cared for and ready to learn.\r\nThe storage materials have also streamlined our classroom procedures in powerful ways. With organized bins, containers, and shelving, supplies now have clear homes. This has reduced transition times, minimized distractions, and taught students the value of responsibility and organization. Classroom routines are smoother, which means we have more time for actual learning.\r\nTogether, these seemingly small changes have created a more structured, supportive, and student-centered environment. Thank you for being a part of this transformation. Your generosity is felt every single day in our room.","fullyFundedDate":1759628437911,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-students-fueled-focused-and-re/9785720/","projectTitle":"Keeping Students Fueled, Focused, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9806968"},{"teacherId":9581496,"projectId":9510231,"letterContent":"When the birthday chart, hooks, and risers arrived, my students were so excited — you could tell just by the way they clustered around to help unpack, to touch, and to imagine how these things would feel in our classroom. One student gasped, \"Wow - now each of us has a birthday spot!\" Another looked at the table risers and said, \"I don't have to lean over so far to write!\" It wasn't just about new things — it was like tiny messages that this classroom is made for them.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're weaving these tools into our everyday: the hooks have become part of our morning flow, with kids choosing their own spot for their backpacks; the birthday chart has become a way to build community, to remember and celebrate each child; the risers are helping students be more comfortable, less fidgety, more able to focus when working. Next, students will rotate roles like \"hook helper\" and \"birthday ambassador,\" graph birthdays by month, and reflect on how these small changes are making a big difference. I can already see more smiles, more confidence, more \"this is my classroom\" moments.","fullyFundedDate":1753818726749,"projectUrl":"project/basic-items/9510231/","projectTitle":"Basic Items","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rubio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9581496_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x116,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719892486004","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9581496"},{"teacherId":2930404,"projectId":9162626,"letterContent":"With your generous support for our classroom, my students were able to increase their science and engineering skills. \r\nWith the different KNEX building kits and the aquaponic kit, we explored building bridges and towers to test them for stability and load. We used KNEX parts to create large wiggle bots. \r\nWe assembled the hydroponic kit and tested it out by pumping water through it, to discover that we need to use PVC adhesive to make it waterproof, so it won't leak once we start planting seeds in it, and use hydroponic solution instead of water later this quarter. My students are excited to start this project.\r\nThank you again for your donations!","fullyFundedDate":1742059769986,"projectUrl":"project/stem-to-grow/9162626/","projectTitle":"STEM to Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cummins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2930404_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448482619508","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-cummins"},{"teacherId":9581496,"projectId":9061437,"letterContent":"When the snacks arrived, my students' faces lit up with excitement! They immediately asked if they could share them during our reading block, and it turned into a sweet moment of community in our classroom. Having these resources helped create a calm and focused learning space, and the students felt cared for. \r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students not only received something tangible, but also experienced a meaningful moment of joy and belonging. Every time they reach for a snack, they are reminded that people beyond our classroom walls believe in them and want to see them succeed. That lesson will last much longer than the snacks themselves.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building strong study habits, and the snacks are a huge support in keeping their energy up while they work. Thank you for helping us thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1737064034205,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-munchies-2/9061437/","projectTitle":"Mindful Munchies #2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rubio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9581496_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x116,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719892486004","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9581496"},{"teacherId":9581496,"projectId":9004339,"letterContent":"The new monitor has made a noticeable difference in our classroom. While many people use screens at home, having a large, high-quality monitor in a classroom setting truly changes how we can learn together. Instead of crowding around a small laptop, my students can now clearly see lessons, visuals, and examples projected for the entire class. This has especially helped during group discussions and collaborative work, because everyone can engage at the same time without missing details.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students has been how interactive our lessons feel now. When I display student work on the monitor, they love seeing their contributions highlighted in front of their classmates. It gives them a sense of pride and motivates them to put in even more effort. They also enjoy watching videos, analyzing images, and playing review games together on the big screen—turning what used to feel like quiet, individual tasks into shared learning experiences.\r\n\r\nA few students who usually struggle to stay focused have especially warmed to this new technology. The larger visuals help them follow along more easily, and the interactive nature keeps them engaged. One student who rarely participates has started volunteering answers when we review material on the monitor, which has been such a rewarding shift to see.\r\n\r\nThanks to this gift, learning feels more accessible, collaborative, and exciting for every student in the room.","fullyFundedDate":1734374678918,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-education-bridging-the-digit/9004339/","projectTitle":"Empowering Education: Bridging the Digital Divide for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rubio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9581496_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x116,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719892486004","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9581496"},{"teacherId":9988495,"projectId":9220123,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our school. I wanted to share a little about the incredible impact your support has had on my students.As a behavioral health counselor, I know that connecting with students is the most important part of my job. Many of them are dealing with complex challenges related to poverty, stress, and the daily pressures of middle school. Meeting their basic needs is the first step in building a trusting relationship. The food you've provided has become an invaluable tool for this. It acts as a bridge to help me connect and build rapport with them. Recently, after a difficult group project, a few students were able to grab a snack in my office and take a quiet moment together. This simple act of sharing food helps them feel safe and seen, allowing them to navigate their socio-emotional world more effectively. It creates a space where they can build relationships and a true sense of belonging with their peers.When the students first saw the materials, their reaction was a quiet, deep sigh of relief. It wasn't a loud celebration, but a calm settling. It was as if a weight had been lifted. By ensuring they have enough to eat, they can focus on their own growth and development rather than the stress of an empty stomach.We're currently working on a poetry slam, a project that is all about helping them find their voice and express their personal stories. Your donation allows them to fully engage in this creative process without distraction. The food you've provided is so much more than a meal; it's a foundation for their emotional well-being and a vital tool for connection.Thank you again for believing in our students and supporting the work we do. We are so grateful for your partnership.","fullyFundedDate":1750170499605,"projectUrl":"project/building-connections-one-snack-at-a-tim/9220123/","projectTitle":"Building Connections, One Snack at a Time: Konawaena Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tovah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9988495_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y554&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743451224226","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9988495"},{"teacherId":7085514,"projectId":6945865,"letterContent":"The math RTI (Response to Intervention) classroom is designed to support students who struggle with foundational math concepts. These learners often need more than traditional instruction—they thrive with hands-on materials, visual aids, and interactive practice. With the addition of several tools and manipulatives, my RTI instruction has become more engaging, differentiated, and effective in addressing student needs.\r\n\r\nFor example, The Power Pen and Multiplication Quiz Cards have added a fun, self-guided element to fact practice. Students enjoy the interactive nature of the pen, which provides immediate feedback with sounds and lights. This system is especially effective for building automaticity in multiplication facts and keeping students motivated during independent work.\r\n\r\nOverall, these materials have brought energy and flexibility to my math RTI classroom. Students are more engaged, more confident, and more successful in mastering difficult concepts. The variety of hands-on, visual, and interactive resources allows me to differentiate instruction more effectively, ensuring that all students—regardless of their starting point—have the tools they need to succeed in math.","fullyFundedDate":1667014935928,"projectUrl":"project/multiplication-and-math-manipulatives-ma/6945865/","projectTitle":"Multiplication and Math Manipulatives Mania!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ullian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7085514_orig.jpg?crop=772,772,x0,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627676978562","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7085514"},{"teacherId":6621951,"projectId":9016648,"letterContent":"Mahalo for giving to our class project LEGO for Stop Motion. This was an introductory course where students learned the basics. They loved having the opportunity to build the various kits to be used a props in their film. Star Wars is the clear favorite LEGO build for the majority of students in the class. \r\n\r\nWatching the students excel with a new skill was amazing to watch. The students caught on quickly and were eager to participate to create the best stop motion film. These were shared on our school broadcast, so their work was celebrated by their peers. The skill set needed for making films is similar to skills used in math class. Teamwork, collaboration, communication and more are used every day in math but with this project, students were able to highlight various skills they just learned. \r\n\r\nAgain, many mahalos for supporting my 7th grade students in South Kona. I appreciate you giving to my classroom and keiki.","fullyFundedDate":1740268874872,"projectUrl":"project/lego-sets-for-stop-motion/9016648/","projectTitle":"LEGO Sets for Stop Motion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. J. Murphioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6621951_orig.jpg?crop=568,568,x46,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597084475340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/murphiokamath"},{"teacherId":6621951,"projectId":9254698,"letterContent":"Mahalo for providing each of my 107 students with the classroom supplies that will help them be successful in math class this year. Everyone received a set of supplies on the first day of math class. My students were excited to choose their pouch color, color pens and the 4-in-1 Bic pen. It has been a great start to the year with everyone having what they need. It is also nice to not burden their families with additional needed supplies.\r\n\r\nIt has been helpful to my classroom because I don't have kids each period saying they don't have their tablet or a highlighter or something else. Everything is ready to go in their pouch for the day. This supports organization and limits distractions allowing students to better engage and participate. My hope this year is to help students be more organized (a struggle for many 7th grade kids), learn to use and take good notes and have a successful year. \r\n\r\nAgain thank you for giving to my class project, Start the School Year Stocked for Success in Math. It would not have been possible without you. My students and I appreciate you and all that you have done for our team.","fullyFundedDate":1746458445341,"projectUrl":"project/start-the-year-stocked-for-success-in-ma/9254698/","projectTitle":"Start the Year Stocked for Success in Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. J. Murphioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6621951_orig.jpg?crop=568,568,x46,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597084475340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/murphiokamath"},{"teacherId":6621951,"projectId":9254637,"letterContent":"Mahalo for giving to my project Lego Kits for Summer Fun Program. Your generosity made an impact on the lives of 53 incoming 6-8th grade students during our five week summer program. During this time, each student developed their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. I challenged them to build various sets (police car, go-karts, bulldozers and more) without seeing the manual or without talking. They found it hard, but figured out how to do it by working with a partner. \r\n\r\nI will continue to use these kits in my math class once school begins this year. I ordered various sets but at least 3 of each kit/build. This is used so that students can compete against each other. Competition - everyone wants to be the winner, so it pushes them that much more. \r\n\r\nMany of the Lego sets I initially ordered were out of stock, so I had to choose different builds. They came in the first week of the summer program. Kids were stocked to unbox and check out all the various sets that arrived in numerous amazon boxes. They then had a timed challenge - build as much as you can in 10 min. Trade projects - go. \r\n\r\nWe had a great time with these builds (some easy and other difficult). This was a great class to teach for the summer program. Everyday was 100% participation and it would not be possible without your generous giving. Mahalo for supporting Konawaena Middle School students and teachers.","fullyFundedDate":1749248943297,"projectUrl":"project/lego-kits-for-summer-fun-program/9254637/","projectTitle":"LEGO Kits for Summer Fun Program","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. J. Murphioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6621951_orig.jpg?crop=568,568,x46,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597084475340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/murphiokamath"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62527","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":614,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":57,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":39.5,"schoolId":62527,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Konawaena Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Konawaena Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/konawaena-middle-school/62527"}