{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lihikai Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9366204,"projectId":9773681,"letterContent":"Your support directly provided essential resources for both reading and math instruction, making a significant impact on our students' learning. We have been effectively using the new writing books and engaging matching games, which have boosted skill practice and student enthusiasm. Additionally, the file folders for phonics have been invaluable, offering crucial, individualized support to our students with disabilities. Thank you again for investing in our students' education and helping them reach their full potential.","fullyFundedDate":1759455163335,"projectUrl":"project/ela-and-math-materials/9773681/","projectTitle":"ELA and Math Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9366204"},{"teacherId":9079834,"projectId":9118629,"letterContent":"Before the fan arrived, the classroom experience in the late spring heat was defined by a specific, suffocating kind of misery. Sunlight streaming through the tall windows turned the room into a slow oven, and the air hung heavy and still. Students would spend more time subtly fanning themselves with textbooks, wiping damp palms, and staring listlessly at the clock than they did focusing on the lesson. \r\n\r\nThe experience with the fan was immediately transformative, moving beyond just physical comfort into the realm of mental clarity. The low, steady hum of the motor became the new backdrop for lessons, replacing the distracting sound of sighs and shuffles. More importantly, the rotating head of the fan ensured that the cool air was not just concentrated on the front row, but swept across the entire room. The energy that had been spent enduring the heat was now redirected, proving that sometimes, the simplest intervention—a gift of moving air—can be the most effective catalyst for focus and a genuine enjoyment of the school day.","fullyFundedDate":1741048447295,"projectUrl":"project/getting-comfy-and-relax-in-my-reading-an/9118629/","projectTitle":"Getting Comfy and Relax in My Reading and Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emelyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9079834_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732691484839","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9079834"},{"teacherId":8669345,"projectId":9603325,"letterContent":"My students, teachers and I want to send a huge mahalo to you for funding my Donors Choose project. The color printer and ink have provided so many resources for our school!\r\n\r\nFirst, I was able to print a colored print out of student assessment data for every teacher in our school. With this data report, teachers were able to place students with colored post-its into their \"data folders\" for tracking throughout the school year. This helps teachers create student groups for reading Targeted Learning Centers and our foundational Kahua Block. Teachers are able to see which kids are in red, yellow, green, and blue groups and can figure out next steps for their reading instruction. We have our mid-year reading assessment coming up next month and I am confident many students will improve in their foundational reading skills because of your help!\r\n\r\nSecondly, I was able to print and create a number of foundational reading games for the students I service in Reading RtI (Response to Intervention) groups. These games include alphabet matching, CVC word reading, and more! My younger kiddos who are still learning their alphabets enjoy playing the letter matching games. My older students enjoy playing the high frequency word memory game. They have shown big improvements as far as retaining their high frequency words and letter names and sounds. This could not be possible without your generous donations!","fullyFundedDate":1755721486546,"projectUrl":"project/reading-in-full-color/9603325/","projectTitle":"Reading in Full Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kauhane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8669345_orig.png?crop=310,310,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677830497054","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8669345"},{"teacherId":8669382,"projectId":9773788,"letterContent":"My students and I are using the new resources in a few ways because there was a variety of stuff. Students helped me pump up the soccer balls and footballs. Students helped me put different math games into the zipper pouches, and more!\r\n\r\nFirst, my students reacted excited when they saw the custodians bringing in all the boxes to my classroom. It was a lot, so I had them help open the boxes and materials. They were so excited to open the boxes and when they looked inside they didn't know what it was until they unwrapped it.","fullyFundedDate":1759356512967,"projectUrl":"project/student-essentials/9773788/","projectTitle":"Student Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Isagawa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8669382_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y155&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693438673458","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsrachelisagawa"},{"teacherId":10170381,"projectId":9593512,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation on my classroom project. Our new laminating film, pouches, and printer inks have created great and immediate impact on my students' daily learning experiences. Before this project was funded, most of our classroom materials relied on shared resources and fragile paper materials that struggled to survive even a week of instruction. Now, with access to durable, vibrant printed materials and the ability to laminate them for long term use, my students are engaging with lessons in ways that feel both personalized and permanent. They have colorful and crisp visual aids. The laminated materials have become tools my students treat with a sense of pride knowing these materials were made for them. Because of your support, our classroom has evolved from temporary paper worksheets to a dynamic, reusable, and student-centered learning environment.\r\n\r\nDuring the past weeks, I've witnessed numerous moments of authentic learning that would not have been possible without your generosity. During our Math small group, they use colorful fraction tiles which were laminated for long term use. Vocabulary maps were also printed to be used in ELA time. These moments, small they may seem, reflect meaningful steps toward greater independence, confidence, and joy in learning. Your gift did simply supply materials- it opened doors for students to express creativity, collaborate, and take ownership of their growth.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this project reaches far beyond the supplies themselves; it has transformed the way my students engage with one another. Your generosity has created a classroom environment where learning feels durable, purposeful, and full of possibilities. Your generosity will be felt for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755797248130,"projectUrl":"project/ink-and-ideas-protecting-learning-mater/9593512/","projectTitle":"Ink and Ideas: Protecting Learning Materials for Years to Come","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10170381"},{"teacherId":8820876,"projectId":8879326,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. The donation(s) you provided helped me to provide effective training and source materials to these teachers so they have the tools and resources necessary for effective beginning reading skills instruction. The supplies/materials were utilized as follows:\r\n\r\n- Highlighters, sharpies, post-it notes, folders: general training supplies for the organization of training materials.\r\n\r\n- Plastic rings, index cards: to create flashcards and pinch cards for students to use while participating in reading routines\r\n\r\n- laminator, laminating pouches: to help make teaching materials more durable and long-lasting (i.e. laminating pinch cards for use all year and hopefully multiple years, creating dry-erase sheets for alphabetic principle routines, etc.)\r\n\r\n- plastic colored-counters: for use as a concrete reading manipulative, students can use the colored chips when saying sounds, counting sounds/parts, w/Elkonin boxes, etc.\r\n\r\nOur teachers noted a marked improvement in our students' reading and decoding skills, and are thankful for the extra supplies and support for students.","fullyFundedDate":1729091679211,"projectUrl":"project/help-students-become-effective-beginning/8879326/","projectTitle":"Help Students Become Effective Beginning Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Saito","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820876"},{"teacherId":8519639,"projectId":8224085,"letterContent":"We want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donations. Your contribution has been absolutely instrumental in helping my students and me transform our classroom into an amazing and exciting learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been profound. We've seen a noticeable shift in student engagement; the resources your gift provided have helped us boost the confidence and academic performance of many students. As a result, they are more enthusiastic about learning and truly enjoy being present at school each day.\r\n\r\nThroughout the year, students have been given the chance to explore so many different hands-on activities, materials, and learning resources. These opportunities have significantly enriched our curriculum and better equipped them with the diverse skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Thank you again for making such a positive difference in their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1708280514430,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-successful-learning-environme/8224085/","projectTitle":"Building a Successful Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ikeuchi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8519639"},{"teacherId":7930389,"projectId":8879747,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to my students. With your donation the students will have the materials they need when they enter my classroom. As a result of this they will be able to focus on their learning and working towards gaining proficiency in the English language. The students are able to work on developing their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills as a result of having the needed materials available to them.\r\n\r\nThank you for valuing the work that teachers are doing in the classroom. Through your support I am able to provide my students with the materials they need to be successful. Your donation is deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1729110958925,"projectUrl":"project/prepared-and-ready-for-success-in-el-cla/8879747/","projectTitle":"Prepared and Ready for Success in EL Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yamashiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7930389"},{"teacherId":10162166,"projectId":9558475,"letterContent":"\"Make It Math\" has significantly improved my classroom by increasing student engagement through real-world, project-based learning that connects math to students' everyday experiences, making lessons more meaningful and motivating. It has deepened students' conceptual understanding by emphasizing reasoning and problem-solving over rote procedures, leading to stronger comprehension and retention. The program supports diverse learners through collaboration and differentiation, allowing all students to thrive. Classroom discourse has improved, with students now confidently explaining their thinking, asking questions, and working together on complex tasks. This has fostered greater independence, confidence, and resilience in tackling challenges. Additionally, \"Make It Math\" has contributed to my own professional growth, encouraging more student-centered practices and a deeper focus on core mathematical thinking.","fullyFundedDate":1756337766203,"projectUrl":"project/make-it-math/9558475/","projectTitle":"Make it Math!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10162166"},{"teacherId":9079834,"projectId":9157791,"letterContent":"When they first saw the materials, they say \"WOW\" and they're eager to use it. The classroom environment is built not just on textbooks and lessons, but on the small, practical tools that support the daily work of teaching. When a donated laminator and a stock of whiteboard cleaner arrived, the shift they enabled was organizational, but the impact on learning was profound. Before, charts and activity cards, painstakingly made by the teacher, would quickly fray, forcing lessons to halt while worn-out materials were remade. The laminator changed this instantly: it preserved student artwork, protected math fact sheets from sticky hands, and transformed fragile paper into durable, professional-looking learning aids. Simultaneously, the new whiteboard cleaner restored the primary focus area of the room, turning the previously smudged and gray board into a bright, high-contrast canvas where geometry proofs and vocabulary words could shine with absolute clarity. These tools, though seemingly mundane, signaled respect for the learning process and ensured that instructional time was spent on content, not on managing deterioration.\r\n\r\nEqually impactful were the chocolate and treats received through the same wave of community generosity. These sugary donations were not just snacks; they became powerful psychological tools that fostered a positive, low-stress environment essential for complex learning. Used strategically as rewards—a chocolate square for solving a difficult problem or a small bag of treats for exceptional teamwork—they reinforced positive behaviors and created a sense of immediate, tangible recognition. Furthermore, the knowledge that there was a small stash of treats available often served as a boost during the inevitable mid-afternoon slump, providing a quick bit of energy and a momentary mental break. These edible donations bridged the gap between effort and reward, making the classroom feel less like an assessment center and more like a supportive community that celebrated hard work, ultimately boosting morale and making students more eager to engage with challenging academic material","fullyFundedDate":1741919639380,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-a-flourishing-learning-environ/9157791/","projectTitle":"Fostering a Flourishing Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emelyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9079834_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732691484839","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9079834"},{"teacherId":8729505,"projectId":9170485,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of math materials. Students were so excited and ready to unwrap the boxes. They couldn't wait to use them. As I explained the direction in using the File folder game, they waited with enthusiasm to play the game. Students were eager to play the game with each other and learned 1:1 correspondence as they counted the bones to place in the dog dish. \r\n\r\nAs students improve in their 1:1 correspondence skills, I will have them play the math file folder games and do an extension lesson by having them draw the amount of the number of bones they fed the dog in their math tablets. \r\n\r\nAgain, our classroom is filled with gratitude and will continue to grow in our math skills as we continue to play and learn through the math folder games.","fullyFundedDate":1746785489810,"projectUrl":"project/the-magic-in-exploring-numbers/9170485/","projectTitle":"The Magic in Exploring Numbers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sniffen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8729505"},{"teacherId":8980974,"projectId":9165631,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the supplies that you donated. My students were able to open up their creative minds. With the resources that you generously gave supported my students in taking part to learn new topics. They were able to explore different ways to show their learning, especially in a project that they worked on-erosion. Besides the supplies for the students' projects, my class appreciated the cleaning supplies. They enjoyed taking part in cleaning up their areas after setting up their project. My students and I appreciate your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1742094054364,"projectUrl":"project/creative-learners-in-the-classroom/9165631/","projectTitle":"Creative Learners in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Domingo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8980974"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50984","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":632,"numTeachers":54,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":42,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":62.0,"schoolId":50984,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lihikai Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lihikai Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/lihikai-elementary-school/50984"}
Join the 221 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Lihikai Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Kahului, Hawaii that is part of Maui School District.
It serves 632 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.7:1.
Its teachers have had 317 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
58%
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.
Lihikai Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Lihikai Elementary School
$227,698
raised using DonorsChoose
317
projects
funded
80
teachers
funded
221
donors
55
projects
for
basic supplies
74
projects for
technology
13
projects for
books
25
projects
for
art supplies
Lihikai Elementary School has received support from
137 individuals from Hawaii and
84 individuals out-of-state.