{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makaha Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":77.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5113040,"projectId":9773664,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for your donation of a child-sized couch through DonorsChoose!\r\n\r\nOpening the box was fun because the children couldn't figure out what could be so large. The children are so eager to use it. They love being chosen to sit on the \"special couch\" when they are working on quiet tasks like reading, writing, or on their ipad. It provides a cozy, comfortable space that makes their work feel like a privilege.\r\n\r\nWe truly want to thank you for helping us to create such a warm and engaging learning environment. Your generosity is appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1759607318908,"projectUrl":"project/just-one-comfy-couch/9773664/","projectTitle":"Just One Comfy Couch","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calbero's Honeybees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5113040_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525122284830","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a10honeybees"},{"teacherId":6489788,"projectId":9784248,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations to my English Learner students. We had a successful multilingual family event where families came together and got to connect with teachers. They made a thankfulness craft with your donations, and started an at home reading program. Your snacks were a hit with the kids and helped make it an enjoyable event for everyone. \r\nFamilies worked together to make a paper mache mason jar. At home, they could write on strips of paper what they were thankful for and add it to the jar. This was especially appropriate, as the event was held in November. \r\nThank you for helping to make our multilingual families feel more welcomed on the school campus, which can feel especially daunting due to the language barrier.","fullyFundedDate":1759622728151,"projectUrl":"project/headsets-crafts-snacks-oh-my/9784248/","projectTitle":"Headsets, Crafts & Snacks, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sherick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6489788_orig.jpg?crop=435,435,x171,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1640841240331","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6489788"},{"teacherId":5113040,"projectId":9401040,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation of new art supplies and an organizing cart through DonorsChoose!\r\n\r\nThe children were so excited to see the materials arrive, and they have already put them to good use. They absolutely love doing arts and crafts and it has become one of their favorite activities! This new cart helps us keep everything neatly organized and easily accessible, which means less time searching and more time creating. The kids love to bring their creations home. \r\n\r\nWithout your help, I could not have afforded to bring these things to my classroom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1755729799822,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-art/9401040/","projectTitle":"Organizing Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calbero's Honeybees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5113040_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525122284830","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a10honeybees"},{"teacherId":11950,"projectId":9634747,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity is helping our kindergarten through second-grade students explore creativity, craftsmanship, and real-world problem-solving through hands-on art projects.\r\n\r\nThis year, our students have already enjoyed creating their own Christmas ornaments, learning to express themselves while developing fine motor skills, attention to detail, and design thinking. Soon, they will be moving on to an exciting new project: creating bobblehead animals using the pinch pot method. With your support, they will have access to essential materials like air-dry clay, paint, rollers, stamps, pens, sequins, and other decorative tools—everything they need to add detail, personalization, and creativity to their clay creations.\r\n\r\nThrough these activities, students are not only learning important art skills but also discovering how craftsmanship connects to real-world careers in industrial design, ceramics, product development, and architecture. They are practicing design thinking, following multi-step processes, and developing the precision and creativity that professionals in these fields value.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is making it possible for our students to create projects they can be proud of while building skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Thanks to your support, our young artists are gaining confidence, learning to problem-solve, and exploring pathways that could inspire their future careers.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for helping us bring the joy of hands-on learning and creativity to our students!","fullyFundedDate":1755974009094,"projectUrl":"project/creative-hands-bright-minds-pottery-pr/9634747/","projectTitle":"Creative Hands, Bright Minds: Pottery Projects for Young Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dennis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp11950_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524112795646","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sarah-dennis"},{"teacherId":10205267,"projectId":9634286,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all these health and safety items for our class. Being in preschool it is very important that we maintain a healthy classroom as young keiki are being exposed to new germs and building their immune systems. All of these items have helped to keep my class functioning, for instance all the paper towels and soap have allowed keiki to learn proper hand washing procedures. As an educator, I am so grateful for all the help I can get to give my keiki the best educational experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1756174873369,"projectUrl":"project/basic-health-and-safety-preschool/9634286/","projectTitle":"Basic Health and Safety Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chloe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10205267_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755731313673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10205267"},{"teacherId":6709949,"projectId":9646414,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support. Your contribution means more than you know. By providing paper towels and QuietSet tower fans, you are helping create a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable classroom for my students.\r\n\r\nIn a Title I school, even basic supplies can be hard to come by. Your kindness ensures that our students have what they need to stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn. The fans will bring much-needed relief on hot days, and the paper towels will help us keep our space clean and safe.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and giving them a learning environment where they can truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1756192672381,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-classroom-stay-clean-and-cool/9646414/","projectTitle":"Help Our Classroom Stay Clean and Cool!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Secretario-Klein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6709949_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689035569937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6709949"},{"teacherId":6709949,"projectId":9518472,"letterContent":"Here's a polished, heartfelt thank-you impact letter you can use:\r\n\r\n⸻\r\n\r\nDear Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom. Because of you, my 5th graders walk into a learning environment that feels more comfortable, more engaging, and more inspiring every single day.\r\n\r\nThe new wobble stools are already making a noticeable difference. Many of my students learn best when they can move, shift, or wiggle, and these stools give them the freedom to do that while still staying focused on their work. You've helped create a space where active learners can thrive rather than struggle.\r\n\r\nThe round floor cushions have quickly become a favorite addition. Whether students are participating in small-group discussions, joining a reading circle, or taking a quiet moment to reset, these cushions offer them choice and comfort. It's incredible how something as simple as flexible seating can empower students to take ownership of how they learn best.\r\n\r\nAnd the erasable gel pens—a huge hit! Writing suddenly feels less scary when mistakes can be fixed with a quick erase. These pens are boosting students' confidence, encouraging creativity, and making writing projects something they look forward to. The excitement on their faces as they use them says it all.","fullyFundedDate":1755765463361,"projectUrl":"project/a-more-engaging-classroom/9518472/","projectTitle":"A More Engaging Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Secretario-Klein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6709949_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689035569937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6709949"},{"teacherId":10050134,"projectId":9728139,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is feeling warmer, brighter, and more connected than ever. Because of your support, our students now have the resources they need to make our celebrations truly special and to transform our classroom into a welcoming community space.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new resources\r\nThe holiday-themed supplies and classroom essentials you provided have already made a meaningful difference. During our first celebration with the new materials, students gathered on our refreshed carpet area to listen to a story and work on small crafts together. The decorations, supplies, and little surprises created an atmosphere filled with joy, belonging, and excitement.\r\n\r\nTheir first reaction\r\nWhen the items arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled. They pointed out colorful decorations, explored the new craft materials, and rushed to sit together in our updated carpet space. Their eyes lit up as they realized these special items were just for our class celebrations. For many of them, these little touches—treats, themed activities, and festive supplies—make school feel magical.\r\n\r\nWhat's next for us\r\nAs we continue moving through the school year, these materials will help us celebrate each holiday and milestone in ways that bring our class closer together. Our next project involves preparing for our upcoming seasonal celebration, where students will use the new supplies to create crafts, decorate our community space, and share special moments as a class family. These experiences support social-emotional learning, boost confidence, and give students the sense of being seen and valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create memories, joy, and a true sense of community in our classroom. Your generosity adds magic to our celebrations—and it means the world to my students and me.","fullyFundedDate":1759233656500,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-cheer-holiday-supplies-and-s/9728139/","projectTitle":"Classroom Cheer: Holiday Supplies and Surprises","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. V","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050134_orig.jpg?crop=1758,1758,x60,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749090252836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050134"},{"teacherId":10050134,"projectId":9397193,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our Kindergarten classroom has started the year feeling truly supported, cared for, and ready to learn. As a first-year teacher, having these resources has made an enormous difference—not just for me, but for every child who walks through our door.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new materials\r\nThe back-to-school basics you provided have already become part of our daily routines. Students use the hands-on learning materials during centers and small-group activities, and they're especially excited during our early literacy and math lessons. One of my favorite moments so far happened during a sorting activity: a group of students gathered around a bin of manipulatives, eagerly comparing colors and shapes, proudly announcing their discoveries to one another. It was a perfect snapshot of curiosity and teamwork—exactly the kind of learning I hoped to create.\r\n\r\nTheir first reaction\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, my students were thrilled. Many of them immediately gasped and started pointing out items they recognized. They were so excited to use the new things and using them in class. Their joy was so pure, and it reminded me how something as simple as having fresh materials can make them feel valued and excited for school.\r\n\r\nWhat's next for us\r\nNow that our classroom is stocked with the essentials, we've been working on learning the beginnings of math and literacy through hands-on lessons using our manipulatives. The snacks and hygiene supplies are helping us maintain a nurturing, healthy environment so students can focus on learning instead of hunger or discomfort. Knowing we have these basics covered allows me to plan more engaging activities that help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us build the foundation of our Kindergarten home. Your kindness has already brought so much joy and stability into our classroom, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1753035732260,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-beginnings/9397193/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Beginnings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. V","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050134_orig.jpg?crop=1758,1758,x60,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749090252836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050134"},{"teacherId":8168493,"projectId":9772043,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been transformed from a crowded storage space into a structured, professional performance environment—and my students are ecstatic! When the On-Stage Ukulele Rack arrived, they gasped, seeing their instruments displayed neatly and securely instead of just laying on a table. They instantly understood the value of organization, and it has already fostered a greater sense of kuleana (responsibility) in caring for our school property.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting moment, however, was introducing the Squier Mini Precision Bass Guitar. They had never seen an instrument like it! Watching the students who took on the role of the bassist—providing the low, steady heartbeat of the music—was amazing. It instantly turned our group of ukulele players into a true ensemble, teaching them to listen to each other in a completely new way.","fullyFundedDate":1759445918071,"projectUrl":"project/tuned-and-ready-organizing-our-ukuleles/9772043/","projectTitle":"Tuned and Ready: Organizing Our Ukuleles and Adding Bass","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Manoa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8168493_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1636061851301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-manoa"},{"teacherId":2091703,"projectId":9705214,"letterContent":"Thank you for supplying me with the materials for my team to make their team shirts. This year we wanted to upgrade to a multicolor design, so we chose to sublimate our shirts.\r\n\r\nI was able to print our designs for our students. They placed, taped down the prints, and heat pressed them. They were so proud to wear them at our first tournament of the year. \r\n\r\nWe have four more tournaments this season. I know our team is going to look great because our shirts look better than they've ever looked in all the seasons we've ever had. Thanks so much!","fullyFundedDate":1757765086145,"projectUrl":"project/team-representation/9705214/","projectTitle":"Team Representation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mishima-Donahue","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2091703_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1458188707987","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mishimadonahue"},{"teacherId":2091703,"projectId":9693653,"letterContent":"I am so excited for this Flashforge in my classroom! We finally got it set up last week after sitting for over a month. So far we've only been able to print the stock prints that came with the printer, but the students love them no the less.\r\n\r\nMy students are currently helping me learn how to convert their .stl files to the correct print files for our new printer while others are working in Tinkercad designing new items to print.\r\n\r\nThe test print items we've been making have been great incentives for good behavior. So many students have asked how they can earn the prints they see getting printed daily!","fullyFundedDate":1757559917185,"projectUrl":"project/monochrome-to-multicolor-3d-creations/9693653/","projectTitle":"Monochrome to Multicolor 3D Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mishima-Donahue","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2091703_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1458188707987","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mishimadonahue"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50800","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":409,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"8.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":22.9,"schoolId":50800,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Makaha Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Makaha Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/makaha-elementary-school/50800"}
Join the 1,889 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Makaha Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Waianae, Hawaii that is part of Leeward Oahu School District.
It serves 409 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 8.9:1.
Its teachers have had 1,020 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
41%
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.
Makaha Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 13, 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.
Makaha Elementary School
$523,504
raised using DonorsChoose
1,020
projects
funded
85
teachers
funded
1,889
donors
113
projects
for
basic supplies
119
projects for
technology
68
projects for
books
110
projects
for
art supplies
Makaha Elementary School has received support from
432 individuals from Hawaii and
1,457 individuals out-of-state.