{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makaha Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":77.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8168493,"projectId":10107066,"letterContent":"The MIDI keyboards have completely unlocked my students' potential as modern music composers. While many people think of keyboards as just digital pianos, in our classroom, these devices act as central controllers that allow students to access a massive library of virtual instruments. By plugging them into our digital audio software, students are learning complex concepts like musical arrangement, layering rhythms, and song structure in a hands-on, visual way. The most exciting part for the kids is the sheer variety of sounds at their fingertips; with the tap of a pad or the press of a key, they can switch from a traditional drum kit to synth sounds or orchestral strings, making the process of building their own backing tracks feel like pure magic.\r\n\r\n​This technology has been a total game-changer for several of my students who used to be quite shy during traditional singing or instrument lessons. In particular, a few students who were initially too intimidated to step into the recording booth completely blossomed once they got their hands on the keyboards. They spent their recess time collaborating on a custom drum loop, and that hands-on success gave them the confidence to finally step up to the microphone and record their vocals over a track they built themselves. The keyboards have given every type of learner a way to contribute to our projects, allowing tech-minded \"producers\" and natural singers to collaborate as equals.\r\n\r\n​Thanks to your incredible generosity, our music program is bridging the gap between traditional music education and 21st-century digital literacy. The kids are incredibly proud to load up their new gear into our mobile cart and share their digital creations with classmates and the wider community. You have given these young artists the ultimate toolkit for self-expression, and the creative confidence they are gaining in this studio will stay with them for years to come. Thank you for truly giving us the \"Keys for Creativity\"!","fullyFundedDate":1771737390229,"projectUrl":"project/keys-for-creativity/10107066/","projectTitle":"Keys For Creativity","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":5422581,"projectId":10105348,"letterContent":"In a modern classroom, digital learning is highly individualized. 4 days a week, students are using their devices to meet with their live tutor and working through math tasks and problems. Before your gift, our poor quality earphones were falling out of their ears, students were complaining about pain from the size, and students kept asking me for new ones because they were constantly breaking. These Sony headphones have completely changed the game by creating an instant, quiet \"learning bubble\" for every child. The students were incredibly excited by how premium and comfortable they feel—they love the soft ear pads and the fact that they block out the background buzz, making them feel like true professionals diving into their daily work.\r\n\r\nThis technology has been a huge breakthrough, particularly for students who easily get overwhelmed by classroom noise or struggle to sustain attention. Instead of constantly looking around or getting distracted by a neighbor, they can now completely lock into their lessons. One of my students, who typically used to fidget through our 30-minute tutoring block, put on the new headphones, gave a huge sigh of relief, and worked independently without losing focus once.\r\n\r\nNow that every student has reliable, high-quality audio, we are moving on to focus on their learning outcomes. Students are tracking their progress and focusing on increasing their growth through their quizzes.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just buy hardware; you provided the gifts of focus, equity, and confidence in our busy classroom. Thank you for investing in our digital learning hours!","fullyFundedDate":1771560904606,"projectUrl":"project/tuning-out-the-noise-tuning-in-to-math/10105348/","projectTitle":"Tuning Out the Noise, Tuning In to Math","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5422581_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759180754610","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5422581"},{"teacherId":5422581,"projectId":9642988,"letterContent":"Telling time to the minute—and mastering the dreaded concept of elapsed time—is one of the biggest hurdles in third-grade math. Because of your incredible generosity, my students now have the exact hands-on tools they need to turn a confusing abstract concept into something they can literally hold in their hands.\r\n\r\nWhen I unpacked the heavy-duty student clocks, the excitement was real. They couldn't wait to start spinning the hands, and they immediately felt a sense of ownership over their new math tools.\r\n\r\nWe are using these materials daily, and they have completely transformed our math block. The zippered pouches keep our desks beautifully organized, meaning we waste zero transition time hunting for working markers.\r\n\r\nBut the real magic happens when we combine our new clocks with the Apple Pencil.\r\n\r\nA couple of weeks ago, we were tackling a tough elapsed time problem: \"If soccer practice starts at 4:15 PM and lasts for 55 minutes, what time does it end?\" Usually, this leaves a lot of blank stares. This time, a student used their individual clock to manually tick the minutes forward, while I handed another student the iPad and Apple Pencil. That student drew their timeline on the iPad, which projected directly onto our main board for the whole class to see. The student at the board eagerly explained their thinking, saying, \"See, I hopped 45 minutes to get to 5:00, and then 10 more minutes!\" Seeing their peer write smoothly in real-time gave the rest of the class a massive \"lightbulb\" moment.\r\n\r\nYour support gave us more than just supplies; you gave my students the confidence to tackle hard math concepts and the tools to share their brilliant thinking with each other. Thank you for making our classroom a more organized, interactive, and joyful place to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1759191382218,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-innovation-to-the-classroom/9642988/","projectTitle":"Bringing Innovation to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5422581_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759180754610","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5422581"},{"teacherId":11950,"projectId":10240834,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project. Your generosity has helped turn a bare portable classroom into a warm, inviting space that is ready to welcome a new group of first graders next school year.\r\n\r\nAfter moving grade levels, I was given a classroom that was essentially a blank slate. While the empty room offered plenty of possibilities, it lacked the warmth and personality that help create a positive learning environment. Thanks to your donation, I have been able to begin transforming the space into a classroom that feels cheerful, organized, and welcoming.\r\n\r\nThe soft pastel purple backgrounds, colorful borders, and floral touches have completely changed the feel of the room. What was once a space with plain, empty walls now feels intentional and inviting. At the same time, the design remains calm and uncluttered, creating an atmosphere where students will be able to focus, feel comfortable, and take a moment to decompress when needed.\r\n\r\nAs I prepare for the upcoming school year, I am grateful knowing that my students will walk into a classroom that has been thoughtfully designed with them in mind. Your kindness has helped create an environment that reflects care, creativity, and a love of learning before the first day of school even begins.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make this transformation possible. Your support means so much, and I cannot wait to welcome my first graders into their new classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778364945947,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calm-colorful-place-to-learn/10240834/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calm, Colorful Place to Learn","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":11950,"projectId":10230008,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Your donation of a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card will make a meaningful difference in the learning experiences of my students.\r\n\r\nEvery day, my students come to school with unique strengths, abilities, and learning needs. In reading and math, students are often working at very different levels, making differentiation an essential part of our daily instruction. Your kindness allows me to access high-quality, engaging resources that can be tailored to meet each child where they are academically. These materials will help me provide reading and math activities at a variety of levels so that all students can learn, practice, and grow at their own pace.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, I can create differentiated lessons, offer hands-on learning opportunities, and provide targeted small-group instruction and intervention for students who need extra support. Having access to a wide range of resources will allow me to better meet the needs of all learners, from those who need foundational skill practice to those who are ready for more advanced challenges.\r\n\r\nThe resources purchased with this gift card will not only benefit my current students but will continue to support future learners for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing in the importance of individualized learning. Your support helps create a classroom where every child feels capable, confident, and successful.","fullyFundedDate":1777997988176,"projectUrl":"project/differentiated-materials-to-help-every-s/10230008/","projectTitle":"Differentiated Materials to Help Every Student Succeed","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":10087921,"projectId":10108356,"letterContent":"Your donors made a meaningful impact on my students and our speech therapy space. When the students first saw the new chairs, toys, and snacks, they were genuinely excited. Something as simple as having matching, comfortable seating immediately made the room feel more welcoming and special to them. Several students commented that the therapy room felt \"calm\" and \"fun,\" and I noticed right away that students were more willing to sit, participate, and stay engaged throughout sessions.\r\n\r\nThe new materials have already become an important part of our daily therapy activities. The hands-on toys and play materials are helping students practice expressive language, social communication, turn-taking, and problem-solving in natural and motivating ways. One of my students, who is often hesitant to speak during structured tasks, began independently requesting items, commenting, and engaging with peers during a play-based language activity using the new materials. The snacks have also made a noticeable difference for students who arrive dysregulated or distracted by hunger, helping them feel more settled and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have a therapy environment that supports both their communication growth and emotional well-being. As we move into upcoming lessons and next school year, we will continue using these resources to build language skills, confidence, and positive peer interactions through engaging, student-centered activities. Your support has helped create a safe and affirming space where students on the Leeward Coast of Oʻahu feel cared for, capable, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1771686569512,"projectUrl":"project/filling-the-speech-room/10108356/","projectTitle":"Filling the Speech Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10087921_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753150174369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/playtalklearn"},{"teacherId":11950,"projectId":10021824,"letterContent":"These PBIS rewards came at the perfect time and have been so helpful during the end of the school year when behaviors can become harder to manage and students need extra support staying focused and making positive choices.\r\n\r\nMy kindergarten students have absolutely loved the new reward items. The flying ninjas quickly became one of the class favorites and brought so much excitement and motivation to our classroom. The stretchy llamas have also been a huge hit, especially in our calming corner. Students use them when they need help calming down, taking a break, or getting their bodies ready to learn again. It has been really nice seeing students use them independently to help regulate their emotions.\r\n\r\nThese rewards have helped encourage kindness, responsibility, effort, and positive behavior throughout the school day. For many kindergarten students, especially at the end of the year, small incentives and positive reinforcement make a huge difference. The items from this project helped keep students motivated, supported, and excited to learn each day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for caring about my students. Your support truly helped make our classroom a more positive and successful place for my kinders!","fullyFundedDate":1778261133376,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-rewards-big-positive-choices/10021824/","projectTitle":"Tiny Rewards, Big Positive Choices!","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":762182,"projectId":10108035,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our new color printer! This vibrant addition to our classroom has completely transformed the way my students engage with their work. Student creativity is leaping off the page. They are excited to complete assignments and see copies going home and staying in the room. \r\n\r\nThe technology has opened up new avenues for learning and expression in our classroom. We have been using the printer to make copies of original art projects, print out digital art designs, and publish beautiful final drafts of writing pieces. It has also become a powerful tool for positive reinforcement. We now print out bright, professional-looking academic awards for math. This which has sparked a friendly competition among the students to excel in their numbers.\r\n\r\nWhile the entire class has benefited, this printer has been a game-changer for a few of my quieter students who usually hesitate to share their work. Your gift has not only provided us with a piece of technology, but it has also helped to make students feel celebrated as authors and artists.","fullyFundedDate":1771686419053,"projectUrl":"project/technology-in-the-classroom/10108035/","projectTitle":"Technology in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Biel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp762182_orig.jpg?crop=829,829,x0,y127&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667066531455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jon-biel"},{"teacherId":6489788,"projectId":10153314,"letterContent":"The books you donated were part of our book table at our multilingual family culture night. Our event was meant to both promote literacy and help families embrace their various cultures. The book table was a hit with many students taking books to read at home. They were also given a summer reading challenge to promote continued growth over the summer vacation. \r\n\r\nYour donation provided students exciting brand new books to read, as well as a vast variety to choose from so that students can tap into their personal interests. Thank you for your generosity, as it truly makes a difference for our keiki here at Makaha Elementary School. \r\n\r\nMahalo!","fullyFundedDate":1778109144887,"projectUrl":"project/multilingual-learners-read-at-home/10153314/","projectTitle":"Multilingual Learners Read at Home!","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":10241439,"letterContent":"Mahalo for the decodable books! These are game-changers for my first-grade keiki. Unlike standard books, these allow students to build skills through the Science of Reading. Your gift has replaced frustration with the \"lightbulb moment\" of success. \r\n\r\nI'm committed to doing my best for these students, and your support makes that possible. Thank you for helping my first graders say, \"I can read this!\" Thank you for your vision, your generosity, and your investment in these young lives. Because of you, the path to literacy is much clearer and more accessible for my students. We are so very grateful for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1778009685542,"projectUrl":"project/knowledge-is-power/10241439/","projectTitle":"Knowledge is Power","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":8510124,"projectId":10103659,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity in supporting our kindergarten classroom. Your donation means more than words can express and will make a lasting difference for our young learners.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are able to restock essential classroom supplies that help learning continue smoothly each day. From crayons and glue sticks to pencils and paper, these materials are tools that spark creativity, build skills, and support hands-on learning experiences that kindergarten students need to thrive.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also helps us prepare for the ongoing sick season by providing important cleaning supplies such as disinfecting wipes, tissues, hand soap, and sanitizer. Maintaining a clean and healthy classroom environment allows students to feel safe and helps minimize interruptions to learning.\r\n\r\nIn addition, your support provides snacks that help fuel growing minds and bodies. For many students, a simple snack can make a big difference in helping them stay focused, energized, and ready to participate throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, cared for, and prepared to succeed. Your generosity is helping our kindergarten learners finish the school year strong, and we are deeply grateful for your investment in their education and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1771713164783,"projectUrl":"project/restocking-our-classroom-for-a-strong-fi/10103659/","projectTitle":"Restocking Our Classroom for a Strong Finish to the Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kamaka-Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8510124_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y336&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656475313442","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kamakaramos"},{"teacherId":8510124,"projectId":9773698,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your kindness, generosity, and support of our kindergarten classroom! Because of your help, our students will have access to the supplies, comfort items, and experiences they need to thrive each day at school.\r\n\r\nIn kindergarten, every moment is a chance to learn, grow, and build confidence. Your donation will make a meaningful difference by helping provide extra clothes for unexpected accidents, snacks to keep students focused and energized, and fine motor tools that strengthen little hands for writing and creating. These simple but important items help our students feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour support also brings joy into our classroom through fun projects, celebrations, presents, and awards that recognize student accomplishments. These moments help children feel proud of themselves and excited about coming to school each day. For many of our students, these experiences create lasting memories and remind them that they are valued, loved, and capable of success.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity goes far beyond supplies. You are helping create a classroom environment filled with aloha, encouragement, and care—where every child feels supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Because of you, our kindergarteners can focus on learning the ABCs and 123s while also experiencing the happiness and confidence that come from being celebrated and cared for.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our little learners and helping them shine bright every single day. Your kindness truly makes a difference in the lives of our students and classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1759459835041,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-care-comfort-creativity/9773698/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Care: Comfort, Creativity, and Celebrations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kamaka-Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8510124_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y336&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656475313442","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kamakaramos"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":40,"percentMultiracialImputed":12,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"8.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":23.0,"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"}