{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makawao Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":66.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1116498,"projectId":10105705,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supplying my classroom with materials to enhance my kindergarten literacy centers.\r\nMy students were able to use the alphabet tubs to increase their phonemic awareness skills-specifically beginning sounds. The tubs had objects that were colorful and engaging. This activity center was the most popular during my literacy centers as it was new. It also helped create pretend play and social interaction. \r\nMy students get very excited when they see boxes get delivered to the classroom as they know we are getting new materials for our classroom to use. The large bins helped keep all literacy materials organized.","fullyFundedDate":1771699994607,"projectUrl":"project/bridging-the-gap-for-literacy-in-kinderg/10105705/","projectTitle":"Bridging the Gap for Literacy in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1116498"},{"teacherId":8579993,"projectId":10107338,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have access to new classroom resources that have already begun to transform the way we learn, create, and collaborate. These materials are not just additions to our shelves—they have become active tools in daily instruction, helping students engage more deeply and confidently with the content.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful ways we are using the new resources is through hands-on, project-based learning. Recently, my students participated in a science and engineering challenge where they were asked to design and build prototypes that solve real-world problems in their community. With the new materials, students were able to sketch, test, revise, and rebuild their ideas in a way that felt authentic and meaningful. Instead of simply reading about concepts, they were able to apply them immediately, which strengthened both understanding and retention.\r\n\r\nThe moment the students first saw the new materials was unforgettable. There was a visible shift in the room—curiosity replaced routine, and excitement took over hesitation. Students who are typically reserved were the first to ask if they could explore the supplies, while others immediately began brainstorming possible uses. One student even said, \"This feels like real engineering,\" which perfectly captured the energy of that day. It wasn't just that they had new items in front of them; it was that they felt trusted as learners capable of doing real, meaningful work.\r\n\r\nSince then, the materials have become a regular part of our learning environment. Students now use them during collaborative stations, small-group challenges, and independent exploration time. They are learning how to communicate ideas more clearly, revise their thinking when something doesn't work, and support each other through problem-solving. These are skills that extend far beyond the classroom content.\r\n\r\nWe are currently moving into the next phase of our unit, where students will refine their initial prototypes based on testing and peer feedback. This stage is especially important because it teaches persistence and iteration—two essential skills in both academics and life. Students will be presenting their final designs to the class, explaining not only what they built, but also why they made specific changes along the way. This reflection piece helps them recognize growth in their thinking and builds confidence in their ability to improve through effort.","fullyFundedDate":1771776873939,"projectUrl":"project/science-math-and-more/10107338/","projectTitle":"Science, Math and More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Corey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8579993_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y100&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753118875017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8579993"},{"teacherId":8402898,"projectId":10107145,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my students with interesting and engaging books! My special needs students are at a critical developmental stage, where they are being molded into new readers, and need to have their interest in books fostered.\r\n\r\nWith your help, I was able to provide them with high-interest reading materials. I use the books as a reward after they complete small-group assignments. They are so curious about the content within the books, that they will do their best to read sentences and paragraphs within them. I am very proud of their new-found love of reading and books!","fullyFundedDate":1771686087926,"projectUrl":"project/getting-excited-about-reading/10107145/","projectTitle":"Getting Excited About Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kinny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8402898_orig.png?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649214355582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8402898"},{"teacherId":6460683,"projectId":10135476,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting this literacy project in my classroom! The books arrived just in time- we had several teeth lost in one week and were able to read the fun story \"I Lost My Tooth!\". The students giggled and loved hearing about the silly antics in the book. \r\nWe are just wrapping up our school year and the students are getting ready to move on to second grade. As a parting gift, every student will receive \"The Night Before Second Grade\" with a note from me inside, telling them how much I have enjoyed being their teacher but how they will love being in second grade. I will also be able to give all my incoming 1st graders with the book \"The Night Before First Grade\". Thank you for making these transitions easier for these little learners and for celebrating these milestones with them.","fullyFundedDate":1776475194761,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-first-grade-milestones-with/10135476/","projectTitle":"Celebrating First Grade Milestones with Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6460683_orig.jpg?crop=1689,1689,x350,y310&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666168890014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/holly-lee808"},{"teacherId":2078181,"projectId":10108541,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your very generous donation to my classroom of 1st Graders. The Writing Tablets and Sharpies have been used for many projects that support our Grade 1 Curriculum. I am very appreciative of your kindness.\r\n\r\nWe have been writing in our writing journals almost every day. The students are enjoying the writing process. We use our ideas from the writing prompts and they have flourished in expressing themselves through creative writing.\r\n\r\nStudents also did art using the Sharpies. They created truly beautiful art. They made pictures that start with the use of a Sharpie and then used various mediums to fill in their Sharpie work. One fun project was to do a Motherʻs Day gift shopping bag with a flowery drawing done inside a large circle. Moms loved their Motherʻs Day presents from their loving 1st Grade children. Thank you so much:)","fullyFundedDate":1771696599852,"projectUrl":"project/writing-and-reading-in-creativity/10108541/","projectTitle":"Writing and Reading in Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ziegler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2078181_orig.png?crop=712,712,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700181469500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2078181"},{"teacherId":8755988,"projectId":10105947,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom project! The arrival of the fraction and multiplication games has completely transformed how my students approach math. What used to be a subject of frustration has become a highlight of our day, as these interactive tools allow them to visualize complex concepts through play. Additionally, the watercolor pencils and art supplies have sparked a new wave of creativity, giving my students a much-needed medium to express themselves and integrate art into our core curriculum. It is truly heartening to see their faces light up when they realize they have high-quality materials to work with.\r\n\r\nBeyond the learning materials, your support has helped us create a much more functional and focused learning environment. The hanging shoe rack might seem like a simple item, but it has been a game-changer for our classroom organization; it provides a perfect, tidy home for our headphones and mice, ensuring our technology stays protected and accessible. By helping to declutter our space and provide these essential resources, you have sent a powerful message to my students that their education is valued by the community. We are so grateful for your kindness and for investing in our success!","fullyFundedDate":1771631481177,"projectUrl":"project/math-games-and-so-much-more/10105947/","projectTitle":"Math Games and So Much More","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8755988_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y383&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1678492508421","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8755988"},{"teacherId":9264532,"projectId":10107696,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, thank you for your generous donation to our classroom. We have already been able to use many of the supplies in our art projects, including favorites like the Girls Day Dolls, Mother's Day jars, and our fish printing project—activities the students have truly enjoyed.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a vibrant, print-rich environment where students are excited to explore new books. During our Book Clubs, the enthusiasm is contagious as students discuss characters and work together to solve plot mysteries. The craft supplies have allowed them to express their reading through art, while the incentives keep them motivated to reach their goals. You have not only provided materials—you've helped spark a genuine love of reading.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the variety of supplies has supported organization, hands-on learning, and creativity in the classroom. The games and activities have also encouraged cooperative learning, helping students build teamwork, empathy, and positive social skills.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to continuing to use these materials throughout the rest of the school year and beyond. Thank you again for your thoughtful and generous support.","fullyFundedDate":1771713360229,"projectUrl":"project/reading-crafts-and-fun/10107696/","projectTitle":"Reading, Crafts and Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gardanier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9264532"},{"teacherId":8826026,"projectId":10024290,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in bringing the \"Reading is Fun!\" project to life. Your support has transformed our classroom library and, more importantly, the way my students approach reading every single day.\r\n\r\nThese new texts have introduced essential literacy skills that go far beyond simple word recognition. We are currently using these books to practice deep comprehension strategies, such as identifying character motivations and making complex predictions. Because the stories are so engaging, my students are learning to analyze \"how\" and \"why\" a story unfolds, rather than just \"what\" happens. These books serve as the perfect bridge for teaching them to think critically and empathize with perspectives different from their own.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading time has become the most anticipated part of the day. It is no longer a silent, static task; it is a vibrant, active experience. You will often see students huddled in small groups, excitedly whispering about a plot twist, or sitting in a quiet corner completely lost in a new world.\r\n\r\nI've noticed a particularly profound impact on a few of my more reluctant readers. One student, who previously struggled to stay focused for more than five minutes, recently finished an entire chapter book from this collection and immediately asked for the sequel. Seeing that spark of genuine pride and curiosity is exactly why this project matters so much. Thank you for giving my students the tools to discover that reading isn't just a school requirement—it truly is fun.","fullyFundedDate":1771450910020,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fun/10024290/","projectTitle":"Reading Is Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Middleton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8826026"},{"teacherId":6460683,"projectId":9835027,"letterContent":"Thank you for these wonderful classroom supplies for art and science!\r\nThe students immediately started using the paints, colored pencils and white board markers. We are gearing up to use the UV beads as we just started our unit on the sun and solar energy. The bird beaks materials will be a wonderful addition for learning about native Hawaiian honeycreepers.\r\nYour support has helped to create a richer and more vibrant science curriculum for these young students. Mahalo for supporting science education!","fullyFundedDate":1772807136709,"projectUrl":"project/artistic-academics/9835027/","projectTitle":"Artistic Academics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6460683_orig.jpg?crop=1689,1689,x350,y310&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666168890014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/holly-lee808"},{"teacherId":6460683,"projectId":9957914,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredibly generous donation to my classroom! We spent the month of April learning about Earth Day and single ways that everyone can make changes in every day activities to help our Earth. We kicked off our until by reading The Lorax. Thanks to your generosity every single student was then able to receive their own copy of The Lorax to share with their family. The students have been inspired in many different ways to make changes. They have planted a garden this year, decorated reusable bags, gifted herb sprouts to their families, and now they are making solar ovens.\r\nThank you for giving the gift of dreaming and hope to my students! With your kindness that are realizing that every day is Earth day!","fullyFundedDate":1767224197383,"projectUrl":"project/earth-day-is-every-day/9957914/","projectTitle":"Earth Day Is Every Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6460683_orig.jpg?crop=1689,1689,x350,y310&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666168890014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/holly-lee808"},{"teacherId":9264419,"projectId":10122763,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Keep Us Cool and Sharp!\" Before these resources arrived, our classroom was missing two very basic but essential tools: a reliable way to stay cool and a functioning pencil sharpener. My students were absolutely thrilled when the boxes arrived. There was a genuine cheer in the room when they realized we would no longer have to struggle with dull pencils or the stifling afternoon heat that often settles in our building.\r\nThe impact was immediate. We are currently working on a detailed creative writing and illustration project, and having a high-quality pencil sharpener has turned what used to be a constant frustration into a seamless part of our workflow. Students are no longer waiting in a long line for a manual sharpener that barely works; they are back at their desks and focused on their stories in seconds. Meanwhile, the new fan has completely transformed our classroom environment. It has made the space feel much more comfortable and inviting, allowing the students to focus on their lessons rather than the rising temperature. Thank you soooo much!","fullyFundedDate":1775064666453,"projectUrl":"project/keep-us-cool-and-sharp/10122763/","projectTitle":"Keep Us Cool and Sharp!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holtvedt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9264419"},{"teacherId":9570682,"projectId":9138468,"letterContent":"The impact of this project on my students' social-emotional learning has been profound. By providing professional-grade metallic pom poms, glitter cheer bows, and inflatable thunder sticks, you have helped us create a space where every student feels like a valued member of the team. These materials have transformed our school spirit activities from simple gatherings into high-energy, memorable events. My students aren't just learning \"cheers\"; they are learning about rhythm, coordination, and the vital importance of supporting one another. Seeing them stand tall with their sequin bows and spirit sticks has given them a newfound confidence that carries over into their academic work and peer interactions.\r\n\r\nBecause of the materials provided, I was able to achieve a major goal: providing every student with their own \"spirit kit\" using the Topspeeder drawstring backpacks. In the past, some students felt left out if they didn't have the right gear, but now, every child has a uniform look and a dedicated place to keep their equipment. This has fostered an environment of total inclusivity where no one is sidelined. The reaction when they first saw the cheerleading stickers and the vibrant yellow and blue bows was pure joy—they immediately began personalizing their gear, which gave them a sense of ownership and pride in our group.\r\n\r\nWe would like to extend a huge thank you to the DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation for making this possible. Your support has allowed me to teach the values of sportsmanship and school pride in a way that is tangible and exciting for my students. Our next steps are to use these resources for our upcoming school-wide rally and community parade. We are currently practicing a new routine that incorporates the thunder sticks for a \"percussion\" effect, and the students are working in small groups to lead their own cheers. Thank you for investing in our team and helping my students find their voices!","fullyFundedDate":1744723974426,"projectUrl":"project/ignite-the-spirit-gear-up-our-cheer-cha/9138468/","projectTitle":"Ignite the Spirit: Gear Up Our Cheer Champions!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sylva","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9570682_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y308&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718948925118","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hawaii-teach"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50985","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":463,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":21,"percentMultiracialImputed":25,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":33.8,"schoolId":50985,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Makawao Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Makawao Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/makawao-elementary-school/50985"}