{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makawao Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":66.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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":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"},{"teacherId":9570682,"projectId":8886043,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for providing the \"spark\" our classroom needed! This project has provided us with a mix of high-tech tools and creative supplies that have completely changed our daily rhythm. One of our favorite new moments is during our \"Morning Trivia\" sessions. Instead of just raising hands, my students now use the recordable answer buzzers to chime in. It has turned a standard review lesson into a high-energy game show environment where every student is eager to participate. Even my most soft-spoken students are finding their voices through these interactive buttons!\r\n\r\nThe reaction from the students when they saw the \"purple typewriter\" wireless keyboard and the telescopic finger pointers was pure joy. They were immediately drawn to the bright colors and the \"clicky\" sounds of the keys, which has made our writing center the most popular spot in the room. Beyond the fun, the magnetic anchor chart holders and desktop organizers have allowed me to create a much more structured and predictable environment. My students now have a clear place to find their scented markers and phonics flash cards, which fosters a sense of independence and pride in our shared space.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to use the HP photo paper and rainbow ink pads to create a \"Student Success Gallery.\" We will be taking photos of the students' best work and using our new self-inking stamps and construction paper to decorate and display them prominently in the hallway. We are also using the magnetic tape to turn our whiteboard into an interactive \"Data Wall\" where students can track their own progress in reading and math. Your support didn't just buy supplies; it built a vibrant, organized, and joyful world where my students feel truly inspired to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1729478410398,"projectUrl":"project/empower-interactive-learning-tools-for/8886043/","projectTitle":"Empower Interactive Learning: Tools for Engagement and Creativity","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"},{"teacherId":9570682,"projectId":8870301,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! These resources have transformed our classroom into a bustling hub of financial discovery. We've kicked off a \"Classroom Economy\" project where students earn \"Lakeshore Cash\" for showing kindness and completing their classroom jobs. The highlight of our week is \"Bank Friday,\" when I bring out the Jssmst Locking Metal Cash Box. You should see their eyes light up when they hear the click of the key! They take it so seriously, lining up with their Evan-Moor workbooks to log their earnings and decide whether to spend their money on small rewards or save it in their clear piggy banks.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, the excitement was palpable. My students were especially fascinated by how \"real\" the paper money looked and felt. One student shouted, \"I'm a real banker now!\" as they helped organize the bills by denomination. We immediately sat down to read I Am Money, which sparked a wonderful conversation about how money isn't just for buying things—it's a tool we can use to help our community and plan for the future. Seeing them hold the physical piggy banks made the abstract concept of \"savings\" suddenly feel very tangible and exciting.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is to dive deeper into the literature you provided, like Lunch Money and The Berenstain Bears' Trouble with Money, to discuss the difference between \"wants\" and \"needs.\" We are also preparing for our first \"Classroom Market Day,\" where students will have to use their math skills to price items, make change, and stay within a budget. Because of your support, my students aren't just learning math; they are gaining life skills that will serve them long after they leave the second grade. Thank you for investing in their futures!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1729385366436,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-futures-financial-literacy-f/8870301/","projectTitle":"Empowering Futures: Financial Literacy for Our Students","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"},{"teacherId":8538788,"projectId":10107382,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and for providing my students with resources that have truly made a difference in our classroom. Your kindness has helped create a more positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment for my special education students.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new materials every single day. One specific moment that stands out is during carpet time, when students are expected to sit and attend to instruction. One of my students has been using the wiggle seat daily, and it has been a game changer. It helps him keep his body in place, stay focused, and participate appropriately during group lessons. Because of this simple support, he is able to be more successful and feel included with his peers.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were so excited. They immediately wanted to explore everything and were especially interested in the fidgets and sensory tools. They were smiling, asking questions, and could not wait to try them out. It was such a joyful moment to see how motivated they were just by having tools that were made for them.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donations, I have been able to incorporate more hands-on learning activities using our academic tools like reading kits and blocks. These resources help my students practice important skills in a way that feels fun and accessible, while also building their confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students are continuing to strengthen their reading and academic foundations through structured small group lessons and daily practice. With these new resources, students will be working on building sight word recognition, improving reading fluency, and using manipulatives to support math learning. The incentives and sensory tools will also continue to support positive behavior and help students stay regulated and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour support has given my students the tools they need to succeed, and it means so much to all of us. Thank you for giving our classroom a peek of your generosity and helping make learning possible in such a meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1771641660429,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-and-busy-hands/10107382/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds and Busy Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kinores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8538788_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658392017495","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8538788"},{"teacherId":6460683,"projectId":10076413,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible support of this community project! The entire first grade at our school has received materials to design and decorate reusable canvas bags which can be gifted to our local community members during our Earth week celebrations. It is so important for students to see how small acts can make a big difference and how they can be instrumental in making those changes. Thank you for supporting this reusable science project which benefits our local town and island. Mahalo!","fullyFundedDate":1770658121537,"projectUrl":"project/helping-the-environment-one-canvas-bag/10076413/","projectTitle":"Helping the Environment, One Canvas Bag At A Time","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":9827576,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible support of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. The students have a fun new book titled How the Grinch Lost Christmas, which is a sequel to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. \r\nIt is so important to have physical books that are fun, engaging and developmentally appropriate in the hands of these emerging readers. You have given the gift of literacy with a book that children can read and share with their families for years to come. You have also supported the celebration of the season with additional classroom story time books and crafts. \r\nMahalo for your generous donation to this literacy project!","fullyFundedDate":1766099435941,"projectUrl":"project/the-grinch-who-stole-christmas/9827576/","projectTitle":"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!","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":10106804,"letterContent":"In our classroom, reading is no longer a silent, isolated activity. It is vibrant and collaborative. We have transitioned into Leveled Book Clubs, where students are matched with texts that offer the \"just-right\" amount of challenge. On a typical day, you'll see:\r\n\r\nSmall Groups: Students huddled together, debating a character's motives.\r\n\r\nActive Discussion: Groups using \"talk moves\" to build on each other's ideas.\r\n\r\nCollaboration: Students co-creating \"story maps\" or digital posters to summarize their weekly reading goals.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting shift has been among my emergent readers and English Language Learners. In the past, these students often felt overwhelmed by a \"one-size-fits-all\" curriculum. Now, because we have high-interest books at their specific reading levels, they are leading the discussions.\r\n\r\nOne student, who previously struggled to finish a single chapter, recently stayed after class just to tell me he \"finally found a book where the main character thinks like I do.\" That moment of connection—and the confidence it builds—is the direct result of your support.\r\n\r\nThe kids love trading each other books after hearing about the excitement of the previous story!","fullyFundedDate":1771631228937,"projectUrl":"project/bookworm-central/10106804/","projectTitle":"Bookworm Central!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holtvedt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9264419"}],"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"}