{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Maui Waena Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8357517,"projectId":10104642,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your support. My students used the presentation boards and notecards when presenting to judges at their regional and state HOSA - Future Health Professionals conferences. One group of students presented about a career they are interested in - Forensic Pathologist, and another group presented about their research on the continuous glucose monitor. Your support helped my students to pursue their career interests and alleviate their families' financial stress, as they did not have to worry about purchasing the required materials for the conferences. Additionally, students practiced basic life support skills using the CPR manikin and AED trainer, helping them feel more confident in an emergency. This project supported my students' social-emotional growth by developing their relationship and responsible decision-making skills, two core social-emotional learning competencies.\r\n\r\nBased on their performances at the state HOSA - Future Health Professionals conference, three students qualified for the HOSA International Leadership Conference. With your support, I can foster my students' interest in the medical field and expose them to healthcare at a young age. My students are driven and eager to learn, and this project has only enriched their learning experience. My students and I sincerely appreciate your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1771648243999,"projectUrl":"project/competition-ready/10104642/","projectTitle":"Competition Ready","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Takeno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8357517"},{"teacherId":10265626,"projectId":10103567,"letterContent":"My Grade 7 ELA students were thrilled to receive the materials from our project, \"Printing Possibilities: Building a Stronger Literacy Classroom.\" These resources have already made a meaningful impact on our classroom by helping create a more organized, engaging, and supportive learning environment. The printer and laminator have allowed me to prepare high-quality instructional materials, reading activities, classroom visuals, and reusable learning tools that students can use every day.\r\n\r\nThe new technology has been especially helpful in supporting literacy instruction. With the printer, I can quickly provide students with reading passages, graphic organizers, writing activities, and personalized learning materials that better meet their needs. The laminator has helped preserve frequently used classroom resources so students can continue using them throughout the year. Having durable and visually organized materials has improved classroom routines and helped students become more independent during activities and group work.\r\n\r\nMy students are most excited about having colorful, clear, and interactive learning materials that make lessons feel more engaging and accessible. Several students who usually struggle with organization and confidence have responded positively to the structured classroom environment these resources helped create. They are more willing to participate, collaborate, and take pride in their work. These tools have strengthened our literacy classroom and helped create a space where students feel motivated, supported, and excited to learn every day. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place where learning can truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1771479409158,"projectUrl":"project/printing-possibilities-building-a-stron/10103567/","projectTitle":"Printing Possibilities: Building a Stronger Literacy Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marie Amante","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10265626"},{"teacherId":9966982,"projectId":10105615,"letterContent":"What a treat you have given us. Nothing beats the surprise on a kids face when they see new games and toys. And even though they're middle schoolers and growing up, there is nothing like preferred game or fidget to help them warm up and share what's really going on. For many kids, a direct one-on-one conversation feels intense. But doing something that engages multiple of their five senses at once, eases the awkwardness and formality and opens the floor for discussion. \r\n\r\nEach grade has their preference too. My 6th graders have loved the Super Mario, Tetris and Uzzle games. Games that allow them to show their skill. 7th graders have loved the water wigglers. I think it scratches their brain in the same way a video game controller does. And the 8th graders love all things squishy. Sometimes a little too much and to the detriment of the squishy- but thats why I ordered so many!!! \r\n\r\nAs we wind down the school year, gratitude for your generosity fills our hearts. Your donation has literally helped these kids survive some of the hardest and most awkward times in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1771773958826,"projectUrl":"project/feel-with-me/10105615/","projectTitle":"Feel With Me","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tianna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966982"},{"teacherId":9968921,"projectId":10109103,"letterContent":"When my students first walk in and see the Fujifilm Instax cameras, Neodymium magnets, and blackout curtains laid out, I know their eyes will light up with curiosity. For eighth graders, science is often a series of diagrams in a book, but these materials signal that our classroom has become a real-world research lab. The sheer excitement of using \"grown-up\" technology like instant photography and high-powered magnets creates an immediate buy-in that no lecture can match. They won't just be learning about physics; they will be eager to get their hands dirty and start discovering.\r\n\r\nWe will use these resources to launch our \"Invisible Forces\" unit, where students will work in teams to map magnetic fields and capture light refraction in real-time. Imagine a darkened room where a student uses a strong magnet to pull a compass needle, while another teammate captures the precise moment of movement with an Instax camera. They will then use the highlighters and stamps to annotate their physical photos, creating a data-driven art gallery on our walls. This hands-on approach ensures that every student, regardless of their reading level, can demonstrate a deep understanding of how energy and forces work.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students involve taking their \"Scientific Gallery\" and presenting it to their peers. Using the paper cutter, glue dots, and Sharpies, they will finalize their portfolios to explain the \"unseen\" laws of physics to visitors. This project doesn't just teach science; it teaches communication, organization, and lab discipline. By the end of this unit, my students will have moved from passive observers to confident researchers who have a physical photograph of their own scientific success to take home.","fullyFundedDate":1771715856369,"projectUrl":"project/the-invisible-forces-gallery/10109103/","projectTitle":"The Invisible Forces Gallery","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carvajal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9968921_orig.jpg?crop=2883,2883,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741916701811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9968921"},{"teacherId":9342543,"projectId":10106172,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping create a more organized, comfortable, and engaging learning environment for our students. The file cabinets have helped students stay organized and prepared, while the removable whiteboards encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and active participation during lessons.\r\n\r\nStudents were excited and grateful when they received these new resources. The donation of healthy morning snacks has been especially helpful as students prepare for state-wide testing. Having snacks in the morning helps students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. Your generosity has helped our students feel supported, confident, and motivated to do their best each day.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your kindness and support in helping our students succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1771640699962,"projectUrl":"project/success-starts-with-preparation-and-the/10106172/","projectTitle":"Success Starts With Preparation and the Tools to Do Our Best!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Evans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342543"},{"teacherId":7985417,"projectId":10103579,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project. Your support has completely transformed our classroom into a focused and high-energy thinking lab where every student can thrive. \r\n\r\nWith the tennis balls on our chairs, we can now move more frequently between partners and collaborative groups without disrupting our neighbors with loud, screeching noises. This newfound quiet allows us to maintain our momentum and stay focused on the task at hand. Additionally, the new whiteboards give my students the freedom to solve problems, add their answers, and easily make corrections as they learn. It removes the fear of making mistakes and encourages them to take risks in their thinking.\r\n\r\nBeyond our daily work, these supplies allow my students to create work they are proud to showcase to their classmates and the entire school. They will feel so empowered knowing that their comfort and their voices truly matter in this community. By eliminating distractions and providing these creative outlets, you have given them a space where they can feel confident and ready to grow. We are so deeply grateful for your investment in our success and for helping these future leaders shine.","fullyFundedDate":1771445652284,"projectUrl":"project/hear-our-voices-see-our-thinking/10103579/","projectTitle":"Hear Our Voices, See Our Thinking!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yamada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7985417"},{"teacherId":7136082,"projectId":10104088,"letterContent":"Our students have been incredibly excited about the addition of the Nintendo Switch 2 to our esports and gaming program. While many people think of video games primarily as entertainment, we use them in school as tools for teamwork, communication, problem solving, and strategic thinking. Students work together to analyze situations, encourage one another, adapt under pressure, and practice good sportsmanship in both victory and defeat. The upgraded system has allowed us to run activities more smoothly and gives students access to newer technology that feels current and engaging to them.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting things for students has simply been the opportunity to use a brand-new system that many of them have only seen online or in advertisements. The enthusiasm has been immediate. Students who are sometimes hesitant to participate in other school activities have become more involved, more social, and more invested in working with their peers. We have already seen students gathering together to help one another learn controls, discuss strategy, and solve problems collaboratively. The system has helped create an environment where students naturally communicate and build friendships.\r\n\r\nSeveral students in particular have especially benefited from this opportunity. Some of our quieter students, who do not always feel confident in traditional classroom settings, have really come alive during esports activities. They have stepped into leadership roles, helped teammates improve, and shown perseverance and maturity in competitive situations. Your generosity has provided more than just gaming equipment, it has created meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging for our students. Thank you for investing in them and helping make these experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1771444662354,"projectUrl":"project/esports-for-career-and-sel/10104088/","projectTitle":"Esports for Career and SEL","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fusato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7136082"},{"teacherId":10294650,"projectId":10109110,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our \"Lyrical Resilience\" project. While many of you use technology daily, its application in our classroom serves as a vital bridge between complex classical literature and modern engagement. By using these tools, students are able to analyze the rhythm and subtext of Shakespearean sonnets alongside contemporary lyrics, making the language feel accessible rather than intimidating. This technology allows them to visualize the \"blocking\" and movement of scenes, transforming a difficult text into a dynamic, multi-sensory learning experience that deepens their overall comprehension.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect of these new resources for my students is the ability to become \"creators\" rather than just consumers. They are thrilled to use these products to map out character transformations and produce their own lyrical responses to the themes of resilience found in Romeo and Juliet. Seeing their own work displayed and edited through this technology has given them a sense of professional pride. It has turned our study of \"Lyrical Resilience\" into a hands-on workshop where they can see their ideas come to life in real-time, which has significantly boosted their enthusiasm for the unit.\r\n\r\nWe have seen several students particularly flourish with this new technology, especially those who previously struggled with traditional \"paper and pencil\" analysis. For instance, a few of my students who are typically quiet or hesitant to participate have completely warmed to these digital tools; they are now leading peer discussions and showing great confidence in their ability to translate 16th-century dialogue into modern meaning. The technology has provided a \"safe space\" for them to experiment with their voices and build the resilience needed to tackle high-level academic challenges. We are so grateful for your partnership in making this transformation possible!","fullyFundedDate":1771714848092,"projectUrl":"project/the-project-the-lyrical-resilience-po/10109110/","projectTitle":"The Project: The \"Lyrical Resilience\" Pop-Up Lounge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Labadan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294650"},{"teacherId":9547790,"projectId":10103184,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, my classroom has transformed into a vibrant, high-energy (yet surprisingly calm!) hub for my English Learners. Your support didn't just provide \"stuff\"; it provided the tangible proof my students needed to feel seen, nourished, and truly valued.\r\n\r\nThe Emotional Impact....\r\nWhen the packages arrived, the atmosphere was electric. But among the excitement of unboxing, there was a moment that truly stopped me in my tracks. As we were organizing the testing snacks, I overheard a student whisper to a friend:\r\n\r\n\"At least one teacher cares.\"\r\n\r\nThat simple, honest sentence perfectly captures the heart of this project. For my EL students, especially with high-stakes statewide testing approaching, these snacks are more than just food—they are a message. They tell my students that they have a community behind them, rooting for their success and making sure they aren't facing these challenges on an empty stomach.\r\n\r\nCreating a Sanctuary for Learning\r\nThe light covers were an immediate hit. As soon as they were installed, the harsh, flickering fluorescent glare was replaced by a soft, soothing glow. It instantly shifted the room from a standard institutional space to a community sanctuary. One student mentioned that the room finally felt \"peaceful,\" which is essential for students who are often navigating the stress of learning a second language while keeping up with their core subjects.\r\n\r\nBringing Lessons to Life\r\nWe are currently using the whiteboard supplies to turn our writing lessons into interactive, collaborative workshops:\r\n\r\nActive Engagement: Instead of being tethered to their desks with paper and pencils—which can feel permanent and intimidating—students are now on their feet.\r\n\r\nLow-Stakes Risk-Taking: Using whiteboards allows them to brainstorm, \"mess up,\" erase, and try again. This freedom is vital for language learners. They are moving around the room, trading boards, and collaborating with their peers in a way that is both fun and academically rigorous.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Students\r\nNow that we have established a calm environment and have the tools to stay fueled and focused, our next step is our \"Collaborative Storytelling\" unit.\r\n\r\nStudents will use their whiteboard kits to map out complex narrative arcs in small groups. By drafting their ideas on these boards first, they can visually organize their thoughts and get immediate feedback from me and their peers before moving to their final written pieces.\r\n\r\nYour contribution helped build the foundation of confidence they need to find their voices. Thank you for being the reason my students know that people truly care about their future.","fullyFundedDate":1771605982011,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-and-collaboration/10103184/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds and Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alonzo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9547790_orig.jpg?crop=2304,2304,x0,y453&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723875652940","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9547790"},{"teacherId":5275971,"projectId":10103082,"letterContent":"The addition of individual graphing whiteboards has fundamentally changed how my students engage with complex mathematical concepts. By providing a low-stakes, erasable surface, these boards have removed the \"fear of the permanent mistake\" that often hinders students when they begin learning to graph ratios and ordered pairs. When working with coordinates, students can quickly plot (x, y)points and instantly visualize the relationships between numbers; if a point is misplaced, a simple swipe allows them to correct it and move forward without frustration. This hands-on tool has been equally impactful for geometry, as students use the grids to construct precise geometric shapes, allowing them to see the literal space that perimeter and area occupy. The magnetic version of these boards serves as a vital anchor for the classroom, allowing me to model these movements at the front of the room in a way that perfectly mirrors the students' individual work, ensuring no one gets lost during the transition from theory to practice.\r\n\r\nIn a busy middle school environment where we serve multiple different classes each day, the gift of organization has been just as transformative as the academic tools. The new folder bins have streamlined our transitions, providing a dedicated and reliable \"home\" for each period's work. Instead of losing valuable instructional minutes to the \"paper shuffle,\" students can independently retrieve and file their work, which fosters a sense of professional responsibility and ownership over their learning. Furthermore, the new calculators have empowered my fifth and sixth graders to tackle high-level problem solving and ratio analysis without being stalled by long-form arithmetic. Together, these donations have created a structured, high-functioning environment where my students can focus entirely on being the \"magnificent\" thinkers and engineers I know them to be.","fullyFundedDate":1771602305497,"projectUrl":"project/coordinated-organization/10103082/","projectTitle":"Coordinated Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5275971_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729121041099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5275971"},{"teacherId":3557203,"projectId":10103482,"letterContent":"We appreciate the Hawaii Department of Education for providing our students with the tools they need to speak up and lead with pride!\r\n\r\nIt's honestly amazing how something as simple as a voice amplifier can bridge the gap between what a student is capable of and how they actually perform. In a classroom, these things are a total game-changer. During their task at being campus tours for our incoming 6th grade orientations, the voice amplifiers allowed our student leaders to make sure every 6th grader heard the exact same clear message.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for our students is that they feel an instant boost in authority. In a world of high-quality media, they already know that good audio makes them sound more professional.\r\n\r\nWe've seen such a huge transformation in our quieter leaders. One student—who is super smart but usually gets lost in the crowd—totally loved the tech because they could be heard without having to scream or act like someone they're not. It turned a scary task into an empowering one.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for these amplifiers. The DOE didn't just give us speakers; they gave our students a platform and the confidence to lead!","fullyFundedDate":1771772327829,"projectUrl":"project/amplify-your-voice/10103482/","projectTitle":"Amplify Your Voice!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phillip","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3557203"},{"teacherId":2691308,"projectId":10103407,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! It is because of supporters like you that my classroom feels less like a chaotic workspace and more like a true home for learning. The items you provided—from organizational items to the rugged floor mats—have made a world of difference in our daily routine.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, my students were buzzing with excitement. To be honest, I think they were most surprised that people they hadn't even met cared enough to send us \"presents.\" One student looked at the new heavy-duty floor mats and asked, \"Wait, so we don't have to worry about the mud from rainy days?\" Seeing their faces light up over things as simple as staplers and a new pencil sharpener was a beautiful reminder that a well-cared-for environment makes students feel truly valued.","fullyFundedDate":1771608387998,"projectUrl":"project/molecules-mud-creating-a-scientific-s/10103407/","projectTitle":"Molecules & Mud: Creating a Scientific Sanctuary","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Higa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2691308_orig.jpg?crop=1991,1991,x61,y1096&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666945083799","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2691308"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54829","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1015,"numTeachers":71,"percentFrplEligible":50,"percentAsian":44,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":21,"percentMultiracialImputed":14,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":54829,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Maui Waena Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Maui Waena Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/maui-waena-intermediate-school/54829"}