{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiahole Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":50.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8401468,"projectId":9774327,"letterContent":"This project has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my students. The new materials have strengthened collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity as students learn together through play. Children are more engaged during center time, showing increased focus, persistence, and confidence as they explore puzzles, math games, and open-ended building materials. The calming tools have supported social-emotional growth, helping students regulate their emotions and express themselves in positive ways. Overall, these resources have created a richer learning environment where every student feels excited, supported, and successful in their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1759424053324,"projectUrl":"project/materials-for-play/9774327/","projectTitle":"Materials for Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pimentel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8401468"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":9772729,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my K–2 special education students now have a classroom that truly helps them move, calm, and learn. The moment they saw the new materials, especially the mobile whiteboard and sensory tools, their faces lit up. Instead of staying stuck at their desks, they now love gathering around the whiteboard to practice writing, draw phonics patterns, and solve math problems together. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who usually hangs back walk up to the board with confidence to sort rhyming words during phonics. Having the board at their level, in their space, made the activity feel fun and inviting, and it drew in students who usually shy away from group work.\r\n\r\nThe new storage bins and laminated materials have also changed the way our classroom runs. Now that everything has a clear home, students can independently grab what they need for math, writing, or SEL practice, something that used to be much harder. The sensory items, like the bouncy board and putty, have become daily tools for students who need movement or something to ground their bodies so they can stay calm and focused. One student who often struggles during transitions now uses the visual countdown timer and sensory putty to get ready for the next activity, and it has made a real difference in his confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThese resources will continue to be at the heart of our instruction. The mobile whiteboard will support hands-on phonics, small-group math, and whole-class modeling as we move into new units. The sensory tools will help students build the self-regulation skills they need to grow both socially and academically, and the organizational materials will help us keep a classroom where students feel capable, supported, and ready to learn. Your generosity has given my students more than materials, it has opened up new ways for them to shine. Thank you for believing in them.","fullyFundedDate":1759199003583,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-that-moves-calms-and-inspi/9772729/","projectTitle":"A Classroom that Moves, Calms, and Inspires","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":9705671,"letterContent":"The materials from this project have made an immediate, real difference in our classroom. The new TV has turned into a powerful teaching tool, especially for phonics and SEL. My students now join in interactive phonics lessons where they can clearly see sound-spelling patterns, how to form each sound with their mouths, and decodable videos that back up their early reading skills. During SEL, the stories and visuals on the screen help them better understand feelings, coping strategies, and positive choices. Many of my keiki who usually struggle with attention or frustration are more engaged when the lesson is on the TV, and several now ask for specific SEL videos when they need help calming their bodies.\r\n\r\nThe organizational bins have completely changed how we use manipulatives in math and literacy. Instead of wasting time digging through cluttered materials, students can now grab what they need on their own, place-value blocks, counters, or letter tiles, because everything has a clear, consistent home. This independence has been especially powerful for students who do best with structure and visual organization. They take pride in taking care of the materials and putting them back where they belong.\r\n\r\nThe table dots have become a daily favorite. Whether we're building words in phonics, writing sentences, or practicing math strategies, students love having a bright, designated spot to work in. The dots make transitions smoother, support small-group work, and help students stay focused during hands-on activities. \r\n\r\nAll of these resources together have helped create a more engaging, organized, and supportive learning space. Thank you for giving my students tools that not only build their academic skills but also bring them joy and confidence every day.","fullyFundedDate":1757867322522,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-learning-for-every-child/9705671/","projectTitle":"Interactive Learning for Every Child","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"},{"teacherId":2132718,"projectId":9155928,"letterContent":"My students were ecstatic at receiving our classroom items! It was like Christmas, going through all of our items as a class, each item receiving \"oohs\" and \"ahhs\", and murmurs of excitement from every student. The first items that every student wanted to try were our sand timers, squishy fidget balls, and bubble fidget toys. My students used these items whenever they needed a break so they could get back on track or needed something to fidget with during our lessons - these items really supported them as a calm down or focus strategy!\r\n\r\nIn addition to these SEL items, the students were also most excited to try out the SMATH games. We spent several afternoons this year having fun and growing our math skills through this game! Iʻm so glad to have this as part of our math games that students can have fun with while also strengthening their math skills!\r\n\r\nIt was also so beneficial to have all of the supplies, such as construction paper, watercolor paper, graph paper, and grid composition books. These were used for art projects, as well as for learning math! The graph paper was especially helpful when students learned about decimals. This was the first time I used graph paper in this way, and it was very helpful for students in visualizing decimals.\r\n\r\nAll of these items, with the exception of the bench cushion, have been put to incredibly good use! A funny story about the bench cushion...when I ordered it, I thought I was ordering the whole bench! I was so excited for this to be a part of our reading space. However, I didnʻt look carefully at what I had ordered, and only realized too late that I just ordered the cushion and not the whole bench! The students and I had a great laugh when I shared the cushion and the story with them! Iʻll just have to create a new project so that we can also actually get the bench!\r\n\r\nThank you, again, for your generous donation and continued support of Hawaii teachers like me. I canʻt express enough just how much I appreciate being able to get these items for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1742049246230,"projectUrl":"project/sel-and-academic-supplies/9155928/","projectTitle":"SEL and Academic Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morishige","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2132718_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x162,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677960058417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mori"},{"teacherId":1507185,"projectId":9154336,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, \"A Cozy Classroom and Creative Tools for Learning.\" Thanks to your kindness, my students now have a warm and inviting carpet for our reading and learning time, as well as a Cricut machine that has brought creativity and excitement into our daily lessons.\r\n\r\nThe new carpet has truly transformed our classroom environment. It's become a welcoming space where my students gather for stories, morning meetings, and collaborative activities. I've noticed that the carpet has made our class feel more like a community — students are eager to sit together, share their thoughts, and support one another.\r\n\r\nThe Cricut machine has opened up a world of creative possibilities. We've already used it to make personalized name tags, bulletin board decorations, and interactive learning materials. It is a huge learning curve to be able to teach myself how to use the cricut but once I am able to do more, then I will teach the students how to do it themselves for next year.\r\n\r\nYour donation has not only provided essential materials but also shown my students that people like you believe in them and their potential. Thank you for helping to make our classroom a place where learning feels engaging, warm, and inspiring.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation and aloha...","fullyFundedDate":1741704438495,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-learning-with-hands-on-creativi/9154336/","projectTitle":"Engaging Learning with Hands-On Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Higgins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1507185"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":9153969,"letterContent":"The new resources have made a noticeable difference in our classroom environment, especially in supporting student focus, regulation, and engagement. We recently incorporated the wobbly stools, sensory board, and inflatable peapod into our sensory corner, which students now use regularly when they feel overwhelmed or need a break. During morning centers, we've used the LEGOs to support fine motor development and creative thinking. The sit and spin has been another great tool for movement breaks, allowing students to release energy in a controlled, fun way.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their reactions were full of excitement and curiosity. Several of them immediately gravitated toward the wobbly stools, eager to test them out at their desks. The inflatable peapod quickly became a favorite—students took turns trying it out. There was laughter, smiles, and a genuine sense of excitement as they explored everything. It was clear right away that these tools were not only engaging but also empowering for students, giving them more control over how they learn and regulate themselves throughout the day.","fullyFundedDate":1741703296041,"projectUrl":"project/independent-sensory-integration/9153969/","projectTitle":"Independent Sensory Integration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"},{"teacherId":8401468,"projectId":9152570,"letterContent":"The monitor has been a tremendous help in making videos accessible for all our keiki. Before, we struggled with pushing, shoving, whining, and shouting because 20 keiki couldn't all see from my tiny laptop. Now, with the monitor, every child has a clear view, making them more calm, focused, and engaged during video lessons and virtual guest speaker sessions.\r\n\r\nThe cleaning supplies have been essential in keeping our tables, toys, and high-touch areas clean—especially during times when sickness spreads through our classroom and school.\r\n\r\nThe math manipulatives, like the 10-frames and large Unifix cubes, have made both whole-group and small-group math lessons more engaging and accessible for our keiki. These hands-on materials have truly made a difference in their learning experience.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for the generous donations and support—these materials have had a real impact on our keiki, and we appreciate them more than words can say!","fullyFundedDate":1741639523880,"projectUrl":"project/clean-interactive-and-engaging/9152570/","projectTitle":"Clean Interactive and Engaging","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pimentel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8401468"},{"teacherId":9811227,"projectId":8894200,"letterContent":"All of the students have benefited from your kind donation of SEL books, games, and materials. The students were very excited to read books that addressed topics concerning them and their social emotional needs. They also love to play the games to practice their social skills and executive functioning. My student who needed the peanut ball greatly benefitted and has drastically improved her well-being. \r\n\r\nMy counseling students have been able to work on identifying feelings and emotions more effectively using the resources provided from this project. They have been able to connect to characters from literature through bibliotherapy. Students have learned a lot and been able to improve their behavior through engaging with the resources. \r\n\r\nAs a counselor I have been able to provide tools for kids to practice self-regulation and tactile items such as the textured breathing stickers and the theraputty. I also have been able to reward positive student behavior with the games provided. This has helped students build relationships with each other as well as a trusting relationship with me.","fullyFundedDate":1729597957882,"projectUrl":"project/social-skills-for-future-leaders/8894200/","projectTitle":"Social Skills For Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lerro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811227"},{"teacherId":8977821,"projectId":9006171,"letterContent":"The students and teachers of Waiāhole Elementary School would like to extend a huge mahalo for generously gifting us with outdoor supplies, games, and equipment! The students (and teachers) had so much fun trying out the corn hole games, tri-net volleyball/tennis/ badminton equipment, sidewalk shuffle board, and all of the supplies that was purchased with the funding through Donors Choose.\r\n\r\nAs a school, we've made social emotional learning and executive function a focus for the last couple of years. Moving forward both skills are still a focus and having the opportunity to practice and apply these skills while playing outdoors is such a fun way to do it!\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw all of the equipment and games they were shocked, but so happy!! Since we're a small school, we had everyone out there at the same time! So you will see sixth graders playing and helping kindergarteners! It was such a blast! We will continue to use these games for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1734409138558,"projectUrl":"project/voice-and-choice-during-outdoor-play/9006171/","projectTitle":"Voice and Choice During Outdoor Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kawasaki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8977821"},{"teacherId":2132718,"projectId":8891069,"letterContent":"Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo to the Hawaii State Department of Education and Marc & Lynne Benioff for donating the items for our classroom! The students were so excited to receive everything! The light brings warmth to our reading corner - every student wants to sit or lie down right below the light during our independent reading block. They love the warm and cozy atmosphere it creates...a perfect space for reading a book! \r\nThe students were also eager to put the bouncy bands on their desks! I notice them using these to bounce their feet on when they work at their desks. It gives the students' bodies an opportunity to move and creates resistance under their feet. This has impacted their learning because being able to bounce their feet on the band helps them focus while working at their desks. They are able to accomplish more of the task at hand.\r\n\r\nStudents were also so excited to try out the watercolor pens, and went right to work creating a poster for our Project-Based Learning wall!\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your generosity with this donation! Thank you, again!","fullyFundedDate":1729435815606,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-welcoming-and-inviting-learni/8891069/","projectTitle":"Creating a Welcoming and Inviting Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morishige","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2132718_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x162,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677960058417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mori"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":8880894,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and myself, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude for your generous contribution of resources, including the table and wobble chairs, for my special education resource room.\r\n\r\nThese items are already making a tremendous difference. The wobble chairs, in particular, are helping our students focus and stay engaged, while the new table provides a welcoming and functional space for collaborative learning. Your support plays a vital role in creating an environment where every child can feel comfortable, included, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the potential of our students and for helping us meet their unique needs. Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated and will have a lasting impact on our classroom and community.","fullyFundedDate":1729198724758,"projectUrl":"project/resource-room-workstation-and-alternate/8880894/","projectTitle":"Resource room workstation and alternate seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50951","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":97,"numTeachers":9,"percentFrplEligible":58,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"10.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.0,"schoolId":50951,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiahole Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiahole Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/windward-school-district/waiahole-elementary-school/50951"}