{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakea Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4770528,"projectId":9779838,"letterContent":"Thank you for the \"Sports and School Equipment\"materials! Here are a few ways that we've been able to use our new resources in our classroom. First, we used our hair spray bottles to learn how rivers are formed on our paper mountain models. We colored the ridges of the mountain with markers and then spritzing the top of the mountain with water. The water wet the marker and then funneled down the slopes of our model mountains. The run off of color from the markers highlighted where the rivers would be. Students enjoyed learning through a hands on model. For most of the students this was a know concept. They weren't aware of how rivers were formed. Some students originally thought that water traveled up stream. We mainly learned how land changes over time. We even reviewed gravities role relating to how water travels from mountains to end up in oceans. \r\n Along with the spray bottles, the plates and cups were prefect materials for our science building projects. We used the paper cups to plant radish seeds to determine if seeds grow better in the light or in the dark. Students were able to review their knowledge on the needs of a plant while learning how to create an experiment with controlled variables. In science we also built our own bird feeders. Students used their knowledge of birds to design and build their own bird feeders using materials such as plates, cups, string, straws, pipe cleaners, and bird seed. \r\n The next items that the students LOVED was the snacks. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs definitely plays a role in what students enjoy. The snacks were such a hit, they only lasted a few weeks. Student used their positive reward system points to purchase snack during recess for themselves. The adorable pencil topper erasers and stickers were popular too. The stickers are a nice quick positive reinforcement. Students earn stickers or points as a friendly reinforcement when they're completing their work, working cooperatively as a group, or doing anything positive. \r\n We are truly grateful for all of your support and generosity. Thank you of helping our students strive to their highest potential!","fullyFundedDate":1759539497224,"projectUrl":"project/sports-and-school-equipment/9779838/","projectTitle":"Sports and School Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ota","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4770528_orig.jpg?crop=1240,1240,x1520,y980&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696286885504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-ota"},{"teacherId":1989844,"projectId":9772124,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our fourth graders continue turning their ideas into real, tangible creations through 3D printing. With our new multi-color printer and fresh filament, students are experimenting with layered designs, adjusting measurements, and troubleshooting challenges as they arise. These hands-on experiences have sparked meaningful conversations about engineering, material science, and how everyday products are created—truly built layer by layer.\r\n\r\nAs we look ahead, students are beginning to design products for our upcoming Market Day and thoughtful gifts for Mother's Day. Their creativity is thriving, and even when the process feels frustrating, their determination shines through. I regularly hear, \"Let me try again,\" or \"I think I know how to fix it.\" They are learning that mistakes are simply part of the design process—small bumps in the road, not reasons to quit. That perseverance is just as valuable as the finished product.\r\n\r\nYour support ensures that innovation, creativity, and real-world problem solving continue in our classroom. Mahalo for investing in our students' growth and future.","fullyFundedDate":1759236506122,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-to-power-our-3d-creations/9772124/","projectTitle":"Supplies to Power Our 3D Creations!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1989844_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1559429345636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leslie-walker"},{"teacherId":9225979,"projectId":9773800,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become an even more joyful and engaging place to learn! My kindergarteners were thrilled to have new fidget spinners and fidget worms to enjoy after completing their work. These tools have given them a positive, exciting way to celebrate their effort while staying calm and ready for the next activity.\r\n\r\nThe math manipulatives have truly transformed our lessons. Instead of simply listening to number talks, students are now building, sorting, counting, and exploring concepts with their own hands. I've seen so many proud smiles during those \"aha!\" moments when a tricky idea suddenly makes sense.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has helped build confidence. Students feel successful, motivated, and excited to learn each day. Thank you for investing in their growth and helping create a classroom filled with focus, fun, and meaningful learning experiences. Your kindness is making a lasting difference in their educational journey!","fullyFundedDate":1759445592945,"projectUrl":"project/tactile-tools-for-tiny-thinkers/9773800/","projectTitle":"Tactile Tools for Tiny Thinkers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uchida","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9225979_orig.jpg?crop=2378,2378,x221,y796&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708290834299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9225979"},{"teacherId":9225979,"projectId":9924208,"letterContent":"My students and I are so grateful for your generosity and for believing in our classroom project! Because of your generosity, our classroom was filled with excitement, pride, and pure joy this holiday season. My kindergarteners carefully prepared and delivered the fidget toys to their 4th-grade buddies, and the smiles on both sides were unforgettable. My students felt so important knowing they were giving a gift that was meaningful—something they themselves use to stay focused, calm, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThis project turned into more than just a Christmas surprise. It became a simple but meaningful lesson about being kind and caring for others. My kindergarteners got to practice giving in a real way and build sweet friendships with their 4th-grade buddies. They learned that even though they are little, they can still make a big difference.\r\n\r\nWatching them beam with pride as they spread happiness was truly heartwarming. Thank you for helping my students experience the joy of giving and for supporting their growth as compassionate, confident learners. We are so grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1764685725332,"projectUrl":"project/buddy-joy-with-fidget-toys/9924208/","projectTitle":"Buddy Joy with Fidget Toys","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uchida","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9225979_orig.jpg?crop=2378,2378,x221,y796&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708290834299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9225979"},{"teacherId":8821596,"projectId":9776934,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate and genuine. The books transformed our classroom library and sparked a renewed interest in reading—students are recommending titles to one another and choosing to read during free time. Recess supplies quickly became favorites, encouraging movement, teamwork, and joy. Games like Mancala have brought students together, helping them socialize, strategize, and rebuild connections through friendly competition.\r\n\r\nWe now use the supplies daily in meaningful ways. Sheet protectors hold reference sheets students rely on during lessons, and the paper cutter is used constantly to prepare materials efficiently. Using lanyard cord and beads, students created mini wampum belt replicas during social studies, deepening cultural understanding through hands-on learning. Paint pens allowed students to create artwork, including submissions to the Shibukawa Art Exchange Program. These resources continue to support creativity, engagement, and authentic learning experiences every day.","fullyFundedDate":1759496906518,"projectUrl":"project/engaged-minds-creative-hearts/9776934/","projectTitle":"Engaged Minds, Creative Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Iwamoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821596"},{"teacherId":4604227,"projectId":10004451,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our schoolwide PBIS store. These small treats truly make a HUGE impact on our students. They provide meaningful encouragement for those who are consistently making positive choices and inspire them to keep up the great work. They also motivate students who may need a little extra support and encouragement to try their best each day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we are able to celebrate and reward positive behavior across our entire school. What a gift it is to recognize all of our students for doing the right thing! Your kindness makes this possible, and we are so very grateful. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1770994774969,"projectUrl":"project/motivating-students-through-positive-beh/10004451/","projectTitle":"Motivating Students Through Positive Behavior Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4604227_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1521217999370","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heathercurryg102"},{"teacherId":4770528,"projectId":9166840,"letterContent":"Recesses and breaks are physically and mentally engaging all thanks to you. Students use the basketballs, agility ladder, and soccer balls every break possible. They love making two on two teams and playing mini soccer games. Students practice passing drills too, passing the ball from one peer to another. Students use the basketballs and try out different dribbling techniques. Their favorite drill is dribbling two balls at the same time. The agility ladder is perfect. Students run drills on the sidewalk during outdoor recess. When it rains, the agility ladder can then be used indoors too. These tools are outstanding. For my active students, these athletic tools came in handy. Students were able to release some of their energy in an appropriate way and then engage in their academic learning in the classroom. These tools also helped my shy students build social skills and peer connections. \r\n The indoor tools were great too. The calming posters are hung in the Calming Corner, an area that students may use if they need to regroup their emotions. The fidget toys are in the calming area to provide students with tools to help them mentally refocus. The pencil grips were given out to students to assist with pencil grip. Holding the pencils properly seems like an ongoing battle, but the pencil grips help students to try to fix \"bad habits.\"\r\n Overall, we are very grateful for these athletic and academic tools that help our students thrive. Thank you of supporting our students!","fullyFundedDate":1742080977031,"projectUrl":"project/active-and-calm/9166840/","projectTitle":"Active and Calm","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ota","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4770528_orig.jpg?crop=1240,1240,x1520,y980&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696286885504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-ota"},{"teacherId":4428015,"projectId":9763098,"letterContent":"We use the Ninja Slushi Machine as part of our Student Council meetings. \r\n\r\nStudent Council members were incredibly excited! But beyond the excitement, they immediately shifted into leadership mode—asking questions about cost per serving, refill schedules, and how to fairly implement it for the whole school. It sparked meaningful discussions about responsibility and equity.\r\n\r\nIn upcoming meetings, we are strengthening their leadership, organization, and collaborative decision-making skills and enjoying a slush along the way!","fullyFundedDate":1759233286464,"projectUrl":"project/leaders-serving-in-style-frozen-treats/9763098/","projectTitle":"Leaders Serving in Style: Frozen Treats & School Spirit!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shigenaga","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4428015_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766088782518","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teachingwithloveandsparkle"},{"teacherId":10295411,"projectId":9782110,"letterContent":"We cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in fully funding our project, \"Wipe Away the Fear: Building a Brave Thinking Classroom!\"\r\n\r\nYour donation is a true treasure for our classroom. It has ensured we receive some of the vertical whiteboards (VNPS) needed to transform our classroom into a high-energy, collaborative learning space.\r\n\r\nDuring lessons we stand up, share our ideas on the boards, and wipe away our mistakes with zero fear. One simple whiteboard may not seem like much, it is a game-changer that encourages risk-taking and deeper thinking.\r\n\r\nWe are excited to begin our Thinking Classroom journey, and we'll certainly be including an activity to create thank-you notes and share photos of the students collaborating at their new stations.\r\n\r\nThank you for being the partner that made this entire transformation possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759601581935,"projectUrl":"project/wipe-away-the-fear-building-a-brave-thi/9782110/","projectTitle":"Wipe Away the Fear: Building a Brave Thinking Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hashimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10295411"},{"teacherId":6286263,"projectId":9758811,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my classroom and my students. This project allowed me to create a little bit of holiday excitement while at the same time encouraging students to achieve their goals.\r\n\r\nWith this project, I was able to create a store for my students to purchase various things and snacks with our class money that they earned for working hard towards their goals. They also were able to celebrate their accomplishments with a popcorn holiday party. It was amazing to see the smiles on their faces knowing how hard they worked to meet their goals.\r\n\r\nThank you for your support and believing in my students!","fullyFundedDate":1759194331531,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-struggling-readers-with-trea/9758811/","projectTitle":"Encouraging Struggling Readers with Treats Incentives and Goals","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ballo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6286263_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1639512908837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6286263"},{"teacherId":5919616,"projectId":9779962,"letterContent":"Thanks to generous donors on DonorsChoose, the project was fully funded.\r\nThe Positive Outcome:\r\nIncreased Engagement: Students now choose seating that helps them learn, resulting in significantly higher engagement and less disruption.\r\nImproved Well-being: The new, comfortable area has reduced anxiety and improved focus through movement and muscle engagement.\r\nBoosted Confidence: Students expressed \"pure joy\" and a greater willingness to tackle tough tasks, feeling that their comfort was a priority.\r\nReduced Teacher Stress: Mrs. A felt supported and, as she reported, \"like a millionaire\" because her classroom, which had limited, worn-out resources, was transformed into a \"fun and magical learning environment\".","fullyFundedDate":1759555842945,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-rewards/9779962/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kamimura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5919616"},{"teacherId":4392380,"projectId":9774082,"letterContent":"We were so excited to unbox all of our coffee cart boxes. My students love to see all of the new coffee cart supplies. My students are building their social skills and life skills since we have received our donations. We look forward to every Friday where we are brewing up hot drinks, snack, little conversations and smiles. \r\nThank you so much for all of your generous donations. Our students are so thrilled!\r\nWe look forward to expanding our coffee cart and having more projects funded in the near future. Stay tuned!","fullyFundedDate":1765413099965,"projectUrl":"project/kumas-coffee-cart/9774082/","projectTitle":"Kuma's Coffee Cart","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shikuma","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4392380_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494535957383","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4392380"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50783","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":706,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":65.4,"schoolId":50783,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiakea Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiakea Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waiakea-elementary-school/50783"}