{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakea High School","outOfStateSupporters":44.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7665845,"projectId":10111619,"letterContent":"When students build a bottle car using a pre-manufactured kit, all they have to do is assemble the wheels and axles. To encourage deeper critical thinking, I had my students design their own custom car parts using computer-aided design (CAD) software such as Tinkercad and Onshape, and then print them on the Bambu P1S 3D Printer, a machine you gifted to our classroom through DonorsChoose. \r\n\r\nEven though it took me quite a while to figure out how to install the software and set up the hardware, I successfully got it up and running for student use. While brainstorming and designing, students realized that the activity was more complex than they anticipated. Since most students are used to US Customary Units rather than the metric system, several groups ended up printing axles and wheels that were too big, too small, or that wouldn't fit together. This was the step where most students were stuck. But it turned out to be a great learning experience, as it's a lesson they won't forget — knowing how to measure properly is a foundational skill for future engineers. \r\n\r\nStudents improved their skills with Tinkercad or Onshape as they had to come up with their designs from scratch. I mainly guided students through the design process and let them create whatever they wanted. All the groups came up with different wheel-and-axle designs, which is interesting because it shows their unique and creative perspectives. The students also gained hands-on experience loading and unloading the filament, navigating the printer's controls, and removing finished objects from the build plate. By intentionally teaching them these procedures, I am ensuring they retain the necessary skills in 3D printing.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer provided an immediate, tangible feedback for the students. While designing digitally with CAD, students didn't readily see problems. Seeing the actual prints allowed them to visualize if their dimensions were right or wrong. They learned that if the print was too short, their dimensions were too small. Once they had seen the actual prints from the 3D printer, students iterated on their designs. They wanted to come up with better designs, which is what engineering is all about. \r\n\r\nAll in all, the donor-funded 3D printer is such a huge hit — it allowed students to become innovators!","fullyFundedDate":1771786469075,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-engineering-through-3d-printi/10111619/","projectTitle":"Empowering Engineering Through 3D Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dabalos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7665845_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628067890598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7665845"},{"teacherId":9813910,"projectId":10103661,"letterContent":"I'd like to start off by saying thank you once again for selecting to fund my project for my students here at Waiakea High school. They are using the timing system to get an accurate measure of their speed which will give them better understanding of their current level of fitness.\r\n\r\nThey were thrilled and excited to use the timing system because never have used one in their life (and that includes myself as well). The next steps would involve offering students to be able to use this equipment in their junior and senior year, despite not having to take mandatory PE classes those years. It will offer the very serious students who want to monitor their physical fitness progress for their personal goals, or perhaps their sport goals. Maybe in the future if I can get more funding, I'd like to get more timing systems to be able to get multiple students to run at the same time to be more efficient class time and so students will feel more comfortable knowing that they are attempting the run with a partner.","fullyFundedDate":1771553554092,"projectUrl":"project/improving-fitness-one-step-at-a-time/10103661/","projectTitle":"Improving Fitness, One Step at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ayap","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813910"},{"teacherId":10248320,"projectId":9904504,"letterContent":"Last month, during a lesson on quadratic equations, I watched two students who usually struggle with spatial reasoning use the magnetic grids to plot a complex quadratic equation. Because the grid was large and visual, they could catch their own mistakes in real-time, debating the graphed points with their partners before practicing it on their graph paper.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the phone charging station has been an unexpected hero of focus for some students. By providing a designated, safe spot for devices, the \"digital itch\" has subsided for the students who choose to charge their phones. Students now walk in, \"dock\" their distractions, and dive straight into their classwork.\r\n\r\nStudents are using the Raspberry Pi's and their now, organized sensor drawers to create unique projects for Engineering such as an automated bird feeder and underwater submersible. We will continue to use these Pi's to further advance our students understanding of computing and sensors. Thank you so much for the generous donations to my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763587258678,"projectUrl":"project/bridging-abstraction-and-application-en/9904504/","projectTitle":"Bridging Abstraction and Application: Enhancing STEM Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nakano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10248320"},{"teacherId":9342151,"projectId":9803787,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind donations. Due to generosity, I was able to have my students conduct hands-on experiments on ocean acidification.\r\nWe measured the mass of seashells, and prepared different concentrations of acidic solutions. Using the pH probes that were donated and the Vernier handhelds that I already had, we measured the pH of the solutions. The next class period, we removed and rinsed the shells and measure the pH of the soaking solutions. My student so served an increase in pH in all solutions except the control. We were able to discuss a little bit about solution buffering. The shells were then air dried until the next class period.\r\nFinally, we measure the mass of the air dried shell and calculated the percent mass loss of each shell and compared those percentages between each solution. My students were able to calculate and observe the impacts of ocean acidification on a small scale.","fullyFundedDate":1767215096229,"projectUrl":"project/getting-hands-on-with-the-ocean-and-envi/9803787/","projectTitle":"Getting Hands On with the Ocean and Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Sakai-Kawada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342151"},{"teacherId":7665845,"projectId":9782021,"letterContent":"My students are very grateful for the Creality 3D printer that you gifted our class. Using Tinkercad, a computer-aided design (CAD) platform, they digitally designed products that are solutions to day-to-day problems. Afterward, they used the Creality 3D printer to bring their digital designs to life. \r\n\r\nIndeed, the students printouts are making lives easier. One group developed a spinning popsicle stick holder that teachers can use to randomly pick students to answer a question or participate in an activity. Another group created an \"Egg Nest Organizer,\" which is a three-layer egg-shaped organizer that serves as storage for small office supplies like paper clips and erasers. There was also a group that printed \"KitchenAddons\" to be attached to a commercially available brush. The add-ons consisted of a sponge holder, bristle cleaner, and gunk scraper, which were designed to make the brush more efficient. Other projects developed by students include: shoe fitter, cord organizer, customized beverage coaster with holder, pen organizer, screw sorter, and minitrash can with pencil holder. \r\n\r\nThe students love the Creality 3D printer because it printed their projects fast. Once they slice and saved the geometric code of their designs in a USB flash disk, some prints lasted 30 to 40 minutes, while others lasted for hours, depending on the size. Compared to other available printers, the Creality printer was way faster. \r\n\r\nThe experience of 3D printing provided my students the opportunity to develop creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration --- valuable skills that will prepare them for the real world. Thank you once again for your generous donation.","fullyFundedDate":1759599213177,"projectUrl":"project/3d-digital-designs-coming-to-life/9782021/","projectTitle":"3D Digital Designs Coming to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dabalos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7665845_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628067890598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7665845"},{"teacherId":4520371,"projectId":9153525,"letterContent":"We are writing to you today with immense gratitude and excitement! Thanks to your generous contribution to our science lab, we successfully acquired the equipment needed for advanced microscope work, the essential supplies for our Elodea and Snail labs, and the tools for exciting owl pellet dissections.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate and visible.\r\n\r\nThe lab materials have completely transformed our approach to cellular biology and ecology. We are no longer limited by old, unreliable equipment.\r\n\r\nA perfect example of this transformation happened last week during our Elodea and Snail Lab. This classic experiment demonstrates the cyclical relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Using the new, high-quality glassware and testing probes, students were able to set up their individual closed systems and monitor the CO2 and O2 levels with precision. For the first time, every student was actively collecting data rather than just watching a demonstration. They saw the plant consume CO2 and produce O2 in the light, and then saw the snail's role in balancing the exchange—a true, tangible demonstration of energy flow.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes of new equipment were unboxed, the classroom buzz was electric. The students' first collective \"Aha!\" moment came when they first looked at the different colored liquid in the test tubes. \r\n\r\nBuilding on the concepts of photosynthesis, cellular respiration and energy transfer we explored with the Elodea, our next major unit is ecology.\r\n\r\nNext week, we are moving on to the Owl Pellet Dissection using the new stainless-steel dissection kits you helped fund. This is a critical hands-on project where students act as forensic ecologists. They will meticulously dissect the pellets to identify and reconstruct the skeletons of small prey (like rodents and birds), which allows them to analyze the owl's diet and map out a food web. \r\n\r\nThank you again for empowering our students to be active, engaged scientists. Your investment is igniting curiosity and providing an authentic, unforgettable learning experience.\r\n\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1741921287241,"projectUrl":"project/science-is-fun/9153525/","projectTitle":"Science is Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Araki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4520371"},{"teacherId":9299738,"projectId":9174610,"letterContent":"Aloha! Mahalo nui loa for your generous donation! Although we were unable to obtain the requested smoker which was unavailable, we were able to purchase a variety of supplies and equipment that we are currently using at our ʻĀinakoa Ag Park. ʻĀinakoa is a Hawaiian word that translates to land of the warriors, and warriors of the land.\r\n\r\nOur goal is to promote the direct use of locally grown products and elevate our recipes with local flavors and enthusiasm. Students are involved in the selection, planting, care, harvesting, preparation and recipes of many different ag products that we raise at our school. The more activities that we do in this realm the more students get inspired to create and grow more!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your continued support for our land and our warriors!","fullyFundedDate":1746478026356,"projectUrl":"project/hawaiian-style-smoked-meat-and-fish/9174610/","projectTitle":"Hawaiian Style Smoked Meat and Fish","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Valente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9299738"},{"teacherId":9184653,"projectId":9161364,"letterContent":"Donations for a 9th-grade English classroom library have a profound and lasting impact on struggling students, particularly in fostering increased enjoyment and literacy. For many students who find reading a chore or a source of frustration, a diverse and engaging classroom library transforms the learning environment into a more inviting and less intimidating space. The ability to choose books that genuinely interest them, rather than being limited to a single textbook or assigned reading, empowers students and reignites their curiosity. This freedom of choice, directly enabled by donations, directly correlates to increased motivation to read, as students are more likely to invest their time and effort in a book they've personally selected. This personal connection to literature is crucial for struggling readers, as it builds confidence and breaks down barriers associated with reading.\r\n\r\nBeyond simply making reading more enjoyable, these donations directly contribute to improved literacy skills. Access to a wide range of genres, reading levels, and topics allows students to encounter new vocabulary, sentence structures, and narrative styles organically. Regular engagement with self-selected books, driven by enjoyment, naturally increases reading fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, a well-stocked classroom library fosters a culture of reading, encouraging students to discuss books with their peers and teacher, further deepening their understanding and analytical abilities. Ultimately, the positive impact of donations extends far beyond the immediate joy of reading; it lays the foundation for lifelong literacy and a greater appreciation for the power of stories.","fullyFundedDate":1742062023114,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library-and-ink-for-print-sake/9161364/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library and Ink for Print Sake","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Morrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9184653"},{"teacherId":7896976,"projectId":9158223,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding the packaging equipment. Students reflected on their previous projects and designed stickers that could be used with the new packaging. They also factored in cost of materials and figured out the amount needed based on their products. They also brainstormed how they would have adapted the project if they had this resource to begin with. \r\n\r\nStudents were excited to see the response to their projects with equipment to enhance what they did. They thought it was cool that people were willing to fund this to give them this learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1741920076818,"projectUrl":"project/packaging-like-the-pros/9158223/","projectTitle":"Packaging Like The Pros","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pierce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7896976_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625514651731","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7896976"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44287","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1183,"numTeachers":80,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":20,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":26,"percentMultiracialImputed":20,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":55.4,"schoolId":44287,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiakea High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiakea High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waiakea-high-school/44287"}