{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waianae Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":56.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9912872,"projectId":10106296,"letterContent":"My students have been working hard towards earning snacks all 4th quarter! Thank you so much for your very generous and kind donations. My students were able to get that extra motivation needed to finish their work, have good behavior and follow directions. Aren't we all a little extra motivated by food? Well, it isn't much different for my students! After my students completed their assignments, they were able to take a break and have a snack. With your donations, they were able to pick a snack from an assortment to choose from. Then at the end of the day of they had good behavior, no problems and followed directions they were allowed to pick another snack. It truly helped so much to get us all through the year!","fullyFundedDate":1771620087061,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-needed/10106296/","projectTitle":"Snacks Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moynihan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9912872_orig.jpg?crop=320,320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749866943390","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9912872"},{"teacherId":9511141,"projectId":9776442,"letterContent":"This year, Academic IMPACT honored 100 students from across the Nanakuli-Waianae complex with certificates recognizing their growth in academics and attendance. They were celebrated in front of thousands of community members, school leaders, and agency partners. For kids who carry real weight at home, that kind of public recognition changes something on the inside. Many of you use technology every day to connect and get things done, and in our schools that same technology becomes a lifeline. When a child has a device to read at their own pace or complete an assignment, it keeps them learning even when life at home is hard. That is equity in action, and you made it possible.\r\n\r\nWhat excites our students most is not just receiving something new. It is the feeling that someone outside their classroom cared enough to invest in them. We have watched quiet students stand a little taller after being recognized. We have seen students who struggled to show up begin coming to school consistently, not just for an incentive, but because they finally felt noticed. Some of our most moving moments came from students whose families were walking through their hardest seasons and who still chose to show up and try.\r\n\r\nHere in Waianae, we talk about the ripple effect, and we watched it happen. When one student is celebrated, the other kids lean in. You can see it in their eyes. They start to believe that could be them too. That moment of possibility is exactly what Academic IMPACT is meant to create, and because of your generosity, 100 of our keiki (children) got to experience it this year. Thank you for seeing what we see in these kids. They have always been worth believing in, and now they are starting to believe it too.","fullyFundedDate":1768440132561,"projectUrl":"project/sy-2526-academic-impact-inspiring-mind/9776442/","projectTitle":"SY 25/26 Academic IMPACT (Inspiring Minds, Promoting Achievement, Celebrating Together)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Abbi Eli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9511141_orig.jpg?crop=681,681,x194,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713755035399","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9511141"},{"teacherId":9511141,"projectId":10081389,"letterContent":"One hundred students. One hundred moments of being seen.\r\n\r\nThis year, Academic IMPACT honored 100 students from across the Nanakuli-Waianae complex with certificates recognizing their growth in academics and attendance. These weren't just certificates. They were a public declaration, in front of thousands of community members, school leaders, and agency partners, that these students showed up, pushed through, and kept going. For kids who carry real weight at home, that kind of recognition changes something on the inside.\r\n\r\nWhat excites our students most isn't just receiving something new. It's the feeling that someone outside their classroom cared enough to invest in them. We have watched quiet students stand a little taller after being recognized. We have seen students who struggled to show up begin coming to school consistently, not just for an incentive, but because they finally felt noticed.\r\n\r\nSome of our most powerful moments came from the students you might least expect. Students whose families were walking through their hardest seasons. Students carrying things no child should have to carry, and still choosing to come to school and try. Those students stood in front of their community and showed everyone what resilience really looks like.\r\n\r\nHere in Waianae, we talk about the ripple effect, and we watched it happen. When one student is celebrated, something shifts in the room. You can see it in the eyes of the other kids. They lean in. They start to believe that could be them too. That moment of possibility is exactly what Academic IMPACT is meant to create, and your generosity made it real for 100 of our students this year.\r\n\r\nThank you for seeing what we see in these kids. They have always been worth believing in, and because of you, now they are starting to believe it too.","fullyFundedDate":1770384824471,"projectUrl":"project/sy-2526-academic-impact-inspiring-mind/10081389/","projectTitle":"SY 25/26 Academic IMPACT-(Inspiring Minds, Promoting Achievement, Celebrating Together)-2","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Abbi Eli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9511141_orig.jpg?crop=681,681,x194,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713755035399","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9511141"},{"teacherId":8828860,"projectId":10106751,"letterContent":"Thank you for sponsoring my classroom. Your support makes a meaningful difference by providing resources and opportunities that directly enhance our students' learning experiences. Because of your generosity, we can bring new materials, activities, and tools into the classroom that support academic growth and engagement.\r\n\r\nYour contribution helps create an environment where students can explore, practice, and build skills more effectively. With better resources, lessons become more hands-on and varied, which supports different learning styles and keeps students motivated. This kind of enrichment fosters deeper understanding and a stronger foundation for future learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond immediate classroom materials, your support opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Field trips, special projects, and supplemental programs become more feasible, giving students broader perspectives and memorable learning moments. These experiences often inspire curiosity and confidence that extend beyond the school day.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity is felt by both students and teachers. Students benefit from improved learning conditions and increased chances for achievement, while teachers can focus more on instruction and less on stretching limited funds. That shared benefit strengthens our classroom community and helps everyone work toward common goals.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your thoughtful support. Your investment in our classroom has a lasting effect on student learning and success, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to helping our students grow.\r\n\r\nMuch Aloha,\r\nB21 WES","fullyFundedDate":1772213604478,"projectUrl":"project/room-to-grow/10106751/","projectTitle":"Room to Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bernie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8828860_orig.jpg?crop=427,428,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689885823711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8828860"},{"teacherId":8496887,"projectId":10106715,"letterContent":"My students and I are utilizing the new resources to keep our classroom clean and sanitized. Such as, the wipes and paper towels. We are also remodeling our classroom with new and improved furniture. Like the cubes and new fancy mailboxes. We also use the sticky tape for posters in our classroom. \r\nMy students were very grateful and super excited to see their teachers building new furniture to replace the old and bring in new furniture. Which is a good refresh for all of our furniture. They all were so excited to get to utilize these new items in the class. \r\nNext steps for my students is to learn to take care of their new mailboxes and new cubed shelves. And also to keep their area and work space clean","fullyFundedDate":1771788043603,"projectUrl":"project/a-fresh-new-start/10106715/","projectTitle":"A Fresh New Start!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bingo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8496887"},{"teacherId":8366534,"projectId":10108634,"letterContent":"The students are loving the new resources and are utilizing them to motivate them to learn academically and improve their social relationships. When the students saw the boxes and materials, they were instantly excited. There were many questions about the materials and when they were told about them being donated, there was instant gratitude from my students which was amazing to witness.\r\n\r\nThe materials and resources provide my students with access to meaningful materials to help them with their self-regulation and motivation to succeed in the classroom. The continued success and use of the materials has helped me as an educator understand my students and their needs more to help them stay continuously motivated and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1771698251866,"projectUrl":"project/sel-super-energetic-learners/10108634/","projectTitle":"SEL - Super Energetic Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mike Kukahiwa-Haruno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8366534"},{"teacherId":9560766,"projectId":9529750,"letterContent":"Mahalo piha for your generous donations. I can't begin to fully express how much our haumāna and their ʻohana appreciate your support. Your kindness has truly been a blessing, and it means so much to know that there are people who genuinely care about our keiki.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we have been able to provide essential items and support to students and families who need it most. These contributions go far beyond meeting basic needs, they bring comfort, relief, and a sense of hope to those facing difficult circumstances. For many of our students, your support helps remove barriers so they can focus on learning, growing, and simply being children.\r\n\r\nWe have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of your donations. From students receiving much-needed supplies to families expressing heartfelt gratitude, your generosity has strengthened our entire school community. It reminds our haumāna that they are seen, valued, and supported not only within our school, but by a broader community that believes in their success.\r\n\r\nYour willingness to give so selflessly reflects a deep sense of aloha, and we are truly grateful for your partnership. Thank you for making a meaningful difference in the lives of our keiki and their ʻohana.\r\n\r\nWith deepest appreciation and gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1763498174531,"projectUrl":"project/wes-seahorse-closet-and-family-resource/9529750/","projectTitle":"Wes Seahorse Closet and Family Resource Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. L Belaski-Epstein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9560766"},{"teacherId":3640771,"projectId":9866739,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new materials transformed our classroom into a bustling field site for young paleontologists. When the students first saw the dinosaur skeletons and excavation kits, the room erupted in excitement; one student gasped and asked if we were opening our own museum. We immediately dove into a hands-on lesson on prehistoric life, where students used the skeletons to study anatomy and adaptation. The transformation in their focus was remarkable—they weren't just reading about science; they were holding it in their hands. Because many of our students come to school hungry, having the abundance of various snacks was a literal lifesaver. Being able to offer nourishment throughout these long, intense building sessions kept their energy steady and allowed them to stay fully immersed in their \"dig sites\" without the distraction of an empty stomach.","fullyFundedDate":1769059599445,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-stem-supplies-s/9866739/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: STEM Supplies + Snacks = Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Soriano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3640771_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473549708911","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/d-soriano"},{"teacherId":8821941,"projectId":10108805,"letterContent":"Aloha!\r\n\r\nThe idea behind this project is based on positive reinforcement.During the implementation of the project, I observed noticeable changes in my students' behavior and attitude toward learning. Many students who were previously quiet began to raise their hands and participate in discussions. \r\nThe classroom environment became more lively, interactive, and supportive. Students showed enthusiasm not only for receiving snacks but also for sharing their ideas and listening to their classmates.The use of snacks also helps create a friendly and welcoming classroom environment. Students feel that their efforts are valued, which increases their confidence and willingness to try new learning activities. Over time, participation becomes a habit rather than something students do only for the reward. The snacks simply serve as an initial motivator that helps build students' confidence. \r\n Through this approach, students are inspired to participate, collaborate, and develop a deeper interest in classroom activities .","fullyFundedDate":1771716755288,"projectUrl":"project/snack-tokens-fueling-curious-minds/10108805/","projectTitle":"Snack Tokens — Fueling Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Evasco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821941"},{"teacherId":8821055,"projectId":8217685,"letterContent":"Students were happy to receive organizing materials to house their binders and supplies. Some mentioned that it was like Christmas for them. Those who were unable to purchase items on their own due to financial constraints at home were especially grateful.\r\n\r\nThese supplies allowed my students to organize themselves throughout the school year. Having these items reduced the amount of downtime they would normally use to gather their materials. This increased their instructional time and it gave them a sense of repsonsibility and pride in being able to store and locate their materials.","fullyFundedDate":1708187482256,"projectUrl":"project/get-it-together/8217685/","projectTitle":"Get it Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Malabey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8821055_orig.jpg?crop=1051,1051,x0,y206&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667015626844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821055"},{"teacherId":8703224,"projectId":9852321,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for your generous contributions to our classroom! Because of your support, our preschoolers have more opportunities to learn through hands-on exploration with our new light table, community helper costume set, and costume organizer—and the impact has been immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the light table to support our recent learning about the five senses—specifically, our sense of sight. During center time, students explored how light helps us see by placing translucent shapes, colored paddles, and layered materials on the table to observe how colors change, overlap, and shine through one another. In one memorable moment, a group of keiki began experimenting by stacking different colored tiles and excitedly noticing how new colors were created when the light passed through them. They called their discoveries \"magic colors\" and worked together to test different combinations, strengthening both their observation skills and their ability to make predictions.\r\n\r\nWhen we first introduced our new light table, many children gathered quietly around the light table and were completely engaged as they noticed the way the light made familiar objects look. This sparked thoughtful conversations about how our eyes help us notice details in the world around us, from the colors in nature to the people and places in our community.\r\n\r\nAlongside this, students have been using the community helper costumes during dramatic play to explore roles that rely on sight in their daily work, such as construction workers building construction sites, doctors checking patients, or police officers watching for danger. The costume organizer has helped students take responsibility for selecting and returning materials independently, encouraging mālama for our shared classroom resources.\r\n\r\nMahalo again for helping us bring meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities to our keiki!","fullyFundedDate":1765415473151,"projectUrl":"project/lets-imagine-create-and-shine/9852321/","projectTitle":"“Let’s Imagine, Create, and Shine!”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sunn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8703224_orig.png?crop=612,612,x54,y339&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700029982963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8703224"},{"teacherId":8703224,"projectId":9775525,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been able to deepen the ways we learn through creativity, language, and play. As an educator, it has always been important to create a learning environment that reflects who children are and inspires a love for learning. When the students first saw the new materials, they were so, so excited! There were wide eyes, big smiles, and an eagerness to jump right in and rip the packages open. \r\n\r\nWith these new resources, my students have been able to engage more intentionally in hands-on projects that explore our emotions, relationships, and sense of belonging. Most recently, we used the materials during a lesson focused on understanding aloha through our actions. Students worked together to role-play real-life scenarios where they could practice showing kindness, empathy, and care for one another—whether it was helping a friend clean up, taking turns, or using their words to express how they feel. These moments opened up meaningful conversations about what it means to care for ourselves, each other, and our classroom space.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to support our current focus on social-emotional learning and our ongoing exploration of what it means to live with aloha. Our next steps include incorporating the materials into small-group storytelling and cooperative play projects that allow students to practice emotional expression, conflict resolution, and teamwork. We are also beginning a classroom project centered on our five senses and how we experience the world around us—especially our connection to the land and ocean that sustain our Waiʻanae community.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact on how my students learn, grow, and connect. Mahalo for helping us create a classroom space where our keiki feel seen, valued, and inspired every day.","fullyFundedDate":1759430377833,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tiny-hands-to-explore-big-idea/9775525/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tiny Hands to Explore Big Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sunn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8703224_orig.png?crop=612,612,x54,y339&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700029982963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8703224"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50812","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":407,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":57,"percentMultiracialImputed":11,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":43.9,"schoolId":50812,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waianae Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waianae Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/waianae-elementary-school/50812"}