{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waihe'e Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9610885,"projectId":10180981,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. The arrival of our new classroom supplies has sparked a wave of excitement in our first-grade room! The telescope stools have been an absolute game-changer. Previously, my students struggled to lug heavy, awkward classroom chairs across campus for assemblies and May Fest practices, which often led to pinched fingers or accidental trips. Now, the children beam with pride as they easily carry their own light, portable stools. This newfound independence has turned our transitions to the field into a seamless, safe, and joyful experience.\r\n\r\nIn the classroom, the impact is just as profound. The long-reach stapler has become an essential tool for our literacy blocks, allowing us to assemble professional-looking student booklets that the children are so proud to \"publish\" and read. Furthermore, the teacher microphone has been a lifesaver; with loud construction happening right outside our window, it ensures my voice remains clear and accessible without me having to strain. This clarity extends to the field as well, where the students can now hear instructions perfectly over the breeze. Even the buckets have played a vital role, making the organization and transport of our daily materials organized and effortless.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to utilize these items to foster even more hands-on learning. The telescope stools will become our primary seating for \"outdoor classroom\" days, allowing us to take our science observations directly into nature. We will also be using the long-reach stapler to create a series of \"All-About\" non-fiction books as we dive into our next writing unit. Your support has not only provided us with \"things\"—it has provided us with a more focused, mobile, and efficient learning environment. Thank you for investing in my students' success!","fullyFundedDate":1776108349233,"projectUrl":"project/amplifying-excellence/10180981/","projectTitle":"Amplifying Excellence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Inouye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9610885_orig.jpg?crop=285,285,x15,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742687568844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9610885"},{"teacherId":5879163,"projectId":10103101,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for you amazing support of our classroom project! The basketball supplies really gave a boost of energy and confidence to our students on and off the court. The new equipment really helped them feel more valued and also when you look fresh, you play with that extra sparkle! As well, the students excelled at sharing and cooperating with the new supplies, so it gave them extra practice to hone in that skill when they are excited. Once again, we are very grateful for the opportunity to get such an amazing team-building project funded for our students. \r\nMahalo...Kumu Percich an Class : )","fullyFundedDate":1771630716412,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-school-community-building/10103101/","projectTitle":"Classroom & School Community Building","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Percich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5879163_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1612312376724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5879163"},{"teacherId":10294179,"projectId":10107598,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support in helping provide testing materials for our classroom. Because of your contribution, my students now have access to the tools they need to demonstrate their learning with confidence and accuracy.\r\n Classroom assessments can be stressful, but having high quality, reliable materials makes a meaningful difference. Your donation helps create a more equitable testing environment, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed without being limited by an lack of resources.\r\n Your generosity sends a powerful message to my students - that there are people who believe in their potential and are willing to invest in their future.\r\n Mahalo again for your kindness and commitment to education. Your support is making a real and lasting impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771680378561,"projectUrl":"project/mission-test-possible/10107598/","projectTitle":"Mission: Test Possible","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kumu Lepson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294179"},{"teacherId":10294179,"projectId":9775697,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our flexible seating project! Because of your generosity, our classroom is becoming a more comfortable, engaging and student centered place to learn.\r\n With the flexible seating options you helped provide, my students now have choices in how and where they learn best. Whether they are using lap desks, floor cushions or alternative chairs, they are more focused, motivated and excited to participate in class activities. This has already made a big difference in their confidence and overall learning experience.\r\n Your kindness is giving my students not only physical comfort but also a sense of ownership over their learning environment. They feel valued and empowered and that is something truly special in first grade.\r\n On behalf of my first graders, thank you for believing in our students and helping to create a classroom where everyone can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1759446435858,"projectUrl":"project/get-comfy-and-cozy-and-ready-to-learn/9775697/","projectTitle":"Get Comfy and Cozy and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kumu Lepson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294179"},{"teacherId":7948634,"projectId":10110257,"letterContent":"Thank your for the materials I requested. They have help me with assessing students in a multi-sensory way. The students not have more than one way of sharing what they can do. The magna-tiles allows children to show me their creativity and fine motor skills. It also promotes communication opportunities. I have the student share what they made or show me specific things. Many students are nonverbal that come to be assessed. These materials allow them to \"show\" their learning. I also have the prizes that I use as incentives and rewards when they complete the assessments. \r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1771768427212,"projectUrl":"project/student-incentives/10110257/","projectTitle":"Student Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Inouye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7948634"},{"teacherId":9610885,"projectId":10077351,"letterContent":"The moment I unveiled the new supplies, the classroom turned into a scene of pure joy! My first graders' eyes went wide with disbelief when they saw the colorful construction paper and shimmering craft gems. One student actually jumped for joy at the sight of the magnetic sight word fishing game, and my students have already put the electric pencil sharpener to good use. \r\n\r\nWe also put many of the other materials to work right away for our project on 'o'opu and protecting our native Hawaiian streams. The acrylic paint pens were a total game-changer, letting the kids draw the unique patterns on the fish and the lush greens of the stream banks with vibrant detail. The students also used the gems and hot glue guns to create beautiful arts and crafts for their families. \r\n\r\nNext up, we're getting the kids ready to celebrate Earth Day that ties into keeping our environment as clean as the streams we're studying. The new paper shredder will be used for recycling and new new magnets and binder clips to display their 'o'opu projects. These gifts have done so much more than fill our cabinets—they've given us a fresh spark of pride and a whole lot of extra smiles every morning.","fullyFundedDate":1771735109031,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-foundation-for-organization-/10077351/","projectTitle":"Building a Foundation for Organization & Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Inouye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9610885_orig.jpg?crop=285,285,x15,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742687568844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9610885"},{"teacherId":5204908,"projectId":10105949,"letterContent":"I am writing with a heart full of gratitude to thank you for supporting our project, \"Bring Learning to Life With Color in Kindergarten.\" Because of your generosity, my kindergarten classroom now has access to a color printer that has truly transformed the way my students learn and experience the world around them.\r\n\r\nIn kindergarten, visuals are everything. Bright, colorful materials capture my students' attention, spark their curiosity, and help them better understand new concepts. With our new color printer, I am able to create engaging anchor charts, vibrant literacy center activities, and eye-catching math games that make learning both fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate. My students are more excited about their work when they see stories, sight word cards, and phonics activities printed in color. My science lessons come alive with detailed, realistic images. Social studies topics feel more connected to the real world when students can see colorful maps and photographs instead of plain black-and-white copies.\r\n\r\nThe printer has also allowed me to better differentiate instruction. I can create customized materials for small groups, print visual supports for students who need extra help, and prepare hands-on activities that support a variety of learning styles. \r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has helped create a joyful, engaging classroom environment where learning feels exciting. My students may be small, but their imaginations are big—and now our materials reflect that.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my kindergarteners and for helping us bring learning to life with color. Your generosity is making a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1771620942960,"projectUrl":"project/bring-learning-to-life-with-color-in-kin/10105949/","projectTitle":"Bring Learning to Life With Color in Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sparks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5204908_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1520471539161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5204908"},{"teacherId":9610885,"projectId":9813037,"letterContent":"On behalf of my wonderful first graders, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. My students' faces lit up with pure joy as we unboxed the new supplies. The acrylic paint markers were an instant hit, and seeing their excitement for the new No David! books—an absolute classroom favorite—was a heartwarming reminder of how much fresh resources can spark a love for reading and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhile the art tools brought the flair, the jumbo Ziploc bags, binder clips, rubber bands, and twist ties have been the unsung heroes of our daily routine. In a first-grade environment, \"a place for everything\" is the key to focus. These organizational essentials have allowed us to categorize our learning centers and keep individual student kits tidy, which means less time spent searching for materials and more time spent learning. A functional, organized classroom creates a calm atmosphere where students feel empowered to take ownership of their space.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are thrilled to integrate the paint markers into our upcoming science and art unit on native Hawaiian stream animals. Students will be researching the unique life cycles of creatures like the 'o'opu (gobies) and 'ōpae kala'ole (shrimp). Using our new vibrant markers, each student will create detailed, waterproof illustrations of these animals to display in a collaborative \"stream-to-sea\" mural. This hands-on approach not only reinforces their scientific understanding of local ecosystems but also builds their fine motor skills and artistic confidence. Thank you for making these enriching experiences possible for my keiki!","fullyFundedDate":1769712890682,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-read-create/9813037/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Read & Create!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Inouye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9610885_orig.jpg?crop=285,285,x15,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742687568844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9610885"},{"teacherId":4694035,"projectId":9157374,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous gift of a new iPad, keyboard case, and screen protector. This tech has transformed our classroom, turning hesitant students into confident engineers and giving every student a window to the world. Having a portable, easy to use device makes it convient for students to use anywhere in our classroom. The durable case ensures this investment stays safe for years of discovery. Your kindness shows my students their education is truly valued. We are so grateful for your support in bringing modern, interactive learning to our daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1741882801589,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-app-propriate-tools/9157374/","projectTitle":"We Need App-propriate Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PT","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4694035_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667420387937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4694035"},{"teacherId":4694035,"projectId":9782328,"letterContent":"My deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to our classroom. The arrival of the magnetic building tiles and the large round storage mats has sparked a level of excitement and engagement that is truly wonderful to witness.\r\n\r\nIn our modern learning space, the importance of open-ended play cannot be overstated. Before your gift, our building options were limited, and the transition from \"creation time\" to \"cleanup time\" was often a source of frustration for my students. Your contribution has solved both of these challenges beautifully.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic tiles have become an instant favorite. Watching the students collaborate to build shimmering towers and intricate geometric shapes is a joy. These tools are doing more than just providing fun; they are teaching:\r\n\r\nSpatial Awareness: Understanding how shapes fit together in 3D space.\r\nEngineering Basics: Learning about balance, stability, and magnetic polarity.\r\nSocial Skills: Negotiating shared space and trading colors to complete a vision.\r\n\r\nThe most \"magical\" addition, however, has been the large round storage mats. If you have ever seen a classroom full of Lego bricks and tiles, you know that cleanup can be a daunting task. These mats have completely revolutionized our workflow.\r\n\r\nNow, students can spread out their materials, see every piece they need, and—most importantly—**clean up in seconds** by simply cinching the mats. This efficiency has actually given us more \"active\" learning time, as we no longer spend fifteen minutes hunting for stray pieces on the floor.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created a space where my students feel valued and inspired. You haven't just given us \"toys\"; you have provided the building blocks for creativity and a more organized, peaceful learning environment.\r\n\r\nMahalo for investing in their growth and for making our classroom a place where big ideas can come to life.","fullyFundedDate":1759603766088,"projectUrl":"project/building-creative-stem-tastic-students/9782328/","projectTitle":"Building Creative, STEM-tastic Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PT","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4694035_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667420387937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4694035"},{"teacherId":4694035,"projectId":8879197,"letterContent":"Your donation has made it possible to encourage more outdoor learning experiences. Having a covered area in our garden space has not only kept our students cool and shaded from the hot, Maui sun, but since our area frequesntly has passing rain showers, having a large covered area instantly protects our classes from ever changing weather issues. \r\n\r\nTools like the binoculars are helpful in encouraging purposeful observation opportunities. Students feel even more like scientists when given tools and are trained to use them safely and properly. \r\n\r\nWe are so appreciative of your generosity and kindness to our students. Mahalo nui loa!","fullyFundedDate":1729048389731,"projectUrl":"project/we-got-ina-projects-covered/8879197/","projectTitle":"We Got ʻĀina-Projects Covered!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. PT","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4694035_orig.jpg?crop=1000,1000,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667420387937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4694035"},{"teacherId":8662783,"projectId":9407183,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to our classroom. Your commitment to our students and their learning journey is truly inspiring, and we are so fortunate to have such a thoughtful and supportive member in our community. On behalf of all the students, staff, and myself, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made it possible for us to acquire a range of vital sensory items and exciting outdoor learning equipment, resources that will undoubtedly have a profound and lasting impact on the educational experience of every child in our care. We are absolutely thrilled to integrate these new tools into our daily activities, and the anticipation among the students is palpable!\r\n\r\nThe sensory items, in particular, will be transformative for many of our students. We understand that each child learns differently and comes with their own unique needs and strengths. For some, a quiet corner with calming sensory tools can be the key to focusing and self-regulating. For others, the tactile experience of manipulating different textures or the visual stimulation of a light-up toy can unlock new pathways for learning and understanding. These items will create a more inclusive and supportive environment, allowing every student to feel comfortable, engaged, and ready to learn. We envision these tools helping students manage anxiety, improve concentration, develop fine motor skills, and even explore their creativity in new ways. From weighted blankets and fidget toys to textured blocks and soothing lights, each item will play a crucial role in creating a classroom where every child feels successful and understood.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, your support for our outdoor learning initiatives is equally invaluable. We firmly believe that learning extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom. The opportunity to engage with nature, experiment in an open-air environment, and experience hands-on discovery outdoors is essential for holistic child development. Our new outdoor learning items, such as [mention a specific outdoor item, e.g., magnifying glasses, gardening tools, a portable weather station], will transform our schoolyard into an extension of our classroom. Students will now have more opportunities for active exploration, scientific observation, and collaborative problem-solving in a dynamic and refreshing setting. We anticipate seeing heightened curiosity, increased physical activity, and a deeper connection to the natural world as a direct result of these resources. These experiences are not only fun but also crucial for developing critical thinking, teamwork, and an appreciation for environmental stewardship.\r\n\r\nYour generosity will not only enrich our current students' education but will also continue to benefit future generations of learners in our classroom. These resources are an investment in their potential, fostering a love for learning that will extend far beyond their time with us. Knowing that we have individuals like you who believe in our mission and are willing to invest in our students' success is incredibly motivating.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your remarkable kindness and belief in our students. We are truly grateful for your partnership in creating a vibrant, engaging, and supportive learning environment. We look forward to sharing stories and successes of how your donation has positively impacted our students throughout the year.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1759713104670,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-items-to-help-students-learn/9407183/","projectTitle":"Sensory items to help students learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thammas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8662783"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50990","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":572,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"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":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.0,"schoolId":50990,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waihe'e Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waihe'e Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/waihee-elementary-school/50990"}