{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":43.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10232090,"projectId":10103674,"letterContent":"Thank you, mahalos, for all the goodies. My kids had the best spring time they could have ever asked for. We did so many art projects (pictures have been included) and the students created posters as a requirement to pass the DARE program! Art is so important to my kids and I am so happy they got to experience so many things this year. As they move on to middle school, I know that they have made amazing memories with their friends, and are ready to tackle their next adventure! Mahalo nui loa for everything","fullyFundedDate":1771640605836,"projectUrl":"project/springtime-goodies-for-the-kids/10103674/","projectTitle":"Springtime Goodies for the Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10232090"},{"teacherId":9657585,"projectId":10208855,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived, the classroom erupted into pure excitement. My students' eyes lit up the moment they saw the vibrant packs of colored pens and the pristine new globe. Living on an island, the concept of the rest of the world can sometimes feel a bit abstract, so seeing them crowd around the globe, eagerly spinning it to find our tiny home in the middle of the Pacific, was an unforgettable moment. We immediately put the resources to work, using the new map and globe to see just how far away other continents are, which instantly sparked a wave of curiosity about the unique wildlife that exists across the ocean.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are using the colored pens to anchor that curiosity into an exciting animal research project. Students have used the map and globe to select a specific continent and research an animal that we never get to see here in Hawai'i—such as African elephants, Australian kangaroos, or Arctic wolves. The bright pens have completely re-energized their enthusiasm for writing and non-fiction reporting during a time of year when classroom energy usually starts to drag. Instead of watching the clock, they are deeply focused on charting distinct biomes and writing rich descriptions of exotic ecosystems, totally absorbed in learning about creatures that live far beyond our shores.\r\n\r\nAs we head into the final weeks of the school year, our next step is to bring these research profiles to life using the new paint sets. Students will be painting vibrant, detailed portraits of their chosen animals inside their natural habitats, applying everything they learned about their environments. We will wrap up the unit by hosting a \"Global Safari Gallery Walk\" in our classroom, where students will display their artwork and share their animal facts with their peers. Your generosity has truly transformed the end of our school year, giving these students the tools to expand their horizons and finish the year on an inspired, creative high note!","fullyFundedDate":1778061123721,"projectUrl":"project/the-creative-explorer-project/10208855/","projectTitle":"The Creative Explorer Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kerr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9657585_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723697501189","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657585"},{"teacherId":9342281,"projectId":10174443,"letterContent":"This project had a meaningful impact on our students both academically and personally. By researching hygiene topics and creating presentations and awareness materials for their peers, students strengthened their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. They became more self-aware about the importance of personal hygiene and wellness while also developing empathy and a sense of responsibility toward their school community.\r\n\r\nLeading presentations for visiting middle school students helped boost their self-confidence and public speaking abilities. Many students who are typically shy became more comfortable expressing themselves and working collaboratively with others. For my English Learners especially, this project provided authentic opportunities to practice speaking, listening, and presenting in a real-world setting. Students felt proud knowing that their work educated and positively impacted nearly 200 peers across our school.\r\n\r\nOverall, this initiative empowered students to become leaders, role models, and active contributors to a healthier and more informed school community.","fullyFundedDate":1775139970406,"projectUrl":"project/empower-through-self-care/10174443/","projectTitle":"Empower through Self Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miukie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9342281_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757383496893","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342281"},{"teacherId":10298928,"projectId":10106798,"letterContent":"So far, all the materials donated for \"Fun in the Sun\" has been a great success. We had our quarter 3 parent night in March where we set up the yard games set to some music, and encouraged kids and adults to play on campus, in between visiting classrooms. We had elementary and middle school students playing with each other and staff. It is amazing the natural conversations and relationship building that happens when every is \"just playing\"\r\n\r\nWe also had a family who was new to the school come to play. Their children were starting at Waikoloa the next week. As they played they were able to connect with my colleague, the elementary literacy coach, and have all kinds of questions answered in an inviting school-setting.\r\n\r\nNext week, as we close the school year, these yard games will be out for students to have fun and be outdoors, as well as for our last staff meeting of the year, where we hope teachers can let loose as they finish up for the school year.\r\n\r\nLastly, the wagon which was purchased to store and transport the yard games has been useful. Following a very bad storm, our primary middle school office has been flooded and will not be usable until the following school year. I am using the cart to store the items in my office. From time to time I use wagon for transporting materials to and from other classrooms around campus. It is quite useful!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generousity, and caring about students and public education in Hawaii. Your donations have a made a difference at our school! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1771638269600,"projectUrl":"project/fun-in-the-sun/10106798/","projectTitle":"Fun in the Sun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DiColli Nolen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10298928_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y16&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759451544636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10298928"},{"teacherId":291640,"projectId":10109683,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the resources that allow me to broaden the fun of math games into our school community. Through your donation, I can share games and resources with teachers at all levels. As a school, we are focused on building math fact fluency so students feel confident as they tackle more difficult concepts through the grades. Your donation helped to purchase new and unique math board games that have been used in small groups during school and outside of instruction. \r\n\r\nStudents have fun playing and practicing their multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition facts with others. The supplies provide a learning experience in classes, outside of class, and during our extension activities with families. I will continue to use these materials at our school STEAM events and during our summer learning program with all grades K-8.","fullyFundedDate":1771730594138,"projectUrl":"project/gaming-with-math-not-on-the-screen/10109683/","projectTitle":"Gaming - With Math Not on the Screen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Souza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp291640_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759733561041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstaira"},{"teacherId":7712681,"projectId":10105229,"letterContent":"I am writing to share my deepest gratitude for your recent contribution to our classroom. The materials purchased with your donation have already had—and will continue to have—a profound impact on our students' daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nBy providing hands-on tools for our Kindergarten through Second Grade learners, you've turned abstract concepts into tangible discoveries. It is truly a joy to watch these young students collaborate in small groups, heads huddled together as they navigate the fundamentals of coding. Beyond the screen, they are developing critical spatial awareness and logic skills, including a practical understanding of the compass rose and directional navigation.\r\n\r\nYour generosity does more than just provide supplies; it fosters a sense of wonder and builds a foundation for STEM literacy that will follow these children throughout their academic careers. You are helping us cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and teammates.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for believing in the power of early childhood education. We are so grateful to have you in our corner!","fullyFundedDate":1771609502583,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-coding/10105229/","projectTitle":"Hands On Coding","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7712681_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662222057350","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7712681"},{"teacherId":10265545,"projectId":10106494,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"FSC Classroom Snacks\" project! Your generosity has already made a meaningful difference in our classroom community. Because of your donations, our students now have access to healthy snacks throughout the school day, helping them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.\r\nThe impact was immediate. When the snack bins arrived, students were excited and relieved to know that they could grab something to eat if they were hungry. For many of our students, having a snack available during the day provides comfort and helps reduce stress or distractions. Moments like that remind us how important basic needs are to student success.","fullyFundedDate":1772212935931,"projectUrl":"project/fsc-classroom-snacks/10106494/","projectTitle":"FSC Classroom Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liliana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10265545"},{"teacherId":9377587,"projectId":10108816,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom. The students were thrilled with all of their new supplies which include pencils, pens, prizes, paper, and more.\r\n\r\nAs my students have continue to amaze me this year, I have been able to offer them awards, ranging from small toys and mini notebooks to mechanical pencils and cool pens. They especially love the mechanical pencils\r\nand I've noticed many of them, using them regularly and proudly. Their writing has improved! \r\n\r\nHawaii State Department of Education, your support is so vital to student success! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1771708990798,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-shepherds-classroom-refresh/10108816/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Shepherd's Classroom Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shepherd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9377587"},{"teacherId":9657585,"projectId":9971719,"letterContent":"The impact of this project on our classroom has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment the books arrived, the energy in the room shifted as students eagerly crowded around to select their first \"deep dive\" text. The most rewarding part of this experience is hearing the constant chorus of \"Aha!\" moments; several times a day, a student will rush up to me, pointing excitedly at a diagram of a dragonfly or a map of Ancient Greece, exclaiming how the book perfectly matches what we discussed during our core Reading block. These books have turned our curriculum into a living, breathing reality, allowing students to take ownership of their learning and prove to themselves that they are becoming true experts in these subjects.\r\n\r\nWhen it is time for independent reading, a remarkable change occurs. The classroom falls into a profound, focused silence that speaks volumes about the depth of exploration happening in their minds. In this stillness, you can practically feel the gears turning as they transition from being passive listeners to active, curious researchers. This quiet isn't just about a lack of noise; it is the sound of twenty-two different imaginations navigating the complexity of folklore or the intricacies of biology. By providing texts that bridge the gap between science, history, and literacy, this project has fostered a genuine love for reading that extends far beyond the classroom walls, showing my students that every book is a chance to connect their own world with the vast wonders of the one they are studying.","fullyFundedDate":1773855244410,"projectUrl":"project/wings-wonders-and-wild-tales/9971719/","projectTitle":"Wings, Wonders, and Wild Tales","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kerr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9657585_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723697501189","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657585"},{"teacherId":9625248,"projectId":10185990,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity. The arrival of five new microscopes and a complete set of slides has completely transformed our 2nd-grade classroom into a bustling laboratory of young scientists.\r\n\r\nThe moment my students walked in and saw the microscopes set up on our workstations, the room was filled with pure electricity. Their eyes widened, and the \"oohs\" and \"aahs\" were non-stop! One student shouted, \"We're real scientists now!\" Seeing that spark of curiosity and genuine excitement on their faces was a moment I wish I could have shared with each of you personally. They couldn't wait to dive in and see what the hidden world around them looked like.\r\n\r\nCurrently, we are using these resources to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and hands-on discovery. We recently had a breakthrough moment while observing simple onion skin cells; the students were amazed to see the \"bricks\" that make up a living thing. It has been heartwarming to watch them work together, patiently showing each other how to adjust the focus knobs and sharing their viewfinders to compare what they see. They aren't just looking; they are actively writing and sketching their observations in their science journals, using descriptive language that has improved significantly since we started this journey.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next big step is learning how to create our own slides. We plan to collect water samples from our local environment and even look at everyday items like fabric fibers and salt crystals. Because of your support, my students are learning that science isn't just something you read about in a book—it's something you do with your own two hands. Thank you for opening their eyes to a whole new world!","fullyFundedDate":1776449870768,"projectUrl":"project/let-me-see/10185990/","projectTitle":"Let Me See!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wheeler-Semrad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9625248"},{"teacherId":7199258,"projectId":9974586,"letterContent":"The laptop monitor extender is helping my students learn by allowing me to display multiple visuals at once, which is especially important in a small-group special education math classroom. I can model problems on one screen, display vocabulary or steps on another, and monitor student progress more effectively. This supports differentiated instruction, reduces confusion, and helps students stay focused and engaged in math learning.\r\n\r\nStudents are most excited about how clearly they can see each step of the math process. Being able to follow along visually helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence, especially for students who struggle with working memory and processing multiple steps. The technology makes learning feel more interactive and helps students better understand patterns and problem-solving strategies.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my students who struggle with attention and processing have especially benefited from this technology. Students who typically become overwhelmed during multi-step math problems are now more engaged because they can see the steps broken down clearly. I've also noticed that students who are usually hesitant to participate are more willing to try problems when they can visually track the process and refer back to the displayed examples.","fullyFundedDate":1776112067774,"projectUrl":"project/clear-screens-calm-minds-clean-hands/9974586/","projectTitle":"Clear Screens, Calm Minds, Clean Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Blacksmith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7199258_orig.png?crop=423,423,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649956412195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7199258"},{"teacherId":9657585,"projectId":10103071,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library has transformed into a laboratory of discovery. Here is a look at the impact your gift is making. Teaching a child to read is a bit like teaching them to decode a secret language. The specific texts you funded serve very different, but equally vital, roles in that process:\r\nGreek Myths: Beyond the \"cool factor\" of monsters and heroes, these myths teach allusion and character motivation. When students read about Icarus or Midas, they aren't just reading stories; they are learning to recognize themes that appear in almost all modern literature. It builds their \"cultural literacy\" and pushes them to ask, \"Why did the character make that choice?\"\r\nLife Cycle Texts: Reading to learn is different from reading for fun. These texts teach students how to navigate non-fiction features—diagrams, captions, and glossaries. They are learning to synthesize scientific facts while building the specialized vocabulary needed for future STEM success.\r\nTailored Decodable Books: These are the \"power tools\" of literacy. For a developing reader, a book that matches their specific phonics level and their personal interests is a game-changer. It replaces frustration with \"I can do this!\" confidence. These books allow students to practice specific letter sounds (phonemes) until they become automatic.\r\nSmall Groups: I'm often on the floor with a handful of students, using the decodables to bridge the gap between \"sounding it out\" and \"fluent reading.\"\r\nResearch Stations: Students dive into the life cycle books, notebooks in hand, acting like mini-scientists as they track the journey from seed to flower.\r\n\r\nA Herculean Thank You\r\nBecause of you, my students aren't just \"getting through\" their reading lessons; they are becoming enthusiasts. You've provided the maps (decodables), the magnifying glasses (life cycle texts), and the epic adventures (Greek myths) they need to navigate the world of words.","fullyFundedDate":1771662907141,"projectUrl":"project/legends-and-life-cycles-tailored-texts/10103071/","projectTitle":"Legends and Life Cycles: Tailored Texts for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kerr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9657585_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723697501189","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657585"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61322","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":732,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":51,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":29,"percentMultiracialImputed":19,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":56.7,"schoolId":61322,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waikoloa-elementary-school/61322"}