{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":42.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9342281,"projectId":10103743,"letterContent":"The impact of this project on my students' learning has been powerful and immediate. With access to engaging materials such as games, maps, flags, and classroom supplies, students became more motivated to participate, practice English, and connect with one another. The snacks also played an important role by helping students stay focused and energized, especially during the last part of the school day. My English Learners felt more confident speaking, collaborating, and expressing their ideas in a safe and welcoming environment.\r\n\r\nBecause of these resources, I was able to create more interactive and culturally responsive lessons. Students explored geography, shared their cultural backgrounds, and built language skills in meaningful, real-world contexts. The classroom became a space where diversity is celebrated, and every student feels seen and valued.","fullyFundedDate":1771630705499,"projectUrl":"project/building-belonging/10103743/","projectTitle":"Building Belonging","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":10111736,"projectId":10106832,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our 3rd grade classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to engaging chapter books like The Chronicles of Narnia, Mr. Popper's Penguins, and James and the Giant Peach. These texts have allowed us to dive deeper into important reading skills such as comprehension, character analysis, vocabulary development, and making meaningful connections to the text. Students are not only improving their reading abilities, but they are also developing a genuine love for reading.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become an exciting and collaborative experience. Students participate in small group discussions, partner reading, and whole-class novel studies where they share ideas, ask questions, and build confidence as readers. I've seen students who were previously hesitant about reading become excited to pick up a book and participate. One of my students, who struggled with engagement earlier this year, now eagerly joins discussions and even volunteers to read aloud.\r\n\r\nIn addition to literacy, the math games you provided—such as the place value and fraction games—have transformed the way my students approach math. Learning is now hands-on, interactive, and fun. Students are strengthening their understanding of fractions, number sense, and problem-solving skills through meaningful play and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible. Your support has truly made a lasting impact on both the academic growth and confidence of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1771655759363,"projectUrl":"project/3rd-grade/10106832/","projectTitle":"3rd Grade🩷","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kelley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10111736_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759209482103","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111736"},{"teacherId":9377587,"projectId":9720007,"letterContent":"My students and I are thrilled with our distinguished reading corner. We use it a couple times a week in our reading workshop class. Students also use the space when they need to decompress. It is a safe and happy place. The chairs are so comfortable! \r\n\r\nAlso, my students appreciate the snacks that I have available for them. They know they can come to me when they are hungry and it's a wonderful thing to have a healthy snack to offer them.\r\n\r\nYour kind generosity has helped to inspire my kids on a daily basis.","fullyFundedDate":1768532373211,"projectUrl":"project/distinguished-reading-corner/9720007/","projectTitle":"Distinguished Reading Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shepherd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9377587"},{"teacherId":9625248,"projectId":10128096,"letterContent":"For second-grade students, Hawaiian legend books serve as a vibrant bridge between their developing literacy skills and the rich cultural tapestry of the islands. At this developmental stage, children are transitioning from \"learning to read\" to \"reading to learn,\" and the rhythmic, oral-tradition roots of these stories are perfectly suited for their growing vocabularies. By engaging with tales of Pele, Maui, or Menehune, students aren't just practicing phonics; they are absorbing complex themes of stewardship (malama 'aina) and genealogy that are foundational to the Hawaiian worldview.\r\n\r\nBeyond basic reading comprehension, these stories foster a deep sense of place and identity. For local students, seeing their environment—the specific volcanic peaks, flora, and shorelines they pass every day—elevated to the status of myth validates their lived experience and heritage. For those new to the islands, these legends act as a primary tool for cultural empathy, helping them understand that the landscape is not just a scenic backdrop, but a living entity with a history that demands respect. This connection turns a standard classroom reading block into a meaningful lesson in social-emotional grounding.","fullyFundedDate":1773851461666,"projectUrl":"project/hawaiian-legends-books/10128096/","projectTitle":"Hawaiian Legends Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wheeler-Semrad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9625248"},{"teacherId":9625248,"projectId":10106632,"letterContent":"The Phonics Books for All project has completely transformed our approach to literacy by moving beyond simple memorization to true decoding mastery. These new texts are specifically designed to bridge the gap between knowing letter sounds and fluidly reading complex words. Our students are currently tackling advanced phonics skills like consonant blends, vowel teams, and multi-syllabic decoding—concepts that can be incredibly frustrating without the right tools. Unlike standard picture books, these controlled texts ensure that the vocabulary matches the phonics patterns we've taught in class, allowing students to apply their lessons in real-time without the \"guesswork\" that often leads to bad habits.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading time has evolved from a period of quiet struggle into a high-energy, collaborative workshop. You'll now see students sitting in pairs, eagerly pointing out specific \"special sounds\" they've discovered in their new books or using their fingers to scoop under multi-syllabic words as they break them down. There is a newfound sense of predictability and safety in their reading; because they have the exact tools needed to unlock the text in front of them, the \"I can't do this\" sighs have been replaced by the sound of rhythmic, confident whispering as they practice their fluency.\r\n\r\nThe impact is most visible in our \"quiet achievers\"—the students who previously shied away from the classroom library because the books felt like a wall they couldn't climb. One particular student, who used to struggle with significant reading anxiety, now asks to take these phonics books to recess. For him, and many others, these books aren't just assignments; they are the first time a story has felt accessible rather than intimidating. By providing books that meet them exactly where they are, you haven't just given them stories—you've given them the evidence that they are, in fact, readers.","fullyFundedDate":1771662789559,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-books-for-all/10106632/","projectTitle":"Phonics Books for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wheeler-Semrad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9625248"},{"teacherId":9625248,"projectId":10044817,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library has transformed from a collection of shelves into a vibrant hub of discovery. For many of you, a book is a gateway to a new world; for my students, these new texts are the foundational tools they need to build their academic and personal identities. Your support has provided more than just physical objects; you have provided the \"spark\" that makes a rigorous curriculum feel like an adventure.\r\n\r\nBridging the Gap: Literacy Meets Discovery\r\nWhile reading for pleasure is a gift, teaching students how to read involves a strategic blend of skill-building. These new texts have allowed us to dive deep into comprehension skills that go far beyond basic plot points. \r\n\r\nIf you were to step into our room during our reading block, you wouldn't find a pin-drop silent environment. Instead, you would hear the hum of active learning. In our classroom, reading is a social, collaborative experience.\r\n\r\nWe utilize partner reading, where students sit side-by-side, taking turns navigating difficult passages and coaching one another through tough vocabulary. You would also hear the rhythmic flow of reading out loud, a vital practice that helps students develop fluency, rhythm, and the confidence to find their own voices. These new books are so engaging that the students are eager to share what they've discovered with anyone who will listen.\r\n\r\nWhile every student has benefited, I have been particularly moved by the impact on our high-level readers. In a standard curriculum, advanced learners can sometimes feel stagnant if they finish assignments too quickly or find the material too simple.\r\n\r\nWith these new, more challenging texts, I have formed a specialized small group for these students. Watching them huddle together excitedly sharing a connection. They have expressed so much joy in finally having books that—as one student put it—\"actually make my brain work hard.\"\r\n\r\nYour contribution did more than just buy paper and ink; it provided the fuel for a lifelong love of learning. By giving these students access to high-quality, relevant literature, you are sending a clear message: their education, their growth, and their curiosity matter.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your partnership. You haven't just filled our shelves; you've expanded our horizons. Thank you for making our classroom a place where every student—regardless of their starting point—can see themselves as a scholar and a dreamer.","fullyFundedDate":1770069320239,"projectUrl":"project/magical-learning/10044817/","projectTitle":"Magical Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wheeler-Semrad","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9625248"},{"teacherId":9340220,"projectId":9155233,"letterContent":"Several students in particular have really embraced the responsibility that comes with these new tools. They eagerly volunteer to help distribute materials, clean up after activities, and make sure our classroom stays organized throughout the day. These small moments of responsibility help build independence, confidence, and teamwork among my third graders. Your support has not only provided helpful supplies—it has helped create a classroom environment where students feel proud of their space and ready to learn each day. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1742007520256,"projectUrl":"project/clean-treat-teach-tools-to-help-my-st/9155233/","projectTitle":"Clean, Treat, Teach: Tools to Help My Students Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salgado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9340220"},{"teacherId":9342017,"projectId":10106100,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa! Because of you, our classroom is now fully stocked with the essentials that make a school day successful, comfortable, and enjoyable!\r\n\r\nThese resources have instantly created a more positive learning environment. We are currently using these supplies to practice our social-emotional skills and maintaining a clean community space. Your kindness has given my students the comfort and tools they need to truly thrive.\r\n\r\nHaving a reliable stash of nutritious food ensures that every child can focus on their lessons rather than a rumbling stomach. Meanwhile, the cleaning wipes have empowered my students to take pride in their space, keeping our desks sparkling and our environment healthy.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1771731062845,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-classroom-supplies/10106100/","projectTitle":"Supporting Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Valceschini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9342017_orig.jpg?crop=2231,2231,x0,y252&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719356965078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342017"},{"teacherId":4968017,"projectId":10105780,"letterContent":"Our Literacy Night materials have completely transformed how my students and their families engage with reading. When the boxes arrived and we unpacked the colorful supplies, our eyes lit up with pure excitement. That moment of joy made it clear that these aren't just supplies—they are invitations for our families to become active partners in their children's learning journey.\r\n\r\nWe recently designed new activities to try at our next Literacy Night. We had kindergarteners try them, along with the new supplies, before the event. Students were focused, and enjoyed manipulating letters, reading and spelling words. We are confident families will be just as engaged, making this feel less like homework and more like a collaborative game. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided the spark for a lifelong love of reading that will extend far beyond the walls of a classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771643613546,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-nights-done-right/10105780/","projectTitle":"Literacy Nights Done Right","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hector","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4968017_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533438676558","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-hector"},{"teacherId":8820508,"projectId":9724010,"letterContent":"What an incredible gift we recieved. Our students and fellow special education teachers are reaping the benefits from the wipe of kidney table with chairs. This table has greatly improved our abilty to deliver specially designed instruction and tier 3 support for our students. \r\n\r\nNot only is the table just pure fun, inspiring our students to engage with it, but it also is an effective tool to allow us to deliver explicit teaching. The students love being able to write answers directly on the table and with space for the teacher to sit nestled among them, allows for effective explicit instruction. Explicit instruction is an evidence based practice where the teacher does the work first, then the teacher does it with the student, then the student does the work independently. \r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and giving us such an effective tool for teaching.","fullyFundedDate":1765820182207,"projectUrl":"project/all-students-win/9724010/","projectTitle":"All Students Win!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8820508_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748505947342","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820508"},{"teacherId":10438710,"projectId":10110039,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for all the supplies I have received from you. I have already started to put it to good use, on making sure that my students have the supplies they need, and will not go hungry during the school day. I have such a large selection of snacks now, that I don't think my students will every have a problem not having a snack, they will just have a problem choosing which one they want. The pens are going to be used to give them a little color in their life, and a little variety. I am also going to get very comfortable on using my computer with my new lab top holder.","fullyFundedDate":1771774688358,"projectUrl":"project/boom-boom-boom-with-this-energy-the-l/10110039/","projectTitle":"Boom, Boom, Boom, With This Energy the Learning Never stops.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Shepherd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10438710"},{"teacherId":9691836,"projectId":9885970,"letterContent":"My students are excited about their new fish tank and cleaning toys added to the play area. The fish tank serves as a new way to teach responsibility (feeding fish, ensuring tank is clean, being kind to the fish by not hitting on the aquarium) and to engage my students in conversations. The cleaning toys were a perfect addition to our kitchen area. My students go around the classroom and \"clean up\". They enjoy cooking in the kitchen and sharing their meals. We hear them engaged in conversation about what to cook, they cooperate cooking with one another and they've learned to use the broom, mop, dustpan and vacuum to clean up their kitchen area. Learning through play at its finest!","fullyFundedDate":1762729134624,"projectUrl":"project/learning-tools-to-fuel-young-minds/9885970/","projectTitle":"Learning Tools to Fuel Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9691836"}],"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","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":57.2,"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"}