{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":42.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10111736,"projectId":10217381,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring new learning resources into our 3rd grade classroom! My students were **so excited** when they saw the colorful dry-erase markers, table dots, magnetic math materials, and new books. The dry-erase dots have quickly become a classroom favorite! Students love being able to solve math problems, practice spelling, and show their thinking right on their tables. The magnetic place-value materials have also been wonderful for making our math lessons more hands-on and helping students visualize numbers and place value.\r\n\r\nWe are especially excited about our new books! We will be using **Mr. Popper's Penguins** for reading practice and discussions as we continue working on fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students will have opportunities to read, talk about the story with classmates, and respond to what they have read. **The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors** has also brought plenty of smiles and excitement to our classroom and is a fun way to encourage a love of reading.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue using these materials during whole-group instruction, small groups, and independent learning. Having resources that students can touch, move, write on, and interact with makes learning more engaging and gives every student another way to be successful. **Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping my students learn, grow, and feel excited about coming to school each day!**","fullyFundedDate":1782228432411,"projectUrl":"project/bright-spaces-bright-minds/10217381/","projectTitle":"Bright Spaces, Bright Minds","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":3252004,"projectId":10347502,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our \"Shampoo the Germs Away\" project! Because of your generous donation five classroom teachers so far have deep cleaned their large area rug! It is so handy to have a small, compact, shampooer available! One teacher had a student that had an accident on their rug and they were quickly able to clean and sanitize the area. It was very appreciated!\r\nHaving a clean space to sit and play, especially for kindergarten students, is so very important. We spend a lot of time building and learning and moving around!\r\nThank you very much!","fullyFundedDate":1782164953923,"projectUrl":"project/shampoo-the-germs-away/10347502/","projectTitle":"Shampoo the Germs Away","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schulz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3252004"},{"teacherId":9625248,"projectId":10363878,"letterContent":"When the large delivery boxes arrived in our classroom, my second graders immediately gasped, eyes wide with anticipation. The moment we opened them and pulled out the vibrant, plush cloud cushions, the room burst into pure joy—applause, giggles, and a unanimous \"Whoa, they're so soft!\" Every single child wanted to test out a cushions right away, carefully hugging them like giant stuffed animals before setting them down for a test run on our reading rug. For seven- and eight-year-olds who find standard wooden chairs tough to sit in for long stretches, these cushions felt like absolute magic. They instantly turned our hard tile floor into an inviting, cozy learning haven.\r\n\r\nThese cloud cushions have completely transformed our daily literacy block. During our recent reading unit, instead of fidgeting in traditional desks, students grabbed their \"clouds\" and nestled into quiet corners of the room to dive into their books. \r\n\r\nYour generosity hasn't just provided seating; it has created an atmosphere where my second graders feel valued, comfortable, and genuinely excited to walk into class every day. Thank you for giving my students a cozy place to thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1784569230824,"projectUrl":"project/cloud-cushions/10363878/","projectTitle":"Cloud Cushions","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":10241581,"letterContent":"The moment our new dry-erase whiteboard tables arrived, my second graders' eyes lit up with pure, unfiltered excitement. To a seven-year-old, the idea of writing directly on a piece of furniture feels like breaking a major rule, so watching their initial gasps turn into wide smiles and giggles was absolute magic. When I handed out dry-erase markers and announced that these were their new everyday desks, the room instantly buzzed with joy. They eagerly ran their hands over the smooth, glossy surfaces, quickly capping and uncapping their markers to scribble their names, draw little smiley faces, and test out the wonder of erasing it all with a single swipe of a cloth cloth. Your generosity transformed our classroom atmosphere in a single morning, replacing rigid, isolated desks with vibrant hubs of curiosity and team energy.\r\n\r\nThese whiteboard tables have completely revolutionized how we teach and learn every single day. In second grade, building confidence is half the battle, especially in core subjects like spelling and math. Dry-erase surfaces eliminate the intimidating fear of making mistakes; if a student misspells a tricky phonics word like \"because\" or miscalculates a double-digit addition problem, there is no frustration with torn paper or messy eraser shavings. They simply wipe it away and try again. During morning spelling, students quickly write out word families, holding up their table work so I can check their progress from across the room. During math, the surfaces serve as giant, low-stakes scratchpads where abstract numbers immediately turn into visual drawings.\r\n\r\nA specific moment that truly highlighted the power of these tables happened during a recent collaborative math lesson. I challenged the class with a complex word problem involving equal groups and array models. Instead of working silently on individual worksheets, four students gathered around one table, immediately taking shared ownership of the space. One student mapped out the core equation in bold blue marker, while another drew an array diagram in green right alongside it. When a teammate got stuck trying to visualize how to regroup the numbers, another leaned across the table and sketched out a quick base-ten block drawing to explain the concept. Watching them pass markers back and forth, discuss strategies, and seamlessly build off each other's ideas directly on the table surface was incredible. It transformed a routine math task into a lively, interactive brainstorm.\r\n\r\nBy opening a window into our classroom with your support, you haven't just provided us with functional furniture—you have gifted my students a space where collaboration feels natural, mistakes are just stepping stones, and learning is delightfully hands-on. Thank you for believing in our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1782750644206,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboard-tables/10241581/","projectTitle":"Whiteboard Tables","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":10283925,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom's new laptop and fidget tools! Your support is already making a transformative difference for my special education math students every single day.\r\n\r\nMath can often feel abstract or overwhelming, but your gift has completely changed how our students experience learning. The laptop has unlocked access to interactive, visual math programs that allow my students to engage with concepts like numbers, operations, and spatial reasoning at their own individual pace. It provides them with instant feedback, adaptive scaffolding, and multi-sensory lessons that turn challenging equations into approachable, engaging activities.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, the fidget tools have been an absolute game-changer for focus and self-regulation. For many of my students, sensory support is essential for learning. Having these tools allows them to channel nervous energy and manage sensory needs without distraction. As a result, our classroom is calmer, student anxiety around math has decreased significantly, and overall stamina during independent work time has noticeably improved.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students are not only gaining crucial mathematical skills—they are building confidence, independence, and a genuine pride in their progress. Thank you for believing in their potential and investing in their success!","fullyFundedDate":1786657506450,"projectUrl":"project/indigo-math-visualizing-success-with-te/10283925/","projectTitle":"Indigo Math: Visualizing Success with Tech and Tactiles","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":1481155,"projectId":10302930,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. In a community where the nearest public library is a 30-minute drive away, our classroom shelves are truly the primary access point my students have to books. Your support didn't just add new titles to our room—it completely changed how my kids view themselves as readers.\r\n\r\nWhen our original project was funded, we brought in a selection of high-interest, dyslexia-friendly books. The reaction was immediate. For my students navigating dyslexia or working to catch up on phonics, these books were a breakthrough. They finally found engaging stories that matched their maturity level without feeling childish. Seeing kids who used to avoid reading time suddenly eager to pick up a book was unbelievable.\r\n\r\nThose books became so popular that we quickly ended up with a long waiting list, which led to this follow-up project. Thanks to your support for phase two, we now have enough duplicate copies of those favorite titles to meet the demand.\r\n\r\nHaving multiple copies has transformed our classroom dynamic. Students no longer have to wait weeks for a turn. Instead, they're reading the same books together, comparing notes on plots during free time, and starting their own informal book clubs. The shared excitement in the room is contagious.\r\n\r\nMy students show up every day ready to work hard, and you've given them a library that honors that effort. Thank you for believing in them and for keeping this reading momentum going.","fullyFundedDate":1779740808274,"projectUrl":"project/building-on-a-reading-revolution/10302930/","projectTitle":"Building on a Reading Revolution!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barsetti","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1481155_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657090876657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-barsetti"},{"teacherId":8820181,"projectId":10251818,"letterContent":"Our fourth-grade students have been using the new Character Strong books to build important social-emotional skills such as empathy, gratitude, resilience, and self-awareness. Books like *The Bad Seed*, *The Remember Balloons*, *Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal*, *The Secret of Saying Thanks*, *Eyes That Kiss in the Corners*, and *Du Iz Tak?* have sparked meaningful classroom discussions and reflections. One memorable moment occurred after reading *The Secret of Saying Thanks*, when students wrote gratitude notes to classmates, family members, and school staff, helping strengthen our classroom community and encouraging kindness beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nThe students were excited and curious when they first saw the new books. They immediately wanted to explore the colorful illustrations and learn more about the stories. Many students connected personally with the characters and themes, especially those focused on friendship, perseverance, and appreciating differences. The books quickly became favorites during read-aloud time, and students were eager to share their thoughts and experiences during discussions.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our social-emotional learning journey, students will use these books as a foundation for lessons on character development, emotional regulation, goal setting, and building positive relationships. They will participate in activities such as reflective writing, partner discussions, and collaborative projects that help them apply these important life skills in meaningful ways. Thank you for helping provide resources that support not only academic growth but also the development of caring, confident, and compassionate young people.","fullyFundedDate":1778025312379,"projectUrl":"project/i-am-smart-i-am-kind-i-am-me/10251818/","projectTitle":"I Am Smart, I Am Kind, I Am Me!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McAuliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820181"},{"teacherId":8820181,"projectId":10108158,"letterContent":"My fourth-grade students have been enthusiastically using the new resources every day. The 30-slot mailbox has helped improve classroom organization, while the cardstock, easel pads, and clipboards have supported a variety of hands-on learning activities. One highlight was a recent research project where students worked in teams to create ecosystem presentations using the cardstock and easel pads. The magnetic bookshelves have also made it easier for students to access classroom books, encouraging independent reading and research.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were incredibly excited and eager to begin using them. They immediately noticed the new additions and were especially thrilled about the clipboards and fidgets, which have helped them stay engaged and focused throughout the school day. Knowing that caring donors made these resources possible helped students feel valued and supported in their learning.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue building their research, writing, and presentation skills through collaborative projects and independent learning activities. These resources will play an important role as students create visual displays, organize their work, access reading materials, and practice sharing their knowledge with others. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping provide meaningful learning opportunities for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1771689956178,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-restock/10108158/","projectTitle":"Classroom Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McAuliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820181"},{"teacherId":7199258,"projectId":10194232,"letterContent":"How We Are Using the New Resources & Our Students' Reaction\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, the energy in our room was electric. My students were incredibly proud and excited to see high-quality, professional materials dedicated entirely to their vision. They immediately began unboxing the monitor stand risers, treating them not as office equipment, but as the foundational architecture for our new mobile stations.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are in the active production phase of our project. Our classroom has transformed into a design studio where students are utilizing the dual-monitor risers as beautifully organized, tiered display shelves to showcase sensory regulation tools. The transformation from a chaotic pile of supplies to structured, inviting \"Peace Portals\" has given the students an immense sense of ownership and professionalism.\r\n\r\nA Specific Classroom Moment\r\nOne of the most impactful moments occurred when we opened the LEGO Winnie the Pooh kit. Instead of hoarding the pieces, my students immediately grasped the concept of the \"collaborative building station.\" They set up the baseboard on a central tray and decided on a rule: any student from any grade level visiting the library can contribute exactly three bricks to the structure during a decompression break. Watching my students take on the role of leaders—exhibiting patience and hospitality as they explained this concept to a group of visiting peers—showed just how deeply they understand what it means to build community.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, a small group of my students took the Winnie the Pooh Sticker Book and quietly established a production line, carefully selecting stickers to assemble individual, hand-crafted \"grounding packets.\" These packets are already being distributed to peers who need a quiet, fine-motor task to reset their focus during moments of high anxiety.\r\n\r\nOur Next Steps\r\nMoving forward, our \"Mindfulness Ambassadors\" are preparing to officially launch the mobile stations across our campus's common areas and school library. Our next instructional steps involve:\r\n\r\nPeer-to-Peer Training: My students are writing and practicing simple scripts to explain the purpose of the tools to school-wide library visitors.\r\n\r\nLogistics & Maintenance: Setting up a daily inventory schedule where students rotate responsibility for cleaning, organizing, and restocking the grounding packets in each portal.\r\n\r\nData Tracking: Creating a simple check-in system to see which sensory tools are most utilized by the school community so we can adapt our support.\r\n\r\nYour generous contributions didn't just buy materials; they validated my students' desire to lead, care for their peers, and foster a school-wide culture of mental health awareness. Thank you for making them the heroes of our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1778523267435,"projectUrl":"project/student-led-peace-portals-for-our-scho/10194232/","projectTitle":"Student-Led \"Peace Portals\" for Our School Community","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":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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61322","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":696,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":52,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":30,"percentMultiracialImputed":20,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":58.0,"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"}