{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wailuku Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7929365,"projectId":10106684,"letterContent":"My preschool students love the picture books, and the lovely Caldecott award winning stories are excellent. What beautiful illustrations! My students are special. Some of my students are autistic. Some are in wheelchairs, and are tube fed. The picture books increase their attention and executive functioning. \r\n\r\nMy favorite book is \"Ohana Means Family\" authored by Ilima Loomis, and illustrated by Kenard Pak. The watercolor art is outstnading. It is wonderful and engaging to my Hawaiian children. It has a gentle rhyme that undulate the elements she describes so well. My students are challenged in communicating; however, they can murmer along in sinc. This means they are learning receptive and expressive vocabulary. Vocabulary is an essential part of executive function.\r\n\r\nThe EOEL students also come to my classroom and enjoy being read to as well!","fullyFundedDate":1771632236688,"projectUrl":"project/executive-function-for-preschoolers/10106684/","projectTitle":"Executive Function for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7929365"},{"teacherId":9794140,"projectId":10105598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Your kindness is making a meaningful difference in the lives of my students each and every day.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, many students experience strong emotions that can sometimes make it difficult for them to focus and fully engage in learning. Because of your support, we are now able to provide calming tools such as sensory supports, flexible seating, fidgets, breathing visuals, and a dedicated calm-down space. These resources are helping students learn how to manage their emotions in healthy, productive ways.\r\n\r\nYour donation is doing more than just supplying materials—it is creating a safe and supportive environment where students can pause, reset, and return to learning with confidence. As they build skills in self-regulation, resilience, and self-awareness, they are also gaining tools that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their well-being and success. Your generosity is truly appreciated and will have a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1771684952932,"projectUrl":"project/counseling-calming-tools/10105598/","projectTitle":"Counseling Calming Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heidi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9794140"},{"teacherId":9340469,"projectId":10108373,"letterContent":"When I first posted my project on Donors Choose, I had a vision for my classroom where every student felt independent, responsible and resourced to learn. Because of your generous donations, that vision is now a reality. In a filed whereby teachers often have to make tough choices about which supplies we can afford out of our own pockets, your support is tremendously helpful for our entire school community. \r\n\r\nIn our current educational landscape, especially here in Hawaii where we strive to provide the best for our keiki who come from so many different challenging backgrounds, resources can sometimes be stretched thin. So, mahalo nui loa again for your kindness for our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771698934183,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tiny-hands-and-busy-brains/10108373/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tiny Hands and Busy Brains!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nitahara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9340469"},{"teacherId":6510801,"projectId":10111510,"letterContent":"The impact of your generosity is felt every single day. We are currently using the Alphabet Learning Locks and Unlock It! Number Match sets during our morning literacy and math centers. These tactile tools have turned \"work\" into a game of discovery—my students are so motivated to find the right key (the letter or number) to \"unlock\" their learning!\r\n\r\nA specific moment that stood out happened last week during our small-group writing session. We used the new Double Sided Whiteboards and Chisel Tip Dry Erase Markers to practice CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) words. Because the boards are lined, my students were able to focus on their letter formation, and the Mini Magnetic Erasers made it so easy for them to \"swipe away\" mistakes and try again without frustration.\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, the classroom felt like it was \"Teacher Christmas!\" The students' eyes widened as they saw the bright Lakeshore No-Spill Paint Cups and the massive 96-pack of markers. One student actually cheered when they realized everyone would get their own Clear Pencil Box to keep their supplies organized at their desk. Having high-quality materials that belong specifically to them has given my students a renewed sense of pride and ownership over their workspace.\r\n\r\nIn math, we are moving into more complex addition and subtraction. We'll be utilizing the Skill Builders Kindergarten Math Set and the Find the Number Activity Center to bridge the gap between counting and mental math. Plus, the Organic Tropical Fruit Snacks have become the perfect \"brain fuel\" reward for our Friday assessments!\r\n\r\nYour support provided more than just plastic and ink; you provided the tools for confidence. Thank you for investing in these bright young minds!","fullyFundedDate":1771784390030,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-potential-hands-on-literacy/10111510/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Potential: Hands-On Literacy, Math, and Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tonu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6510801_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565469345890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6510801"},{"teacherId":7108186,"projectId":9774900,"letterContent":"Your generous donation transformed our WIDA completion party into a rich, multicultural experience. Because of your support, our students were able to explore snacks and stories from across the globe, creating a meaningful connection between their home cultures and their classroom.\r\n\r\nThe atmosphere was truly celebratory. The flags and eye-catching posters we displayed drew compliments from across the school, sparking so much curiosity that we held a spontaneous \"Identify the Flag\" challenge for students and staff alike.\r\n\r\nIt was inspiring to see our English Learners radiating pride and confidence as they shared their heritage. They were so engaged in the activities that many did not want to leave! Thank you for proving that thoughtful details can foster immense joy in learning. You made this unforgettable experience possible for them.","fullyFundedDate":1759447436508,"projectUrl":"project/cultural-acceptance-and-appreciation/9774900/","projectTitle":"Cultural Acceptance and Appreciation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bautista","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7108186_orig.jpg?crop=258,258,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741288569433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7108186"},{"teacherId":6599250,"projectId":10104945,"letterContent":"The impact of this wireless PA system was felt—and heard—immediately across our entire campus. While many donors use Bluetooth speakers at home, the Bose S1 Pro+ provides a professional-grade clarity and \"throw\" that is essential for a school environment. Our students are no longer struggling to be heard over the wind or the chatter of a large crowd. Whether they are giving instructions for a group activity or performing a solo, the audio is crisp, loud, and incredibly professional. It has transformed our outdoor spaces into true performance venues, making every student's message understandable to the entire audience.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for the students has been the freedom this technology provides. During a recent celebration on the May Day Field, the kids were able to host an impromptu dance party, marveling at how such a portable device could fill the entire field with high-quality music. They are used to seeing us struggle with heavy equipment and a \"spaghetti\" of tangled cords; seeing a teacher simply turn on a sleek, wireless unit and have it work instantly has made them much more eager to step up to the microphone. The \"cool factor\" of this professional gear has given them a noticeable boost in confidence during their rehearsals.\r\n\r\nWe have especially seen a change in our student leaders as they prepare for Lokahi Day and our upcoming complex-area performances. Some of our more soft-spoken students who were hard to hear have really warmed up to this new setup. It's so user-friendly that the Student Activities Coordinator could use it right out of the box. By removing the stress of technical glitches and muffled sound, this PA system has allowed our students to focus on what really matters: their performance, their teamwork, and their connection with the community.","fullyFundedDate":1772324659782,"projectUrl":"project/hear-hear-elevating-student-voices/10104945/","projectTitle":"Hear! Hear! Elevating Student Voices","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6599250_orig.jpg?crop=591,591,x0,y344&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598231853935","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6599250"},{"teacherId":10279783,"projectId":10107226,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Because of your generosity, my students are now able to use these new resources during our daily lessons and small group activities. The materials have helped students stay engaged and practice important skills such as problem solving, reading, and collaboration. One special moment was when students used the materials during our math centers, where they worked together to solve multiplication and division problems within 100. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they practiced and helped one another.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were very excited and eager to start using them. Many of them immediately asked if they could try the activities right away. Their excitement made learning even more meaningful, and it motivated them to participate actively during lessons.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our learning, these resources will help students build stronger skills and apply what they learn in new ways. We will use them in future lessons, projects, and small group instruction to support student growth. Thank you again for making a difference in our classroom and helping my students have the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1771640614856,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-learning-with-interactive-c/10107226/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Learning With Interactive Classroom Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. NUCUP","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10279783_orig.jpg?crop=3998,3998,x0,y279&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758783911708","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10279783"},{"teacherId":6599250,"projectId":9772178,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our library project. While our original goal was to install a large-scale display to anchor our library lessons and celebrations, we encountered some unforeseen procurement challenges that prevented us from obtaining the specific equipment intended. Despite our best efforts to make the original vision work, we ultimately pivoted to purchasing a smaller display. While it isn't the primary centerpiece we initially envisioned, this equipment will serve as a vital \"safety net\" for our school, ensuring that when our existing technology inevitably fails, our students won't have to go a single day without the visual tools they need for digital storytelling and virtual field trips.\r\n\r\nYour contribution represents more than just a piece of hardware; it represents a commitment to the students of Wailuku Elementary. Because of your kindness, we are better prepared to maintain a technology-rich environment in the library. We remain dedicated to celebrating our student leaders—the library helpers, broadcast team, and student council—and your support ensures that we have the resources on hand to keep our programs running smoothly. Thank you for being such a vital part of our school community and for valuing the growth of our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1759446415771,"projectUrl":"project/a-display-to-teach-celebrate-and-inspi/9772178/","projectTitle":"A Display to Teach, Celebrate, and Inspire in the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6599250_orig.jpg?crop=591,591,x0,y344&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598231853935","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6599250"},{"teacherId":6610127,"projectId":9773551,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of hands-on manipulatives to our kindergarten classroom. Your kindness is already making a meaningful difference in the way my students learn each day.\r\n\r\nAt this age, children learn best by doing, and these materials give them the opportunity to explore concepts in a tangible, engaging way. With tools like counting cubes, pattern blocks, and magnetic letters, my students can physically see and touch their learning. This helps them build strong foundations in math and literacy while making abstract ideas easier to understand.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these manipulatives have increased student excitement and confidence. My kindergarteners are more focused, eager to participate, and proud of their discoveries when they can actively interact with their lessons. The materials also encourage teamwork, as students collaborate, share, and communicate while learning together.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support ensures that every child in my classroom has equal access to high-quality, hands-on learning experiences. You are helping create an engaging environment where students feel supported, curious, and motivated to grow.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and in their future. Your generosity truly makes a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1759341304829,"projectUrl":"project/magical-manipulatives/9773551/","projectTitle":"Magical Manipulatives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holokai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6610127"},{"teacherId":9967554,"projectId":9772682,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to support classrooms like mine. I teach young learners who are curious, energetic, and eager to explore the world around them. My goal is to create a classroom environment where they feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn every single day.\r\n\r\nRecently, my classroom received a small rug, a large rug, STEM games, and magnetic letters. These materials are already making a meaningful difference. The rugs provide comfortable, welcoming spaces where students can gather for lessons, collaborate with peers, and build a sense of classroom community. The STEM games encourage hands-on problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking — skills that help students become confident learners. The magnetic letters support early literacy development by giving students a fun, interactive way to explore sounds, words, and language.\r\n\r\nThese resources help transform learning from something students simply do into something they truly experience. They allow me to provide more engaging small-group instruction, hands-on exploration, and meaningful practice that meets the needs of all learners.\r\n\r\nWith your continued support, I can keep building a classroom environment that inspires curiosity, encourages collaboration, and supports academic growth in literacy and STEM. Every contribution helps create opportunities for my students to learn through movement, play, and discovery.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your generosity helps create a classroom where learning is joyful, meaningful, and accessible for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1759289509985,"projectUrl":"project/no-more-cold-floors-flexible-seating-an/9772682/","projectTitle":"No More Cold Floors! Flexible seating and Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967554"},{"teacherId":6510801,"projectId":9785477,"letterContent":"The new resources have completely transformed our classroom's \"Writing and Creative Center.\" We are using the Childcraft 2-Shelf Storage Unit to keep our supplies organized and accessible, which has given my students a new sense of independence.\r\n\r\nA specific moment: This week, we started a \"Young Authors\" project. Using the Mead Primary Journals, students are writing their first short stories. One of my students, who previously struggled with the physical act of writing, felt so much more confident using the ergonomic pencil grips. They spent the entire period focused on their drawing and \"letter strings,\" proudly showing me how they could hold their pencil \"just like a pro.\"\r\n\r\nHow did your students react when they first saw the materials?\r\nThe reaction was pure joy! When the large boxes arrived, the students were buzzing with curiosity. Their eyes lit up when they saw the milo Finger Paint set and the TBC Paint Sticks.\r\n\r\nThe biggest \"wow\" moment, however, was the treasure box toys. When I explained that these were prizes for their hard work and kindness, the room filled with cheers. Even the Eric Carle Dots Name Plates made them feel special; they loved seeing their names tucked into the new adhesive desk pockets, making their workspace feel official and \"all their own.\"\r\n\r\nWhat are the next steps for your students on a current classroom lesson or project?\r\nOur next big step is a collaborative storytelling unit! We will be using the Post-it Super Sticky Easel Pads to brainstorm \"Story Maps\" as a whole group. The students will then move to their desks to create individual illustrations using the watercolor brushes and tempera paint sticks.\r\n\r\nWe are also using the sentence strips to practice building complete thoughts. By the end of the month, each student will have a completed journal entry that we will \"publish\" by sharing it from the \"Author's Chair\" in front of the class. Your support hasn't just given us tools; it's given these children the confidence to see themselves as artists and writers.","fullyFundedDate":1759627658850,"projectUrl":"project/tools-and-materials/9785477/","projectTitle":"Tools and Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tonu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6510801_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565469345890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6510801"},{"teacherId":7929365,"projectId":9776073,"letterContent":"My students were so happy to receive all the new resources that you provided. They reacted with smiles and engagement with the items. This is a class of medically fragile students; and, also preschool special education students. My students love thins that they can build and manipulate with their hands. \r\n The plush elephant toy gave the students a sense of comfort and security, as well as developing their imagination. The jelly blocks were great for the sensory stimulation, and they can build with them; including a truck. What fun!\r\n My next steps are to help them communicate, now that they feel calm and secure.","fullyFundedDate":1759531622423,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-with-the-senses-in-prek/9776073/","projectTitle":"Exploring with the Senses in PreK","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7929365"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50991","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":550,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":66.3,"schoolId":50991,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wailuku Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wailuku Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/wailuku-elementary-school/50991"}
Join the 291 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Wailuku Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Wailuku, Hawaii that is part of Maui School District.
It serves 550 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.0:1.
Its teachers have had 261 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
41%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Wailuku Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 29, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Wailuku Elementary School
$188,958
raised using DonorsChoose
261
projects
funded
68
teachers
funded
291
donors
36
projects
for
basic supplies
54
projects for
technology
17
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Wailuku Elementary School has received support from
193 individuals from Hawaii and
98 individuals out-of-state.