{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waimalu Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9158830,"projectId":10105422,"letterContent":"Technology in the modern classroom is far more than a digital textbook; it is an active catalyst for critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. In our classroom, this new technology is shifting students from passive consumers of media into active creators. By integrating these new devices into our daily routines, students are developing essential 21st-century skills. They are not just learning from technology; they are learning with it—using it to visualize abstract concepts, collaborate on group projects, and take ownership of their educational journeys.\r\n\r\nThe most thrilling aspect of this new product for our students is the introduction of coding through Scratch, a program developed by M.I.T. Scratch uses a block-based visual interface that allows students to snap together coding commands like digital LEGO bricks. The sheer excitement in the room is palpable when they realize they can program their own interactive stories, animations, and games. Instead of just playing a video game, they are peering under the hood to build it themselves. The immediacy of the feedback is incredibly empowering; if a line of code doesn't work, they can instantly troubleshoot and iterate. This hands-on, trial-and-error process turns what could be a frustrating lesson in logic into an exciting puzzle they are desperate to solve.\r\n\r\nWe have seen remarkable breakthroughs with specific groups of students who have deeply warmed to this technology. In particular, some of our more reserved students and reluctant readers have truly blossomed. Students who often hesitate to speak up during traditional verbal lessons have found a powerful new voice through visual coding and digital storytelling. For instance, a few students who typically struggle to stay engaged with standard text-based assignments are now spending focused, enthusiastic blocks of time designing intricate story paths and logic sequences in Scratch. The visual nature of the M.I.T. program removes traditional barriers to entry, allowing their brilliant imagination and analytical skills to shine through. It has given them a unique platform to demonstrate their understanding and lead peer collaborations, boosting their confidence both academically and socially.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought cutting-edge innovation directly into our students' hands. By supporting this technology, you haven't just funded hardware; you have unlocked a world of logical thinking, creative expression, and joy for our learners. Thank you for investing in their future and making this transformative learning experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1771559063971,"projectUrl":"project/ipad-for-extended-learning/10105422/","projectTitle":"iPad for Extended Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9158830_orig.jpg?crop=1210,1210,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741662926673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9158830"},{"teacherId":9551795,"projectId":10104186,"letterContent":"Aloha!\r\n\r\nMy students, staff, and I want to take a moment to thank you so much for your support! Since our materials have arrived, we've had a lot of fun and learning. The favorite item has been the trampoline. Our trampoline broke over 2 years ago, and we're so happy to have one back in our classroom. The trampoline helps my students go have an active movement break and meet sensory needs at the same time. The trampoline has also become a \"bouncy tent\" by placing a parachute over it. The students love to sit there during breaks. Our students are also big fans of the weighted stuffed animals. \r\n\r\nAnother large help have been the verb picture cards! As my students increase their language skills, several have moved on to verbs. The picture cards save me an immense amount of time generating ideas for early language-friendly verbs, creating the pictures on google slides, and printing, then laminating. They are printed with high-quality ink and much sturdier than laminated paper. These will be around for many of my students to use in the future!\r\n\r\nMahalo nui loa for investing in my students learning and well-being!","fullyFundedDate":1771526288305,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-integration-in-special-education/10104186/","projectTitle":"Sensory Integration in Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9551795_orig.jpg?crop=1762,1762,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716077642451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-constable"},{"teacherId":8975435,"projectId":10103593,"letterContent":"If you've ever seen the look on a student's face when they realize they finally have exactly what they need to succeed, you know it's a moment that stays with you. When those boxes arrived, my classroom didn't just get \"supplies\"—they got smiles and relief in their faces and I got a case of a teacher version of moon joy. \r\n\r\nSince the calculators, classroom supplies and seating arrived, the \"vibe\" of our room has shifted. Instead of kids getting frustrated by a broken pencil or an uncomfortable stool, I'm seeing them actually settle into their math and reading. My students took the initiative to make rules so the materials last a long time and other students could enjoy it as well. It made me realize that having the right tools isn't just about the work—it's about the pride they take in it. They're focused on the learning, not the lack of supplies.\r\n\r\nWe just concluded our project based learning and the students were thrilled to have been able to use the new supplies for their project. As a result, not only did they get to present their projects, their parents did not have to worry about the supplies as well. Our room was a bit of a mess in the best way possible—posters are spread out, students drafts and darwings everywhere, and the students are using every single color available to make their project stand out. \r\n\r\nThank you for looking out for our ohana. It means the world to these kids to know they have a community behind them.","fullyFundedDate":1771715718924,"projectUrl":"project/seats-to-soar-supplies-to-explore/10103593/","projectTitle":"Seats to Soar, Supplies to Explore","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rubi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8975435_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704756337973","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msrubisclass"},{"teacherId":7930401,"projectId":9723224,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to bring in the materials necessary for our students to pursue a meaningful science education. Thank you for all your financial support and belief in our project. The microscopes have allowed us to take a whole new perspective on life sciences and the germ kits have helped us through our understanding of health and transmission. \r\nI would like to thank you, also, for investing in the classroom itself. These materials will last throughout the years and allow so many more students the opportunity to become kinetically engaged with science concepts.","fullyFundedDate":1765413637335,"projectUrl":"project/experiment-exercises/9723224/","projectTitle":"Experiment Exercises","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Brock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7930401_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689050887467","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/music-1msbrock"},{"teacherId":9370796,"projectId":10106476,"letterContent":"A sincere thank you for supporting our students with your generous donation of wonderful volleyballs and footballs to rejuvenate our recess equipment! Once the volleyballs and footballs were pumped up and ready to go, our students were thrilled to use them--the smiles on their faces truly made our day! Thank you for caring about our students and understanding how powerful positive play really is. Because of your kindness, our students will now have the chance to play hard, play fair and make new memories together.","fullyFundedDate":1771620858498,"projectUrl":"project/promote-positive-play/10106476/","projectTitle":"Promote Positive Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sakato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9370796"},{"teacherId":9158830,"projectId":9723036,"letterContent":"The Impact in the Classroom\r\nIn an age where digital distractions are everywhere, seeing a child's eyes light up at the sight of a crisp, new hardcover is truly something special. We have already witnessed a remarkable shift in our reading culture. During our recent \"silent reading\" periods, the usual fidgeting has been replaced by a focused, captivated silence.\r\nOur teachers have noted several immediate benefits:\r\n• Increased Engagement: Students who previously struggled to find \"their\" book are now discovering genres they never knew existed, from graphic novels to contemporary young adult fiction.\r\n• Curiosity Sparked: The new non-reference section has become a hub for students researching everything from space exploration to historical biographies.\r\n• Improved Literacy: Having access to high-interest, modern literature is the single greatest motivator for our developing readers.\r\nStories from Our Students\r\nI want to share a few moments that highlight the direct impact of your kindness. One of our third graders, who has historically been a reluctant reader, spent his entire lunch break yesterday tucked into a corner with one of the new science adventure books you provided. When his teacher asked him about it, he beamed and said, \"I didn't know books could be this cool!\"\r\nAnother group of middle schoolers has already formed an informal \"book club\" centered around the new mystery series. These are the moments that define an education—moments where learning ceases to be a chore and becomes a chosen hobby.\r\nA Legacy of Literacy\r\nYour gift represents more than just paper and ink; it represents an investment in the imagination and future of our students. By providing these resources, you are sending a clear message to our children: your education matters, and your curiosity deserves to be fed.\r\nMany of our students do not have extensive personal libraries at home. For them, the school library is their primary gateway to the world. Your donation ensures that this gateway remains wide open, filled with diverse voices and fresh perspectives that reflect the world they live in today.\r\nWe are so fortunate to have partners like you who understand the transformative power of literacy. Please know that these books will be read, reread, and cherished for many years to come. They will be the catalyst for countless \"aha!\" moments and the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.\r\nThank you once again for your extraordinary support and for making our school a brighter, more adventurous place to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1765413638155,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-exploring/9723036/","projectTitle":"Reading and Exploring","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9158830_orig.jpg?crop=1210,1210,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741662926673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9158830"},{"teacherId":8975435,"projectId":9772780,"letterContent":"At the beginning of the year, I knew my students needed to get their \"wiggles\" out or needed something more to help them focus. The sensory materials we just got from you have helped them tremendously. We used it as a means to help them get the deep pressure and as a means to calm their bodies. \r\n\r\nThank you for your partnership and in supporting our students' learning needs. Please know you have made a difference in our students' daily lives. \r\n\r\nMay your generosity come back to you a thousand fold.","fullyFundedDate":1759450475335,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-supportive-sped-classroom-for-un/9772780/","projectTitle":"Sensory-Supportive SPED Classroom for Unique Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rubi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8975435_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704756337973","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msrubisclass"},{"teacherId":7930401,"projectId":9773214,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing the supplies for our students and their projects. Since I work with the whole grade level, all 43 students were able to benefit from the supplies and we were able to complete all our projects for this semester in Science and Art. This is a huge accomplishment and I cannot overstate how important your support has been. We even had time to make ornaments for our families this holiday season. \r\n\r\nSince we were better able to meet the needs of the students and accomplish so much, we were even able to share our supplies with the lower grades and increase your donation impact. The Academy Classes were also able to use our materials and integrate their computer science learning with art; from Kindergarten up to Second Grade.","fullyFundedDate":1759205631538,"projectUrl":"project/the-a-in-steam/9773214/","projectTitle":"The A in STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Brock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7930401_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689050887467","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/music-1msbrock"},{"teacherId":9158830,"projectId":9777274,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing the materials for my students. Students were very excited to see what arrived in the mail. Students were wondering why I kept receiving packages almost every day. It wasn't until the last package arrived that I started opening them and showing students what was inside. I showed each one of them, and they asked, Is this for me? I said no, this is for you guys. I wanted to make sure you guys got the resources and goodies this school year. I wanted you guys to have a great school year, even when days are fun and rough. They said thank you! Our next lesson and project is to provide ukuleles for my students. We will be teaching how music and lyric writing are beneficial to our social-emotional learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759453930890,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-school-year/9777274/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9158830_orig.jpg?crop=1210,1210,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741662926673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9158830"},{"teacherId":9581637,"projectId":9717925,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a huge thank you for your incredibly generous donation to our 4th-grade classroom! Your thoughtfulness and support mean the world to me and to all of our students.\r\n\r\nThe impact of the new supplies is already incredible. The wobble chairs and fidgets provide perfect tools for our energetic learners, helping them channel their focus and stay engaged during lessons. Our classroom is now a much more flexible and comfortable space, encouraging better concentration for everyone. Plus, the bright acrylic pens have sparked an amazing new interest in detailed art and creative writing projects—they've definitely elevated our creative corner!\r\n\r\nWe are also so appreciative of the practical items. The chips and snacks are a huge hit, providing essential fuel for those long afternoons and hard-working brains. And the garden cans have inspired a whole new level of excitement for our upcoming science unit on botany and responsibility. We are thrilled to nurture our class garden with this new equipment!\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our 4th graders. Your generosity transforms our daily learning into something truly special.","fullyFundedDate":1758147242744,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn/9717925/","projectTitle":"Ready to LEARN!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Quon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9581637"},{"teacherId":7930401,"projectId":9685009,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, we have been able to use our cross-curricular materials and lessons to design and make pop-up cards for one of the staff member's retirement! It was the perfect timing for the funding to be shared and the materials to arrive. The students were so excited to learn about new ways to engineer cards and to create something more personal for our team member. It was incredible to watch as they worked through the three lessons with all the materials and resources that you helped to provide. The entire grade level was able to build individual cards to convey their appreciation for our retiree and the years that they have spent together. \r\n\r\nI am so excited to continue to work with these concepts and resources with the students. I cannot wait to see how this will grow their PBL designs and final products at the end of the semester and year long projects.","fullyFundedDate":1758068531504,"projectUrl":"project/steam-supplements/9685009/","projectTitle":"STEAM Supplements","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Brock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7930401_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689050887467","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/music-1msbrock"},{"teacherId":6587217,"projectId":9144918,"letterContent":"Thank you for gifting this opportunity to our students! Without your generous donations, we never would've dreamed of 3D printing at our school! Students now can design in any CAD program and print their creations. We are so happy to have access to these tools to help prepare us for future careers!\r\n\r\nWe intend to create original products to sell at the upcoming Maker's Explorium. Along with our 3D printed trinkets, we will be crocheting, creating acrylic keychains, and using 3D doodle pens to make art. \r\n\r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1741694193843,"projectUrl":"project/layer-by-layer/9144918/","projectTitle":"Layer by Layer","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6587217_orig.jpg?crop=626,626,x223,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627430257526","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/chloechong"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50816","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":312,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":56,"percentAsian":32,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":24,"percentMultiracialImputed":18,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"9.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.1,"schoolId":50816,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waimalu Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waimalu Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/central-oahu-school-district/waimalu-elementary-school/50816"}