{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waimea Canyon Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":48.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8823842,"projectId":10110108,"letterContent":"This project really changed the vibe of our math class by turning it into a place where it's actually okay to mess up. By swapping out permanent notebooks for whiteboard pens and \"erasable\" surfaces, we took the scary edge off of math anxiety. When kids realized they could just swipe away a mistake, they stopped freezing up and started actually experimenting with their work. It turned math from a \"right or wrong\" high-pressure test into a low-stakes draft, which gave everyone the confidence to jump into tough problems without overthinking it.\r\n\r\nOn top of the whiteboards, we used stickers and celebratory leis to totally flip the script on what \"being good at math\" looks like. Instead of just rewarding the fastest kids, we started celebrating things like helping a teammate or sticking with a problem that felt impossible. Post-it notes became a simple way for students to flag where they got stuck, helping them speak up for themselves instead of just shutting down. By focusing on grit and teamwork rather than just perfect scores, the students stopped seeing math as a chore and started seeing themselves as capable problem-solvers.","fullyFundedDate":1771735024868,"projectUrl":"project/boosting-math-and-sel-confidence/10110108/","projectTitle":"Boosting Math and SEL Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Remigio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823842"},{"teacherId":10275523,"projectId":9750579,"letterContent":"Your generous donation has transformed our classroom into a dynamic space for discovery. When the new vertical whiteboards arrived, my students were ecstatic—they couldn't wait to get out of their chairs and start working. One student even remarked that the room finally felt like a \"real lab.\" These boards have changed the energy in our class, turning math from a quiet, solitary task into an active, collaborative experience.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the boards for our \"Visible Thinking\" math sessions. As you can see in the photos, students are working together to solve complex problems and map out their logic. Standing at the boards encourages them to talk through their strategies and catch mistakes in real time. Because the boards are so easy to erase, my students are much more willing to take risks and try new methods without the fear of making a permanent error on paper.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is to have students use these boards to \"pitch\" their solutions to the class, acting as peer mentors. This helps them build leadership skills while mastering our current curriculum. Your contribution has provided a stage for every student to share their brilliance and make their learning visible. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1758833495159,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-one-board-at-a-time/9750579/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning, One Board at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Revillosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10275523_orig.jpg?crop=1637,1637,x0,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758741117097","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10275523"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9774414,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School, mahalo nui loa, thank you so very very much for your kindhearted support! With your help, my students received an arsenal of really fun card games for us to use during lunch club and advisory! We received games like Exploding Kittens, Giant Uno, Taco-Cat-Goat-Cheese-Pizza, and Spot It! My favorite memories are students stopping by at random times just to play a quick card game with me. Just this past week, a few students came by to see if they could beat me at Spot It. I told them I would get them McDonald's if they could beat me, but they didn't stand a chance haha! \r\n\r\nMy students have really loved the card game resources. They couldn't believe I had an entire bin full of card games for them! My advisory students have used the card games several days this year, which has helped us to bond and unwind some in a long school year. The games really do help build a classroom culture defined by camaraderie and togetherness. We have even done several competitions with some of the card games. Sometimes students just need a safe place they can be themselves for a few minutes here and there during recess and lunch. The card games give me a chance to build relationships with students and to support them on tough days. We are super grateful! Thank you for making a difference in my student's lives!!!","fullyFundedDate":1759404555876,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-epic-adviso/9774414/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: Epic Advisory/ Lunch Club Card Activities!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9791355,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School, Mahalo Nui Loa, thank you so very very very much for your kindhearted support!!! With your help we were able to take our Kauai Cooler Design Project up another level! You provided us incredible temperature/light data pendants that can withstand well-below sub freezing temperatures. This year we were really able to tell which coolers performed the best after a 24 hr test!\r\n\r\nStudents were required to build eco-friendly recycled material coolers. Each group received only 10 lb ice and four 16oz water bottles had to be placed inside their coolers. We placed the data pendants in the coolers for 24 hours, and the pendants recorded a temperature reading every 15 minutes on its own! At the end of the test, we were able to take the data from the pendants and create a really awesome data chart for students to interpret! \r\n\r\nMy students thought the technology was truly amazing! The free Hobo software that is used with the pendants records extremely accurate data and creates amazing data charts in no time. With your help, we were able to eliminate human error and rely upon some pretty advanced technology to see which students really applied their understanding of our thermal energy unit. We had an absolute blast!! Thank you so much!!!","fullyFundedDate":1768505554483,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-epic-eco-fr/9791355/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: Epic Eco-Friendly Cooler Design Challenge!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"},{"teacherId":9706722,"projectId":10105919,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of our donors, my classroom has become a more engaging, interactive, and student-centered learning space. The new whiteboards and organizers have made a remarkable difference in how my students participate in Science lessons and how they express their understanding of key concepts.\r\n\r\nMy students and I are now regularly using the whiteboards during classroom activities, especially during Science discussions and practice tasks. One of the most effective routines we have developed is our \"conversation round table\" activity. In this setup, students work in small groups and use their individual whiteboards to write down their ideas, answers, or explanations to a given Science question or problem. Instead of immediately speaking out answers, they first take time to think independently and write their responses. After that, they share their ideas with their groupmates.\r\n\r\nThis simple shift in learning strategy has made a big impact. Students are more willing to participate because the whiteboards give them a sense of privacy and confidence before sharing. Even students who are usually quiet or hesitant in class are now actively involved because they feel safer expressing their thoughts in writing first. Once they present their answers to their group, they engage in meaningful conversations—explaining their reasoning, comparing ideas, and respectfully discussing different viewpoints. This has greatly improved both their communication skills and their understanding of Science concepts.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the whiteboards, their reaction was full of excitement and curiosity. They were eager to explore how they could use them during lessons. Many of them immediately began testing the markers and experimenting with drawing diagrams, labeling parts of scientific models, and solving practice questions. There was a strong sense of joy and ownership right from the beginning. They felt that the materials were \"theirs,\" which made them more responsible and careful in using them.\r\n\r\nOne of the features that the students especially enjoy is the color coding. They love using different colors to organize their answers, highlight key ideas, and make diagrams clearer. This has helped them better structure their thinking, especially in topics that require classification, comparison, or step-by-step explanations. The use of color has also made learning more visually engaging and fun for them. It encourages creativity while still supporting academic accuracy.\r\n\r\nAnother important impact of these resources is how they promote ownership of learning. Because students write directly on their own whiteboards, they feel more accountable for their work. They are more willing to revise their answers, correct mistakes, and improve their explanations before sharing with the group. This process has helped them develop a growth mindset and a stronger sense of pride in their learning.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next steps involve using the whiteboards for more structured Science inquiry tasks and formative assessments. Students will continue using them for hypothesis writing, data recording during experiments, and quick checks for understanding. We also plan to incorporate more peer teaching moments, where students explain concepts to their classmates using their whiteboards as visual support. This will further strengthen their scientific communication skills and deepen their understanding of the lessons.\r\n\r\nOverall, these resources have transformed my classroom into a more interactive and collaborative learning environment. My students are more engaged, more confident, and more excited to learn Science every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771603704070,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-tools-for-exploration/10105919/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science: Tools for Exploration and Teamwork","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9706722_orig.jpg?crop=450,450,x491,y962&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724629428143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9706722"},{"teacherId":9371815,"projectId":9770609,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I want to express my profound gratitude for your support of our \"From Concept to Creation: Building 3D Models and Scientific Understanding\"We were overjoyed to hear that our project was fully funded. While the materials are currently on their way, the knowledge that we will soon have these world-class resources has already created a new sense of purpose and pride in our classroom. When I shared the list of upcoming supplies with my students—especially the large sky-blue project boards and the massive 36-pack of colorful dry-erase markers—their eyes widened with excitement. They are already brainstorming how to turn our lab into a professional exhibition space.\r\n\r\nThe upcoming arrival of these materials represents a turning point for our Biology and Earth Science curriculum. We are moving directly into a \"Cellular Construction\" unit where students will use the 14 packs of Styrofoam spheres, liquid glue, and acrylic paint markers to build detailed, 3D cross-sections of animal and plant cells. By providing the Molymod 12-layer DNA models, you are giving my students the chance to physically manipulate the \"blueprint of life,\" turning a complex microscopic concept into a tangible reality. The Nasco Cell and Flower models, paired with the VercanMonth Magnetic Anatomy kits, will allow for deep, tactile exploration that a textbook simply cannot provide.\r\n\r\nYour investment goes beyond just equipment; you have helped us curate an environment where students feel like true professionals. The aesthetic and organizational touches—from the tiered plant stands for our live Calathea and Pothos plants to the new set of 12 lidded storage bins and magnetic desktop whiteboards—ensure our workshop remains a high-functioning sanctuary for scientific thought. Practical tools like the electric stapler, laminating pouches, and mounting tape will allow students to create durable, high-quality displays for our upcoming Science Fair. Because of Ripple and your individual generosity, my students now have a workspace that is as functional as it is inspiring, bridging the gap between classroom learning and future STEM careers.\r\n\r\nThank you for your incredible commitment to our students and for empowering the scientists of tomorrow. We look forward to sharing our progress and photos of our finished 3D models once our workshop officially begins!","fullyFundedDate":1759450357933,"projectUrl":"project/from-concept-to-creation-building-3d-mo/9770609/","projectTitle":"From Concept to Creation: Building 3D Models and Scientific Understanding","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cacao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9371815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725838041034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371815"},{"teacherId":9371815,"projectId":9690634,"letterContent":"The resources on their way will fundamentally change how my students interact with complex biological and physical concepts. We are particularly eager to receive the Molymod DNA models, which will allow students to build the \"blueprint of life\" in three dimensions, alongside the Nasco Cell and Flower models. The addition of live Pothos and Calathea prayer plants, displayed on our new tiered wooden stands, will turn our lab into a living botanical study center. These tools, along with the Katzco Plasma Ball and Moon Phase charts, will serve as powerful visual anchors for our upcoming units, turning our lab into a space of constant discovery and wonder. By providing these materials, you are helping to bridge the gap between abstract theory and real-world application.\r\n\r\nBeyond the specialized equipment, your contribution toward our classroom environment creates a professional and welcoming atmosphere. From the \"Aloha\" neon sign and butterfly wall decor to the floral floor cushions and vibrant magnetic labels, you have helped design a space that honors the work these young scientists are doing. Even practical necessities—like the laminating pouches for preserving our Earth Science posters, the digital thermometers for lab data, and the laptop backpacks for student transport—contribute to a workspace that is both highly functional and deeply inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1758833495917,"projectUrl":"project/a-scientific-sanctuary-cultivating-curi/9690634/","projectTitle":"A Scientific Sanctuary: Cultivating Curiosity and Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cacao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9371815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725838041034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371815"},{"teacherId":9371815,"projectId":9553742,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for fully funding our project, \"Our Scientific Journey: A Classroom of Wonder and Discovery\"We just received the wonderful news that our materials are on their way, and the sense of anticipation in our classroom is incredible. My students are already buzzing with excitement, knowing that there is a community of people who believe in their potential as young scientists.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity on our upcoming curriculum will be profound. This workshop was designed to move our studies from abstract concepts to tangible, hands-on experiences. Once these materials arrive, we will be able to transform our lab into a high-tech, immersive \"living classroom.\" For instance, rather than just viewing 2D diagrams, students will be able to interact with the Nasco Cell and Typical Flower models, and use the Magnetic Cell Anatomy kits to visualize life at a microscopic level. The addition of the Katzco Plasma Ball will provide a captivating look at physics, while the Earth Science posters and flip charts will anchor our geological units.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, I am better equipped to facilitate high-level scientific inquiry. The \"softer\" side of our workshop—including the cozy shag carpet for our reading nook, the colorful trifold boards for science fair presentations, and the butterfly decorations—creates a welcoming environment where students feel inspired to explore. With the \"Nerd Words\" science game and our new bulletin board sets, we are building a classroom culture that celebrates discovery. Even practical needs, like the Epson ink refills, ensure that we can print high-quality data and research for our lab reports.","fullyFundedDate":1757540055493,"projectUrl":"project/our-scientific-journey-a-classroom-of-w/9553742/","projectTitle":"Our Scientific Journey: A Classroom of Wonder and Discovery","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cacao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9371815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725838041034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371815"},{"teacherId":9371815,"projectId":9529518,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! When the boxes arrived, the excitement in my classroom was palpable. My students' faces lit up as they unpacked the 100-pack of Super Tips markers, the vibrant sunflower garlands, and especially the high-quality Biology posters. For many of my students, seeing a classroom filled with fresh, professional materials makes them feel that their education is truly valued. They immediately began using the new magnetic push pins and marker holders to organize our \"Science Discovery\" whiteboard, turning a formerly cluttered space into an interactive focal point for our daily lessons.\r\n\r\nWe have already put these resources to work in a specific project: \"The Architecture of Life.\" Using the new biology posters as a reference, students used the Sharpies and washable markers to create detailed cell diagrams and anatomical sketches. The sunflower garlands and artificial plants have completely transformed our lab environment into a \"living classroom\" that reduces stress and sparks curiosity about botany and ecology. Even the practical items, like the new broom set and the bulk pre-sharpened pencils, have streamlined our daily transitions, allowing us to spend less time on cleanup and more time on high-level scientific inquiry.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve a collaborative mural project where students will use the glue sticks and mini hot glue sticks to build 3D models of ecosystems. We will also be using the large hanging storage bags to organize individual student lab kits, ensuring that every learner has easy access to their own specialized tools. Your contribution didn't just buy supplies; it provided the \"scaffolding\" for a more organized, creative, and inspiring Biology department. We are so grateful for your support in helping these young scientists thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1757540055211,"projectUrl":"project/the-blueprint-for-a-thriving-learning-ec/9529518/","projectTitle":"The Blueprint for a Thriving Learning Ecosystem","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cacao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9371815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725838041034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371815"},{"teacherId":10211456,"projectId":9777436,"letterContent":"Thank you so so so much!\r\nThank you so much for your generous support in providing materials for our reading nook project. Because of your kindness, our students now have a warm and inviting space where they can slow down, relax, and truly enjoy reading. Having comfortable and engaging materials encourages them to spend more time with books, strengthening their reading skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. The reading nook has quickly become their special place. \r\n\r\nYour contribution has also made a meaningful emotional impact on our students. They feel valued knowing that someone cared enough to invest in their learning environment. The cozy space promotes focus, creativity, and a love for literacy that extends beyond the classroom. This project has not only enhanced their academic growth but has also created a sense of comfort and belonging. They were able to engage with their classmate, through the use of the technology, Ipad- they can use it those who prefer to read online, and it is really a great help for them. \r\n\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your generosity and the positive difference you have made in our students' lives. THANK YOU SO MUCH DONORSCHOOSE","fullyFundedDate":1759455193482,"projectUrl":"project/building-literacyempowering-through-tec/9777436/","projectTitle":"Building Literacy:Empowering Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. BAGUNAS","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10211456"},{"teacherId":8615155,"projectId":9944033,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your generous contributions! We are using the Cricut machine to create our own athletic uniforms, and it has quickly become something our students feel deeply excited to try. Seeing their ideas turn into real uniforms they can wear on the court or field has been incredibly powerful. Sports uniforms are not simply fashion statements; they instill a sense of pride and create an element of solidarity amongst our keiki. Students aren't just putting names and numbers on shirts; they're creating something that represents culture, pride, and a sense of belonging. Next, students will continue designing and producing uniforms for our growing flag football, volleyball and basketball teams.Thanks to our you, our students aren't just preparing for practices and games, they're learning responsibility, leadership, and pride in something they helped build from the ground up.","fullyFundedDate":1766494412530,"projectUrl":"project/sustainable-middle-school-sports-uniform/9944033/","projectTitle":"Sustainable Middle School Sports Uniforms","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8615155_orig.png?crop=272,272,x0,y59&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684963705623","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8615155"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9751557,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School on the west side of Kauai, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very very much for your compassionate support! My students and I are stoked for our end of the year send off! With your help, my students will be able to build and launch model rockets the last week of school. Toward the end of the school year for the past five years, my students have watched October Sky and launched rockets to wrap up an amazing school year. We wouldn't be able to this without you!\r\n\r\nI really believe that science is caught more so than taught. What better way to end the year with a metaphorical but quite literal \"the sky is the limit\"! The key to learning being caught by students is to provide them a motive and an inspiration. I believe watching those rockets soar catches the imaginations of my students. Somehow or another I think it helps them believe in themselves and look forward to their futures. After a long year of hard work, they deserve to end on a high note! Thank you for making this all possible! \r\n\r\n*Note that pictures were added from last year's rocket send off.","fullyFundedDate":1758833496495,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-end-of-year/9751557/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: End of Year Rocket Send Off!!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50966","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":467,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":26,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":51.1,"schoolId":50966,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waimea Canyon Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waimea Canyon Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/kapaa-kauai-waimea-school-district/waimea-canyon-middle-school/50966"}