{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waimea Canyon Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":48.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9478928,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very very much for supporting us with Fantastic Basic Classroom Supplies! With your help, my classroom environment has been bolstered and students have benefited. We have used the supplies in various ways throughout the year. For example, we have used the table mats for an assortment of dissection activities. We have dissected sharks, starfish, pig hearts, and cow eyeballs! We also have used the table covers for various events, such as a Thanksgiving advisory potluck.\r\n\r\nI fundamentally believe the best learning happens in classrooms where students see they are loved from being reached in creative ways. Thank you for helping me love my students in creative ways. Thank you for loving them with me! They see all of the sacrifice and support. Little things like table cloths, and headphones, and scissors, and sharpies, and construction paper go a long way in serving students well! When they see and feel their needs being met, it is truly special.","fullyFundedDate":1757533116903,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-fantastic-/9478928/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: Fantastic (Basic) Classroom Supplies!","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":9480176,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very vey much for your incredible support! With your help, over 150 6th grade students received supplies to design popsicle stick bridges in an epic start of the year STEM competition. The best day of this project is definitely when we test the bridges to see which one is the most effective design solution! There is no escaping reality with this project. What the students put in always shows up in their results. Some students are shocked by how well they did! Others are found wanting (haha). No matter how the students fare, the popsicle stick bridge competition is a tremendous way to start the year because of how it brings students together and pushes them to put their best foot forward. \r\n\r\nFor the past three years, donors like you have made the popsicle stick bridge competition a possibility for my students! I love to teach because I love to build relationships with students and for them to feel genuinely protected and promoted. Donors like you have made this possible time and time again! The popsicle stick bridge competition is the perfect opportunity to not only inspire academic excellence, but also to build deep and lasting relationships with students. More so, the project allows students to bond with one another! WCMS is composed of students from several feeder elementary schools, so when our students first arrive on campus they can be overwhelmed. Your generosity provided them a learning opportunity to help them feel welcomed at the start of the year! Thank you so much for everything!!!","fullyFundedDate":1756730751844,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-popsicle-st/9480176/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition!!!","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":9479360,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very very much for donating sharks and starfish to our classroom for dissections! My students were shocked and ecstatic to have the opportunity to dissect such unique specimen. The best part was when my period 4 realized the dogfish shark was pregnant! Yes, it can seem a little over the top and inhumane, but it was great science and my students loved it! \r\n\r\nMy students simply thrive with hands-on learning opportunities. While one of our goals with the dissections was to obviously connect to content standards, the real purpose was to give my students real-life experiences that capture their imaginations. I tell my students all the times that science is real magic. Did you know starfish have two stomachs, and one of them is a cardiac stomach? Thank you for helping learn that! Your kindness had fueled their passion for life and helped them feel deeply cared for at our school. The dissection days were so wonderful! Thank you for everything!!!","fullyFundedDate":1756730749150,"projectUrl":"project/island-style-learning-sharks-starfish/9479360/","projectTitle":"Island Style Learning: Sharks & Starfish Dissections!","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":9438998,"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 incredible support! My students have absolutely loved the new classroom raffle popcorn machine. It has really been a tremendous blessing. My students are simply stoked to have their names drawn from the raffle and win a popcorn! Oh, and the popcorn is very good by the way, especially with the movie theatre salt added (but not too much haha!). \r\n\r\nAt the end of each week, students turn in their Mr. Singer Dollars so their names can be added to the raffle. Ten dollars equals another raffle entry. We draw two names per class at the end of the week. In total, 10-12 students a week win the popcorn raffle! My students are so grateful to be recognized for their hard efforts. Positive reinforcement is absolutely essential in today's classrooms. Having the classroom raffle popcorn machine truly changes the culture of my classroom. It has helped keep me accountable to give out far more Mr. Singer Dollars, and it has made students participate far more frequently and willingly. \r\n\r\nAgain, we are incredibly grateful for your heartfelt support. The classroom raffle popcorn machine is a perfect gift for my students. I wish you were here to see them light up when they get to eat their popcorn! I hope the pictures encourage you. I am so humbled by your support. Thank you for changing student's lives!!!","fullyFundedDate":1756730747316,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-classroom-p/9438998/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: Classroom Popcorn Machine for Weekly Raffle!!!!!!!!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"},{"teacherId":9726201,"projectId":9781341,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have the tools they need to stay organized and focused on learning. The materials from Organized Learning, Clear Minds have helped students keep their work in one place, manage assignments more effectively, and feel less overwhelmed during the school day.\r\n\r\nWith these organizational supplies, students are spending less time searching for papers and more time engaged in learning. They are developing important habits like responsibility, time management, and independence—skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been especially meaningful for students who struggle with organization or anxiety. Having structured, consistent materials has helped them feel calmer, more confident, and better prepared each day. When students feel organized, they feel capable—and that confidence shows in their participation and effort.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students' success. Your kindness has created a more focused, supportive learning environment and helped give students clearer minds and a stronger foundation for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759591905966,"projectUrl":"project/organized-learning-clear-minds/9781341/","projectTitle":"Organized Learning, Clear Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9726201"},{"teacherId":9726201,"projectId":9659539,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my 7th grade students experienced the full journey from first draft to published author. With access to the materials from From First Draft to Published Author: Empowering 7th Grade Writers, students were able to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish their own original pieces of writing—many for the very first time.\r\n\r\nThis project transformed how my students see themselves as writers. Instead of rushing to finish an assignment, they learned that strong writing takes time, feedback, and perseverance. Students practiced revising their work based on peer and teacher feedback, strengthening their ideas, word choice, and organization. Watching their confidence grow as their writing improved was incredibly powerful.\r\n\r\nThe most meaningful moment came when students held their final published pieces in their hands. For many, this was the first time they felt proud to share their writing with others. Reluctant writers became more engaged, confident writers took creative risks, and every student walked away knowing their voice matters.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth. Your support didn't just provide supplies—it empowered young writers, boosted confidence, and helped students see themselves as real authors. We are so grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1756731244109,"projectUrl":"project/from-first-draft-to-published-author-em/9659539/","projectTitle":"From First Draft to Published Author: Empowering 7th Grade Writers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9726201"},{"teacherId":10237038,"projectId":9673621,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding my math project. Your support has given my students visualize the coordinates and hands on experiences showing the coordinates in the coordinate plane and enjoyed playing using the PEMDice. The printer was used to print colorful activity sheet that attracts students attention and do the activities. Because of you, we are able to create hands-on, engaging activities that help students truly understand concepts instead of just memorizing them. Your gift has made our math classroom a more exciting, supportive, and inspiring place to learn.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has already made a meaningful difference in the way my students approach math—they are more motivated, more curious, and more willing to take risks in their learning. Knowing that people like you believe in their potential encourages them to keep trying, keep growing, and keep believing in themselves. Thank you for investing in their future and for helping us make mathematics a positive and empowering experience for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1757540051331,"projectUrl":"project/math-is-fun-supplies-for-engaging-lesso/9673621/","projectTitle":"Math is Fun: Supplies for Engaging Lessons","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Birco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10237038_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y30&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756790746394","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10237038"},{"teacherId":8823842,"projectId":9773275,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and for believing in my students. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful difference in my classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, I was able to provide individual write boards for every student. These boards have transformed the way we practice math each day. Students can now work through problems quickly, show their thinking, and receive immediate feedback—something that has greatly strengthened their understanding. The white boards have increased engagement, boosted confidence, and helped many students make noticeable growth in their math skills.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also allowed me to provide leis to recognize my students for their hard work and achievements. These moments of celebration have encouraged them to take pride in their learning and strive for even greater success.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a learning environment where students feel supported, motivated, and excited to grow. Your kindness continues to make a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759284772081,"projectUrl":"project/math-gains/9773275/","projectTitle":"Math Gains!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Remigio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823842"},{"teacherId":9706722,"projectId":9680926,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has become more organized, efficient, and technologically empowered. The Power Strip Tower Surge Protector, the Unitek USB-C Charging Station, and the Logitech Wireless Presenter may seem like simple tools, but they have dramatically improved the way my students learn and how I teach every day. These resources have reduced stress, increased engagement, and created a smoother flow during lessons, especially in a science classroom where technology plays a key role in demonstrations, research, and interactive presentations.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors use technology daily but may not see how deeply it impacts a modern classroom. One of the most important benefits of the new charging station and power tower is that students now have consistent access to technology without interruptions. Before this project, students often struggled with dead tablets or Chromebooks, which slowed down lessons and discouraged participation. Now, students confidently plug in their devices the moment they enter the room. They know exactly where to charge, the cords are organized, and there is enough space for everyone—no more waiting turns or searching for an outlet behind furniture. As a result, students are more prepared and more eager to engage in our digital science activities, research tasks, and interactive simulations.\r\n\r\nThe new technology has also made group work more efficient. Students working on shared projects—like creating digital posters, recording video explanations, or conducting research—can keep their devices powered throughout the entire class period. This continuity has improved the quality of their work because they no longer lose progress due to low battery or device shutdowns. Several students mentioned that having reliable charging made them \"feel less stressed\" about completing assignments.\r\n\r\nThe Logitech Wireless Presenter has been a game-changer for me as a teacher. Instead of being anchored to my laptop during slideshows, demonstrations, or lab introductions, I can now move freely around the room. This flexibility helps me check on students, manage behavior, answer questions, and facilitate discussions more effectively. Students have noticed this change as well—many commented that they feel more connected during lessons because I can stand closer to them, point to examples, and interact naturally while still controlling the presentation. This has made learning feel more dynamic and student-centered.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students has been the charging station. They love the \"tech hub\" we created—a clean, organized space dedicated to powering their devices. It has become a daily routine to station their Chromebooks there, and they take pride in keeping the area tidy and functioning smoothly. One student who often forgot his charger at home said, \"This is the best thing ever—I don't panic anymore.\" Another student, who typically struggles staying engaged, has shown noticeable improvement now that her device stays charged, allowing her to participate fully in interactive lessons.\r\n\r\nThis project has truly strengthened our classroom community. Your generosity has provided more than just equipment—you've given my students consistency, confidence, and access to the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for making our learning environment more supportive, efficient, and empowering every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1757540054914,"projectUrl":"project/tech-tools-for-focused-connected-learni/9680926/","projectTitle":"Tech Tools for Focused, Connected Learning","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":9706722,"projectId":9712086,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom has become a more vibrant, creative, and engaging learning environment. The new papers and coloring materials may seem like simple supplies, but for my students, they have opened doors to deeper understanding, self-expression, and hands-on learning that goes far beyond what we could accomplish before. These resources have enriched our daily lessons, and the positive impact is visible in everything from student participation to the pride they take in their work.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the neatly organized bins filled with crisp construction paper, colored pencils, markers, and crayons, their reactions were priceless. Several students immediately asked, \"Are these really for us?\" One student held a pack of coloring pencils like it was the most precious thing she had ever seen and said, \"We can finally make our projects look nice!\" Many of my students don't always have access to high-quality coloring materials at home, so seeing these brand-new supplies brought genuine excitement and gratitude to our classroom. Their faces lit up with possibilities, and that excitement has carried over into their work.\r\n\r\nWe've already used the new materials for several science activities. One of the most memorable moments was during our recent lesson on the layers of the Earth. Instead of simply labeling a diagram in a textbook, students used colored paper and markers to create their own cross-section models. They chose colors to represent the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core, and many added shading, textures, and creative labels. The results were incredible—not just visually appealing, but impressively accurate and detailed. Students proudly shared their work, and even those who typically struggle to stay focused were fully engaged. One student who usually hesitates to participate called me over and said, \"Look, I made mine 3D!\" while layering pieces of colored paper to show depth. It was a moment where creativity and academic understanding blended beautifully.\r\n\r\nThe supplies have also made a big difference in everyday activities. Whether students are creating diagrams, illustrating vocabulary, designing posters, or adding visuals to their science notebooks, the quality of their work has improved noticeably. They put more care into their projects, communicate ideas more clearly, and feel ownership over their learning. Having enough materials for everyone has also reduced stress and boosted collaboration—students willingly share, help one another choose colors, and compliment each other's work.\r\n\r\nAs for next steps, these resources will continue to play a central role in our upcoming units. Students will soon begin a project illustrating the life cycle of a star and another one comparing types of cells through labeled, colored models. The coloring materials will help them deepen understanding by creating diagrams and visual explanations that reflect both accuracy and creativity. Additionally, we'll be using the paper supplies for interactive notebooks, anchor charts, review games, and end-of-unit portfolio showcases.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a tremendous difference. Because of you, my students have the materials they need to express their learning in meaningful, colorful ways. You have brought joy, creativity, and confidence into our classroom, and we are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1758757673317,"projectUrl":"project/power-paper-and-precision-gearing-up/9712086/","projectTitle":"Power, Paper, and Precision: Gearing Up for Science","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":9706722,"projectId":9753416,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been filled with excitement, curiosity, and hands-on discovery. The new Sun–Moon–Earth model, plant and animal cell models, and Wooden Calendar Blocks have quickly become essential tools in our daily lessons. These resources have transformed abstract ideas into concrete, interactive experiences that help students build stronger understanding and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless. Many gathered around the boxes even before I finished unpacking, whispering eagerly about what each item might be used for. One student gasped when she saw the Sun–Moon–Earth model, saying, \"We can actually see how they move?!\" Another proudly held up the animal cell model and exclaimed, \"This looks like the diagrams—only way cooler!\" Their excitement set the tone for lessons that followed, and several students who usually remain quiet became more engaged simply because the materials were visually appealing and hands-on.\r\n\r\nThe Sun–Moon–Earth model has been incredibly powerful in helping students understand complex concepts like rotation, revolution, shadows, phases of the moon, and seasons. Instead of relying solely on diagrams, students physically move the components, watching how changes in position affect what we see from Earth. One memorable moment occurred during a lesson on moon phases. As students rotated the moon around Earth, they suddenly realized why we always see the same side of the moon. You could actually hear the \"Ohhh!\" ripple across the room. That moment—when confusion turned into clarity—was possible because of your generosity.\r\n\r\nOur plant and animal cell models have also been invaluable. Students can touch, compare, and examine the organelles up close, which has helped them grasp functions and structures much more effectively. During a recent assignment, students worked in groups to identify each organelle, match it to its function, and explain why each structure is important for the cell's survival. The enthusiasm was incredible—students debated, pointed to parts, and taught one another with confidence. One student who often struggles with reading comprehension was able to participate fully because the 3D visuals made the learning accessible.\r\n\r\nThe Wooden Calendar Blocks have become a daily routine tool that builds responsibility and time awareness. Each morning, a different student leads the calendar update, choosing the date, month, and day of the week. This simple routine has strengthened organization skills and classroom community. Students love the sense of ownership it gives them.\r\n\r\nAs for next steps, we will continue using these resources throughout our upcoming units. Students will soon begin a project where they track moon phases over several weeks, using the Sun–Moon–Earth model as a reference tool. In our cell biology unit, students will create their own 3D cell models after studying the provided ones, using household materials to demonstrate organelle functions creatively. The calendar will remain part of our daily routine, helping students stay grounded and structured.\r\n\r\nYour donation has enriched our classroom in countless ways. Because of you, learning has become more interactive, engaging, and memorable. My students feel inspired, supported, and excited to explore science every day. Thank you for bringing these meaningful experiences into our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758833495615,"projectUrl":"project/science-in-action-time-in-view/9753416/","projectTitle":"Science in Action & Time in View!","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"}],"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":51.3,"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"}