{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waimea Middle Public Charter School","outOfStateSupporters":28.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9923384,"projectId":9782568,"letterContent":"Students have been able to make use of the new sports equipment, especially the new tetherballs. Where empty ropes used to hang are the two new tetherballs that students can play with a friend or classmate.\r\n\r\nOn those rainy days, or on days that students may not feel like playing outside, they are able to play UNO, chess, or checkers with others. Some students like doing these types of activities instead of getting physical out on the playground and that is totally fine. As long as they are engaged, having fun, and making the most of their free time to socially interact with their peers is great.\r\n\r\nThe sports equipment and games have given students the opportunity to \"exercise their body and minds\" in the way that they are most comfortable with.\r\n\r\nMahalo for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1759607033916,"projectUrl":"project/exercising-our-mind-and-body-at-recess/9782568/","projectTitle":"Exercising Our Mind and Body at Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gusman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9923384_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759471421553","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9923384"},{"teacherId":8961421,"projectId":9877619,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students at Waimea Middle School and our entire school community, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for funding our project to provide a snack bag for every student as they leave for Winter Break. For many of our families, while winter break is a time for rest, it also presents a significant challenge in ensuring consistent access to food when school is closed. Any assistance we can provide, no matter how small or large, is greatly appreciated by families facing food insecurity.\r\n\r\nYour donation offers more than just snacks; it provides security, peace of mind, and nourishment during a critical two-week period. These snack bags help bridge the nutritional gap created when school cafeterias close. For our families, this support brings tangible relief.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us care for our students over the holiday season. From the bottom of the counselors' hearts, we appreciate you for being a champion for our students and for making their holidays a little brighter.","fullyFundedDate":1763498198632,"projectUrl":"project/snack-bag-for-winter-break/9877619/","projectTitle":"Snack Bag for Winter Break","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lorilei Ching","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8961421_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y494&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319249846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8961421"},{"teacherId":8961421,"projectId":9858323,"letterContent":"Middle school is a time of incredible physical and emotional change. For many of our students, access to basic hygiene products like deodorant is not guaranteed due to socioeconomic or family circumstances.\r\nWhen a student lacks these essential items, the impact goes beyond physical discomfort:\r\n\r\nSocial Isolation: Students may feel embarrassed, leading them to withdraw from group activities, avoid class participation, or even skip school.\r\n\r\nDistraction: Worrying about personal odor is a significant cognitive drain that diverts attention from lessons, tests, and classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nSelf-Esteem: Poor access to hygiene can severely damage a young person's self-worth during a critical developmental stage.\r\n\r\nYour generosity provides a quiet and dignified solution to daily challenges. By providing deodorant to every student, you help our counseling department promote self-confidence, increase academic focus, and ensure equity.","fullyFundedDate":1762831399398,"projectUrl":"project/deodorant-for-middle-schoolers/9858323/","projectTitle":"Deodorant for Middle Schoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lorilei Ching","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8961421_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y494&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319249846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8961421"},{"teacherId":9923384,"projectId":9621977,"letterContent":"When the students saw the chair bands, quite a few wanted to have one on their chair. A couple others wanted to try out the chair cups. Some days, the chair with the chair cups are moved around because a certain student wants to sit in that chair.\r\n\r\nOne of my students shared that she likes to sit and rock in the chair with the chair cups. This helps her to think and she doesn't tilt her chair anymore.\r\n\r\nAnother student shared that he likes to be able to move in his seat without having to actually get out of his chair.\r\n\r\nFor these students, the bands and cups provide alternate movement while they are learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting this project.","fullyFundedDate":1757548215128,"projectUrl":"project/focusing-while-seated/9621977/","projectTitle":"Focusing While Seated","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gusman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9923384_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759471421553","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9923384"},{"teacherId":9923384,"projectId":9658592,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation of two sewing machines. I have several students who have learned some of the basics of sewing and created projects for themselves. Three of my students are currently working on our hand towel service project that will be given to the elderly housing in our community.\r\n\r\nAs part of this class, students have realized the importance of cutting accurately using a pattern. They have also learned how not fun it is when they make a mistake sewing and need to use the seam ripper. This is all part of the learning process. \r\n\r\nHaving these machines has helped me in my exploratory class. The students are eager to sew and thinking of what project they would like to do next.","fullyFundedDate":1757548216843,"projectUrl":"project/sewing-with-math/9658592/","projectTitle":"Sewing with Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gusman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9923384_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759471421553","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9923384"},{"teacherId":8978504,"projectId":9780860,"letterContent":"I really don't know how to begin to express my gratitude for the donations to our classroom. Many of our students often come to school without having eaten breakfast so being able to give them healthy snack options makes such a huge difference! These snack items help diminish significant triggers that can interfere with the learning environment. Students know they can come to my classroom before school, at recess, before lunch (they don't like the cafeteria food), and after school before heading home or off to after school programs to get a snack. Your donation will help our students sail through the rest of the semester and help them remain focused on their academic success.","fullyFundedDate":1759557133326,"projectUrl":"project/happy-learners/9780860/","projectTitle":"Happy Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978504"},{"teacherId":8961421,"projectId":9428112,"letterContent":"I am grateful to our generous donors who contributed to the Counseling Department's project of \"Feeding Hungry Middle Schoolers.\" Our young people must have access to the resources they need to thrive, both academically and emotionally. We know that proper nutrition plays a critical role in a student's ability to focus, learn, and maintain energy throughout the school day. Unfortunately, many students arrive at school without adequate breakfast or face long stretches between meals, leading to decreased concentration and energy slumps.\r\nThanks to your support, we have been able to fill the food pantry of the Counseling Department for students who frequently stop by for emotional support and hunger needs.\r\n\r\nHere are some highlights of the impact your donation has made:\r\n\r\nImproved Concentration: Students with access to healthy snacks are better able to concentrate on their lessons, leading to enhanced learning outcomes.\r\n\r\nIncreased Energy Levels: Nutritious snacks provide the sustained energy needed for active participation in class and extracurricular activities.\r\n\r\nReduced Food Insecurity: For some students, these snacks provide a vital source of nutrition that they might not otherwise receive.\r\n\r\nEnhanced Well-being: Knowing that healthy food is available creates a more supportive and nurturing school environment.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your commitment to our community's youth. Your partnership is invaluable.","fullyFundedDate":1753034168119,"projectUrl":"project/feeding-hungry-middle-schoolers/9428112/","projectTitle":"Feeding Hungry Middle Schoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lorilei Ching","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8961421_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y494&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319249846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8961421"},{"teacherId":8978504,"projectId":8942740,"letterContent":"Due to the generosity of the Donors Choose Program and people like you, I was able to offer breakfast options to the students as well as snacks throughout the day. Being able to continue to provide them with these options is so rewarding. Learning and focusing is challenging enough for young people and even harder when they don't have breakfast. Being hungry and unable to concrete just makes learning that much more difficult. Thanks to you, our classroom has a pantry stocked with many breakfast and snack items for students to choose from. \r\n\r\nAgain, from all of us at Waimea Middle School, thankyou!","fullyFundedDate":1741279094900,"projectUrl":"project/yummies-for-learning/8942740/","projectTitle":"Yummies for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978504"},{"teacherId":8978504,"projectId":9157304,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generosity in funding this project. Our students view school as a secure and safe place so by your giving to this project, I've been able to add to my classroom's supplies to help the students regulate when they are feeling overwhelmed. I have a student who really struggles so having a container of play-doh to keep his hands busy during classes really helps him. And the students were just so excited when they saw all the new colors that the play-doh comes in. We spent an Advisory period playing and building with it. The students all left for the day with smiles on their faces. The weights stuffed animal has become our \"class pet\" with the students all taking turns carrying it around the room.","fullyFundedDate":1741881772812,"projectUrl":"project/calm-caring-corners/9157304/","projectTitle":"Calm & Caring Corners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978504"},{"teacherId":9923384,"projectId":9113387,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our 8th graders in providing new sports equipment for them. Prior to this project request, the students would be using old sports balls and making up their own games to play. Whether it was seeing who could get the weathered and worn out balls to get stuck on the ledge or just bouncing it off of the wall. \r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the box with the basketball hoop and all the new equipment, they wanted to assemble the hoop themselves. We got some help from our custodian to set it up for the students. As you can see in the photos, the students had fun and worked as teams to play some friendly competition. Most of the students participated in some type of activity, enabling them to be active, while having fun with their classmates.\r\n\r\nThank you for your support. This will be something for this years 8th grade class to enjoy, during this last quarter, and also for upcoming students in the years ahead.","fullyFundedDate":1739825143693,"projectUrl":"project/sporting-it-outside/9113387/","projectTitle":"Sporting It Outside","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gusman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9923384_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759471421553","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9923384"},{"teacherId":8961421,"projectId":9102478,"letterContent":"Transitioning from 8th grade to high school marks a profound and exciting milestone in a young person's life. As the school counselor who has had the privilege of guiding these students throughout their middle school journey, I am filled with immense joy as I prepare to send them off to high school with a thoughtful and meaningful gift. \r\n\r\nThis year, thanks to the generosity of our dedicated donors, our eighth graders—an energetic and athletic group—will each receive a sports ball of their choice. Whether it's a soccer ball, basketball, volleyball, or any other sport they are passionate about, these balls serve as a symbol of the fun, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle we encourage them to embrace as they transition into high school. \r\n\r\nWe hope that these gifts will inspire them to continue fostering friendships, stay active, and build lasting memories during their high school years. Thank you for your unwavering support in helping us create such a memorable and impactful experience for our students as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1741279094578,"projectUrl":"project/sporty-send-off-to-high-school/9102478/","projectTitle":"Sporty Send-Off to High School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lorilei Ching","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8961421_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y494&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319249846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8961421"},{"teacherId":8483255,"projectId":7323842,"letterContent":"Books have a transformative power in the classroom, and this has been incredibly evident in our special education students at Waimea Middle School. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have introduced a range of new texts that not only engage students but also challenge and inspire them in ways that are truly special. These books have opened new worlds, ignited curiosity, and fostered deeper learning.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an experience that goes beyond simply deciphering words on a page. It's about building skills that extend to critical thinking, communication, and empathy. Our students are learning how to analyze characters, understand complex themes, and relate them to their own lives. The lesson of perseverance is woven through many of the stories, showing them how to tackle difficult problems both on and off the page. We see our students gaining confidence as they read independently or in group discussions, each word adding to their ability to express themselves more clearly and thoughtfully.","fullyFundedDate":1683697470279,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-special-needs-classroom/7323842/","projectTitle":"Books for Special Needs Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gillette","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8483255"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_70474","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":188,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":71.4,"schoolId":70474,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waimea Middle Public Charter School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waimea Middle Public Charter School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waimea-middle-public-charter-school/70474"}