{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Aliamanu Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":43.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9970012,"projectId":9589960,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to send a huge \"Thank You\" for the wonderful games, materials, and snacks you donated to our class. They have sparked a wonderful change in our room!\r\n\r\nAs we all know, food is a powerful language for middle schoolers! The food treats you provided have been a total game-changer for student motivation. Sometimes, when a student is staring down a task that feels a bit challenging or intimidating, they just need a little nudge to get started. The treats provide that comfort and motivation to dive in. Once they get over that initial hump, they get into the work and do great things, but having that snack makes the start so much easier.\r\n\r\nThe games have been equally impactful. Students are working hard to finish their independent tasks early so they can use \"study hall time\" to play the new table games with their friends. My personal favorite moment, however, comes at the end of a busy week. We head outside, set up the colored dots, and play \"I Like My Neighbor Who...\" It is such a fun, high-energy way to build connections.\r\n\r\nBecause of these shared experiences, the camaraderie in class is at an all-time high. I see students supporting each other more during group projects, and the overall vibe in the room is one of caring and positivity.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our students feel seen, supported, and motivated.","fullyFundedDate":1759170722959,"projectUrl":"project/fun-and-games-to-build-a-strong-support/9589960/","projectTitle":"Fun and Games to Build a Strong, Supportive Class Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beth Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9970012_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758144423311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9970012"},{"teacherId":10248432,"projectId":9701681,"letterContent":"We are overwhelmed with gratitude! Since the arrival of the supplies you funded, our class has undergone an exciting transformation, moving from a standard lecture model to a dynamic, hands-on, and focused learning environment. Here is an update on how your donations are directly impacting our students:\r\n\r\nThe Transformative Power of Classroom Technology\r\n\r\nMany people associate the iPad with streaming or gaming, but in our math class, the iPad paired with the Apple Pencil has become a powerful tool for creation and analysis.\r\n\r\nInstead of simply consuming content, students are using the device to solve problems in real-time and visualize complex algebraic ideas. For example, when learning about linear equations, students use the Apple Pen to sketch a line and then instantly load that function into a graphing app. This allows them to see how changing one variable shifts the entire graph immediately. This process provides instant visual feedback that makes abstract concepts concrete—a critical requirement for algebraic success. It allows me to personalize lessons and remediation in a way a traditional textbook simply cannot.\r\n\r\nThe Most Exciting Tools: Whiteboards and Hands-On Learning\r\n\r\nWhile the iPad is revolutionary, the products that generate the most daily excitement are the personal whiteboards, erasers, and Expo markers.\r\n\r\nStudents love having their own space to test ideas. They are now far more willing to attempt challenging problems because the risk of making a mistake is low—they can simply wipe it clean and try again. When I ask a question, every student holds up their answer simultaneously, turning a quiet room into a dynamic space where every student is actively engaged. This small change has dramatically increased class participation and made our daily formative assessment efficient and fun.\r\n\r\nImpact on Focus and Inclusion\r\n\r\nThe effect of the Chair Bands has been immediately noticeable, especially for students who struggle to maintain focus. We have seen significant benefits for several students who deal with sensory processing needs or anxiety.\r\n\r\nFor instance, one student who previously struggled to sit still for more than a few minutes is now able to engage with complex 15-minute lessons without disruption, as they can silently expend energy by pushing against the band with their feet. These bands, along with the quick Snacks to combat hunger, help students self-regulate and stay attentive, ensuring that all students are in a state ready to learn math. Your gifts have truly made our classroom more inclusive and effective for every learner.","fullyFundedDate":1759629064438,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-math-to-life-engaging-8th-gr/9701681/","projectTitle":"Bringing Math to Life: Engaging 8th Grade Lessons and Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Middleton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10248432"},{"teacherId":9655228,"projectId":9708477,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations! These supplies are used every single day in our classroom. With the supplies purchased, I've been able to keep the class clean, functional, and most importantly, an environment where learning can happen. \r\n\r\nOne of the supplies purchased was wall art of the periodic table. While this seems like a silly purchase, Students have started to come to class feeling like they're entering a science classroom ready to learn. Other notable supplies were wall clocks and various cleaning supplies. The clocks help students keep track of time, while cleaning supplies have kept us safe.","fullyFundedDate":1757871720297,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-give-my-students-a-clean-and-fun/9708477/","projectTitle":"Help Me Give My Students a Clean and Functional Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sonsona","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9655228"},{"teacherId":8366136,"projectId":9306309,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and for funding our Time Trekkers Book Club for 7th-grade students. Your donation has made it possible for us to provide our students with an amazing selection of books and a dedicated space for engaging in meaningful discussions.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this club is already clear. Your support has empowered our students to move beyond simply reading the words on a page. They are now deeply engaged in character analysis, exploring motivations and discussing how a character's choices shape the story.\r\n\r\nThe discussions are vibrant and full of energy, especially when we dive into \"what if\" and \"what will happen next\" scenarios. This encourages critical thinking and creativity, allowing them to predict outcomes and consider alternative plotlines. Most importantly, the club provides a safe and supportive environment for students to ask for clarification and express wonder. This ensures every student feels confident and heard, making the literary experience more enriching for everyone.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is not just a donation; it's an investment in building a community of readers who are developing empathy, analytical skills, and a lifelong love for learning.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your partnership and your belief in our students.\r\n\r\nWith sincere thanks,\r\nThe Time Trekkers Book Club","fullyFundedDate":1746787283850,"projectUrl":"project/time-trekkers-book-club/9306309/","projectTitle":"Time Trekkers Book Club","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. De Pina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8366136"},{"teacherId":8366136,"projectId":9235767,"letterContent":"A Big Mahalo for Our \"History Reader's Guild\" Donors!\r\n\r\nOn behalf of the entire 7th-grade class at Aliamanu Middle School, we want to express our deepest mahalo for your incredible generosity! Your support for our \"History Reader's Guild\" means so much to us, even though we couldn't start our reading club this school year as planned.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, we are so excited to announce that we'll be kicking off our club with an amazing collection of historical fiction books by Allan Gratz for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year! We are truly looking forward to diving into these stories, especially as we prepare for 8th-grade U.S. History. Reading about the past through his books will make learning history even more vivid and exciting.\r\n\r\nYour donation has opened up a world of historical adventures for us, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to explore important events and figures through compelling stories. This club will definitely help us connect with history in a fun and memorable way.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our love for reading and for helping us bring history to life!\r\n\r\nWith immense gratitude,\r\n\r\nThe 7th Grade Class\r\nAliamanu Middle School","fullyFundedDate":1746787314954,"projectUrl":"project/history-readers-guild/9235767/","projectTitle":"History Reader's Guild","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. De Pina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8366136"},{"teacherId":8366136,"projectId":9195280,"letterContent":"A Heartfelt Mahalo to Our Generous Donors!\r\nDear Valued Donors,\r\n\r\nOn behalf of the entire 7th-grade class at Aliamanu Middle School, we want to extend our sincerest mahalo for your incredible support! Your generosity made our Ahupuaʻa Project possible, and even though we couldn't get the clay we hoped for, your contributions allowed us to truly dive into this important learning experience.\r\n\r\nWe created drawings of existing ahupuaʻa from various Hawaiian islands of our choice, and it was amazing to see how creative and engaged everyone was. We really had a great time researching, designing, and sharing our projects. Here's what some of us had to say:\r\n\r\n\"I learned that ʻāina isn't just land, it's like a big family that takes care of us!\" - Keanu\r\n\r\n\"Drawing the ahupuaʻa helped me see how everything in Hawaiʻi is connected, from the mountains to the ocean. It was super cool!\" - Lily\r\n\r\n\"I didn't know how smart ancient Hawaiians were! Their system was so fair and made sure everyone had what they needed.\" - Noah\r\n\r\nMore importantly, we made a valuable and personal connection to the meaning of ʻāina – the land that feeds us. Your support helped us understand our island home in a deeper, more meaningful way.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our education and helping us explore the rich history and culture of Hawaiʻi. We couldn't have done it without you!\r\n\r\nWith immense gratitude,\r\n\r\nThe 7th Grade Class\r\nAliamanu Middle School","fullyFundedDate":1746717319301,"projectUrl":"project/ahupuaa-in-clay-a-story-of-aina/9195280/","projectTitle":"Ahupua'a in Clay: A Story of 'Aina","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. De Pina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8366136"},{"teacherId":8974261,"projectId":9154591,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for your generous contribution to our middle school math resource setting. Your support has provided us with invaluable tangible tools that are profoundly impacting our students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nOur students are actively using the fraction manipulatives and algebra tiles to transform abstract mathematical ideas into concrete, understandable concepts. For example, during a lesson on adding and subtracting fractions, one student who has consistently struggled with fraction operations had a breakthrough moment. Using the fraction circles, they were able to physically combine and separate the parts, exclaiming, \"Oh, I get it now! This makes sense!\" This hands-on experience has moved them beyond just memorizing steps to truly understanding the underlying principles. The whiteboard table has become our go-to for collaborative problem-solving. During a recent project where students had to design a small garden plot to scale, they used the whiteboard table to brainstorm dimensions, draw their layouts, and work together on the calculations. It was incredible to see them enthusiastically sharing ideas and explaining their reasoning to each other, with the table acting as a central canvas for their collective thinking. When the students first saw these new materials, their reactions were a mix of curiosity and excitement. The engagement was was clear that these tools sparked a new level of interest in our math lessons.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead to the upcoming school year, our students are to use the materials for a project that leverages all of these resources to their math project-based learning assignment. They will be using the algebra tiles to write and solve equations related to costs, revenue, and profit margins, making the abstract of real world problems. The fraction manipulatives are proving invaluable for scaling materials, ensuring they understand proportional reasoning. The whiteboard table is the central hub for future group planning, allowing them to collaboratively sketch out models, visualize data, and present their ideas to their peers. Your contribution has truly empowered our students to engage with mathematics in a deeper, more meaningful way, and we are incredibly grateful for your partnership in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1741708029112,"projectUrl":"project/fraction-fusion-equation-expedition-th/9154591/","projectTitle":"Fraction Fusion & Equation Expedition Through Learning Stations!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mariano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974261"},{"teacherId":9559351,"projectId":9087154,"letterContent":"I sincerely apologize for not responding to this email by the deadline. Unfortunately, I was on sick leave due to a pinched nerve in my neck, which kept me away from my duties from the last week of April 2025 until the end of the school year. I know the students would have truly appreciated the generous tool you provided, as they were filled with enthusiasm when they first encountered it.\r\n\r\nI am eager to return to school on July 21, 2025. My primary focus will be to catch up on the missed lessons from the 2024-25 school year and to prepare thoughtfully for the upcoming school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for your understanding and patience during this time. Once I have the program successfully installed and running, I look forward to capturing the joy of this year's new group of students through photographs.","fullyFundedDate":1743599523852,"projectUrl":"project/immerse-students-in-flight/9087154/","projectTitle":"Immerse Students in Flight!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pagala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9559351_orig.jpg?crop=1632,1632,x0,y315&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718143751784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9559351"},{"teacherId":7157661,"projectId":9330702,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project! Our school emphasizes project based learning, but in order to gently scaffold our students towards working with the community, we first practice with our school's faculty members. Our staff serves as an authentic audience for our students to engage with, where they can learn through teaching - they can identify holes in their knowledge, experience hiccups in the teaching process, as well as remember what works well. Along with feedback from our school's faculty, students can refine their teaching experience when they work with community members the following week.","fullyFundedDate":1747074955198,"projectUrl":"project/memorable-moments-through-student-advoca/9330702/","projectTitle":"Memorable Moments Through Student Advocacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Pelayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7157661"},{"teacherId":9655228,"projectId":9164572,"letterContent":"With your generous donation, I am able to offer flexible seating to my students who need it most. Being able to use a different type of chair helps my students focus on their work, which means fewer distractions in class, and more learning overall. When my students first saw these chairs, they were elated! Students who were often fidgeting at their desks now had chairs that they could sit on while also releasing their energy. \r\n\r\nI have also been using all of the office materials daily. This allows me to spend less of my own money on my classroom, which is a great relief! \r\nThank you again for your generous donations.","fullyFundedDate":1742092648545,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9164572/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sonsona","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9655228"},{"teacherId":7157661,"projectId":9154579,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project! Student learning becomes much more meaningful when they are given the opportunity to share their knowledge with others. The supplies provided help scaffold that learning experience, where students can first be taught, then practice teaching someone at home in a \"safe space,\" and then take it to the next step by involving others int he community.\r\nWorking with the seniors provides a unique experience for our students, where they are encouraged to provide for the needs of others instead of focusing on themselves. Students were excited to work with the seniors from the Plaza center, as well as create memorabilia for the seniors to take back with them. It's especially rewarding to see and hear the joy in the seniors when they receive their photo collages, with one senior saying \"hey, that's me!\" Thank you so much for being a part of that moment.","fullyFundedDate":1741709730591,"projectUrl":"project/intergenerational-connections-through-bi/9154579/","projectTitle":"Intergenerational Connections Through Bioremediation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Pelayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7157661"},{"teacherId":8366136,"projectId":9165837,"letterContent":"On behalf of my enthusiastic social studies students in Kaneohe, Hawaii, I want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous contribution to our \"Sense of Place: Map Making Project.\" Your belief in hands-on learning has brought an exciting dimension to our exploration of the Pacific Islands.\r\n\r\nThis project is designed to go beyond simply memorizing locations. We aim to foster a deep understanding and appreciation for the unique geography, culture, and challenges faced by our Pacific Island neighbors. Thanks to your support, we now have the [mention specific resources purchased, e.g., high-quality art supplies, large format paper, printing capabilities, technology for research]. These resources are allowing my students to create detailed maps of their chosen Pacific Island, incorporating not just physical features, but also key facts, cultural information, insights into the political system, the impact of tourism, and the critical issue of climate change.\r\n\r\nThe energy and engagement in the classroom since we launched this project have been truly inspiring. Students are deeply invested in researching their chosen island, poring over information about its history, traditions, and current affairs. I've witnessed incredible collaboration as they discuss the nuances of their island's political structure and the delicate balance between tourism and environmental preservation.\r\n\r\nOne group, focusing on [mention a specific island, e.g., Fiji], is meticulously detailing the traditional \"bure\" architecture alongside information about their parliamentary system. Another group studying [mention another island, e.g., Kiribati], is not only mapping its low-lying atolls but also illustrating the devastating effects of rising sea levels, sparking important conversations about climate justice.\r\n\r\nThis project is fostering critical thinking skills as students analyze complex information and synthesize it into a visual representation. It's also nurturing creativity as they design their maps to be both informative and aesthetically engaging. By including cultural information, they are developing empathy and a broader understanding of the diverse tapestry of the Pacific.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is directly empowering these young learners to develop a genuine \"sense of place\" for a region that is both geographically close to us and deeply significant in our shared global community. They are not just learning about the Pacific Islands; they are connecting with them on a deeper level, understanding their beauty, their challenges, and their importance in the world.\r\n\r\nWe are excited to share the completed maps and the knowledge gained from this project with you in the future. Thank you again for investing in our students and helping us bring this vital learning experience to life.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,\r\n\r\nDr. Alice De Pina \r\n\r\nSocial Studies Teacher\r\n\r\nAliamanu iddle School","fullyFundedDate":1742144366728,"projectUrl":"project/hawaiian-kingdom-a-sense-of-place/9165837/","projectTitle":"Hawaiian Kingdom: 'A sense of Place'","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. De Pina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8366136"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50885","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":755,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":18,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.0,"schoolId":50885,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Aliamanu Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Aliamanu Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/central-oahu-school-district/aliamanu-middle-school/50885"}