{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makalapa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9777370,"projectId":9776772,"letterContent":"My students were thrilled when the new delivery came in, especially when they saw the extra board games and a shiny new stack of clipboards! Having clipboards has completely freed us from being stuck at traditional desks. My kids love being able to grab a clipboard, pick a spot on the carpet, or head to a standing station to work comfortably. During a recent small-group review, seeing students happily stretched out across the room, clipboards in hand, actively debating game strategies and solving problems together was such a joyful classroom moment.\r\n\r\nThe additional board games have also allowed me to level up my teaching by making learning genuinely play-based and collaborative. Instead of relying on repetitive practice sheets, I can now set up multiple board game stations where students practice critical thinking, social-emotional skills, and key academic concepts all at once. It's given me the tools to keep every student deeply engaged, moving, and learning at their own pace.","fullyFundedDate":1760113038772,"projectUrl":"project/games-gadgets-and-growth-in-our-classr/9776772/","projectTitle":"Games, Gadgets, and Growth in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9777370"},{"teacherId":9777370,"projectId":9776501,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived, my students were over the moon! There was a wave of pure excitement as everyone helped unbox the standing desk, board games, fresh pack of Sharpies, new dry-erase boards, and cooling fans. Seeing the room instantly become cooler, brighter, and more flexible brought huge smiles to their faces. We put everything to work right away, but my favorite moment so far was during a review day: a group of kids gathered around the standing desk with their whiteboards and Sharpies, collaborating on problems while the fan kept our usually warm room nice and breezy. It turned a routine lesson into an energetic, hands-on team effort.\r\n\r\nNext up, we are putting these materials to work for an interactive end-of-unit project where students are designing their own learning board games! Teams are using the Sharpies and dry-erase boards to draft rules, create custom game cards, and test out concepts with each other. The standing desk has quickly become the go-to spot for group brainstorming, and the fans are keeping us comfortable so we can stay focused. Thank you so much for investing in our classroom—your support has made our day-to-day learning so much more comfortable, creative, and fun!","fullyFundedDate":1759446936146,"projectUrl":"project/cool-minds-creative-spaces-tools-for-5/9776501/","projectTitle":"Cool Minds, Creative Spaces: Tools for 5th Grade Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9777370"},{"teacherId":2099879,"projectId":9780093,"letterContent":"Through the creation of a school-wide newsletter, our 5th grade students developed meaningful communication, collaboration, research, and media skills while creating a product for an authentic audience—their school community. Students worked together to research, plan, interview, write, edit, and publish articles featuring staff members and activities happening across campus.\r\n\r\nStudents learned how to conduct effective interviews by developing appropriate questions, listening carefully to responses, and using the information they gathered to create engaging articles. They practiced communicating with both staff and students and gained confidence in asking questions and sharing others' stories with the school community.\r\n\r\nThe project also provided opportunities for students to express their creativity. They created comic strips connected to the month and designed them with the age of their student readers in mind. Students wrote movie reviews to introduce their peers to movies they thought others would enjoy, while practicing how to share opinions and support them with reasons.\r\n\r\nIn addition to writing, students learned how visual media can strengthen communication. They took photographs and recorded videos to capture people, events, and activities around campus and incorporated these elements into the newsletter.\r\n\r\nThe newsletter gave students a real purpose and audience for their work. Rather than completing assignments solely for a grade, students created something that could inform, entertain, and connect members of the school community. Through this authentic experience, students strengthened their ability to work as a team, communicate effectively, conduct research and interviews, write for different purposes and audiences, and use creative and digital media to share information.","fullyFundedDate":1759541950747,"projectUrl":"project/through-our-lens-capturing-stories-for/9780093/","projectTitle":"Through Our Lens: Capturing Stories for the School Newspaper","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Suzuki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-suzuki"},{"teacherId":9591823,"projectId":10104353,"letterContent":"The students are feeling more comfortable and creative with our new tools! When the boxes first arrived in our classroom, the excitement was absolutely electric. The students' eyes lit up, and there was an immediate chorus of gasps and cheers as we unboxed everything together. They couldn't wait to get their hands on the new materials, and that initial burst of enthusiasm has instantly translated into a deeper engagement with our daily lessons. Having these fresh, dedicated resources made them feel incredibly special and valued as learners.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are using these resources to fuel our collaborative learning blocks, creating a dynamic environment where students can dive into hands-on exploration. A favorite moment happened this week during a math lesson, where students used the new tools to break down complex, multi-step problems together. Instead of the usual quiet hesitation that sometimes comes with tough math concepts, the room was filled with the low hum of active teamwork. Students were eagerly showing each other their work, building visual models, and celebrating those \"aha!\" moments when a tough concept finally clicked.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps are to use these materials to wrap up our current unit with a student-led presentation project. The kids will be working in small groups to design and share their own solutions to a real-world problem, using our new tools to illustrate and teach their ideas to the rest of the class. This project is giving them a wonderful opportunity to step into the role of the teacher, build their public speaking skills, and take true ownership of what they've learned. Thank you so much for opening up these new possibilities for my fourth graders!","fullyFundedDate":1771684949903,"projectUrl":"project/a-space-to-thrive-literacy-comfort-an/10104353/","projectTitle":"A Space to Thrive: Literacy, Comfort, and Positive Vibes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mejia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9591823_orig.jpg?crop=2110,2110,x413,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721061683574","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9591823"},{"teacherId":9591823,"projectId":9774045,"letterContent":"Seeing my fourth graders grow so much has been incredible—the students are feeling more comfortable and creative with our new tools! In an elementary classroom, technology isn't just about screen time; it acts as a bridge between abstract ideas and hands-on understanding. For instance, in math, these tools allow students to manipulate visual models in real time, making complex concepts like fractions or multi-digit multiplication tangible and accessible to every learner, regardless of their starting point.\r\n\r\nThe absolute most exciting part of this new resource for the students is the sheer autonomy and immediate feedback it provides. There is a visible spark in the room when they realize they can independently explore an idea, test a theory, and instantly see the results of their thinking. It has turned traditional lessons into an interactive sandbox where mistakes are just part of the creative process rather than something to fear.\r\n\r\nA few of my students who typically struggle with traditional paper-and-pencil tasks have completely blossomed with this technology. One student, who used to shut down or lose focus during independent work, has become one of our classroom leaders in troubleshooting and exploring the new software. The interactive, visual nature of the tools gave them a fresh entry point into the curriculum, and their confidence has soared as they now naturally step up to help their peers. Your generosity didn't just bring new equipment into our room—it unlocked a wave of collaboration, pride, and genuine joy for learning that fills our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1759416845085,"projectUrl":"project/mid-year-motivation/9774045/","projectTitle":"Mid Year Motivation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mejia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9591823_orig.jpg?crop=2110,2110,x413,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721061683574","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9591823"},{"teacherId":9371804,"projectId":10107924,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Hawaiian Restaurant Project! Your donation helped bring our Project-Based Learning experience to life and gave my third graders the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a meaningful, real-world setting. Using the calculators you provided, students worked together to determine food costs, stay within a budget, and calculate expenses needed to run a successful restaurant. This hands-on experience showed students how math is used outside of the classroom and helped them build confidence in their problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nThe Hawaiian decorations were one of the most exciting parts of the project for my students. They transformed our classroom into a restaurant atmosphere and made students feel like they were running a real business. The plates and utensils helped us serve our customers. Students were highly engaged because they could see how all the pieces came together to create a successful event.\r\n\r\nMany students who are typically hesitant during math lessons became enthusiastic participants when they realized they were using calculators and budgeting skills for a real purpose. They took ownership of their responsibilities, collaborated with their classmates, and were excited to share their work with others. This project not only strengthened their math skills but also fostered teamwork, communication, and creativity. Thank you for making this unforgettable learning experience possible for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1771736466598,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-creativity/10107924/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371804"},{"teacherId":7278260,"projectId":10106988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom supply baskets! Your support has made a noticeable, daily difference in our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nBefore these baskets arrived, transitions between activities—especially when switching across the grade level for our reading groups—could be quite chaotic. Students frequently spent valuable learning time searching for pencils, looking for missing supplies, or trying to gather their materials.\r\n\r\nNow, thanks to your gift, each group has a dedicated supply basket ready to go. The students are significantly more organized, focused, and truly \"ready for learning\" the moment they sit down. It has completely lessened the chaos of our transitions, allowing us to dive straight into our reading lessons without losing momentum.\r\n\r\nYour investment in our classroom has not only provided practical tools but has also created a calmer, more efficient space where my students can thrive. We are so grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1771632851473,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-read-organization-caddies-f/10106988/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Read! Organization Caddies for Smooth Transitions","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7278260_orig.jpg?crop=445,445,x58,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599272274228","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7278260"},{"teacherId":3685830,"projectId":10220072,"letterContent":"The new resources have made a huge impact in our second grade classroom here in Hawaii by creating a joyful and engaging learning environment where students feel excited to learn each day. The clay and arts and craft supplies have encouraged creativity and hands-on learning during our literacy and science lessons. One of our favorite classroom moments was creating Hawaiian animal habitats using clay and craft materials after reading informational texts about native species. Students worked together to sculpt sea turtles, monk seals, and tropical fish while practicing writing facts about each animal. Snacks and Popsicles have been especially meaningful as we work hard to finish the school year strong, helping students stay energized, refreshed, and motivated during warm Hawaii afternoons.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement filled the entire classroom. They immediately began sharing ideas about what they wanted to create and could not wait to use the clay and art supplies during centers and project time. Many students smiled from ear to ear when they saw the items they could use during our landform unit. The snacks and Popsicles brought so much happiness and helped create a sense of celebration and community in our classroom. Students were incredibly grateful and kept saying \"thank you\" as they realized that kind donors cared about helping them learn and grow. These resources have boosted not only engagement but also classroom morale and confidence. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1778307610583,"projectUrl":"project/materials-to-help-complete-our-end-of-th/10220072/","projectTitle":"Materials to Help Complete Our End of the Year Bucket List","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sutton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3685830"},{"teacherId":3685830,"projectId":10104575,"letterContent":"The new resources have made a huge impact in our second grade classroom here in Hawaii by creating a joyful and engaging learning environment where students feel excited to learn each day. The clay and arts and craft supplies have encouraged creativity and hands-on learning during our literacy and science lessons. One of our favorite classroom moments was creating Hawaiian animal habitats using clay and craft materials after reading informational texts about native species. Students worked together to sculpt sea turtles, monk seals, and tropical fish while practicing writing facts about each animal. The headphones have also helped students stay focused during independent reading and online learning activities, giving every child the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Snacks and Popsicles have been especially meaningful as we work hard to finish the school year strong, helping students stay energized, refreshed, and motivated during warm Hawaii afternoons.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement filled the entire classroom. They immediately began sharing ideas about what they wanted to create and could not wait to use the clay and art supplies during centers and project time. Many students smiled from ear to ear when they received their headphones because it made them feel responsible and important while using technology for learning. The snacks and Popsicles brought so much happiness and helped create a sense of celebration and community in our classroom. Students were incredibly grateful and kept saying \"thank you\" as they realized that kind donors cared about helping them learn and grow. These resources have boosted not only engagement but also classroom morale. Thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1771772772658,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-grow/10104575/","projectTitle":"Help us Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sutton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3685830"},{"teacherId":1959644,"projectId":10104117,"letterContent":"Without your invaluable support, our students would be forced to use damaged equipment, such as broken sticks, for the activities of Lacrosse and Street Hockey. I've glued and taped the broken sticks as much as I could, but the glue doesn't hold, and the tape always comes off. I've tried to hold off on getting new sticks as much as I could, but acquiring new Lacrosse and Street Hockey would be inevitable. \r\n\r\nWe don't have a recess or a PE budget. I have to fundraise on my own and have gotten more sports equipment this way. Sometimes, in this case, procuring more sticks for Lacrosse and Street Hockey is very expensive so this is why I reached out to Donors Choose for help.\r\n\r\nToday, I am ecstatic! Because of your help, I am a true believer in the generous human spirit that surrounds our elementary school-age students with love. Thank you for your help! Our school and students are in your debt, and we send you warm wishes and our enormous gratitude!","fullyFundedDate":1771547591563,"projectUrl":"project/lacrosse-street-hockey-and-plastic-bal/10104117/","projectTitle":"Lacrosse, Street Hockey, and Plastic Balls Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kawatachi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1959644_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x515,y5&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596048293186","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1959644"},{"teacherId":9735298,"projectId":10106000,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts—and from some very busy, happy little hands—thank you so much for funding \"Small Hands, Big Discoveries: Our New Sensory Station.\"\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom now has a dedicated space where students can explore, experiment, and learn through hands-on play. The impact was immediate. The moment the sensory station opened, the classroom filled with gasps of excitement, and it has been the most popular spot in our room ever since.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I watch my preschool students develop critical fine motor skills, practice language as they describe what they are feeling, and learn how to share and cooperate with their peers. It is more than just a play area; it is a hub for scientific inquiry and emotional regulation.\r\n\r\nWhen you invest in early childhood education, you invest in the foundation of a child's entire learning journey. Thank you for believing in our students and making this dream a reality for our classroom. We are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1771619746948,"projectUrl":"project/small-hands-big-discoveries-our-new-se/10106000/","projectTitle":"Small Hands, Big Discoveries: Our New Sensory Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9735298_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y68&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1790015589807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9735298"},{"teacherId":8826215,"projectId":10103556,"letterContent":"Our students were incredibly excited when the new rotating bookshelves and Instax printer arrived! The spinning shelves immediately transformed our classroom library into a more inviting and organized space. Students quickly began exploring new genres, recommending books to one another, and spending more time browsing during independent reading.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite moments was creating our \"Wall of Readers.\" Students took photos with their current books using the Instax printer and proudly displayed them alongside book recommendations and reading goals. Even some of my more reluctant readers were excited to participate and share what they were reading with classmates.\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped strengthen our classroom reading community by making books more accessible and by celebrating student growth in a visible way. Students now have greater ownership over their reading lives and feel proud to see themselves represented as readers in our classroom.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our literacy work, students will use these materials during book clubs, reading challenges, and reading response projects. We also plan to expand our student recommendation displays and continue documenting important classroom milestones throughout the year. Thank you for helping create a classroom environment where students feel motivated, connected, and excited about reading every day!","fullyFundedDate":1771439894161,"projectUrl":"project/spin-snap-and-read-building-a-literac/10103556/","projectTitle":"Spin, Snap, and Read: Building a Literacy Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Inouye-Ng","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8826215_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668056251803","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8826215"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50895","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":555,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":47,"percentAsian":23,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":11,"percentMultiracialImputed":16,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.7,"schoolId":50895,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Makalapa Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Makalapa Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/central-oahu-school-district/makalapa-elementary-school/50895"}