{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makalapa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","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"},{"teacherId":10248291,"projectId":10108027,"letterContent":"The generous donation of snacks and classroom materials has fundamentally transformed our daily learning environment. By addressing both the physical and academic needs of my students, these resources have created a space where every child can focus and excel. For many students, a rumbling stomach is a major barrier to learning. Providing nutritious snacks has ensured that everyone is energized and ready to engage, significantly reducing distractions during core instruction. The new materials have breathed fresh life into our lessons. Having the right tools on hand allows for more hands-on activities, making abstract concepts tangible and exciting for my learners. Beyond the physical items, this donation sent a powerful message to my students: their education matters to the community. This has fostered a sense of belonging and gratitude within our classroom walls. To the donors who made this possible through Donors Choose: thank you for your incredible generosity. Your investment has not only provided materials and snacks but it has also provided the opportunity for my students to learn without limits. We are so grateful for your support in helping our classroom thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1771680770729,"projectUrl":"project/nalls-materials/10108027/","projectTitle":"Nalls Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nalls","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10248291"},{"teacherId":7242747,"projectId":10110923,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring reading, science, and social studies to life in our classroom. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to engaging texts that support key skills such as identifying main ideas, using text evidence, building vocabulary, and making connections across subjects. These materials allow us to integrate reading with real-world topics, helping students not only grow as readers but also deepen their understanding of science and social studies concepts.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an active and collaborative experience. Students read independently, discuss ideas with partners, and respond to texts through writing and note-taking. With these new resources, I've seen students become more engaged and confident—especially those who may have struggled to find interest in reading before. The variety of texts allows every student to find something they connect with, whether it's informational articles, stories, or content tied to what we're learning in class.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have already shown excitement when working with these new materials, eagerly sharing what they've learned and asking thoughtful questions. It's been incredibly rewarding to see their curiosity grow and their confidence build. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are truly grateful. Thank you for investing in our students and their love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1771775751644,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-reading-science-and-social-st/10110923/","projectTitle":"Bringing Reading, Science, and Social Studies to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Yanos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7242747_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646706428976","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7242747"},{"teacherId":1731034,"projectId":10106731,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our classroom was transformed into a professional culinary space for our Showcase Day.\r\n\r\nThe students loved putting their chef hats and aprons on! The table covers and menu stands added a level of polish that made them feel like true professionals, while the index cards kept their presentations organized and sharp.\r\n\r\nWatching the students present their work to guests with such pride was a moment I will never forget, and neither will they. You didn't just provide supplies, you provided an experience that validated their hard work and creativity. Thank you for believing in my students!\r\n\r\nMahalo nui,","fullyFundedDate":1771666114792,"projectUrl":"project/living-sustainably-in-hawaii/10106731/","projectTitle":"Living Sustainably in Hawai'i","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tolentino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-estranero"},{"teacherId":8264827,"projectId":10106962,"letterContent":"I am beyond excited to share how your generosity is going to transform my classroom for the upcoming school year! By funding \"Citizen Scientists, Student Reporters,\" you have provided the foundation for a brand-new way of learning. These texts aren't just books; they are the field guides my future students will use to bridge the gap between classroom literacy and real-world scientific inquiry.\r\n\r\nNext year, reading in our classroom will look like an active investigation. Students will build essential skills in investigative journalism, such as interviewing techniques and objective observation, while simultaneously sharpening their scientific data interpretation. I am particularly eager to see how these resources spark interest in my future \"reluctant readers.\" By connecting literacy to the environment outside their windows, we are giving them a purpose for every page they turn. I cannot wait to see the look on my new students' faces when they realize they aren't just students—they are reporters with a voice that matters. Thank you for investing in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1772476999496,"projectUrl":"project/citizen-scientists-student-reporters/10106962/","projectTitle":"Citizen Scientists, Student Reporters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thorpe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8264827_orig.jpg?crop=981,981,x1814,y336&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704142991955","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8264827"},{"teacherId":9342213,"projectId":10104689,"letterContent":"Since introducing these chapter books into our classroom, I have seen a noticeable increase in students' willingness to read for longer periods of time. The engaging storylines and relatable characters motivate students to persist through texts that are slightly above their independent reading level. This has naturally encouraged them to practice and strengthen important literacy skills such as fluency and reading comprehension.\r\n\r\nStudents are developing greater fluency as they read with improved accuracy, expression, and pacing. Many are rereading sections to build confidence and better understand the story, which reinforces smooth and meaningful reading. Additionally, comprehension skills have grown as students make predictions, discuss story elements, and answer questions that require them to think more deeply about the text.\r\n\r\nThe Magic Tree House series has also supported collaborative learning. Students enjoy discussing the adventures, sharing their thinking, and helping one another understand new vocabulary and plot developments. This has fostered a positive reading culture in our classroom where students feel proud to take on new challenges.","fullyFundedDate":1771537449607,"projectUrl":"project/opening-doors-to-adventure-building-our/10104689/","projectTitle":"Opening Doors to Adventure: Building Our Magic Tree House Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Love","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342213"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50895","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":579,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":46,"percentAsian":26,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":10,"percentMultiracialImputed":14,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"16.5:1","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"}