{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makalapa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9664772,"projectId":10111005,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, our students now have access to resources that will truly make a difference in their learning experience.\r\nYour kindness goes far beyond the materials themselves. You are helping to create an engaging, supportive environment where students feel excited to learn and empowered to grow. The supplies you helped provide will allow us to explore new ideas, strengthen important skills, and build confidence every single day.\r\nOur students are incredibly grateful for your generosity. Many of them are inspired knowing that someone they may never meet believes in their potential. Your contribution reminds them that their education matters and that there are people cheering them on.\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and in the future of our students. Your support is making a meaningful and lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1771777203985,"projectUrl":"project/culture-explorers/10111005/","projectTitle":"Culture Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9664772"},{"teacherId":8826791,"projectId":10104668,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing our school with high-quality chess boards and clocks. For the past 5 years, our upper-grade students have had access to our school's chess club. Sometimes there are not enough chessboards for students to play on, so we ask for donations or for students to bring their own to class. Now, students have enough chessboards to practice with and to run an end-of-the-year chess tournament with more than 30 participants!\r\n\r\nChess clocks are also important for students to practice their timed skills. Students can now play blitz and rapid chess games. The chess club helps our students gain a sense of belonging and problem-solving and critical thinking skills.","fullyFundedDate":1771526536009,"projectUrl":"project/chess-club-materials/10104668/","projectTitle":"Chess Club Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Au","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8826791_orig.jpg?crop=639,639,x0,y104&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746577025665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8826791"},{"teacherId":10295720,"projectId":10104342,"letterContent":"The arrival of our Japanese Club materials was met with pure excitement! When the students first saw the authentic Den Den drums and the colorful stacks of origami paper, the room was buzzing with \"Sugoi!\" (Amazing!) and \"Konnichiwa!\" Greetings. Our 4th and 5th graders were especially drawn to the sushi rolling kits and the beautiful calligraphy brushes. These resources have turned our small Resource Room into a vibrant cultural hub where students feel like true explorers rather than just spectators.\r\n\r\nWe have already put these resources to work during our weekly meetings. The students recently used the bamboo rolling mats to create their very own onigiri and sushi rolls. It was a wonderful moment to see them carefully following the traditional steps and then proudly showing off their creations before the first bite. One student mentioned that they had always seen sushi in stores but never realized the art and patience required to make it. This hands-on experience has built a level of confidence and cultural appreciation that a textbook simply could not provide.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next big step is preparing for our end of the semester Matsuri (Festival). The students will be using the art supplies to create traditional decorations and practicing their performance skills with the traditional instruments you provided. Because of your generosity, these students are not just learning about Japan; they are experiencing it. They are becoming more globally minded citizens with every meeting, and we are so grateful for the role you played in making this pilot program a success.","fullyFundedDate":1771534318683,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-japan-a-hands-on-cultural-adv/10104342/","projectTitle":"Exploring Japan: A Hands-On Cultural Adventure","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ahue","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10295720_orig.jpg?crop=8092,8092,x0,y539&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759542632999","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10295720"},{"teacherId":8264827,"projectId":9780289,"letterContent":"We have officially integrated the Math Folder Game Libraries and the Multiplying Fractions Hands-On Student Packs into our daily math centers. Instead of just memorizing procedures, my students are using the manipulatives to physically see how fractions \"break down\" and grow. We recently had a \"Math Game Jam\" where students rotated through stations using the Bridge the Gap! Math Practice Cards, allowing them to practice complex problem-solving in a low-stakes, collaborative environment.\r\n\r\nThe day the boxes arrived, the excitement was palpable! When I opened the Ready to Write! Prompt Box, a group of my students who usually struggle with writing anxiety, was immediately drawn to the visual prompts. One student exclaimed, \"Wait, we get to play games for math today?\" Seeing their faces light up—especially my English Learners who saw the rich visuals in the Nonfiction Reading Comprehension cards—was a reminder of how much these high-quality materials validate their hard work.\r\n\r\nNow that we have established our center routines, our next big step is a \"Citizen Scientist\" integration. We are using the Hi-Lo Nonfiction Passages to build the background knowledge and reading stamina needed for our upcoming research project. Students will take the vocabulary they've learned through these kits and apply it as they begin reporting on local environmental issues, bridging that final gap from classroom concept to real-world application.","fullyFundedDate":1759594684389,"projectUrl":"project/bridging-the-gap-from-concept-to-applic/9780289/","projectTitle":"Bridging the Gap: From Concept to Application","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":9371804,"projectId":9773227,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our DonorsChoose project, A Happy, Organized Place to Grow, to life! Your generous support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom environment and in the daily learning experiences of my third-grade students.\r\n\r\nSince the materials arrived, we've been using them every day to support routines, foster independence, and make learning more joyful. My students were excited to see the new carpet and sit on it during our lessons. It has made our classroom environment a whole lot brighter! \r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we're already moving forward with new learning plans. With such a well-organized space, students are more confident and ready to dive deeper into current lessons in reading and math. We're planning to use our organized materials as we launch more independent centers and project-based learning activities. Your donation didn't just give us supplies — it helped build a learning environment where students feel empowered to grow.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom community. Your generosity has made lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1759447270701,"projectUrl":"project/a-happy-organized-place-to-grow/9773227/","projectTitle":"A Happy Organized Place to Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371804"},{"teacherId":8170409,"projectId":9772915,"letterContent":"Sincerely apologies for this late impact thank you. The items that were donated to my classroom has allowed my students to have the necessary tools and resources to successfully help them go about their day. Along with the necessary tools, students have had to opportunity to utilize Tapple, which is an amazing game for rainy day recess as well as building word recognition and vocabulary for our RTI (Response to Intervention) groups.\r\n\r\nThrough implementing PBL (project-based learning) students have gotten the opportunity to create poster boards to enhance their presentations with the mini poster boards. It is a great size to help our students not feel so overwhelmed when placing information on the board and/or knowing what points to talk about during their presentation. Because PBL is becoming more apparent in our school day and curriculum, students are gaining confidence in real-world learning. \r\n\r\nMahalo again for your generosity to help benefit our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759540095350,"projectUrl":"project/project-best-classroom-ever/9772915/","projectTitle":"Project: Best Classroom Ever!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. de Guzman-Arakaki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8170409_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741805270221","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8170409"},{"teacherId":9800720,"projectId":9781762,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for the new resources in our classroom! The fans have been a lifesaver during the hot summer days, keeping the air circulating and helping the students stay focused on their work rather than the heat. Additionally, the new board games have become a favorite staple in our room; they are the perfect activity for students to engage in during indoor recess or as a rewarding \"fast-finisher\" task after completing their lessons.\r\nThe energy in the room was electric when the materials arrived! When I first unboxed the supplies, there were audible \"oohs\" and \"aahs\" from the students. One student specifically mentioned how \"professional\" the classroom felt with the new gear, and that sense of ownership and excitement immediately translated into higher engagement during our very first lesson with the materials. \r\nMoving forward, we plan to use the board games to help build our classroom community by practicing sportsmanship and strategic thinking during our weekly \"Friday Game Brainstorm\" sessions. As for our classroom environment, having the fans ensures we can maintain a comfortable learning space for the remainder of the warm months, allowing us to dive deep into our upcoming science and social studies projects without distraction.\r\nThank you again for your incredible generosity!\r\nAloha!","fullyFundedDate":1759598912981,"projectUrl":"project/a-calm-organized-and-engaged-classroom/9781762/","projectTitle":"A Calm, Organized, and Engaged Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hyland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9800720"}],"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","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"16.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.4,"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"}