{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hilo High School","outOfStateSupporters":46.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9651506,"projectId":9784553,"letterContent":"The items in this project directly impact my students' ability to focus, feel motivated, and experience success each day. Simple treats like chips, cookies, and gummies are not just snacks—they are powerful tools for encouragement and positive reinforcement. I use them to celebrate completed assignments, recognize effort, and motivate students to push through challenging tasks. For many of my students, these small rewards make a big difference. They create excitement around finishing work, help build perseverance, and reinforce the idea that hard work leads to positive outcomes. In a classroom where outside stressors can often weigh heavily, these small moments of celebration build confidence and keep students engaged.\r\n\r\nBoard games and brain breaks are equally impactful. After long periods of reading, writing, or working on projects, students need structured opportunities to reset and recharge. Games provide meaningful brain breaks that strengthen critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills while allowing students to return to their academic work refreshed and ready to focus. These moments of social interaction and laughter help build a positive classroom community and reduce stress. When students feel supported, encouraged, and mentally refreshed, they are more productive, more cooperative, and more confident learners. Together, these resources help create a classroom environment where students feel motivated, valued, and ready to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1761167792259,"projectUrl":"project/2nd-year-teachers-needs/9784553/","projectTitle":"2nd Year Teachers Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schultz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9651506"},{"teacherId":8831167,"projectId":8897447,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project! Because of your support, our students now have the tools to truly \"show up\" for their school community.\r\n\r\nThe banner paper and ribbon allow us to celebrate our students' achievements and traditions through handmade banners and leis. Leadership students get excited to make new banners for each event as they set up a mini photo op area for others. \r\n\r\n The photo booth setup adds a professional spark to our events. Students from all grades have the opportunity to use and enjoy the light up photobooth as it is used at events such as senior luau, proms, winterball, etc. \r\n\r\nThese aren't just supplies; they are tools that foster school spirit and create memories that will last long after the school year ends.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your investment in our students' joy!","fullyFundedDate":1729738550130,"projectUrl":"project/making-memories-fueling-success-studen/8897447/","projectTitle":"Making Memories, Fueling Success: Student Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Switzer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831167"},{"teacherId":8831167,"projectId":9773703,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and the student activities department, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution of the marquee letters we used for homecoming and LED light sticks that we were able to let students use for the Winterball dance. It's one thing to hold a school event; it's another thing entirely to create an atmosphere that makes students feel celebrated. Your gift did exactly that.\r\n\r\nThese resources were more than just decorations—they were the focal points of our two biggest events this year. Here is how they transformed the student experience:\r\n\r\nDuring Homecoming week, we used the large letters as a backdrop that helped us stay in theme by elevating our decorations and making our Homecoming feel like a real Hollywood event. It helped to boost school spirit significantly and was the first thing everyone wanted to see when they walked in.\r\n\r\nOur Winterball was also elevated to a whole new level of energy thanks to the light sticks. As soon as they were handed out, the dance floor transformed. They provided a safe, inclusive way for even our more reserved students to participate in the excitement and feel \"part of the crowd.\"\r\n\r\nThe feedback from the student body has been overwhelming. By providing these high-quality resources, you helped our students feel valued, connected, and inspired. Thank you for investing in our students' joy and for helping us create a school culture that shines a little brighter. We look forward to using these resources for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1759387890245,"projectUrl":"project/shine-bright-illuminating-our-best-ever/9773703/","projectTitle":"Shine Bright: Illuminating Our Best-Ever Homecoming!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Switzer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831167"},{"teacherId":8831167,"projectId":8038089,"letterContent":"The primary benefit of this modern setup is the ease with which it facilitates collaborative learning. Traditional desks often act as individual islands, creating physical barriers that discourage interaction. In contrast, our current desks are designed to be mobile and modular. When we dive into our many student-led projects, the atmosphere shifts instantly. Students can move their desks together to create large conference-style hubs or gather around a single station to peer-edit and prototype.\r\n\r\nThis mobility of the furniture allows greater opportunity for student collaboration. If a group needs to brainstorm a new school-wide event, they don't have to spend ten minutes dragging heavy furniture across the floor; they simply glide into a circle and begin. This lack of friction keeps the momentum of their ideas alive.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most striking result of this change is the shift in student morale. There is a palpable sense of excitement when students enter the room because it feels less like a regular classroom and more like a modern coffee shop. By mimicking the cozy, professional-yet-relaxed vibe of a café, the furniture helps students \"unplug\" from the traditional pressures of \"school mode\" and encourage creativity in their thinking. \r\n\r\nUltimately, these desks and stools have turned our classroom into a sanctuary for school spirit and innovation. By breaking the mold of traditional seating, we have unlocked a level of enthusiasm that makes every project feel like an adventure rather than just another grade.","fullyFundedDate":1700346713110,"projectUrl":"project/collaboration-divides-the-task-and-multi/8038089/","projectTitle":"Collaboration Divides the Task and Multiplies the Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Switzer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831167"},{"teacherId":5668421,"projectId":9733833,"letterContent":"The materials provided—the clay, rice bran, molasses, and EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms)—have transformed our classroom into a living laboratory. We aren't just reading about pollution; we are actively manufacturing the solution.\r\n\r\nSeeing the students realize that they are creating living, breathing tools to save our local ecosystem has been incredibly powerful.\r\n\r\nThe students are currently mapping out the areas with the highest sludge levels to ensure our impact is maximized and testing the water quality each time we toss genki balls. We will continue to monitor the water clarity and oxygen levels over the coming months to see the direct results of our hard work.","fullyFundedDate":1768506897000,"projectUrl":"project/genki-hou/9733833/","projectTitle":"Genki hou!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arceo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5668421_orig.jpg?crop=284,284,x46,y202&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650913605522","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5668421"},{"teacherId":9341218,"projectId":9773280,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contributions to our classroom project. Because of your support, we have been able to integrate a standing desk, desktop organizers, focused lighting, and high-quality whiteboard supplies into our daily learning environment. These items have truly transformed our classroom into a more functional, organized, and inspiring space for my students.\r\n\r\nThe introduction of the standing desk and desktop organizers has revolutionized the way my students interact with their learning environment. By providing a standing desk, you have given my high-energy learners a productive way to stay engaged without the constraints of a traditional chair, leading to a noticeable increase in their focus and task completion. Additionally, the new pen and pencil holders have brought a sense of order and professionalism to our workstations. When students have a dedicated, organized space for their tools, they spend less time searching for supplies and more time diving into their creative and analytical work.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical organization, the desk lights and whiteboard erasers have significantly brightened our daily classroom culture. The warm, focused glow of the desk lights has created a calm and inviting atmosphere, making our classroom feel less like a clinical space and more like a high-functioning studio where students feel safe to innovate. Meanwhile, the simple addition of high-quality whiteboard erasers has made our collaborative brainstorming sessions seamless; students can now quickly iterate on ideas and \"fail forward\" without the frustration of ghosted marks or missing supplies.\r\n\r\nThese essentials may seem small, but together they have built a more dignified, efficient, and inspiring workspace for every student who walks through my door. Thank you for investing in my students' success and for helping me create a classroom that respects and supports their diverse learning needs.","fullyFundedDate":1759437645180,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-to-help-my-students-throughou/9773280/","projectTitle":"Essentials to Help my Students Throughout the Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hoota","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9341218"},{"teacherId":8355025,"projectId":8881135,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity to me and my students. Because of your kind gesture, we are able to learn how to use an updated pressure cooker. This is important as the current pressure cookers have a lot more functions, but also can pose a big safety risk if not used properly. \r\n\r\nWe have been able to make soups, rice, and various things because not only were you able to supply pressure cookers, but sturdy wooden spoons for us to use to mix. These spoons were a great addition to our kitchen because many of our other wooden spoons were breaking due to wear and tear. \r\n\r\nMy students will continue to grow and learn how to make other things with the pressure cooker. They will also learn how to safely use it so that it doesn't leak while in use, get too pressurized, or cause injury due to where it is placed in the kitchen while operating. \r\n\r\nThis equipment has definitely been a huge help in my classroom and I can't thank you enough!","fullyFundedDate":1729204981086,"projectUrl":"project/new-technology-new-recipes/8881135/","projectTitle":"New Technology, New Recipes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8355025"},{"teacherId":7929249,"projectId":9162183,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for supporting our project, Building a Culturally-Rich Classroom Library for Special Education Students. Your generosity is helping us create a space where every student can see themselves, their community, and their experiences reflected in the books we read together.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, having access to engaging, culturally relevant texts makes reading feel more meaningful and approachable. These books open doors to important conversations about identity, resilience, family, and place, while also helping students build confidence in their literacy skills. When students feel represented, they are more willing to take risks, share their voices, and connect with learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom library is becoming a welcoming environment where students can explore stories that honor diverse perspectives — including those rooted in our local culture — and discover the joy of reading in a way that feels personal and empowering.\r\n\r\nYour support truly makes a difference in the daily experiences of our students. Thank you for investing in their growth, their voices, and their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1742047885630,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-culturally-rich-classroom-lib/9162183/","projectTitle":"Building a Culturally-Rich Classroom Library for Special Education Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aiona","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-heather-aiona"},{"teacherId":8355025,"projectId":8217176,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind generosity. With the equipment and tools provided, my students have been able to learn a very important skill within the culinary industry: how to make ice cream. They've been able to successfully create projects that help them to gain a better understanding of how to create ice cream from scratch and in a safe manner. \r\n\r\nWe have used them consistently since we received them to create projects to share with the school. This has truly been a game changer.\r\n\r\nWe can't thank you enough for your generous donation.","fullyFundedDate":1711652703333,"projectUrl":"project/i-scream-you-scream-we-all-scream-for/8217176/","projectTitle":"I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8355025"},{"teacherId":8073135,"projectId":9092001,"letterContent":"The impact of healthy snacks on my student's performance and enjoyment begins with the biological \"fuel\" for their brains! Unlike processed snacks that trigger a rapid spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar, nutrient-dense foods provide a steady stream of glucose. This sustained energy is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, as they have either 3 or 4 looong 80 min periods per school day. When their brains are consistently fueled, they can remember more and more efficiently process information which produces better behavior and better grades!\r\n\r\nBeyond the grade book, healthy snacking is a morale booster! Here in Hawaii, food is the love language for many of us and it's yet another way to show I care about my physical and emotional well-being. Ultimately, shifting toward nutritious options turns study breaks into genuine moments of restoration, fostering a more positive and resilient mindset throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1739368029982,"projectUrl":"project/powering-up-with-healthy-snacks/9092001/","projectTitle":"Powering UP With Healthy Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Liz Laliberte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8073135_orig.jpg?crop=1160,1160,x0,y320&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667076987277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8073135"},{"teacherId":8355025,"projectId":8035305,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind generosity. With the equipment and tools provided, my students have been able to learn a very important skill within the culinary industry: deep frying. They've been able to do it safely because of your thoughtfulness. \r\n\r\nStudents have also been able to use the equipment to learn how to make marshmallows: a skill that is difficult to learn because of the patience needed to accomplish this. \r\n\r\nWe have used them consistently since they've arrived and have really saved my students time (so they are not going to high or too low in temperature for frying). I truly appreciate all that you have done for my classroom. This has truly been a game changer.","fullyFundedDate":1700352785469,"projectUrl":"project/culinary-is-awesome/8035305/","projectTitle":"Culinary Is Awesome!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8355025"},{"teacherId":7929249,"projectId":9654069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing a Nintendo Switch for my special education classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to an engaging and motivating tool that supports learning, connection, and positive behavior in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, school can feel overwhelming or discouraging at times. The Nintendo Switch has already become a powerful incentive and community-building tool in our classroom. It helps students practice teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and self-regulation while also giving them a chance to relax, reset, and experience success.\r\n\r\nSeeing my students cheer each other on, take turns, and celebrate small wins together has been incredibly rewarding. Your kindness has helped create a classroom environment where students feel supported, motivated, and excited to come to school.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their growth, joy, and well-being. Your generosity truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1759234056912,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-fun-and-sel-snacks-sensory-tool/9654069/","projectTitle":"Fuel, Fun, and SEL: Snacks, Sensory Tools, a Nintendo Switch","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aiona","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-heather-aiona"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50760","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1170,"numTeachers":78,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":53.5,"schoolId":50760,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hilo High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hilo High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/hilo-high-school/50760"}