{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hilo Union Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8823584,"projectId":9775004,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our project. Your contributions to providing snacks and reusable water bottles have made a remarkable difference in the lives of my 6th-grade students.\r\n\r\nThese young learners are bursting with curiosity, resilience, and potential. Every day, they come to class eager to learn and grow, not only academically but also as compassionate individuals. Many of them face various challenges outside the classroom, but their determination and hope inspire me daily. \r\n\r\nThe provision of snacks and reusable water bottles might seem like a small gesture, but it has a profound impact on their performance and well-being. A simple snack during those lengthy morning hours helps them stay focused and engaged. Having a reusable water bottle means they can easily hydrate, allowing them to remain in class without the disruption of frequent trips to the water fountain. \r\n\r\nBy meeting their basic needs, you are allowing my students to concentrate fully on their studies, participate actively in discussions, and maintain their energy levels throughout the day. With your support, they are empowered to learn, create, and truly shine. It's more than just providing resources; it's about equipping them for success not just now, but for the bright futures they are diligently working toward.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting their journey. Together, we are nurturing a generation of thoughtful, capable individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.","fullyFundedDate":1759424536221,"projectUrl":"project/bottles-bites-boosting-young-minds/9775004/","projectTitle":"Bottles & Bites: Boosting Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Imai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823584"},{"teacherId":8974656,"projectId":9782044,"letterContent":"My students were DELIGHTED to check out the new incentives that they could earn for focusing on their learning. We instill intrinsic rewards and gratification first and foremost, but these incentives are the cherry on top! Students have already started to earn the many items that were donated. If they demonstrate growth they can earn a spot on our \"Complex Thinker\" board and an opportunity to pick a special prize. \r\n\r\nWe also try to instill a sense of mahalo (thankfulness) in our students. I told them the items were purchased by a generous donor in our community. They want to extend a huge MAHALO NUI LOA to you and wanted me to tell you how much they appreciate your thoughtfulness. They were touched to know someone in our community thought they were worth giving to.","fullyFundedDate":1759602811505,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-that-pay-off/9782044/","projectTitle":"Incentives That Pay Off","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8974656_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718689275520","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974656"},{"teacherId":7008155,"projectId":9775482,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. We have seen a great impact of your donation already. The children are drinking more water since it is now able to stay cold. The students are showing more interest in the food from home since we are able to warm it in the microwave. The students are better able to drink milk from the milk cartons with the straws that you proviced us.\r\n\r\nThe bookshelves has been great to store the students communication devices. The microphone has encouraged the students to use their voice more in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for your donations. If has greatly helped my preschoolers with special needs.","fullyFundedDate":1759436302120,"projectUrl":"project/improve-my-students-feeding-and-self-he/9775482/","projectTitle":"Improve My Student's Feeding and Self Help Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7008155"},{"teacherId":6526383,"projectId":9778242,"letterContent":"My students love playing with the Legos, the Uno cards, construction toys, and wooden puzzle. They are especially grateful for the Squishmallow plush toys. These toys have helped my students to express their emotions and feelings through active play and interaction with others. They have built relationships with other students and are learning appropriate social skills and improving their overall social-emotional skills.\r\n\r\nThe color printer and color paper has helped tremendously in providing colored paper worksheets for differentiated activities and colored printouts to support student needs.\r\n\r\nMahalo for your help in making this project come to life for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1759509394325,"projectUrl":"project/toys-and-tools-to-support-learning/9778242/","projectTitle":"Toys and Tools to Support Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haleamau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6526383_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1562630677952","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6526383"},{"teacherId":7934274,"projectId":9773833,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! My students are loving the new art materials and the new learning tools. \r\nWhen they first saw the materials being unboxed, they were excited to explore. The LCD learning boards have really helped to build engagement during our math lessons and have become a great incentive for learning and solving complex math problems. \r\nThe new learning chairs have also helped to boost engagement and positive behaviors as students have been looking forward to earning this new reward.\r\nThe art materials will be used for students to create new art projects during these holiday months.\r\nThank you again, donors for your generosity. My students and I greatly appreciate all that you have done for us.","fullyFundedDate":1759461560866,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-students-hard-work-with-eng/9773833/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Students' Hard Work with Engaging Activities and Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tsugawa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7934274"},{"teacherId":3285066,"projectId":8349899,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share the immediate and positive impact your generous contributions have made on our classroom environment. Our project is already creating a more organized, flexible, and empowering space for every student.\r\n\r\nThe foundational supplies—binders and pencil pouches—have proven to be game-changers in building essential student habits. These tools have become the central command posts for our students' learning. By having a designated, personalized system, students are actively mastering organizational skills, which directly translates to keeping track of their learning. They are confidently managing their resources, separating subjects, filing important papers, and taking ownership of their academic progress. This vital shift helps reduce classroom clutter and student stress, creating a smoother, more productive learning day.\r\n\r\nThe versatile seating options, including the beanbag chairs and stools, have been an absolute hit! They are constantly in use, proving that comfort and flexibility boost engagement. By allowing students to choose where they work, these options empower them to take charge of their learning. Whether a student needs to rock gently on a stool for focus or sink into a beanbag for independent reading, they are able to select the environment that best suits their needs, leading to increased concentration and a positive emotional connection to the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhile we are already seeing incredible success with the organizational and seating components, we are eagerly awaiting the opportunities to use the rest of our materials. We haven't yet had a chance to mix up the slime materials for our highly anticipated, hands-on science lesson, nor has our beloved Elf on the Shelf arrived yet to motivate daily attendance during the holiday season. The students are buzzing with anticipation for these fun, interactive elements that will cap off a successful semester!\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this transformative learning environment a reality.","fullyFundedDate":1715386687958,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-supplies/8349899/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Okimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3285066_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452206687190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msokimoto"},{"teacherId":3285066,"projectId":9152192,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generous support of our project. Because of your kindness, our classroom is now a more comfortable, organized, and inspiring place to learn! Seeing all the new supplies arrive has been such a wonderful boost for our students and me.\r\n\r\nThe new ILPEOD Memory Foam Bean Bag Chairs and the Ashley Upholstered Storage Bench have fundamentally changed the feel of our room. We now have a truly comfortable flexible seating area where students can relax, focus, and dive into a good book. This calm corner is invaluable for students who need a quiet space to recenter themselves or process challenging material. The shift in atmosphere is already noticeable—students feel more at home and engaged in their learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond comfort, you've provided crucial tools for engagement and organization. The hand2mind VersaTiles Answer Cases are perfect for self-checking practice in math and ELA, allowing students to build independence and mastery at their own pace. Meanwhile, the huge delivery of colored and black cardstock, the Food Coloring, and Scented Oils means we can dive into engaging, hands-on projects, from seasonal crafts using the Clear Plastic Discs to exciting STEM activities like making scented slime. Even our class Elf on the Shelf will have great supplies for seasonal fun!\r\n\r\nFinally, the Cardinal 3-Ring Binders, Pencil Pouches, and Mechanical Pencils mean every student has the high-quality materials they need to keep their work organized all year. This simple step reduces distractions and teaches valuable responsibility.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and investing in their success. Every item you sent makes a huge, tangible difference in their daily lives and learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1741694429100,"projectUrl":"project/a-year-from-start-to-finish/9152192/","projectTitle":"A year from start to finish","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Okimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3285066_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452206687190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msokimoto"},{"teacherId":9797917,"projectId":9153540,"letterContent":"We are absolutely bursting with gratitude in the classroom! Thanks to your incredible generosity, our project, [Project Name, e.g., Creative Flow: Where Art Meets Flexibility, is fully funded, and the materials have arrived. You truly made our students' day, and mine too!\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate. We made lei with the eyelash yarn for our graduating sixth grade students to congratulate them on a job well done. A specific moment that stood out happened when a student discovered that they could apply their fishing pole tying techniques to lei-making! The joy on his face when he completed not one but two lei was priceless. It's those moments of joyful, self-directed learning that these resources make possible.\r\n\r\nYou should have been here when the boxes first arrived! The students' reaction was a mix of quiet awe and sudden, loud celebration. I made a big deal out of the moment by opening the boxes at the end of the day. More than just seeing new things, I think they truly felt valued—they knew someone cared enough about their education to invest in these high-quality materials just for them. It was a wonderful boost to our whole classroom community.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, the next critical step in our lei making is to transition from using a wrap-around technique for eyelash yarn lei to using only our fingers and yarn to make yarn lei. Since you've given us this amazing head start in lei-making, the students will now practice other fine motor skills as they navigate making yarn lei. This next stage will allow them to solidify their knowledge and understanding of not only the technicalities of lei making, but also the significance of it as well as the life skills that come with it, such as patience. \r\n\r\nThank you, once again, for giving our students the tools they need to succeed and, more importantly, the chance to love learning. We couldn't have done this without you.\r\n\r\nWarmly,","fullyFundedDate":1741959323141,"projectUrl":"project/creative-flow-where-art-meets-flexibili/9153540/","projectTitle":"Creative Flow: Where Art Meets Flexibility","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kubojiri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797917"},{"teacherId":6396866,"projectId":9566657,"letterContent":"When the new rewards for our Motivation Marketplace arrived, my students could hardly wait to see what was inside. Their eyes lit up as I unpacked each item, and I could feel the excitement buzzing in the room. Right away, students began talking about what they wanted to save up for, and you could hear them making plans like, \"I'm going to work hard this week so I can earn enough to buy that!\"\r\n\r\nMy students will continue to use the marketplace as part of our daily routine to reinforce effort, kindness, and perseverance. They are already connecting their classroom goals to the marketplace, and I can see how it helps them stay focused during lessons. Your generosity made this possible, and I'm so grateful for the joy and motivation you've brought into our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755713952680,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-marketplace-where-effort-pay/9566657/","projectTitle":"Motivation Marketplace: Where Effort Pays Off","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kohagura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6396866"},{"teacherId":7943023,"projectId":9175006,"letterContent":"I want to share my deepest thanks for your generous support of our kindergarten classroom. The dramatic play items you provided have already transformed our space and are making a real difference in my students' daily experiences.\r\n\r\nIn our inclusive classroom, it's so important that every child feels they belong, and dramatic play is one of the most joyful ways we make that happen. With the new career-themed props, students have been eagerly stepping into roles as doctors, chefs, veterinarians, and teachers. Their imaginations take off, and in those moments they're also building language, confidence, and social skills in ways that feel natural and fun.\r\n\r\nWe've watched students work together to plan \"appointments,\" write menus, and create entire storylines—completely engaged, learning, and growing as they play. Most importantly, every child, regardless of ability, now has more opportunities to participate meaningfully and see themselves in exciting roles for the future.\r\n\r\nThank you, Ripple, for bringing so much joy, creativity, and possibility into our classroom. This now one of their favorite Centers. Your generosity has left a lasting mark on our students' hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1746478026225,"projectUrl":"project/dramatic-play-center-for-kindergarten-in/9175006/","projectTitle":"Dramatic Play Center for Kindergarten Inclusion Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beauchan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7943023"},{"teacherId":3285066,"projectId":8219552,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of STEM resources. The Sphero Spec-Drums musical ring activity, Dash and Dot coding robots, copper tape and diodes for paper circuits, the Sphero Mini codable robot ball, and the Osmo iPad coding activities have brought an incredible energy and excitement into our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese tools are not just materials—they are opportunities. Our students are now exploring the intersections of music, engineering, coding, and creativity in ways that truly engage and inspire them. Watching their eyes light up as they program robots, compose rhythms with technology, and design working circuits on paper has been nothing short of amazing.\r\n\r\nSTEM education—focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math—is essential in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. These fields foster critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills that are vital in almost every career path today. But more than just teaching concepts, effective STEM learning shows students how to apply their knowledge in meaningful and real-world ways.\r\n\r\nWhat truly makes a difference is when STEM learning is fun, hands-on, and relevant. Tools like coding robots, musical rings, and paper circuit kits turn abstract ideas into interactive experiences. Students aren't just learning—they're exploring, experimenting, and creating. These engaging materials spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students see themselves as capable engineers, designers, and innovators. When learning feels like play, it becomes not only more accessible, but also more impactful and lasting.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting hands-on, future-ready learning. Your contribution is making a real difference in developing the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1708192707352,"projectUrl":"project/building-stem-experiences-for-our-studen/8219552/","projectTitle":"Building STEM Experiences for our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Okimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3285066_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452206687190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msokimoto"},{"teacherId":9966813,"projectId":9223617,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui to all of our generous donors for providing water bottles and fun stickers for our class! Your thoughtful gifts have truly made a positive impact on our students. The new water bottles encourage everyone to stay hydrated throughout the day, and the creative stickers allow each student to personalize their bottle, making it a fun and meaningful part of their school experience.\r\n\r\nBy helping our students stay hydrated, you are directly supporting their focus and energy levels, which are essential for learning. When students have easy access to water, they are more attentive, engaged, and ready to participate in class activities. Your kindness has not only met a basic need but has also created a sense of excitement and ownership among our students. Thank you for investing in their well-being and contributing to a healthier, more productive learning environment!","fullyFundedDate":1745248042373,"projectUrl":"project/hydrating-our-class/9223617/","projectTitle":"Hydrating Our Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ha'o","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966813"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50762","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":449,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":63.4,"schoolId":50762,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hilo Union Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hilo Union Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/hilo-union-elementary-school/50762"}