{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hilo Union Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8357108,"projectId":10105333,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom. These donations allowed us to purchase a new range of reading materials specifically designed to support our struggling readers. Having access to high-interest, accessible texts has already made a visible difference in our students' confidence, providing them with the tools they need to engage more deeply with literacy and bridge critical learning gaps.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the academic resources, your donation provided a consistent supply of snacks that have become an essential part of our daily routine. In a special education environment, maintaining focus and stamina can be a challenge, and these snacks serve as a powerful motivational tool. They offer our students the necessary energy boosts and positive reinforcement needed to persevere through difficult tasks and stay engaged in their learning.\r\n\r\nWe are so appreciative of your investment in our students' success. Your support goes beyond just physical supplies; it sends a clear message to our children that their community believes in their potential. Thank you for helping us create a more supportive, motivating, and resourceful environment where every student in our classroom has the opportunity to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1771610763752,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-snacks/10105333/","projectTitle":"Reading and Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Noa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8357108"},{"teacherId":7008155,"projectId":10106855,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new sensory resources has completely transformed our classroom atmosphere. When my 3 and 4-year-olds first saw the Kids Nest Hanging Chair and the Adult Size Rocker, their eyes lit up with wonder! For children who are navigating their very first school experience, these items provided an immediate sense of \"home\" and safety.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the Adult Size Rocker daily as a co-regulation station; when a student feels overwhelmed by our new routine, we sit together to rock, helping them find the calm they need to rejoin the group. The Kids Nest Hanging Chair has become a favorite \"reset\" spot where students can tuck themselves away for a few minutes of quiet sensory relief. We also introduced the slime during our small-group communication lessons. I watched a specific moment where a student, who usually struggles to stay seated, sat for ten full minutes happily stretching the slime while practicing their \"wants and needs\" signs.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to use these tools to master our \"Zones of Regulation\" curriculum. My students are learning to identify when they feel \"yellow\" (frustrated) and proactively choose the Adult Size Rocker or the Hanging Nest to get back to \"green\" (ready to learn). Thank you for giving my youngest learners the physical support they need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1771631246326,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-sanctuary-rockers-nests-and-s/10106855/","projectTitle":"Sensory Sanctuary: Rockers, Nests, and Squish","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7008155"},{"teacherId":8823584,"projectId":10106348,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been transformed by these new resources, especially through our class store stocked with food items and fidgets. Students earn points for positive behavior, participation, and completing their work, then use those points to \"shop.\" One standout moment was watching students count their points, compare items, and decide whether to spend or save—building math skills, self-control, and goal-setting all at once.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were incredibly excited and eager to start earning points right away. Their enthusiasm continues to motivate them each day. Moving forward, we plan to connect the class store to lessons on budgeting and smart decision-making, helping students build important life skills while staying engaged. Your support has truly made a meaningful impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771641680699,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-crave-cave/10106348/","projectTitle":"Classroom, Crave, Cave!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Imai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823584"},{"teacherId":7934274,"projectId":10106892,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous donations to my classroom. With your generosity, learning music, art, math, and reading has been so much more engaging and accessible for all of my second graders.\r\nThanks to your donations, we have been able to explore different art materials and have created a variety of art pieces. My students really enjoyed making clay coil pots and have been exploring the performing arts through music. \r\nYour generous donations have also made reading and math more enjoyable. The students were very excited to use the hundreds pop-it math board to add and subtract 2-digit numbers. Students were eager to use the new math tool to show their understanding of addition and subtraction and even teach the new strategy to others.\r\nThank you again for your generous donation. The impact that the materials have and will make on my students' learning is immeasurable.","fullyFundedDate":1771786390807,"projectUrl":"project/the-joys-of-learning/10106892/","projectTitle":"The Joys of Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tsugawa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7934274"},{"teacherId":8974669,"projectId":10108198,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us receive an iPad and a color printer. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference for my preschool students, many of whom benefit greatly from visual supports and hands-on learning experiences.\r\n\r\nOne of the most helpful ways we use the printer is to create visual materials that help students understand and participate in our daily routines. For example, I created a daily visual schedule that shows pictures of each part of our day. This helps my students know what to expect and feel confident moving from one activity to the next. Many preschoolers are still learning language skills, so having pictures alongside words makes our classroom more accessible and supportive for everyone.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting new routines we've been able to use the printer for is something we call our \"Daily Spotlight.\" Each day, one student becomes the spotlight student. We take an interesting photo of something they did during the day, print it right away, and we share it during our goodbye circle. The spotlight student helps me decide what sentence we should write as the caption for the photo. This activity is always a favorite part of our day! The students are incredibly excited to see their pictures printed and displayed, and it gives them a wonderful opportunity to practice speaking, storytelling, and reflecting on their day.\r\n\r\nThe printer has also allowed us to document our learning projects. For example, we recently worked together on a project about making orange juice. We talked about the steps involved and took photos of the students completing each step. After printing the pictures, we created a poster that shows the sequence of the process. Now the poster hangs in our classroom so students can revisit and talk about what they learned.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the printer allows me to quickly create visual models for students who need extra prompting or support. Being able to print pictures immediately helps me respond to students' needs in the moment and provide clear visual examples that help them succeed.\r\n\r\nFor many of my preschool students, seeing their own photos used in our lessons makes learning feel personal and exciting. They love recognizing themselves and their friends in the pictures, and it motivates them to participate even more.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create a classroom where students can see their learning, talk about their experiences, and feel proud of what they accomplish each day. Thank you for investing in our students and helping make our classroom a place where every child can learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1771696053004,"projectUrl":"project/pictures-that-teach-visual-supports-for/10108198/","projectTitle":"Pictures That Teach: Visual Supports for Early Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leite","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974669"},{"teacherId":9376442,"projectId":10112217,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of art supplies to our classroom. Your support means a great deal, and it will provide my students with meaningful opportunities to express their creativity, build confidence, and engage in hands-on learning. Because of your kindness, our classroom is a more vibrant and inspiring place for all of our students. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and commitment to supporting education.\r\n\r\nMy students were absolutely thrilled to paint self-portraits on their new canvases, and the excitement in the classroom was truly special to witness. As they worked, they eagerly added details that reflected their personal experiences, interests, and unique identities, making each piece deeply meaningful. The activity not only allowed them to express their creativity, but also gave them a sense of pride and ownership over their work. Seeing their confidence grow as they shared their stories through art was a powerful reminder of how important it is to provide students with opportunities to express who they are.","fullyFundedDate":1772079774864,"projectUrl":"project/art-and-craft-time/10112217/","projectTitle":"Art and Craft Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Funai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376442_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700551471548","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9376442"},{"teacherId":9966813,"projectId":10104921,"letterContent":"In our classroom, the addition of fidget bands, sensory items, floor desks, and a pocket wall chart has significantly improved both student engagement and the overall learning environment. Many of my students benefit from visual and sensory supports, and these tools have helped create a classroom that is more responsive to their needs. The pocket wall chart serves as an accessible visual word wall where students can quickly reference sight words, vocabulary, and phonics patterns during reading and writing. For struggling readers, having words clearly displayed and organized helps build confidence and encourages independence when decoding or spelling unfamiliar words.\r\n\r\nThe fidget bands placed on student chairs have made one of the most noticeable differences during instruction. Several students in my class struggle to keep their bodies still, which previously resulted in constant foot tapping, chair movement, and other distracting noises. Now, students can quietly push or bounce their feet against the bands to release energy while still remaining seated and focused. The difference in classroom noise and attention has been remarkable. Lessons run more smoothly, and students who once struggled to stay engaged are now able to participate without disrupting others.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the floor desks have provided flexible seating options that allow students to work comfortably and stay focused for longer periods of time. Some students simply learn better when they can change their position or work closer to the floor. Having this option has helped reduce restlessness and improve concentration during independent work and small group activities. Together, these tools have created a calmer, more organized classroom where students feel supported both academically and physically.","fullyFundedDate":1771635038419,"projectUrl":"project/inclusive-classroom/10104921/","projectTitle":"Inclusive Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ha'o","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966813"},{"teacherId":7824013,"projectId":10103051,"letterContent":"I truly appreciate your generous donation! Your support has made a significant impact on my students' learning experience. Thanks to your contribution, they now have access to LCD tablets that facilitate engaging group activities. These tablets not only allow students to share their answers in real-time but also enable them to demonstrate their work in a more interactive and collaborative manner. This hands-on approach fosters a sense of teamwork and encourages students to learn from one another, enhancing their overall understanding of the material.","fullyFundedDate":1771439184587,"projectUrl":"project/technology-to-learn/10103051/","projectTitle":"Technology to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tanoue","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7824013_orig.jpg?crop=2735,2735,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667261900320","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstorrano"},{"teacherId":8579066,"projectId":9156181,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our students. With the new reading materials we have improved the quality of books in our class library and resources used in lessons. The selected books were chosen to address topics that resonate with our student population. And since incorporating the books' themes into lessons and discussions there has been an increase in students interest and connection to the topics covered. \r\n\r\nMy fourth graders face complex issues such as learning challenges, big emotions, and difficult social situations that come with growing up. With the books we have been able to comfortably discuss topics such as housing, food, and income insecurity, hard emotions like anxiety and grief, being neurodivergent, and difficulties in friend and family relationships. All of these lessons and discussions have created an opportunity to address these issues in a safe and child friendly way, which has also greatly benefited them in their social, emotional, and academic growth.","fullyFundedDate":1742136508846,"projectUrl":"project/reading-materials-that-cover-sel-and-big/9156181/","projectTitle":"Reading Materials That Cover SEL and Big Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8579066"},{"teacherId":3285066,"projectId":9793948,"letterContent":"The transformation of our classroom has been nothing short of inspiring. By installing the vibrant Neon LED rope lights and the Boho rainbow wallpaper, we have successfully defined a professional \"studio zone\" that students are excited to step into every day. This environment has shifted the culture of our project; students no longer feel like they are just completing an assignment—they feel like they are hosting a high-end production. The aesthetic shift has given them the confidence to take their scripts and performances to the next level.\r\n\r\nBridging the Distance: Our Next Chapter\r\nWhile the studio looks incredible, the most exciting part of this project is the untapped potential of the Zoom BTA-2 Bluetooth Adapter. We are currently preparing to launch a new series of \"Remote Perspectives,\" and this adapter is the key.\r\n\r\nWe are eager to use the Bluetooth connectivity to call guests who can't make it to our school, from local experts to hopefully authors across the country.\r\n\r\nIn addition, we would like students to research community leaders they want to interview via phone, giving them the chance to practice professional communication and networking.\r\n\r\nFinally, we are excited to finally move away from clunky wires and recorded \"speakerphone\" clips, ensuring our remote guests sound just as clear as the students in the room.\r\n\r\nYour support has already changed the \"Atmosphere\" of our room, and now it is about to revolutionize our \"audio.\" By allowing us to bring the world into our studio wirelessly, you are helping my students realize that their voices—and the voices they choose to highlight—can reach far beyond our classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1761933673328,"projectUrl":"project/atmosphere-audio-creating-our-dream-p/9793948/","projectTitle":"Atmosphere & Audio: Creating Our Dream Podcast Space!","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":8824077,"projectId":9902499,"letterContent":"How we are using our new resources:\r\nOur daily rhythm has shifted outdoors. We recently began our \"food\" unit, but instead of looking at pictures in a book, my students are now active stewards of the land. Using the nursery pots, our three-to-five-year-olds have taken ownership of their own seedlings. A standout moment was watching a group of students use the handheld microscopes to examine a tiny sprout. They aren't just playing; they are conducting intense scientific inquiry.\r\n\r\nThe initial reaction:\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, the excitement was electric! The steel tongue drum was an immediate hit—the children were fascinated by how the \"nature music\" they created mimicked the rhythm of the rain. When we set up the pop-up tent and fort builder, it felt like we had built a secret village. The children treat the tent as a \"research station,\" where they retreat with nature-themed books to cross-reference what they find in our garden. It has provided a sense of calm and focused purpose to our outdoor time.\r\n\r\nNext steps for our young explorers:\r\nNow that our garden is established, our next step is to dive deeper into the Plants in Hawaiian Culture curriculum. We will be using our sensory bowls and rice to simulate traditional harvesting techniques and using our water table to study how irrigation helps our local ecosystem. \r\n\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, these children are learning patience, curiosity, and rhythm. You haven't just provided \"stuff\"; you've provided the tools for these preschoolers to develop a lifelong respect and stewardship for the environment. Mahalo for believing in our little scientists!","fullyFundedDate":1764732795876,"projectUrl":"project/nature-is-the-second-teacher/9902499/","projectTitle":"Nature is the Second Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Autumn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8824077_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x328,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667349797274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824077"},{"teacherId":9797917,"projectId":9756054,"letterContent":"If you could see the joy in my classroom! My students are absolutely thriving with the materials you so kindly provided. It has been incredible to watch them reach for the whiteboards to proudly showcase their math solutions and practice their spelling; there is a newfound confidence in the way they share their 'aha!' moments.\r\n\r\nThe oil pastels have opened a whole new world for them, offering a professional-grade creative outlet they rarely get to experience. Furthermore, the tactile math games have turned practice into play, making complex problem-solving feel like a rewarding adventure. Your generosity has done so much more than fill our shelves—it has tailored our classroom to exactly how my students learn best, sparking a level of engagement that is truly closing the gap for our young learners. We are so deeply grateful for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1758766251762,"projectUrl":"project/learning-in-a-new-light/9756054/","projectTitle":"Learning in a New Light","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kubojiri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797917"}],"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":63.6,"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"}