{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hilo Union Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4819367,"projectId":10104327,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project: \"Future CEOs: Learning the Value of a Dollar\"! When the boxes arrived and we unboxed everything, my students were absolutely ecstatic. There were audible gasps and cheers across the room, and one student even exclaimed, \"This is like a real store now!\" Their excitement was tangible, and it immediately injected a fresh wave of energy and motivation into our daily routines. Seeing their eyes light up made it clear just how valued and special your gift made them feel.\r\n\r\nWe have integrated these fantastic items directly into our classroom economy system, and the impact has been amazing to watch. Students earn \"class cash\" for positive behavior, completing their classroom jobs, and doing homework. During our very first shopping day, I watched a normally quiet student meticulously count out their earned cash, weigh the options between a favorite snack or saving up for the sunglasses, and successfully make their purchase. It was a proud moment that beautifully illustrated how these resources are transforming abstract math and behavioral concepts into real-world life skills.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next steps are to deepen our financial literacy lessons using the store as our primary hands-on lab. Now that the students know what is up for grabs, we are starting a unit on budgeting, prioritizing \"wants vs. needs,\" and even exploring basic supply and demand concepts. They are already calculating how many weeks of hard work it will take to afford the higher-ticket items like the water bottles. Your support hasn't just given them fun incentives; it has provided the foundation for invaluable lifelong lessons in responsibility and financial planning.","fullyFundedDate":1771518303326,"projectUrl":"project/future-ceos-learning-the-value-of-a-dol/10104327/","projectTitle":"Future CEOs: Learning the Value of a Dollar","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shirai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4819367_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1539282739112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-shirai"},{"teacherId":472635,"projectId":10103072,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of our project, Crossing the Finish Line with Fun & Games. Because of your kindness, our classroom now has the resources we need to provide motivational activities, such as Glow Games, as well as prepare for end of year excitement, like lei for the 6th grade graduates, and candy for our candy salad. We were also able to implement a class store to support Career Education. Your support helped to alleviate the financial stress that often fall on teachers in order to make memorable experiences for our students.\r\n\r\nYour investment in my students' education means the world to us. Thank you for making our classroom glow, and have a send off to summer that they deserve!","fullyFundedDate":1771709188231,"projectUrl":"project/crossing-the-finish-line-with-fun-game/10103072/","projectTitle":"Crossing the Finish Line with Fun & Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaneko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp472635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471323685814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/472635"},{"teacherId":6526383,"projectId":10026127,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support to help build my classroom library with rich and engaging non-fiction books. My students were very eager to get their hands on the new books as soon as I introduced them to the class. They were very excited and couldn't wait to read the books independently. They were very happy with the wide range of books and the colorful photographs/illustrations. These books will help my students and future students in the years ahead to build their comprehension and vocabulary skills. Thank you again for help and support.","fullyFundedDate":1778047211985,"projectUrl":"project/non-fiction-books/10026127/","projectTitle":"Non-Fiction Books","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":6009670,"projectId":10103134,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived and were opened in front of the class, the energy was electric; my students reacted with genuine awe as they discovered the vibrant embroidery thread and air dry clay. There was an immediate rush toward the new standing desk, which has already become a coveted spot for students who need to move while they focus, and a sense of wonder as they realized the whiteboard contact paper had transformed our old tables into interactive workspaces. For many of these students, these items transformed their classroom into a space where their specific learning needs and creative interests are truly supported.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources to blend art with engineering, and one specific moment stood out when a student used the paper airplane books to master a complex fold and reflect on changes as they flew them. The air dry clay was used to create objects to tell stories on our whiteboard surfaced. The embroidery thread has turned our quiet time into a tactile workshop where students who usually struggle with traditional assignments are suddenly focused and thriving creating weaved bracelets. Seeing them collaborate and problem-solve with tools that invite hands-on exploration has turned every surface of the room into a place for brainstorming and creation.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has built a foundation for the rest of the year as we move into more advanced, self-directed projects. Because of your support we are physically building, sketching, and standing tall as we learn. Thank you for making our classroom a more vibrant, capable, and inspiring place to learn every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1771787408498,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-tools-for-hands-on-learners/10103134/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Tools for Hands-On Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Correa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6009670_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677967066795","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6009670"},{"teacherId":3761005,"projectId":10105464,"letterContent":"Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts! The students were so excited to do their painting class. Many of the students have never painted with acrylics or canvas, so they were surprised to learn that they didn't need to use water for each color. A lot of the students were proud of their creations and kept on asking when they could take their paintings home.\r\n\r\nThey were also impressed with how their custom hats came out! Now they have something more to look forward to at the end of the year and have a new motivation for getting to graduation day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity and thoughtfulness, these students were able to gain a new experience and now have something exciting to unwrap on graduation day. This will be remembered forever and they will always be grateful for the opportunity they had to create something so unique and special for their momentous day.","fullyFundedDate":1771721814249,"projectUrl":"project/the-art-of-moving-on/10105464/","projectTitle":"The Art of Moving On","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morishita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3761005_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532385028451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/g-morishita"},{"teacherId":8075565,"projectId":10109127,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our \"Celebration Station.\" When the boxes arrived, my students were absolutely ecstatic! Seeing their faces light up as we unboxed the new items for our Class Dojo store was a highlight of our month. These resources have immediately revitalized our classroom culture, turning our daily routines into opportunities for growth and celebration. We are currently using these materials to reward positive behavior, teamwork, and individual academic achievements, making our classroom a place where hard work is visibly recognized and valued.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, my students are more motivated than ever to earn their Dojo tickets and reach their personal goals. Whether they are saving up for a special prize or working together toward a whole-class incentive, these materials provide the tangible encouragement they need to stay focused and motivated. We are so grateful for your support in helping our students feel celebrated and inspired every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1771713771717,"projectUrl":"project/celebration-station/10109127/","projectTitle":"Celebration Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8075565_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632716405116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8075565"},{"teacherId":6396866,"projectId":10103775,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and making this 3D printing project possible. Although students have not started creating their own printed projects yet, the excitement surrounding this new technology has already had a positive impact on our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer will help students learn through hands-on, engaging experiences beginning next school year. Students will have opportunities to explore STEM concepts through design, creativity, and problem-solving. They will learn how ideas can move from a digital design to a real, physical object while developing important skills in engineering, critical thinking, and innovation.\r\n\r\nWhat has excited students most so far has been receiving 3D-printed rewards and seeing examples of what the printer can create. Students were fascinated by the detailed objects and immediately began asking questions about how the printer works and what they might be able to design themselves in the future. The technology has sparked curiosity, imagination, and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who benefit from visual and hands-on learning experiences have shown a strong interest in the printer already. Some students who are typically hesitant during academic activities became highly engaged when exploring the 3D-printed items and discussing future possibilities. Seeing tangible creations helped students connect learning to real-world applications and increased their excitement about STEM activities.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is giving my students access to innovative technology and inspiring them to think creatively about the future. Thank you for helping create meaningful learning opportunities that will continue to impact students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1771708336703,"projectUrl":"project/turning-ideas-into-reality-with-3d-print/10103775/","projectTitle":"Turning Ideas Into Reality With 3D Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kohagura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6396866"},{"teacherId":6526383,"projectId":10109318,"letterContent":"My students used the egg cartons for an art project in which they made an Easter basket using the egg cartons and decorated it with tissue paper for Easter. The students enjoyed the creative fun and experience. They were very happy with their final product and they each took home a beautifully decorated easter basket made from the egg cartons.\r\n\r\nThe Squishmallow toys are used for rewards in our classroom. Students earn points and they use their points to purchase Squishmallows for their desk pets. They love to cuddle with their Squishmallow desk pets. They spend time with their desk pets and they interact with others as they share their desk pets with other students.\r\n\r\nThe water bottles are a life saver. My students are so happy with having their own water bottle that keeps the water nice and cold since it is an insulated water bottle. It has helped my students to stay hydrated throughout the day and aids in their overall well being.","fullyFundedDate":1771720533083,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-and-fun/10109318/","projectTitle":"Creativity and Fun!","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":2100000,"projectId":10106215,"letterContent":"These resources have made our physical education classes so enjoyable. When I showed them the resistance parachutes there were oohs and aahs. I was glad to know there were a couple of students who could share out to their peers how the resistance parachute works. Feeling the difference between running with a resistance parachute and without a resistance parachute was eye-opening to the students. Having to work extra to go faster was not easy and they were determined. It was satisfying for me to hear them ask to repeat our races so they could improve their race times.\r\n The second resource which brought excitement was the pedal exercisers. We have these under a table and it has provided students with vestibular movement. Bodies get movement and brains can focus better on assignments, win-win! Some days there is a cue to access these pedal exercisers so I know it was a worthwhile acquisition.\r\n Having the hula hoops and crossbars will make for an excellent obstacle course, so far we've only practiced jumping over the crossbars giving the students the chance to practice the timing of jumps. Students are struggling with timing, but smiling while trying.\r\n Our last donor provided resource was the whiteboard cleaning spray. The spray has added to their sense of accomplishment. Each day they clean their checklist and are able to look forward to another day of successfully completing the days assignments.","fullyFundedDate":1771687473215,"projectUrl":"project/educational-fun-and-fitness/10106215/","projectTitle":"Educational Fun and Fitness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaimi-Morimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2100000"},{"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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":37,"percentMultiracialImputed":18,"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"}