{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kahakai Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":48.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7840679,"projectId":10067924,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding this donors choose project to provide my students with personal pencil boxes, water bottles, erasable pens, pencils, and slime as fun student incentives.\r\n\r\nMy students love earning class money and buying items at my store every month. They work hard to complete their assignments and strive to do their best on tests, knowing that there are rewards to earn for putting in their best effort.\r\n\r\nExciting news recently to share with you is my class' recent math scores for spring testing at the end of the school year...90% of my students showed growth in their math scores by moving up one grade level or more! In August I had only 2 students that tested at an early 3rd grade level in math. 10 were at 2nd grade level, and 9 students tested at 1st grade or kindergarten. In April I now have 7 students that tested at early 3rd to mid 3rd grade. 12 students at 2nd grade level and only 2 students tested at a 1st grade level. I am so proud of my students for doing their best on their Spring testing! They worked so hard and I know that providing them with these incentives every month helped boost their motivation and confidence!","fullyFundedDate":1770175005391,"projectUrl":"project/student-incentives-for-showing-grit-and/10067924/","projectTitle":"Student Incentives for Showing Grit and Perserverance!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hull","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7840679_orig.jpg?crop=1041,1041,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1620089789441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7840679"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":8219770,"letterContent":"Your support has opened up new ways for my students to learn, think, and collaborate. Using Legos in the classroom has allowed students to explore STEM concepts in a hands-on, engaging way. Instead of just hearing about ideas like structure, balance, and spatial reasoning, they are actively building and testing them. This has strengthened problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and perseverance, as students work through challenges and adjust their designs.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, I've seen a big impact on how students interact with one another. Lego activities naturally encourage teamwork, communication, and creativity. Students are sharing ideas, taking on roles, and learning how to work through disagreements in a productive way. It has also provided a positive outlet for focus and creativity, helping students reset and re-engage. This project has helped create a classroom environment where students are thinking deeply, working together, and enjoying the learning process. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1708194801196,"projectUrl":"project/lots-of-learning-with-legos/8219770/","projectTitle":"Lots of Learning with Legos","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":8032322,"letterContent":"Your support has made a meaningful difference in my students' daily learning experience. Having consistent access to basic school supplies like notebooks and pencils has allowed students to fully engage in lessons without interruption. They are better able to take notes, organize their thinking, and complete assignments with confidence. This has been especially important for students who previously came to class unprepared, as they now have the tools they need to participate and succeed.\r\n\r\nThese materials have also helped build important habits around responsibility and organization. Students are taking more ownership of their work and developing routines that support their learning. As a result, our classroom runs more smoothly, with fewer disruptions and more time focused on instruction. This project has helped create a stable, supportive environment where all students have what they need to learn and grow. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1700285476567,"projectUrl":"project/da-basics/8032322/","projectTitle":"Da Basics!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":7215000,"letterContent":"Your support has made an immediate difference in both focus and engagement in my classroom. Fifth graders have a lot of energy, and the wiggle seats have given students a positive, productive way to manage that energy without disrupting their learning. Instead of struggling to sit still, they are able to move in a controlled way and stay locked in on the task. This has been especially helpful for students who previously had difficulty staying seated or maintaining attention for extended periods of time.\r\n\r\nThe addition of basic supplies like pencils and erasers has also had a bigger impact than you might expect. Students now come to class ready to work without the stress of not having materials, which keeps lessons running smoothly and minimizes lost time. Combined with improved organization, students are more focused, more confident, and more willing to put in their best effort. This project has helped create a classroom environment where students can manage their energy, stay prepared, and fully engage in their learning. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1677986017706,"projectUrl":"project/seats-and-supplies/7215000/","projectTitle":"Seats and Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":6966568,"letterContent":"Your support has made a meaningful difference in how my students learn and stay organized each day. Because I work across multiple classrooms, having consistent systems in place is essential. The notebooks and folders have given students a reliable place to keep their thinking, which has helped them stay focused and take more ownership of their work. Instead of losing materials or feeling overwhelmed, they are more prepared and confident when approaching tasks. This structure has especially supported students who previously struggled with organization, allowing them to engage more fully in their learning.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the monitor has transformed how I teach in small group settings. I can now model thinking in real time, clearly display examples, and instantly share student work with the group. This has made lessons more interactive and easier for students to follow. They are more willing to participate, ask questions, and take pride in sharing their ideas. Some of my quieter students have become more engaged simply because they can see their work valued and discussed. This project has helped create a more focused, collaborative, and student-centered learning environment. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1672524652597,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-organized/6966568/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"},{"teacherId":5445730,"projectId":10103424,"letterContent":"A month to go and we are still holding our focus and attention as Summer is on the horizon. Thank you so much for helping our class continue to keep motivated and encouraged as there is still plenty of time left to learn + grow. In fact, our iReady and SBA testing is coming on up...After that we can begin our count down. Until then, we appreciate you helping us to not turn our brains into Summer mode just yet.\r\n\r\nWe hope you are doing well and looking forward to something fun with your family and friends this Summer!","fullyFundedDate":1771470372418,"projectUrl":"project/home-stretch/10103424/","projectTitle":"Home Stretch","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5445730_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748737538587","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/breewee"},{"teacherId":10301453,"projectId":9792583,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous sponsorship. These resources have done so much more- It transformed the way my active, eager and enthusiastic learners engaged with their education every day. \r\n\r\nThe tools you provided are making a tangible difference which allows my students to simultaneously respond to questions and solve problems, giving them the confidence to take ownership of their ideas during their lessons while using the markers and eraser. The transparent photo cases and craft keepers have allowed me to create self-contained, portable math centers. Because everything they need is in one place, transitions are seamless, and we are able to maximize every minute of our learning time. Mean while the bean bag chair and storage boxes have created a dedicated, comfortable \"thinking spot.\" This has become an essential tool for teaching self-regulation, offering a safe space for students to reset when they feel overwhelmed by a challenge.\r\n\r\nEach of these items helps me foster independence and support the diverse academic and emotional needs of every child in my room. Your kindness has empowered my students to feel capable and cared for in a structured, yet comforting, environment.\r\n\r\nMy students are absolutely loving the new materials, and their smiles say it all! Thank you so much for your generosity and for believing in our classroom. I've attached a few photos to share some of the wonderful moments your gift has made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1769177436149,"projectUrl":"project/my-1st-integrated-learning-systems-for-s/9792583/","projectTitle":"My 1st Integrated Learning Systems for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Latorza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10301453"},{"teacherId":3132828,"projectId":9775270,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. My students and I are humbled by your aloha. You fed so many students. All the little snacks really added up, they ate and were nourished and content for our day. \r\nThe supplies are amazing, too. We use our whiteboards for cooperative learning to maximize all learning in the classroom. Markers go so fast, we were even able to share with another class when they ran out.\r\nThe cleaning supplies are very helpful, too. We need those to stay healthy so we stay in school and learn. Knowing we have these health supplies, we are comforted. Mahalo for everything!","fullyFundedDate":1759466320354,"projectUrl":"project/needs-and-wants/9775270/","projectTitle":"Needs and Wants","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. CRANWELL","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3132828_orig.jpg?crop=2365,2365,x577,y268&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593650009689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3132828"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":6958296,"letterContent":"Receiving funding for this DonorsChoose project has been transformative for my 5th grade classroom. Because of this generous support, my students now have access to a wide variety of both new titles and beloved classics that reflect their diverse interests and ever-evolving identities as readers. In a single year, a 10-year-old can go from loving graphic novels to devouring fantasy, historical fiction, or nonfiction about space or sports. Having a rich classroom library means students are no longer limited to \"what's available\" — they are empowered to find books that truly spark curiosity, deepen thinking, and build a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nBeyond reading, this project has strengthened my students' identities as writers and creators. With the new whiteboard markers and supplies, students regularly jot ideas, map out story plans, draft character traits, and create book recommendation lists for their peers. The consumable materials have allowed them to design their own stories, craft alternate endings, and develop passion projects inspired by the authors they admire. Instead of simply consuming texts, students are now analyzing mentor authors, experimenting with craft moves, and seeing themselves as \"authors in training.\"\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project has built a culture of literacy in our classroom. Students eagerly share book talks, recommend titles to classmates, and proudly display their own writing alongside the works of published authors. The excitement around reading and writing is contagious — even reluctant readers are finding entry points that feel meaningful to them. Because of this support, my classroom is not just a place where students complete assignments; it is a community of readers, thinkers, and the authors of tomorrow, inspired by the authors of yesterday.","fullyFundedDate":1667282553853,"projectUrl":"project/books-and-things/6958296/","projectTitle":"Books and Things!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"},{"teacherId":9705698,"projectId":8906015,"letterContent":"The vertical whiteboards have completely transformed the way my students engage in math through our Building Thinking Classroom model. Instead of sitting quietly at their desks, students now stand, collaborate, and solve problems together in visible learning spaces. One powerful moment happened during a fraction problem-solving lesson—groups were working on different strategies, and students began comparing methods across boards. They debated reasoning, revised their thinking, and explained their solutions with confidence. The whiteboards allow them to take risks, erase mistakes easily, and focus on the process rather than just the final answer.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the boards mounted around the room, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to stand up, grab markers, and begin working. Even students who are usually hesitant to participate became more involved because the environment feels active and low-pressure. Writing vertically encourages teamwork and accountability, and students naturally talk through their thinking instead of working in isolation. It has created a classroom culture where mistakes are part of learning and thinking is visible.\r\n\r\nNext, my students will use the boards to tackle multi-step word problems and math challenges that require deeper reasoning and multiple solution paths. They will rotate between boards, analyze peer strategies, and refine their mathematical arguments. Because of your generosity, our classroom is no longer just a place to complete work—it is a space where students truly think, collaborate, and grow together. Thank you for helping build a classroom where thinking happens out loud.","fullyFundedDate":1739368030664,"projectUrl":"project/art-matherials/8906015/","projectTitle":"Art MATHerials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. TEJANO","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9705698"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":5682359,"letterContent":"The snacks and mindful tools are used daily to support focus, regulation, and a sense of safety in our classroom. Snacks help students stay energized and engaged, especially during long lessons or stressful moments. Mindful tools like fidgets and calming items are used during independent work, transitions, or when students need a reset. When students first saw the materials, they were excited and relieved—several expressed gratitude and immediately understood their purpose. These resources are now part of our routines. As we move forward, students are practicing self-awareness by choosing tools that help them learn best while continuing academic work that requires sustained focus and collaboration.","fullyFundedDate":1629306477507,"projectUrl":"project/feeding-mind-and-body-to-grow-life-long/5682359/","projectTitle":"Feeding Mind and Body to Grow Life Long Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483605_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628009479146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483605"},{"teacherId":5445730,"projectId":9951048,"letterContent":"We came, we saw, we conquered- hehehehehehehe. For real, we showed up to our big WIDA Access test and gave it everything we had. Thank you for helping us to feel prepared and supported-both gestures go a very long way. AND now... we wait for the results. WIDA Access test results take 6+ weeks to receive. While we know learning English is a gift, having two languages is a SUPER POWER and no matter how the cards fall on our test results we are proud to be multilingual. Thank you again for all you have done!","fullyFundedDate":1766026590906,"projectUrl":"project/needed-for-wida-testing/9951048/","projectTitle":"Needed for WIDA Testing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5445730_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748737538587","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/breewee"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_49905","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":507,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":52,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":51.1,"schoolId":49905,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kahakai Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kahakai Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kahakai-elementary-school/49905"}
Join the 182 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kahakai Elementary School is
a town public school
in Kailua Kona, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 507 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.1:1.
Its teachers have had 206 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
36%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Kahakai Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 30, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Kahakai Elementary School
$148,165
raised using DonorsChoose
206
projects
funded
51
teachers
funded
182
donors
59
projects
for
basic supplies
16
projects for
technology
26
projects for
books
12
projects
for
art supplies
Kahakai Elementary School has received support from
93 individuals from Hawaii and
89 individuals out-of-state.