{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kahakai Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10439603,"projectId":10113494,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding my project, \"Bites for Brighter Days.\" The moment the boxes arrived, my counseling office was instantly transformed. As a school counselor, my primary goal is to build a safe, warm, and inviting space where students feel comfortable opening up and seeking support. Having these snacks on hand has been a complete game-changer—it breaks down initial walls, turns hesitation into comfort, and invites kids into a space where they know they are always welcome.\r\n\r\nBeyond making my office a popular destination, your kindness directly addresses a critical need in our school community. Many of our students navigate the reality of poverty and come to school without reliable access to snacks or meals. Hunger is a massive barrier to both emotional regulation and academic success. Being able to offer a child a snack when they are hungry gives them the physical nourishment they need to focus, while also letting them know that their well-being is valued and cared for.\r\n\r\nThere is truly nothing like food to bring people together. Sitting down over a simple snack opens up natural conversations that might otherwise never happen, helping me build strong, trusting relationships with students who need support the most. You didn't just donate snacks—you provided comfort, relief, and connection to children who truly need it every single day. Thank you for making these brighter days possible.","fullyFundedDate":1778061134343,"projectUrl":"project/bites-for-brighter-days/10113494/","projectTitle":"Bites for Brighter Days","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vaughan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10439603"},{"teacherId":8363136,"projectId":10114873,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Your support has brought essential learning tools and excitement into our classroom this school year.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the boxes arrive, the room filled with immediate gasps and cheers. They eagerly gathered around to see what was inside. Seeing brand-new pens, pencils, and colorful air clay made them feel deeply valued and supported by community members like you. The incentive prizes sparked an instant buzz of motivation across the entire room.\r\nWe are already putting these resources to great use daily. The pencils and pens ensure that every single student starts their assignments with confidence, never needing to worry about missing basic supplies. Recently, we used the air clay for a hands-on modeling project where students sculpted figures to represent key concepts from our lessons. One of the most memorable moments was watching a student who usually struggles to stay focused become completely absorbed in shaping their clay model, proudly demonstrating their understanding to the rest of the class.\r\nThe momentum from your gift continues to drive our daily learning. Our next step is to use these creative materials to wrap up our current unit with student-led presentations. The incentive prizes will be awarded to celebrate their hard work, growth, and teamwork throughout this project. Your contribution did more than just buy supplies; it created a vibrant, motivated environment where my students are excited to learn every day.Thank you for being such an impactful part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1778061133193,"projectUrl":"project/bring-our-learning-to-life/10114873/","projectTitle":"Bring Our Learning to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wikum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8363136"},{"teacherId":3305187,"projectId":10105774,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. With the books we were able to purchase, we were able to update our student library with new and exciting titles. Students were able to choose a book based on their preferences which allowed for more engagement in nightly reading. This caused so much reading growth in our class this year! As a class we were able to increase our lexiles by an average of 1.5 years! \r\nBesides the amazing books, the snacks that were purchased because of your donation helped our classroom tremendously. Students were able to choose a snack daily and it helped students to focus since their tummies were full. Again, thank you for everything!","fullyFundedDate":1771610283393,"projectUrl":"project/reigniting-learning-for-quarter-4/10105774/","projectTitle":"Reigniting Learning for Quarter 4","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeGuair","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3305187_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628071796192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3305187"},{"teacherId":9814301,"projectId":10110134,"letterContent":"The Gardening Program at Kahakai Elementary School has made a significant positive impact on students by providing meaningful hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to the real world. Through planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting, students actively engage in learning while developing important life skills.\r\n\r\nThe garden serves as an outdoor classroom where students apply concepts from science, mathematics, and language arts. Students observe plant life cycles, investigate ecosystems, collect data on plant growth, and record their findings. These activities help make learning more engaging, relevant, and memorable.\r\n\r\nThe program has also increased students' awareness of environmental stewardship. By caring for plants and learning about sustainable gardening practices, students gain a greater appreciation for nature and understand the importance of protecting the environment. They develop responsibility, patience, and a sense of ownership as they contribute to maintaining the garden.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the gardening program promotes healthy living by introducing students to fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Students learn where food comes from and the importance of making nutritious food choices. Many become more interested in trying healthy foods and developing positive eating habits.\r\n\r\nThe program also supports students' social and emotional growth. Working together in the garden encourages teamwork, cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. Students learn to share responsibilities, support one another, and take pride in their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nOverall, the Gardening Program at Kahakai Elementary School has enriched student learning, fostered environmental responsibility, encouraged healthy lifestyles, and strengthened collaboration among students. It continues to be a valuable educational resource that nurtures academic achievement, personal growth, and a stronger connection to the natural world.","fullyFundedDate":1771790631944,"projectUrl":"project/sowing-seeds-of-resilience-the-garden-r/10110134/","projectTitle":"Sowing Seeds of Resilience: the Garden Resurrection Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Advincula","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9814301_orig.jpg?crop=2556,2556,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729748684415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814301"},{"teacherId":2109517,"projectId":10103782,"letterContent":"The Fueling Futures project has provided a foundational layer of support for my fourth-grade students by addressing their most basic needs first. By establishing our classroom \"Fuel Station,\" your generosity ensures that students facing food insecurity or long gaps between meals no longer have to struggle with the fatigue and frustration caused by hunger. When these physical distractions are removed, my students gain the mental bandwidth necessary to self-regulate and maintain focus during our most demanding reading passages and math lessons. It is incredible to see how a simple snack can transform a student's ability to engage with complex ideas.\r\n\r\nIn addition to physical nourishment, this project introduces high-interest sensory and academic tools that turn \"small wins into big victories.\" The inclusion of items like STEM Kits, electronic math games, and classic favorites like Mastermind and UNO provides the tangible motivation our unique learners often require. These resources act as powerful incentives for attendance and participation, helping us bridge the gap between academic challenges and student joy through play-based learning and interactive rewards.\r\n\r\nBeyond the classroom walls, your donation fosters social-emotional growth and physical well-being through inclusive outdoor activities. With equipment like the croquet set and soft bat and ball sets, my students now have the opportunity to practice motor skills and social cooperation in a structured, fun environment. Ultimately, this comprehensive support system—ranging from healthy snacks to science kits—ensures that every child in my diverse classroom feels seen, supported, and fully equipped to succeed. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1771733384487,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-futures/10103782/","projectTitle":"Fueling Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2109517_orig.jpg?crop=570,570,x42,y36&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596786791253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2109517"},{"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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_49905","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":494,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":56,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":34,"percentMultiracialImputed":17,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":50.5,"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"}