{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kea'au Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5955979,"projectId":9776533,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for the fidgets, slime, and sensory stickers! My students were beyond excited to get their hands on these, and to be honest, they were a much bigger hit than the usual schoolwide rewards. Seeing their faces light up when they earned a new chair band or a container of slime was such a highlight. Because they were so genuinely \"hyped\" about these specific items, I saw a huge boost in their motivation to stay on task and follow our classroom goals. It really made a difference to have rewards that they actually care about and look forward to using.\r\n\r\nBeyond just being fun, these tools have been a total lifesaver for our classroom focus. The chair bands and sensory stickers are especially great because they let the kids get that extra energy out in a way that's \"stealthy\" and quiet. They can wiggle their feet or touch a textured sticker right at their desks without distracting their neighbors or interrupting the lesson. It's been so helpful to give them a way to self-soothe and stay calm while still keeping their brains locked into what we're learning. Thank you for helping me create a space where my students can move, focus, and feel successful!","fullyFundedDate":1759447311899,"projectUrl":"project/positive-responsive-and-flexible-suppor/9776533/","projectTitle":"Positive, Responsive and Flexible Supports to Ensure Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nishitomi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5955979_orig.png?crop=882,882,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755139167902","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nishuponastar"},{"teacherId":6679072,"projectId":9781348,"letterContent":"Thank You for Our Cuddly Reading Friends!\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generous donation of cuddly reading companions for our Pre-K classroom!\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students now have special \"reading buddies\" to hold, hug, and share stories with during literacy time. These soft friends have quickly become an important part of our classroom — helping children feel comfortable, calm, and excited to engage with books.\r\n\r\nFor many of our young learners, reading can feel new or even a little intimidating. Having a cuddly friend by their side makes story time feel safe, fun, and inviting. These companions encourage:\r\n\r\nA love for reading\r\n\r\nIncreased confidence during quiet reading time\r\n\r\nEmotional comfort and connection\r\n\r\nPositive associations with books and storytelling\r\n\r\nIt's amazing to see how something as simple as a soft friend can make such a meaningful difference. Students are more eager to sit with a book, listen to stories, and even \"read\" to their new buddies.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a warm and nurturing literacy environment. Your kindness is supporting not only early reading skills, but also the emotional well-being of our young learners.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\nOur Pre-K Classroom 💛","fullyFundedDate":1759590460815,"projectUrl":"project/cuddly-reading-buddies-to-promote-litera/9781348/","projectTitle":"Cuddly Reading Buddies to Promote Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Close","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6679072_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647543251372","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6679072"},{"teacherId":8825666,"projectId":9776470,"letterContent":"A heart-felt thank you for funding a work table so that we have an area for small group meetings. This \"bean-shaped\" table lends well for students to focus on the teacher during instruction as well as allows for easy-access for the teacher to distribute materials or point at a student's worksheet or book during redirection. It can comfortably sit 5-6 students at a time. \r\nThis table also has served us more than just during teacher-led, small group instruction. We have also used it for holiday arts and crafts stations as well as reading or math centers that students are able to independently access during their free time.","fullyFundedDate":1759453190886,"projectUrl":"project/lets-meet/9776470/","projectTitle":"Let's Meet!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera-Hiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8825666"},{"teacherId":10294688,"projectId":9777979,"letterContent":"Mahalo for giving my class this wonderful opportunity to feed their bellies at recess when many are unable to bring their own snacks. Many of the items were used as a positive reward system within our class. When students finish their iReady lessons with 80% or more they receive a sticker and fill up their chart. When their chart is filled up, they get to pick a prize from our Prize Boxes. I also use the Ziplock bags for many holidays when students pass out their gifts to one another like Christmas, Valentines Day ect.","fullyFundedDate":1759494891667,"projectUrl":"project/fantastic-firsties/9777979/","projectTitle":"Fantastic Firsties!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Onaga","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294688"},{"teacherId":10068168,"projectId":9871442,"letterContent":"Thank you all so much for your generous donations to my classroom! My students are beyond excited for their new books and snacks. \r\n\r\nOne series that they have grown to love is called \"Who Would Win\". They get to learn really interesting facts about animals that they may have never seen before in person. They are always so excited to read which new and fascinating animal will win. During independent reading time, they love to choose a new book and then talk about them later with their friends. This fosters a collaborative environment and ways to connect with other classmates! \r\n\r\nAdditionally, thank you for all the yummy snacks and goodies! Our classroom snack area is finally all filled up and ready for students to fill up during recess. Having these snacks helps them to stay energized, attentive and ready to learn throughout the day! Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated and we are so thankful!","fullyFundedDate":1763593383667,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-build-our-classroom-book-stash/9871442/","projectTitle":"Help Us Build Our Classroom Book Stash","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaneshiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10068168"},{"teacherId":9804088,"projectId":9777901,"letterContent":"Your generous support has transformed our school culture by providing the tangible rewards necessary to fuel our positive behavioral interventions, and supports initiative. In our school, we focus on catching students being good whether that is showing kindness to a peer, staying focused during a difficult math lesson or demonstrating leadership in the hallways. By using the snacks and toys you funded as immediate incentives, I have seen a remarkable shift in engagement. These aren't just treats. They are symbols of achievement that helped my elementary students connect their hard work with positive outcomes, turning our daily goals into a shared celebratory experience. The reaction from the students has been nothing short of magical. There is a palpable sense of excitement every time a student earns a choice from our reward cart. I've watched students who previously struggled with self regulation, become some of our most consistent role models, motivated by the pride of earning a favorite snack or a new fidget toy. One student recently told me that having these rewards make them feel like they're hard work is finally being seen. This boost in morale has created a warmer more supportive environment, where students are eager to show up, do their best and cheer each other on. Looking ahead, these resources are helping us build a foundation of intrinsic motivation. As we continue through the school year, our next steps involve using these incentives to hit even larger milestones, such as whole class goals, and collaborative projects. By reinforcing these positive habits now, we are teaching our students that consistency and character lead to success- lessons that will follow them long after they leave the school. Thank you for investing in their growth and for making our school a place where every child feels motivated to shine.","fullyFundedDate":1759541525358,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-futures-snacks-smiles-succes/9777901/","projectTitle":"Fueling Futures: Snacks, Smiles & Success for Happy Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9804088_orig.jpg?crop=703,703,x0,y103&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728937272453","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9804088"},{"teacherId":8821083,"projectId":9776626,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our class. The students love the new supplies that have arrived. They have been using their expo markers every day. They are enjoying being able to all do work on their individual white boards rather than watching one student do it on the board in the front of room. \r\nStudents get to be more imaginative using their new building blocks and magnetic connectors as they work together during free play or indoor recess. \r\nThe students get to use their new learning tools everyday. They help keep the students engaged and eager to learn. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1759607307005,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-fun/9776626/","projectTitle":"Learning Is Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821083"},{"teacherId":9811812,"projectId":9774497,"letterContent":"Your generous donations has been an academic and health blessing to my students. My students all have different home lives that we as teachers do not entirely know about. We can only assume based on either the stories students tell us or their actions at school. Thie purpose of this project was based on assumption through observation when it came to noticing the students who would not go to their school bags to pull out a recess home snack. \r\nWith your donations of school snacks, I was able to make a \"snack station\" that my students can visit before heading out to recess. Everyday my students look forward to seeing what variety of snacks the station has to offer which gives them the comfort in knowjng that they have snacks waiting fornthem to refuel their brain before returing to class.","fullyFundedDate":1759454884089,"projectUrl":"project/less-worries-brings-more-learning/9774497/","projectTitle":"Less Worries Brings More Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tanya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811812"},{"teacherId":9654577,"projectId":9703087,"letterContent":"Your generous support has completely transformed the sensory environment of our classroom. Before these materials arrived, the constant sound of chairs dragging across the tile floor was a significant source of distraction and daily stress. The addition of tennis balls for the chair feet has been an absolute lifesaver; the volume level in the room has dropped significantly, creating a much calmer, more focused atmosphere. It has truly helped maintain my \"teacher sanity\" while allowing the students to work without the jarring noise of shifting furniture.\r\n\r\nThe impact on student engagement has been equally profound. My students are absolutely in love with the chair fidgets, specifically the bands and rocking feet. These tools provide a productive outlet for their energy, helping them stay regulated and in their seats during lessons. Additionally, something as simple as the pencil topper erasers has become a cherished resource. It is heartwarming to see how much they value these erasers, taking care of them and using them until they are completely worn down.\r\n\r\nThank you for recognizing that the \"little things\" often make the biggest difference in a learning environment. These items haven't just equipped my classroom; they've improved our collective well-being and created a space where students feel supported and focused. We are so grateful for your generosity and for helping us create a quieter, more productive place to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1757804829131,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-minds-and-wiggling-feet/9703087/","projectTitle":"Quiet Minds and Wiggling Feet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shiraishi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654577"},{"teacherId":7475934,"projectId":9773181,"letterContent":"Puzzle Club has been a huge hit this year! Students have been working both independently and collaboratively. The 100 piece puzzles are great for solo runs and beginning teams. The 200 piece puzzles have been great for students wanting an extra challenge. The 500 piece puzzles students have chosen to work on together over several sessions developing patience and stamina. We have been able to have several puzzle \"races\" as a result of this project. The Snoopy race was nearly a photo finish. Not all students like the competition, so students may choose to time how long it takes them to complete a puzzle or just puzzle casually.\r\nBefore Winter Break our club completed a 1000 piece puzzle working together in one after school block! Mahalo for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1759234386940,"projectUrl":"project/building-stem-skills-through-puzzling/9773181/","projectTitle":"Building STEM Skills Through Puzzling","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7475934_orig.jpg?crop=319,319,x44,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598256912128","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7475934"},{"teacherId":7941545,"projectId":9772439,"letterContent":"The donations provided have had a profound impact on our students' commitment to regular attendance. With the additional resources provided, we've been able to offer incentives that inspire our students to prioritize their education and attend school consistently. These incentives not only reward good attendance but also create a positive and supportive atmosphere within the school community. As a result, students are more motivated to engage in their learning, participate actively in classroom activities, and build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers. The donations have not only provided tangible rewards but have also instilled a sense of value and importance in each student's education, setting them on a path towards greater academic success and personal growth. We are immensely grateful for the impact your generosity has had on our students' educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1759195450424,"projectUrl":"project/attend-today-achieve-tomorrow/9772439/","projectTitle":"Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaohi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7941545_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659919593836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941545"},{"teacherId":8357466,"projectId":9774379,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation to our class. The students were so excited to see the incentives for positive behavior that were added to our classroom treasure chest. These items are earned daily and help keep students motivated, both academically and behaviorally. We were also fortunate to grow and share our bok choy plants with our families right before Christmas. The students monitored their plants throughout the months prior and we so proud to be able to take them home. Your donation helped make great memories in our classroom this year and we are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1759427049908,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-for-learning/9774379/","projectTitle":"Rewards for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bencomo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8357466"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_67776","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":829,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":61.5,"schoolId":67776,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kea'au Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kea'au Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kea-au-elementary-school/67776"}
Join the 231 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kea'au Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Keaau, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 829 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.3:1.
Its teachers have had 344 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
42%
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.
Kea'au Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 19, 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.
Kea'au Elementary School
$247,476
raised using DonorsChoose
344
projects
funded
74
teachers
funded
231
donors
30
projects
for
basic supplies
26
projects for
technology
35
projects for
books
28
projects
for
art supplies
Kea'au Elementary School has received support from
142 individuals from Hawaii and
89 individuals out-of-state.