{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kea'au Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":49.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8824097,"projectId":10109991,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Leveling Up Literacy in 7th Grade. Because of your generosity, our classroom library has become a place where every student can find books that match their interests, reading levels, and personal goals. The new books have already sparked excitement in our classroom, and students are eager to explore stories and topics that truly connect with them. Your kindness has helped create an environment where reading feels inviting, engaging, and meaningful for all learners.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these books goes far beyond simply adding titles to our shelves. Many of my students entered 7th grade with different levels of confidence as readers, and your support has helped them grow tremendously. Some students are challenging themselves with more advanced novels, while others are building fluency and confidence through accessible, high-interest texts. Seeing students recommend books to one another, participate more in discussions, and take pride in finishing a book has been incredibly rewarding. Your donation is helping students see themselves as capable readers and lifelong learners.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, you have shown my students that there are people who believe in them and care about their future. The literacy skills they are developing now will support them throughout high school and beyond, and your generosity has played a direct role in that growth. Thank you for investing in our classroom, encouraging a love of reading, and helping my students discover the joy and power of literacy. Your support has truly made a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1771772994183,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-literacy-in-7th-grade/10109991/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Literacy in 7th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Everitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824097"},{"teacherId":9676360,"projectId":9749775,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, our classroom has undergone a complete shift in energy and productivity. The most immediate change was the \"auditory calm\" that settled over the room once we added the tennis balls to our chair legs and began using the TV speaker. By eliminating the constant screech of moving furniture and ensuring every student can clearly hear instructional videos and announcements, we have created a sanctuary for focus. This is especially vital for my students with sensory sensitivities, who are now able to dedicate their full mental energy to the lesson at hand rather than being distracted by background noise.\r\n\r\nFinally, resources like the laptop case ensure that the technology you've helped provide remains protected and functional for years to come. You haven't just given us \"supplies\"—you have built a frictionless learning environment where the barriers to success have been removed. My students feel seen, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their education, and for that, we are all profoundly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1760488552853,"projectUrl":"project/organization-and-technology-for-my-scien/9749775/","projectTitle":"Organization and Technology for My Science Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9676360"},{"teacherId":2167884,"projectId":10107432,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom. Your\r\nthoughtful contribution of snacks, treasure box toys, and organizational materials is truly\r\nappreciated and will make a meaningful difference for our students.\r\nThe snacks you provided help ensure that students are able to stay focused, energized, and ready\r\nto learn throughout the school day. The treasure box items serve as exciting incentives that\r\nencourage positive behavior, effort, and perseverance. Additionally, the organizational materials will help us create a more structured, efficient, and supportive learning environment where students can thrive. Your generosity directly supports both the academic and social-emotional growth of our students. It also helps us build a classroom environment that is positive, engaging, and responsive to student\r\nneeds. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for investing in our students' success. Thank you\r\nagain for your kindness and commitment to education.","fullyFundedDate":1771649570013,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-world/10107432/","projectTitle":"Exploring the World","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gillis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2167884_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667027959684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2167884"},{"teacherId":8361295,"projectId":9773506,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space where students feel welcomed, capable, and excited to learn. The vibrant hanging décor has turned previously plain walls into a warm, inspiring environment that helps students feel like they belong. For many of my learners, school can feel intimidating, especially when reading and writing are challenging. Walking into a space designed to celebrate their creativity helps lower anxiety and encourages them to take risks with their ideas. One of the most joyful additions has been the instant camera. Students love capturing moments of pride after presenting their work or completing a challenging task. Holding a physical photo of their success gives them a powerful reminder that their effort and growth matter.\r\n\r\nThe Apple TV has also become an important learning tool in our classroom. It allows me to project clear visual supports while students work independently, such as student writing examples, sentence stems, and word banks that help guide them through the writing process. Having these supports visible helps students stay focused and confident as they work, especially those who benefit from seeing language modeled and organized visually. Several students who typically struggle to get started with writing now reference these supports regularly, helping them build independence and feel more successful during our writing activities.","fullyFundedDate":1759544594298,"projectUrl":"project/fan-the-spark-frame-the-story/9773506/","projectTitle":"Fan the Spark, Frame the Story","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361295_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729799159334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361295"},{"teacherId":8361295,"projectId":9158468,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this technology possible for our students. The Apple TV has become a powerful learning bridge in our ELA classroom, especially for students who struggle with decoding and written text. By pairing lessons with videos, virtual tours, and visual storytelling, students are able to access meaning and context without feeling defeated by reading challenges. This technology allows them to fully participate in discussions, build background knowledge, and experience stories in ways that spark curiosity and comprehension.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is how immediate and interactive the experience feels. Lessons come alive on the screen, and suddenly ELA feels less like an obstacle and more like an invitation. The instant camera has also created moments of genuine joy—students light up knowing their hard work might be captured and celebrated. Holding a physical photo of themselves succeeding after a presentation or group activity has been incredibly motivating and affirming for them.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who often feel anxious or disengaged have especially warmed to this technology. Visual learners and students with learning differences now raise their hands more, contribute confidently, and take pride in their progress. One student who rarely speaks during lessons now eagerly participates when videos are involved, while another treasures their photo as proof that they can succeed. Because of your generosity, our classroom has become a place where students feel seen, capable, and empowered—and that impact will stay with them far beyond this year.","fullyFundedDate":1741959509468,"projectUrl":"project/snapshots-of-strength-capturing-and-cel/9158468/","projectTitle":"Snapshots of Strength: Capturing and Celebrating Student Memories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8361295_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729799159334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8361295"},{"teacherId":8824097,"projectId":9780235,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, my students will learn in a classroom designed to meet their unique sensory, academic, and emotional needs. Flexible seating options like floor cushions and lap desks allow students to choose positions that help them feel calm, comfortable, and ready to learn. When students are physically regulated, they are better able to attend to instruction, participate in activities, and build confidence in their abilities—especially during challenging subjects like math.\r\n\r\nThe hands-on math tools, clocks, and timers will make abstract concepts more concrete and accessible. Many of my students struggle with traditional instruction, but manipulatives and visual supports allow them to explore skills such as multiplication and telling time in meaningful, engaging ways. Fidget tools further support self-regulation, helping students manage their energy and focus without disrupting learning. These resources empower students to take ownership of their learning while building critical life skills.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, this project positively impacts students' social and emotional development. Cooperative games using the parachute and sports equipment encourage teamwork, communication, and positive peer interactions in a supportive setting. These experiences help students practice social skills, strengthen motor development, and build relationships. Thanks to your donation, my classroom is a safe, engaging space where every student feels supported, capable, and motivated to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1759554086111,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-small-group-math-environment/9780235/","projectTitle":"Building a Small Group Math Environment for Special Needs Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Everitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824097"},{"teacherId":9821065,"projectId":9778019,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of the iPad mini and protective case. This device has already become an indispensable tool in our daily classroom routine. Our students have been utilizing it to upload their assignments, capture high-quality photos of whiteboard notes, and document significant classroom events. By recording videos of our collaborative projects, they are not only preserving memories but also developing a digital portfolio of their learning journey.\r\n\r\nBeyond its functional uses, this gift has had a profound impact on the emotional well-being and morale of the class. Having access to modern, reliable technology sends a powerful message to my students: it tells them that their education is a priority and that the community is truly invested in their future. When students use a high-quality device like this, they feel cared for and respected, which fosters a much more positive and motivated learning environment.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, this iPad has been a game-changer for differentiation and accessibility. For students who require extra time to process information or struggle with the speed of traditional note-taking, the iPad mini allows them to work at their own pace without feeling left behind. Whether they are snapping a photo of a lesson to review later or using voice-to-text features to complete their work, this technology provides the equity they need to succeed. Thank you for empowering my students and providing them with the resources they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1759458632225,"projectUrl":"project/digital-projects/9778019/","projectTitle":"Digital Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moreau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9821065"},{"teacherId":2863550,"projectId":4500572,"letterContent":"My students are enjoying being able to read while still getting the wiggles out!\r\nOn task time has doubled since I was able to implement these new resourses.\r\n\r\nThe smiles on my students face when they are able to complete their assignments and enjoy their books while being able to move is priceless. \r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials they jumped up and down and screamed with excitement. \r\n\r\nThese resources have been a game changer. Student engagement and test scores are up. \r\n\r\nMy student want to thank you for caring about their learning!","fullyFundedDate":1579644492737,"projectUrl":"project/riding-and-reading-bouncing-and-behaving/4500572/","projectTitle":"Riding and Reading Bouncing and Behaving","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2863550_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538004199513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2863550"},{"teacherId":2167884,"projectId":9165463,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of \"Treasure & Triumph: Rewarding Students with Prizes & Play!\", my students have been more motivated, engaged, and excited to participate in class than ever before. We've been using the prizes and rewards as part of our classroom incentive system, where students earn points for positive behavior, participation, completing assignments, and showing perseverance in math — especially during challenging lessons. One memorable moment was when a student who usually struggles with staying on task worked hard the entire week just to earn a turn at our new prize box — and his face lit up when he got to choose something just for himself. These rewards are helping to build not only motivation, but also self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were thrilled. Many couldn't believe the fun, colorful, and thoughtful items were actually for them. There was so much excitement and gratitude — they felt seen and appreciated. The treasure box has quickly become a beloved part of our classroom culture, and it's reinforcing that effort, responsibility, and kindness are things worth celebrating.\r\n\r\nCurrently, we're diving into multi-step word problems and real-world math applications, which require a lot of focus and stamina. The incentives have been a great way to help students push through moments of frustration and stay engaged. Next, we're moving into a unit on ratios and proportions, and I'm looking forward to continuing to use the reward system to encourage participation and growth. Thank you again for helping create a classroom where effort is celebrated and learning feels exciting!","fullyFundedDate":1742146152663,"projectUrl":"project/treasure-triumph-rewarding-students-w/9165463/","projectTitle":"Treasure & Triumph: Rewarding Students with Prizes & Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gillis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2167884_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667027959684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2167884"},{"teacherId":7814649,"projectId":9157435,"letterContent":"When we received the smoker and all the accessories for \"Grill For Skills 2: Serving Up Success,\" the whole class lit up. I wish you could've seen my students' faces when I wheeled it in for the first time. Some immediately started asking, \"Are we cooking today?\" while others began swapping family stories about BBQs and holiday meals. For a lot of them, this was their first time seeing a professional-grade smoker up close, and you could feel the mix of excitement and curiosity in the air.\r\n\r\nWe wasted no time putting it to use. The smoker has quickly become a centerpiece in our lessons—not just for cooking, but for teaching math, science, and life skills in a way that feels real and hands-on. My students have learned how to season and marinate meats, how to use thermometers and timers, and how to monitor temperatures to get the perfect cook. We've talked about how heat moves through food, how to measure ingredients precisely, and how patience can make all the difference in the final result. The accessories you provided—thermometers, tongs, gloves, pellets—have made it possible for the kids to do everything from start to finish, just like the pros.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on a project that will take everything they've learned and bring it together and smoke some pork that they will butcher, marinate, smoke, take home and store it so it can make multiple meals for them and their families over a long period time. Your generosity has made this possible. This isn't just another classroom project—this is an experience they'll remember for years. They're not just reading about recipes or watching videos—they're living it. They're gaining confidence, building real-world skills, and learning that people outside of our school care about their growth and success. From me and my students: thank you. You didn't just give us a smoker—you gave my students the chance to create, to lead, and to feel proud of what they can do. And I can promise you, the lessons they're learning go far beyond what's on the plate.","fullyFundedDate":1741896865218,"projectUrl":"project/grill-for-skills-2-serving-up-success/9157435/","projectTitle":"Grill For Skills 2: Serving Up Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Marino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7814649_orig.jpg?crop=2298,2298,x574,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701293694642","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7814649"},{"teacherId":9399353,"projectId":9164273,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your generous support of my classroom through DonorsChoose. Your contributions have made a tremendous impact on my students and me, providing resources that enhance their learning experiences every day. Thanks to your kindness, we now have the tools and materials necessary to foster an engaging and supportive learning environment, allowing my students to explore new concepts and grow in ways that would not have been possible without your help. Your generosity has truly made a difference in their educational journey.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their challenges. Your donation plays a vital role in making that happen, and I am incredibly grateful for your belief in the potential of my students. It's because of supporters like you that we can continue to push forward, striving to create a classroom that is inclusive, inspiring, and full of possibility. Thank you again for your incredible generosity—it means the world to us.","fullyFundedDate":1742137940186,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-minds-through-hands-on-stem-e/9164273/","projectTitle":"Empowering Minds through Hands-On STEM Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baji","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9399353_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701499283976","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9399353"},{"teacherId":9676360,"projectId":8894974,"letterContent":"The new laptop charging cart is a powerful addition to the classroom, tackling the common logistical challenge of managing technology and boosting instructional efficiency. It provides a secure, centralized location for every student to both store and charge their individual Chromebook. This eliminates the daily scramble for outlets and the distraction of low batteries. The cart ensures a fully charged class set of devices is ready to use at the start of every lesson, maximizing instructional time and guaranteeing equitable access for all students, allowing them to instantly engage with digital learning resources, curriculum, and projects without technical delays.","fullyFundedDate":1729559718741,"projectUrl":"project/science-and-technology/8894974/","projectTitle":"Science and Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9676360"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50772","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":696,"numTeachers":51,"percentFrplEligible":73,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":28,"percentMultiracialImputed":16,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":50.7,"schoolId":50772,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kea'au Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kea'au Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kea-au-middle-school/50772"}
Join the 223 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kea'au Middle School is
a rural public school
in Keaau, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 696 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.6:1.
Its teachers have had 225 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades 6 - 8
696 Students
51 Teachers
16-565 Keaau Pahoa RdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
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
41%
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 Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 21, 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 Middle School
$169,731
raised using DonorsChoose
225
projects
funded
46
teachers
funded
223
donors
15
projects
for
basic supplies
33
projects for
technology
23
projects for
books
29
projects
for
art supplies
Kea'au Middle School has received support from
113 individuals from Hawaii and
110 individuals out-of-state.