{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kea'au Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":49.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9804250,"projectId":9166393,"letterContent":"Team Waiholu teachers and students sincerely appreciate your donation of our Cricut Joy Xtra, Cricut Heat Press, vinyl and T-shirts. Due to the latency of receiving our resources, this year, we were only able to use them to create customized T-shirts as rewards for our O'opu of the Year recipients. In the future, we will be rewarding our O'opu of the Month recipients with customized Tshirts as well.\r\n\r\nThe mascot for Team Waiholu is the o'opu (goby) fish. When their spawning instincts are triggered, the o'opu begin their arduous journey from the ocean, ascending to elevations as high as 1200 feet above sea level. Like our students navigating through middle school, the o'opu encounter many obstacles on this difficult journey and is therefore a symbol of perseverance. O'opu of the Month/Year recipients are selected based on their ability to \"persevere with resilience, courage and a strong spirit,\" the motto of Team Waiholu.\r\n\r\nOur recipients were excited to be able to choose their vinyl color (gold or silver glitter or metallic) and have a custom T-shirt created with the title of \"O'opu of the Year\". Each student expressed pride in being able to wear their T-shirt to school or in public. They also shared that their parents were proud of them as well.\r\n\r\nIt's donors like you who help make a positive impact on our youth. Thank you for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1742137077612,"projectUrl":"project/team-waiholu-pride/9166393/","projectTitle":"Team Waiholu Pride","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeKemper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kdekemperkms"},{"teacherId":7938548,"projectId":9163685,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to play games together in my classroom. 6th grade is a special time when they're in the middle school- sometimes making friends and fitting in is a challenge for some students. By giving them an activity to do like playing Nintendo switch games have allowed them socialize with other another over something that they enjoy. Not all students enjoy playing outdoors. Not all students feel like sitting on benches outside of class and hanging out with friends. My classroom provides a safe place for students who want to be active yet want to be indoors. \r\n\r\nI have seen students who would not normally interact with one another, play Nintendo games. I have seen shy students make friends because another student shared the controller or invited them to play on their team for another game. It is heartwarming to see and hear kids cheer on one another. Nintendo Switch games have played a significant role in helping these middle schoolers make friends. We are grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1742048640607,"projectUrl":"project/game-changing-gifts-nintendo-switch-gam/9163685/","projectTitle":"Game-Changing Gifts: Nintendo Switch Games for Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Torricer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7938548_orig.jpg?crop=871,871,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627944119293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938548"},{"teacherId":211329,"projectId":8883409,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Honors Art students! The have enjoyed using the erasers and have found them to help their creative work. \r\nIt is the first time that many of them have had a chance to use state of the art supplies and they are all hoping for the chance to use them at home!\r\nMost of my students in middle school are not going to have an art class, except for the Honor Society until high school. It is important to me to keep them interested in art and support their work during the time they are in 7th and 8th grade with an honors program! Than","fullyFundedDate":1729304136874,"projectUrl":"project/national-junior-art-honor-society-suppli/8883409/","projectTitle":"National Junior Art Honor Society Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Medrano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp211329_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1521854571166","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/211329"},{"teacherId":2863550,"projectId":8773836,"letterContent":"The Seeds: The class was so excited to be able to create a habitat for Monarch butterflies. They are experimenting and taking data on how and why some seeds need to be stratified. \r\n\r\nThe Garden Hose Roller: After struggling with kinked and tangled hoses, my students are now able to quickly uncoil and recoil the hoses so they can quickly water the seedlings. One student said, \"Now it looks like a real garden.\"\r\n\r\nMy students are very excited to be able to increase the Monarch butterfly population in our school garden.","fullyFundedDate":1730749104938,"projectUrl":"project/raising-and-releasing/8773836/","projectTitle":"Raising and Releasing","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"}],"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","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":50.5,"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"}