{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kealakehe Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":56.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8974206,"projectId":7962532,"letterContent":"Items were left to Kealakehe to finish this project. They have a thriving preschool program that needs a shaded area over their playground.\r\n\r\nIn order for them to finish this project they need an acceptance to install and to hire installers.\r\n\r\nI have since moved to a new school, but all the supplies needed to complete this project was left in good hands of the remaining preschool staff with leads of installation.\r\n\r\nThank you for those who wanted to see this project come into fruition. I have hope that this will be carried out by the caring staff at Kealakehe Elementary.","fullyFundedDate":1698194878628,"projectUrl":"project/sail-for-shade-frame/7962532/","projectTitle":"Sail for Shade Frame","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Diaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8974206_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756858680641","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/prek-ms-diaz"},{"teacherId":9816326,"projectId":10103631,"letterContent":"I just want to say thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your donation of STEM materials and snacks has truly made a difference in ways that are hard to fully put into words.\r\n\r\nA lot of people are used to seeing technology at home, but in our classroom these STEM tools are helping students learn in a much more hands on and meaningful way. Instead of just listening or reading, they are building, exploring, and figuring things out together. It has really helped them think more deeply, ask more questions, and feel more confident trying new things.\r\n\r\nWhat has been the most exciting is seeing how engaged the students are. They are genuinely excited to use the new materials and are always asking when they can do another activity. It has brought a new energy into the classroom that you can feel right away. The snacks have also been such a big help. They keep students focused and ready to learn, especially on days when they might otherwise feel tired or distracted.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter students have really surprised me. Students who usually hold back are now jumping in, sharing ideas, and taking the lead during activities. It has given them a chance to shine in a different way and build confidence in themselves. Seeing that growth has been one of the most rewarding parts.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and generosity. You are making a real impact on my students every single day, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1771599190773,"projectUrl":"project/powering-future-innovators-through-hands/10103631/","projectTitle":"Powering Future Innovators Through Hands-On STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Natalie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816326"},{"teacherId":8364570,"projectId":10104291,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping feed my students. A lot of them come to school without having eaten or any snacks. It really makes a difference. When students initial needs are met they are ready to learn and do their work. \r\n When my kiddos saw all of the boxes of snacks come in they were so excited. They know that they can ask and that their tummies will be full. It helps them to be focused and on task.\r\n I don't know what I would do without the help of donors choose. I would not be able to buy enough out of my own pocket. This platform is truly a blessing.","fullyFundedDate":1771497249957,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-safe-and-motivating-environme/10104291/","projectTitle":"Creating a Safe and Motivating Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oshita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8364570"},{"teacherId":7928001,"projectId":10106143,"letterContent":"The updated seating provides greater comfort and support, allowing students to focus more effectively on their work. With improved posture and the ability to sit comfortably for longer periods, students are less distracted and more engaged during lessons. My taller students no longer have to sit sideways because we previously had large chairs that did not allow their legs to fit under the desks. Additionally, the fresh design has created a sense of excitement and pride in the classroom environment. I've gotten many compliments from other teachers on the new chairs! Even small changes like these can boost morale, encourage participation, and support better learning outcomes. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1771639372663,"projectUrl":"project/seats-of-success/10106143/","projectTitle":"Seats of Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tanaka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7928001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728536700181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7928001"},{"teacherId":7928001,"projectId":10079875,"letterContent":"The new colorful and sturdy stools offer students a flexible seating option. Unlike traditional chairs or the spinning stools we previously had, these stools allow for stable seating, which helps students stay focused instead of spinning around. From the moment they were introduced, students were eager to try them. This sense of choice has fostered a feeling of ownership in the classroom, encouraging students to take greater responsibility for their learning. They also take very good care of the stools, at the end of the day, they stack them nicely on the table and in the morning, they are placing them gently on the floor. My students were so excited to get new items for the classroom.\r\n\r\nA small snack for students who haven't eaten breakfast or who are still hungry helped them maintain their energy levels and improve concentration. Often, students who have earned a reward will choose a snack instead of a small toy item. Thank you for helping our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1770264380570,"projectUrl":"project/seating-and-snacks-for-a-calm-class/10079875/","projectTitle":"Seating and Snacks for a Calm Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tanaka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7928001_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728536700181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7928001"},{"teacherId":8974916,"projectId":10107162,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. We are so exited to complete the craft projects when the holidays come. We are also overjoyed to have the students give these amazing gifts to their families. They will be so proud to share their artistic abilities with their families. \r\n\r\nThe different prizes we purchased had been so amazing. The kids love being able to choose a prizes for various achievements like extra reading, completing homework, and birthdays! We love to use the disco lights to have incentive parties they earn as well! We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1771773237838,"projectUrl":"project/make-school-fun-and-inviting/10107162/","projectTitle":"Make School Fun and Inviting!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Franquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974916"},{"teacherId":7824556,"projectId":10103759,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my students and my classroom! This project has provided us with new supplies to be able to update our campus with student centered murals. This includes beautification projects such as repainting student staircases, including movement paths around campus, and painting murals inside grade level buildings. Grade level standards will be embedded in this project, with multiplication staircases be painted on 3rd grade walkways. Thank you so much for your kokua and support for our school!","fullyFundedDate":1771520346307,"projectUrl":"project/brushes-and-books/10103759/","projectTitle":"Brushes and Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nuzum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7824556_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741910518879","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7824556"},{"teacherId":9654586,"projectId":10104633,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made an incredible impact on our classroom, and I am so grateful for your support in funding this project. Because of you, my students now have a meaningful and exciting incentive that encourages them to work hard toward their reading, math, and behavior goals. Having a reward that students can work toward helps build motivation, perseverance, and pride in their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nThe Nintendo Switch, games, and extra controllers are already helping create a positive classroom culture where effort and growth are celebrated. Students are eager to meet their goals, knowing that their hard work can earn them time to enjoy a fun activity with their classmates. The additional controllers allow multiple students to participate together, turning the reward into a shared experience that encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, and connection.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their success. Your support helps reinforce the idea that hard work matters and that their efforts are recognized. This project will continue to motivate and inspire my students throughout the year, and we are truly grateful for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1771512924988,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-for-growth-motivating-academic/10104633/","projectTitle":"Game on for Growth: Motivating Academic Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Borkowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654586"},{"teacherId":9654586,"projectId":9758025,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom by helping provide water bottles for my students. Your generosity is already making a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment. Many of my students come to school without a reliable way to stay hydrated throughout the day, and something as simple as having their own water bottle removes a barrier that can affect their comfort and focus. With their bottles at their desks, students can take quick sips of water when they need to and stay engaged in lessons instead of becoming distracted by thirst or needing to leave the room.\r\n\r\nThis project is also helping us build healthy habits that will last beyond the classroom. We've been talking about how hydration helps our bodies and brains function better—supporting concentration, energy, and overall well-being. Having their own bottles encourages students to drink water regularly and take responsibility for caring for something that belongs to them.\r\n\r\nThe stickers that came with the bottles added a special layer of excitement and ownership. Students loved personalizing their bottles and making them uniquely theirs. It turned a simple classroom supply into something they feel proud of and connected to. Thank you for investing in our students' health, focus, and sense of belonging. Your kindness is felt every day in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765835849238,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-station/9758025/","projectTitle":"Hydration Station!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Borkowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654586"},{"teacherId":9654586,"projectId":9947657,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support of our classroom. Your kindness is making a real difference in the lives of my fourth graders. Many of my students come from low-income housing where access to healthy snack options is limited, and your donation helps ensure they have nourishing choices available during the school day. Knowing that people care enough to invest in their well-being means so much to them and to me as their teacher.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students will be able to enjoy healthier snacks like protein bars, fruit-based snacks, nuts, and other options made with better ingredients. These snacks will help keep them energized, focused, and ready to learn throughout the day. Just as importantly, they will begin to see examples of how the foods we choose can positively affect how our bodies feel and how our brains function.\r\n\r\nYour generosity does more than provide snacks—it shows my students that there are people who believe in them and want them to succeed. Thank you for helping create a classroom environment where students feel supported, cared for, and ready to learn. I am deeply grateful for your contribution and for the impact you are making in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1766067691824,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-over-handy-snacks-that-support/9947657/","projectTitle":"Healthy Over Handy: Snacks That Support Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Borkowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654586"},{"teacherId":6689681,"projectId":9610707,"letterContent":"Our students were able to enjoy their garden. We had many things growing like butterfly peas, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, squash, watermelon, marigolds, carrots, lavendar, papaya, song of india, crown flower, butterfly flowers, sunflowers...so many things! Your donation supported this both in our garden and also in container gardens outside classrooms. \r\n\r\nWatering cans have been used by neighboring classes to keep plants alive. Thank you so much for your donation!\r\n\r\nWe appreciate you and your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1765322536761,"projectUrl":"project/sun-soil-and-water-watch-our-garden/9610707/","projectTitle":"Sun, Soil, and Water - Watch Our Garden Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hanato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6689681_orig.png?crop=309,309,x0,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645484847493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joyhanato"},{"teacherId":10323831,"projectId":9904922,"letterContent":"The additions to the classroom have helped me facilitate positive reinforcement and therefor encouraged learning... THANK YOU. The donations of the bean bags and Wild Robot books are just some of the items donated. I decided to showcase these items because they have truly impacted the students. Everybody LOVED the first Wild Robot so giving them all a copy for Christmas before the winter break was a a true treat. The bean bags have been a mini battle. Everybody wants to sit on a bean bag. However, because they are in demand the ones that deserve it get first priority. This has proven to be a good motivator for everyone to do well in class. \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the material, they were ecstatic. A helper of the school brought in large boxes addressed to F-20 right around Christmas time. It felt like Santa came early. The joy and excitement was obvious. I made sure to make them realize that there are other people outside of the classrooms that care.","fullyFundedDate":1763570495724,"projectUrl":"project/the-inclusive-experience/9904922/","projectTitle":"The Inclusive Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Unger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10323831"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50773","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":924,"numTeachers":61,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":43.9,"schoolId":50773,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kealakehe Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kealakehe Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kealakehe-elementary-school/50773"}
Join the 827 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kealakehe Elementary School is
a town public school
in Kailua Kona, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 924 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.1:1.
Its teachers have had 767 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
26%
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.
Kealakehe Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 8, 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.
Kealakehe Elementary School
$520,025
raised using DonorsChoose
767
projects
funded
138
teachers
funded
827
donors
57
projects
for
basic supplies
87
projects for
technology
107
projects for
books
39
projects
for
art supplies
Kealakehe Elementary School has received support from
363 individuals from Hawaii and
464 individuals out-of-state.