{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kealakehe Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":56.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9823958,"projectId":10110779,"letterContent":"I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of math supplies to support the development of our Thinking Classroom. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in how I am able to teach and how my students engage with learning each day.\r\n\r\nWith these new materials, I can create a more interactive and collaborative environment where students actively explore mathematical ideas. The supplies allow for hands-on problem-solving, group work, and visible thinking strategies that are central to building Thinking Classroom.\r\n\r\nAs a result, I have already seen a positive impact on student learning. Students are more engaged, more willing to take risks, and more confident in sharing their reasoning. They are developing stronger critical thinking and communication skills, and they are beginning to see math as something they can actively make sense of, rather than something to memorize.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping to shape a classroom culture where curiosity, persistence, and deep understanding can thrive. I truly appreciate your investment in my students and their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support.","fullyFundedDate":1771772619949,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-math-success-with-base-ten-ma/10110779/","projectTitle":"Supporting Math Success with Base Ten Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bukan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9823958"},{"teacherId":1951482,"projectId":9772854,"letterContent":"Thank you for transforming our classroom into a high-functioning learning hub! In our school, technology isn't just for games; the Logitech MX keyboard and Brio webcam allow students to master digital literacy.\r\n\r\nThe students are most excited about the JBL noise-cancelling headphones and the swivel chair, which have turned our \"calm-down corner\" into a professional-grade focus station. My students with sensory sensitivities have especially warmed to this tech—the headphones provide a quiet sanctuary that allows them to focus on lessons without being overwhelmed by classroom noise.\r\n\r\nFinally, the healthy snacks ensure that no student tries to learn on an empty stomach. Your generosity has provided the tools, the comfort, and the fuel my students need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1759377202851,"projectUrl":"project/collaboration-and-well-being-made-easy/9772854/","projectTitle":"Collaboration and Well Being Made Easy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stratton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1951482_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627603410264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cstratton"},{"teacherId":1951482,"projectId":10105447,"letterContent":"Thank you for transforming our classroom into a high-functioning learning hub! In our school, technology isn't just for games; the Logitech MX keyboard and Brio webcam allow students to master digital literacy.\r\n\r\nThe students are most excited about the JBL noise-cancelling headphones and the swivel chair, which have turned our \"calm-down corner\" into a professional-grade focus station. My students with sensory sensitivities have especially warmed to this tech—the headphones provide a quiet sanctuary that allows them to focus on lessons without being overwhelmed by classroom noise.\r\n\r\nFinally, the healthy snacks ensure that no student tries to learn on an empty stomach. Your generosity has provided the tools, the comfort, and the fuel my students need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1771612224289,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-and-tools-to-engage-students/10105447/","projectTitle":"Fuel and Tools to Engage Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stratton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1951482_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627603410264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cstratton"},{"teacherId":4483605,"projectId":9773357,"letterContent":"Your support has helped create a classroom environment where students feel supported, focused, and ready to learn. The addition of healthy snacks has made an immediate impact, ensuring that students have the energy they need to stay engaged throughout the day. When basic needs are met, students are better able to concentrate, participate, and take full advantage of learning opportunities. The organizational supplies have also helped keep our classroom running smoothly, allowing students to access materials easily and stay on task.\r\n\r\nThese resources have also strengthened my ability to support students at a high level. With a more comfortable and efficient workspace, I am able to spend more time planning engaging lessons, providing meaningful feedback, and working directly with students. The plant light has added an exciting, hands-on element to our learning, giving students the opportunity to explore science concepts in a real and engaging way. This project has helped create a classroom that supports both academic growth and student well-being. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759416825995,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-tools-and-snacks-for-a-th/9773357/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus: Tools and Snacks for a Thriving Classroom","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":9152179,"letterContent":"Your support has allowed me to take a major step forward in creating a more personalized learning experience for my students. With the ability to produce clear, high-quality instructional videos, I can now meet students at their individual levels and give them access to lessons anytime they need them. This has been especially impactful for students who need extra time or repetition, as they can revisit content and build confidence at their own pace. The flipped classroom approach has shifted more of our class time toward practice, discussion, and targeted support.\r\n\r\nThe additional materials have strengthened this shift by giving students meaningful ways to apply what they learn. The social studies workbooks and whiteboards have increased engagement during both independent and group work, while also allowing me to quickly check for understanding and adjust instruction. I've seen students become more independent, more willing to take risks, and more engaged in their learning. This project has helped create a more flexible, student-centered classroom where all learners have the opportunity to succeed. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1741662996826,"projectUrl":"project/flipped-for-the-win/9152179/","projectTitle":"Flipped for the Win","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":8878946,"letterContent":"Your support has helped create a more balanced and focused learning environment for my students. The combination of mindfulness tools, flexible seating, and engaging materials has made a noticeable difference in how students start and sustain their learning. The Tibetan singing bowl has become a powerful way to center the class, helping students transition into learning with calm and focus. Wobble stools and exercise bands give students an outlet for movement, allowing them to stay engaged without becoming distracted.\r\n\r\nThese tools have also increased student engagement and participation throughout the day. The colorful pens have made note-taking more enjoyable and encouraged creativity, while the portable monitor has improved how I present information and how students share their work. I've seen students more willing to collaborate, contribute, and stay on task. This project has helped create an environment that supports both academic success and student well-being. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1729088509065,"projectUrl":"project/focus-tools/8878946/","projectTitle":"Focus Tools","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":10294499,"projectId":9777075,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support has made such a meaningful difference in our daily learning, and the students are truly benefiting from the materials you provided. The STEM toys have quickly become a favorite, sparking curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. It's been amazing to watch the students challenge themselves, think critically, and grow their brains through hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nThe cars have also been a huge hit and are uniquely helping students—supporting their reading development as they practice blending sounds. By making learning interactive and fun, they are building confidence and strengthening important early literacy skills. It's incredible to see how engaged and motivated they are during these activities.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the Play-Doh has been an invaluable tool in our classroom. It's helping students strengthen their fine motor skills while also supporting their understanding of math concepts like addition and subtraction in a hands-on, visual way. Your generosity is creating joyful learning experiences and helping my students grow in so many ways. Thank you again for your kindness and for making such a positive impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1769177438094,"projectUrl":"project/making-core-memories-in-kindergarten/9777075/","projectTitle":"Making Core Memories in Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yurcus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294499"},{"teacherId":1470644,"projectId":10009777,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Because of you, our classroom \"Fuel Station\" is officially open for business.\r\n\r\nThe Big Reveal\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived and I opened them in front of the class, the reaction was pure joy. One student literally did a \"happy dance,\" while another sighed with relief and said, \"Now I don't have to worry if I forget my bag at home.\" Seeing their faces light up over something as simple as a healthy snack was a powerful reminder of how much these basic resources mean to them. They felt seen, cared for, and supported by people they haven't even met.\r\n\r\nSnacks in Action\r\nWe are using these resources daily to bridge the long gap between our early breakfast and late lunch. A specific moment that stood out happened just yesterday during our \"Writer's Workshop.\" Usually, the energy in the room dips around 10:30 AM, and students start getting restless. Instead of hitting a wall, we took a five-minute \"brain and snack break.\"\r\n\r\nThe shift was immediate. With their hunger satisfied, the students dove back into their personal narratives with renewed focus. I watched a student who usually struggles to write two sentences suddenly fill an entire page because he wasn't distracted by an empty stomach.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next for Us\r\nThese snacks are doing more than just filling bellies; they are sustaining us through our most challenging unit of the year: The Science of Ecosystems. Our next steps involve a deep dive into local food chains, where students will be building 3D dioramas to represent different habitats. It's a hands-on, high-energy project that requires a lot of collaboration and critical thinking. Knowing we have a steady supply of snacks means we can power through these intensive building sessions without losing steam.\r\n\r\nThank you for being the \"secret ingredient\" in our classroom's success. You've made a tangible difference in our daily lives!","fullyFundedDate":1770407895079,"projectUrl":"project/belly-full-mind-sharp-fighting-hunger/10009777/","projectTitle":"Belly Full, Mind Sharp: Fighting Hunger in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1470644_orig.jpg?crop=958,958,x30,y157&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619211096607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1470644"},{"teacherId":3346177,"projectId":10103463,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving to our classroom. The students are so excited to have snacks everyday. It really encourages them to behave and helps them to be able to focus on learning instead of their hungry bellies. \r\nThe students get so excited to have a snack each day and as rewards on specials day. They really help to be able to meet the needs of the students. We are so appreciative of all the generosity that you give to the schools. We would not have nearly enough supplies to meet all the needs of our students without your support. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1771444328569,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-learners/10103463/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jacobs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3346177"},{"teacherId":10070000,"projectId":10153789,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our PreK special education classroom. Because of your support, my students now have access to engaging, high-quality books that spark curiosity, build confidence, and create joyful learning moments every single day. These new texts have allowed us to introduce foundational early literacy skills such as identifying letters and sounds, recognizing colors and patterns, building vocabulary, and developing listening and comprehension skills. For many of my students, these books are not just stories—they are tools that help them connect language to the world around them in ways that feel accessible and exciting.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an interactive, hands-on experience. We sing, repeat phrases, point to pictures, act out parts of the story, and use visuals to support understanding. The repetition and rhythm in these books are especially powerful for my students, helping them anticipate what comes next and participate more independently. You would see students turning pages with excitement, pointing out familiar images, and even attempting to \"read\" along using memorized phrases. These moments are huge milestones for children who are developing communication and social skills.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my students have shown incredible growth and enthusiasm with these new books. Some who were previously hesitant to engage during group time are now eager to sit, listen, and participate. Others are beginning to use new words they've learned from the stories during play and daily routines. Watching their confidence grow as they interact with these books has been truly rewarding. Your support has not only provided resources—it has opened the door for meaningful learning, connection, and joy in our classroom. Thank you for being a part of our journey.","fullyFundedDate":1774703947299,"projectUrl":"project/little-books-for-little-learners/10153789/","projectTitle":"Little Books for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10070000"},{"teacherId":9269897,"projectId":10106764,"letterContent":"`\r\nThank you for supporting our project, \"Empowering Every Learner: A Structured & Sensory-Supported Special Education Classroom.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful and immediate impact on my students, and I am truly grateful for your commitment to helping them succeed.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom has transformed into a more structured, engaging, and calming environment where every student can access learning in a way that meets their unique needs. The new resources have become part of our daily routines and are helping students build independence, communication skills, and confidence.\r\n\r\nOne particularly powerful moment happened when we introduced the talking tiles and communication buttons. For some of my students who struggle with verbal communication, being able to press a button and have their voice \"heard\" was incredibly empowering. I watched one student, who is often hesitant to participate, independently use a recorded button to request a turn during a group activity. The pride on their face was unforgettable—it was a small moment, but a huge step toward independence and self-advocacy.\r\n\r\nThe sensory and organizational tools have also made a big difference. The flexible seating options, like the balance ball chair, help students stay regulated and focused during lessons. The visual timers and large classroom timer have been game changers in supporting transitions, reducing anxiety, and helping students understand expectations. Our new bookshelves and bins have created a more organized space, allowing students to independently access materials and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were eager to explore the new tools—especially the hands-on items like the pattern blocks, sensory tracing pads, and sorting games. What stood out most was how naturally students engaged with them. These resources didn't just capture their attention—they supported meaningful learning through play, exploration, and structured activities.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build on this foundation. We are currently working on developing communication, early literacy, and math skills through structured centers that incorporate these new materials. Students are using the dry erase boards for writing practice, the sorting and counting toys for hands-on math lessons, and the sensory tools to stay regulated during learning. Our next steps include expanding independent work systems and increasing student-led communication using the talking devices you helped provide.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are not only accessing their education more effectively—they are gaining confidence in themselves as learners. You have helped create a classroom where every child feels supported, capable, and empowered.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1771784042311,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-every-learner-a-structured-/10106764/","projectTitle":"Empowering Every Learner: A Structured & Sensory-Supported Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9269897_orig.png?crop=295,295,x0,y127&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696384467142","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9269897"},{"teacherId":9897211,"projectId":9780862,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our students now have new math manipulatives, books, and STEM toys that will make a big difference in their learning. The dominoes and connecting cubes are already being used for hands-on number work during whole-group lessons and small-group practice. These tools help make math ideas easier to see and touch, and they have boosted student engagement and confidence with numbers.\r\n\r\nOur new STEM toys — magnetic tiles and building blocks — are inspiring curiosity and problem solving. Children are exploring, experimenting, and collaborating in our morning bins and at the STEM center. These items have made STEM learning more interactive and joyful, and many students are excited to try new challenges each day.\r\n\r\nWe are also grateful for the holiday-themed books and other read-aloud titles. They fit beautifully with our monthly themes and celebrations, capturing students' imaginations while supporting language development and creativity. Integrating these books into our daily routines has helped build a warm, literacy-rich classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. Your gifts are already creating meaningful learning experiences and helping our children grow — academically and socially. We deeply appreciate your support.","fullyFundedDate":1759598531457,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning/9780862/","projectTitle":"Hands on Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Besmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9897211_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741809740511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9897211"}],"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":43.8,"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 828 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 768 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Kealakehe Elementary School
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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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 28, 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
$520,231
raised using DonorsChoose
768
projects
funded
138
teachers
funded
828
donors
57
projects
for
basic supplies
87
projects for
technology
107
projects for
books
40
projects
for
art supplies
Kealakehe Elementary School has received support from
363 individuals from Hawaii and
465 individuals out-of-state.