{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kealakehe High School","outOfStateSupporters":49.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8823680,"projectId":10104382,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my future teachers!\r\n\r\nThe chargers kept our Chromebooks going during long work sessions. The snacks helped build connection and community with the elementary students they mentor. The comfortable seating and new classroom rug made our classroom a place where focus and collaboration could thrive. These might seem like small items, but they made a big difference.\r\n\r\nMy students are on a path to become the next generation of teachers right here in Hawaii, and your support gave them a strong finish to their school year. Thank you for believing in them and in the future of education","fullyFundedDate":1771474836844,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-future-teachers/10104382/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Future Teachers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kasper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8823680_orig.jpg?crop=961,961,x68,y75&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667268272579","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823680"},{"teacherId":8820343,"projectId":10106210,"letterContent":"When the materials arrived, my students were practical and appreciative in their response. They were particularly interested in the snacks and were pleased to learn these would be used as prizes for our unit review games. In a challenging course, a little extra motivation goes a long way, and they enjoyed the idea of a tangible reward for their hard work. They also immediately recognized the utility of the headphones for our independent work sessions, knowing they could finally tune out distractions and focus on their individual tasks.\r\n\r\nWe have already put these resources to use during our recent review sessions. The snacks have been a great way to increase engagement during competitive review games, making the atmosphere more lively and focused. At the same time, the headphones have become a staple for independent work time; I recently observed the entire class working quietly and intently, each student able to concentrate on their own progress without being interrupted by classroom noise. On my end, the filing folders have allowed me to finally organize student rubrics and lab data, which has streamlined our daily transitions and made paperwork much easier to manage.\r\n\r\nOur next step is focused entirely on preparing for final exams. These resources will be essential as we transition into heavy review and cumulative assessments. The headphones will provide the necessary quiet for students to concentrate during their final study hours, while the snacks will continue to serve as encouragement during our end-of-year review challenges. With my files now organized and the students equipped for deep focus, we are in a strong position to head into finals with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1771609080157,"projectUrl":"project/clear-minds-full-bellies-sharp-focus/10106210/","projectTitle":"Clear Minds, Full Bellies, Sharp Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luginbill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820343"},{"teacherId":9338752,"projectId":10113217,"letterContent":"The arrival of these resources brought a fresh energy to our classroom. My students were genuinely excited to see the new materials, especially the LEGO sets and the tech upgrades. It was a great moment seeing them realize that their learning environment was being prioritized.\r\n\r\nWe've put everything to work immediately. The document camera is a game-changer for math, letting me sketch out solutions in real-time so students can follow along easily. The LEGOs are perfect for practicing step-by-step procedures and troubleshooting, while the binders keep everyone organized. We even use the speaker to ensure everyone can hear our instructional videos clearly.\r\n\r\nNext, students will use their organized binders to prep for final projects. These tools have made our daily routines much smoother and more hands-on. Thank you for your incredible support!","fullyFundedDate":1774449035640,"projectUrl":"project/organizational-materials-and-classroom-b/10113217/","projectTitle":"Organizational Materials and Classroom Basics for Math and CS","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Court","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338752_orig.jpg?crop=1529,1529,x371,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752974861397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338752"},{"teacherId":3106858,"projectId":10110792,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my DonorsChoose project for graphing calculators. Your generosity will help ensure that students have access to the tools they need during high-stakes tests.\r\n\r\nBecause many students use graphing calculators in class, having access to the same type of calculator during testing can help them feel more prepared, confident, and comfortable. Your support helps reduce barriers and gives students a better opportunity to show what they know.\r\n\r\nMahalo for investing in our students and their success!","fullyFundedDate":1771772402800,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-students-succeed-on-high-stakes/10110792/","projectTitle":"Help Our Students Succeed on High-Stakes Exams","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sunada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3106858"},{"teacherId":2140724,"projectId":10104320,"letterContent":"This project has given students the opportunity to experience hands-on learning and bring physics to life. Students are more actively engaged in the material when they have the opportunity to interact with physics concepts through labs and projects. Moreover, students have the chance to earn snacks for their participation in games and during tests, to keep them motivated to learn and during difficult tasks. Lastly, this project has provided students with much needed organizational materials as we cover a tremendous amount of content on paper.","fullyFundedDate":1771474567038,"projectUrl":"project/socio-emotional-steam-care-kit/10104320/","projectTitle":"Socio-Emotional STEAM Care Kit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Isabelle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2140724"},{"teacherId":10034843,"projectId":10191787,"letterContent":"Unfortunately, I tried and tried and tried and tried to get the video cameras to come in, but for some reason it kept being rejected so I am showing pictures and explaining the impact of an environmental project sort of documentaries. The students have been engaged in the learning and teaching and poster creation and have become passionate about their topics and are interested in caring for our planet moving forward. The impact has been undescribable as I've been able to watch the students to learn and grasp complex ideas and skills within a research project.","fullyFundedDate":1776442985473,"projectUrl":"project/environmental-documentaries/10191787/","projectTitle":"Environmental Documentaries","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haddin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10034843"},{"teacherId":10359811,"projectId":9917252,"letterContent":"thank you for providing the paperback copies of the amazing novel \"Number the Stars\" by Lois Lowry. The story highlighted the importance of having courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of possible undesirable consequences. Author Lois Lowry has stated that her goal is to help readers focus on the interdependence all humans share with each other and with their environment. These values align with the values of the community where our students live, so reading the book has been a great way to affirm our local values and also draw connections to the rest of the world. \r\n\r\nAnother great benefit of receiving your gift of a class set of paperback novels is that even though some novels like \"Number the Stars\" are available online in digital form, there will always be issues such as internet problems or situations where students arrive for class without their laptop. Thankfully, the class set of paperback books allows us to sidestep those issues.\r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1769177437284,"projectUrl":"project/real-life-heroes-inspire-tomorrows-lead/9917252/","projectTitle":"Real Life Heroes Inspire Tomorrow's Leaders!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kerley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10359811"},{"teacherId":7518403,"projectId":9895818,"letterContent":"Students of the Kealakehe high have been using the materials to make beautiful multicolored prints. The resources really allowed students and to push the basic limits of printmaking and achieve things they did not know were. possible. The different hardnesses of linoleum created a variety of surfaces for students to print with. The print making knives made it possible for every student to have a working cutting tool in class at the same time. We are so incredibly gratefulwithout donors like you we could not make this possible. Mahalo","fullyFundedDate":1771544214920,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-students-bring-their-prints-to/9895818/","projectTitle":"Help Our Students Bring Their Prints to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7518403_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753123552782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7518403"},{"teacherId":10034843,"projectId":9957325,"letterContent":"Music has transformed the atmosphere and energy of our classroom in ways that are both immediate and lasting. Through the addition of drums, a guitar, and a ukulele, students were given access to instruments that many of them had never touched before. What began as a simple opportunity to explore music has grown into a meaningful source of connection, creativity, and joy for every student involved.\r\nFrom the very first day the instruments were introduced, there was a noticeable shift in engagement. Students who are typically reserved began to participate more openly, while others who often struggle to stay focused found a new outlet for their energy. The hands-on nature of learning through music has allowed students to express themselves in ways that traditional academic settings do not always make possible. Whether they are keeping a steady beat on the drums, experimenting with chords on the guitar, or learning simple melodies on the ukulele, each student has found a point of entry into the experience.\r\nBeyond skill-building, the emotional impact has been profound. Music has created moments of shared joy and accomplishment that strengthen our classroom community. Students encourage one another, celebrate small successes, and collaborate in ways that build confidence and trust. Laughter is more frequent, stress is reduced, and there is a growing sense of belonging among students. These instruments have not only added sound to our classroom—they have added heart.\r\nThe accessibility of these instruments has also been critical. Many of our students do not have opportunities outside of school to engage with music education or to explore instruments due to financial or logistical barriers. This project has helped bridge that gap, ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can experience the benefits of music. For some, this may be the first step toward a lifelong interest or talent; for others, it is simply a chance to discover something new and enjoyable.\r\nImportantly, music has also supported academic and social development. Students are practicing patience, perseverance, and listening skills. They are learning to follow patterns, recognize rhythm, and work collaboratively—skills that extend far beyond the music itself. The confidence they build while playing an instrument often carries over into other areas of learning.\r\nIn short, this project has brought more than instruments into our classroom—it has brought opportunity, expression, and joy. The positive impact on student engagement, emotional well-being, and classroom culture is clear every day. We are deeply grateful for the support that made this possible, as it continues to enrich the lives of our students in meaningful and lasting ways.","fullyFundedDate":1771003160151,"projectUrl":"project/strumming-toward-success-bringing-musi/9957325/","projectTitle":"“Strumming Toward Success: Bringing Music Into Our Classroom”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haddin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10034843"},{"teacherId":10256913,"projectId":9783658,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the supplies for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. For about 60 Algebra 2 students, the Ethnomathematics component was integrated into a two-week Polynomial Photo Hunt project, culminating in an ʻOhe Kāpala–inspired art activity.\r\nStudents began by taking a meaningful photograph from their daily lives that could be modeled by a polynomial function. After importing their photo into Desmos, they created a polynomial equation using sliders for the coefficients a, b, c, d, and e. Students identified the local maxima and minima of their functions and reviewed these mathematical features.\r\nThese polynomial curves then became the design inspiration for a modern interpretation of traditional ʻOhe Kāpala stamp making. Students learned about the cultural background of ʻOhe Kāpala, including its historical significance and the geometric symmetries—such as reflections and rotations, embedded in traditional patterns. Using non-traditional materials, students traced their polynomial curves onto sticky tape, cut out the shapes, and adhered them to a pair of chopsticks to create functional stamps.\r\nStudents then used paint to print repeated patterns onto blank cardstock, creating personalized mahalo cards. The meaning of mahalo and the cultural importance of expressing gratitude were discussed with students. Each student completed their card and gifted it to someone in their life, reinforcing both mathematical creativity and cultural values.\r\n\r\nApproximately 75 Algebra 1 students participated in an activity called Linear Spears, which connected linear functions to Makahiki traditions. To introduce the lesson, students learned about Makahiki games and their cultural context. The class then moved outside, where students set up an x-y coordinate plane on the field.\r\nWorking in groups, students created three \"lines\" by tossing pool noodles, representing spears from the traditional Sliding Spears competition, so that each landed across the coordinate plane. After taking a photo of the three spear placements, students uploaded the image into Desmos. From there, they determined the slope and y-intercept of each \"spear line,\" then wrote the equations for all three lines. Students submitted a screenshot of their Desmos work through Google Classroom and completed analysis questions to deepen their understanding of linear relationships.\r\nImpact and Reflection\r\nAcross both courses, these Ethnomathematics lessons supported mathematical learning through culturally meaningful, hands-on experiences. Students demonstrated high engagement as they applied algebraic concepts in creative, physical, and culturally grounded contexts. The activities strengthened student understanding of polynomial and linear functions while fostering appreciation for Hawaiian culture, practices, and values. The donations made it possible to design, implement, and refine these lessons, ultimately enriching learning for over a hundred students at Kealakehe High School.","fullyFundedDate":1769177439277,"projectUrl":"project/active-algebra/9783658/","projectTitle":"Active Algebra","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10256913"},{"teacherId":8822841,"projectId":10091373,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students were able to use these new materials during our recent student showcase, where families and community members were invited into our classroom to participate in real science. Students took on the role of scientists by testing food samples for macromolecules. They prepared the samples by blending them and then conducted four different chemical tests to identify sugars, starches, and proteins.\r\n\r\nMy students were incredibly excited to use real lab equipment and reagents. They took pride in explaining the science behind each test to visitors and guiding them through the process. It was powerful to see students who are sometimes hesitant in class step up with confidence when given the opportunity to lead and share their knowledge.\r\n\r\nThis experience helped reinforce key concepts while also building communication and collaboration skills. It made learning feel authentic and meaningful, not just another assignment.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these materials in our upcoming labs on cell transport, genetics, and DNA. They are especially excited to build on what they've learned by conducting more investigations and making deeper connections across units. Because of your support, my students are not just learning about biology — they are actively doing biology.\r\n\r\nThank you for making these experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1771705685980,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-biology-to-life-through-hands-o/10091373/","projectTitle":"Bringing Biology to Life Through Hands-On Experiments","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pickett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8822841"},{"teacherId":2044936,"projectId":10105209,"letterContent":"Many thanks for donating to our D&D club here at Kealakehe High! The source books have allowed the students to dive into new lore and mechanics, sparking some wild adventures that have kept their campaigns fresh and exciting. It's been awesome to see them huddle over a new manual, brainstorming their next big quest or a unique character build.\r\n\r\nThe miniatures are also a hit! Seeing a real dragon and other monsters towering over their characters on the map has transformed how they visualize encounters. It's so much easier for the players to strategize when they can actually see the battlefield layout, and it adds that extra spark of magic to every session.\r\n\r\nYou've truly leveled up our after-school experience. Thank you for supporting our creative journeys!","fullyFundedDate":1771667574347,"projectUrl":"project/big-adventures-with-miniatures/10105209/","projectTitle":"Big Adventures (with miniatures)!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dahlke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2044936_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1508441792478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hslibrarian"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66435","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1401,"numTeachers":74,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":37,"percentMultiracialImputed":12,"gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"18.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":50.3,"schoolId":66435,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kealakehe High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kealakehe High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kealakehe-high-school/66435"}