{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kealakehe Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":55.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":133816,"projectId":9780216,"letterContent":"The resources from this grant helped bring two major projects to life for our students — a thriving mala (garden) rooted in Hawaiian cultural practices, and a geodesic dome built to serve as a nursery for future plants.\r\nIn the mala, students planted tomatoes, basil, green onions, and many native Hawaiian and Polynesian canoe plants. Many of the plants grew from seeds that were purchased with this grant donation. Each week, students engaged with ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (Hawaiian proverbs) to guide their work in the garden and in life. They tracked the lunar calendar — Kaulana Mahina — to guide their planting. Additional seeds from the grant were put to use in our hydroponics system, where students grew greens and herbs that made their way (along with the food grown in the mala) into soups, stir fry, and salads.\r\n\r\nOne standout moment: students became teachers. This spring, they hosted 7th graders from Kealakehe Intermediate in the mala — teaching the Hawaiian names of kalo plant parts, leading them through harvesting, collecting data on the lau (leaf), ha (stem), and corm, and guiding them in planting more than 150 huli (kalo cuttings). Watching our students step into that role with confidence was a highlight of the year.\r\nThe mala also became a source of culinary pride. Students grew ingredients that were used to compete in the statewide Kalo Challenge — a competition among ALPSS programs across Hawaiʻi. After finishing in the top three in the semifinals on Maui, our Hoʻi I Ke Kumu students advanced to the finals on Oʻahu — a remarkable achievement in our first year competing.\r\n\r\nFor the geodesic dome project, students completed OSHA 10 training before picking up the drill and safety glasses purchased with grant funds. They built all the components of a geodesic dome through a partnership with the University of Wyoming, learning construction techniques alongside the cultural and ecological importance of native Hawaiian and Polynesian canoe plants. Students could identify and name the plants in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, and they gained hands-on propagation skills. We also took huakaʻi (field trips) to Puʻu Waʻawaʻa, Kalaemano, Honuaʻula Forest Reserve, and Kealakekua Mountain Reserve — deepening learning through place and community.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next\r\nThere is so much momentum to build on. For the mala, the vision is to expand fencing to keep out the wild pigs that have been our biggest challenge, grow additional kalo varieties, and deepen the connection between our agricultural and culinary work. We'll also be using the drones — which students have begun learning to operate — to document the garden's growth as the new school year begins.\r\nFor the dome, once we get approval from the DOE Office of Facilities, we'll erect the geodesic dome and establish it as a working native plant nursery. Irrigation supplies for both the mala and the dome are the next critical need — a consistent water source will significantly improve the germination and survival rate of our seedlings. We also plan to deepen community partnerships with organizations focused on environmental restoration, so our students can contribute meaningfully to those efforts while continuing to learn.\r\nOur students are not just growing plants — they're growing into stewards of their land, their culture, and their community.","fullyFundedDate":1759546408571,"projectUrl":"project/making-more-mala-magic-alternative-lear/9780216/","projectTitle":"Making More Mala Magic: Alternative Learning Program Students Building Gardens","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Duke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/133816"},{"teacherId":8367092,"projectId":10111358,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting this project. We have been able to use it for multiple events now, given us the ability to capture footage that was previously not possible due to stabilization.\r\n\r\nThe DJI Ronin has enhanced the quality of our videos and has given students more hands on work that will help them in any future pursuits in film. The use of stabilizers is an industry standard. We expect to get further use from the Ronin in many future projects and we continue to learn how to effectively use it and try new things.","fullyFundedDate":1771780704167,"projectUrl":"project/stabilizing-our-film-projects/10111358/","projectTitle":"Stabilizing Our Film Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kahakua","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8367092_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y36&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771546019248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sodogo"},{"teacherId":9591794,"projectId":10107627,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of comfy seats for our students. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in our classroom. The new seating has created a more welcoming and comfortable learning environment where students can focus better, collaborate with classmates, and enjoy their time in school.\r\n\r\nStudents are excited to use the new seats each day, and the added comfort helps them stay engaged and ready to learn. Your generosity shows our students that their community cares about their success and well-being. Gifts like yours help create positive learning experiences that students will remember and appreciate.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and for investing in our classroom. Thank you for helping us create a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to do their best every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771652459703,"projectUrl":"project/alternative-seating/10107627/","projectTitle":"Alternative Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Duckworth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9591794"},{"teacherId":9789376,"projectId":10105642,"letterContent":"Thank you, your donations made a big difference in our classroom. The chair socks helped create a calmer, quieter testing environment by softening chair noises so students could concentrate without distractions. The pencil dispenser gave students a reliable, shared place to find writing tools each morning, which reduced lost time and helped our routines run smoothly. The magnetic write-and-wipe boards let students see and refer to the daily agenda at their desks, so they came to each activity better prepared and more confident.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support. These materials have not only improved day-to-day organization but also helped students focus, feel more independent, and make the most of learning time. Thank you for investing in our classroom and in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1771699047654,"projectUrl":"project/math-uplift/10105642/","projectTitle":"Math Uplift","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hanks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9789376"},{"teacherId":10341542,"projectId":9876311,"letterContent":"The new books in our classroom are helping students build both language and cultural connections. Many of the stories are centered around Hawaiʻi, local places, traditions, and experiences that feel familiar to our students. Because of this, students are much more engaged and excited to read. They are learning reading comprehension skills, vocabulary development, pronunciation, fluency, and confidence while also seeing themselves and their culture represented in literature. Some of the books are written in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, which gives students the opportunity to strengthen their pronunciation and listening skills in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is very student-centered and community-focused. Once students complete their classwork, many immediately pick up where they left off in their books. It has become part of our classroom routine and something students genuinely look forward to. When reading Hawaiian-language books, we often take turns reading aloud together. Sometimes the focus is not necessarily understanding every single word right away, but instead becoming comfortable hearing and speaking the language correctly. These moments help students grow more confident in using ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and create a supportive environment where they can practice without fear of making mistakes.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful things to witness is how students bond over stories that reflect their own lives, families, and communities. Students become excited when they recognize places they have visited, traditions they practice at home, or words they hear from their kūpuna. Even reluctant readers are more willing to participate when they feel personally connected to the text. These books have helped create a classroom environment where reading is not viewed as a chore, but as a way to connect with culture, language, and one another. We are incredibly grateful for the support that made these resources possible.","fullyFundedDate":1771630883026,"projectUrl":"project/lelo-hawaii-books/9876311/","projectTitle":"'Ōlelo Hawai'i Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kumu Ohi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341542"},{"teacherId":10294033,"projectId":10105316,"letterContent":"Your gift has increased access forP pacific islanders to engage in STEM education. With your gift these students have engaged in problem solving and hands on activities. Using the STEM kits designed to integrate science, technology , engineering, and math students have accomplished great things including continuing to progress towards further studies in this devils AND a career in the field of STEM. STEM Education had the ability to lift students out of poverty and increasing their earning potential.","fullyFundedDate":1771600303631,"projectUrl":"project/pacific-islanders-access-to-stem-educati/10105316/","projectTitle":"Pacific Islanders Access to STEM Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chianna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10294033_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y97&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759182200259","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294033"},{"teacherId":9469075,"projectId":10112191,"letterContent":"The materials we received through this project, including iPads, reading materials, and snacks, have made a meaningful difference in my students' daily learning experience. The iPads have given students access to interactive lessons, educational apps, research opportunities, and creative projects that make learning more engaging and personalized. Many of my students are familiar with technology at home, but using iPads in the classroom allows them to use technology as a learning tool rather than just for entertainment. Students are more motivated to participate, collaborate with classmates, and take ownership of their learning when they can use the devices for hands on activities and creative assignments.\r\nThe reading materials have helped build excitement around literacy and encouraged students to spend more time reading independently. Having access to a variety of engaging books and resources allows students to explore topics that interest them while strengthening their comprehension and vocabulary skills. Students are especially excited to choose books that match their interests and reading levels, which has helped increase both confidence and participation during reading activities.\r\nThe snacks have also had a very positive impact on the classroom environment. For many students, having a snack available helps them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the school day. Students are more comfortable, attentive, and prepared to participate when their basic needs are supported. Together, these resources have helped create a classroom atmosphere where students feel supported, excited to learn, and motivated to do their best every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771790240449,"projectUrl":"project/class-project-9/10112191/","projectTitle":"Class Project 9","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Yasko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9469075"},{"teacherId":9469075,"projectId":10023221,"letterContent":"The new resources have already had a positive impact on my students and our classroom environment. The air conditioner has made the classroom much more comfortable, especially during warmer days when it can be difficult for students to stay focused. Since receiving it, students have been able to concentrate better during lessons and project work because the classroom feels more comfortable and welcoming. The manga box set has also been incredibly popular with students. Many students who are normally hesitant readers have been excited to pick up the books, talk about the stories with classmates, and spend more time reading during independent reading activities.\r\n\r\nThe SD card reader has been especially useful during our media projects. Students use cameras and other devices to capture photos and videos, and the SD card reader allows them to quickly transfer their work onto classroom computers and continue editing their projects. One exciting moment was watching students successfully upload their footage for a video assignment and immediately begin collaborating and sharing ideas with each other. Having access to this technology has made the creative process much smoother and more engaging for students.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were extremely excited and thankful. Several students immediately gravitated toward the manga books. Others were excited about being able to use the SD card reader for upcoming media projects. Moving forward, students will continue using these resources for reading activities, video projects, and creative assignments throughout the year. These materials are helping create a classroom space where students feel comfortable, engaged, and motivated to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771544214769,"projectUrl":"project/class-project-8/10023221/","projectTitle":"Class Project 8","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Yasko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9469075"},{"teacherId":9170955,"projectId":9136795,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the Cricut supplies provided to our\r\nclassroom. These tools have done far more than just \"cut paper\"; they have\r\ntransformed the way our students see themselves and how our classroom functions\r\non a daily basis.\r\nElevating the Hip-Hop Competition\r\nOur students recently competed in a regional hip-hop competition, and thanks to the\r\nCricut materials, they walked onto that stage with a level of confidence I haven't seen\r\nbefore. We used the Heat Transfer Vinyl to create professional-grade, custom team\r\nshirts. In a world where visual identity is key to the \"hip-hop vibe,\" having\r\ncoordinated, high-quality gear allowed our students to feel like a professional crew.\r\nThe precision of the designs and the specialty finishes (like glitter and foil) caught the\r\nstage lights beautifully, making their performance truly stand out.\r\nStreamlining Classroom Organization\r\nThe impact extends into our everyday learning environment. I have used the\r\npermanent vinyl to implement a numbering system across the classroom. By\r\nnumbering student laptops, chargers, cubbies, and supply bins, we have seen a\r\ndramatic decrease in lost items and a significant increase in student accountability.\r\nEverything has a place, and every student knows exactly which resource belongs to\r\nthem, creating a much more focused and organized atmosphere.\r\n\r\nCreative Growth and Beyond\r\nBeyond shirts and labels, these supplies allow us to create custom visual aids,\r\ninteractive anchor charts, and even personalized incentive stickers that celebrate\r\nstudent achievements. It has turned our classroom into a creative hub where\r\nstudents see their ideas come to life in physical form.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided us with more than just supplies; you've provided us\r\nwith a sense of pride, organization, and professional excellence. Thank you for\r\ninvesting in our students and their creative futures.","fullyFundedDate":1746786249454,"projectUrl":"project/cricut-supplies/9136795/","projectTitle":"Cricut Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pattioay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9170955"},{"teacherId":2390971,"projectId":10107035,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and making this project possible. The addition of our mobile media station, including a rolling TV and speakers, has made a significant difference in how my students learn. They can now clearly see and hear lessons, demonstrations, and each other's work from anywhere in the room. This has been especially impactful for my multilingual learners and students who benefit from visual and auditory instruction, helping them better understand content and participate with confidence.\r\n\r\nStudents are especially excited to see their own work displayed clearly for the class. They take greater pride in their projects and are more willing to share, reflect, and engage in discussions. I've noticed increased participation and stronger connections to the learning.\r\n\r\nIn addition, snacks and classroom supplies have helped students stay focused and prepared during long learning blocks. This project has created a more accessible, supportive classroom where students feel ready to learn and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1771640320908,"projectUrl":"project/hear-it-see-it-learn-it-mobile-media/10107035/","projectTitle":"Hear It, See It, Learn It: Mobile Media Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2390971_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y308&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627993450603","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissaburr"},{"teacherId":9170955,"projectId":9157388,"letterContent":"The integration of organizational tools like binders, dividers, and pencil pouches serves as the foundation for executive functioning, allowing students to transition from chaotic searching to focused learning. By providing a dedicated \"home\" for every assignment and tool, these supplies significantly reduce cognitive load and classroom anxiety, ensuring that students spend their mental energy on the curriculum rather than logistics. Furthermore, the simple presence of high-quality pencils and erasers fosters a growth mindset; they provide students with the literal \"freedom to fail,\" encouraging them to take academic risks knowing that mistakes are easily corrected. Ultimately, by equipping every student with these essentials, you leveled the playing field and created an equitable environment where preparedness was no longer a barrier to success.","fullyFundedDate":1741882626295,"projectUrl":"project/math-organization/9157388/","projectTitle":"Math Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pattioay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9170955"},{"teacherId":9170955,"projectId":9265901,"letterContent":"Our new math posters have completely transformed the classroom into a vibrant, high-energy learning lab! When the students first walked in, their eyes immediately lit up—I even overheard one student remark that the room finally felt like a \"pro\" workspace. This visual support has already sparked incredible moments of independence; just yesterday, I watched a student who usually struggles with formulas look up at the new reference wall, find the $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$ infographic, and confidently solve a geometry problem without having to ask for help. It is a massive win for their self-esteem to have these tools at their fingertips. Moving forward, we are diving into our \"Dream Tiny House\" design project, where students will use these posters as their primary guide to calculate area and scale. Thank you for giving my students the visual roadmap they need to navigate complex math with confidence!","fullyFundedDate":1746786400749,"projectUrl":"project/posters-to-support-engagement/9265901/","projectTitle":"Posters to Support Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pattioay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9170955"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53775","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":677,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":39,"percentMultiracialImputed":16,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":44.5,"schoolId":53775,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kealakehe Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kealakehe Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kealakehe-intermediate-school/53775"}