{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Keaukaha Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9732676,"projectId":10104351,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in supporting our \"Refreshing Reading Nook\" project. When the boxes arrived in our classroom, my students were absolutely thrilled. Their faces lit up with pure excitement as we unpacked the comfortable new seating and the vibrant, engaging books. They could not wait to dive into the new space, and it has quickly become the most popular spot in our entire classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these incredible resources every single day during our dedicated independent reading time and literacy rotations. Just last week, I watched a group of normally reluctant readers eagerly rush to the nook, grab a couple of the new graphic novels, and settle into the cozy seats completely focused on their reading..","fullyFundedDate":1771496967125,"projectUrl":"project/refreshing-reading-nook/10104351/","projectTitle":"Refreshing Reading Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9732676_orig.jpg?crop=1205,1205,x0,y277&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777927364058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9732676"},{"teacherId":5219393,"projectId":10104980,"letterContent":"The \"Kala\" classroom economy truly came to life through our recent 3rd-quarter Carnival, and it was a joy to see the students' hard work manifest in such a celebratory way. We utilized the snacks and treats as the primary \"inventory\" for our carnival prize station, where students used the \"Kala\" they had earned through kindness and academic persistence to buy game tickets and rewards. A standout moment occurred during our ring-toss station; I watched a group of students huddled together, helping one another calculate how many tickets they could afford while still saving enough \"Kala\" for their favorite treats. It was a beautiful, real-world application of the financial literacy and budgeting skills we have been practicing all year.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived and were revealed, the atmosphere in the room was one of pure magic and disbelief. The students were wide-eyed, immediately buzzing with excitement as they realized the treats were the physical rewards for the effort they had invested in our classroom community. This surge of energy provided the perfect \"second wind\" needed to push through the mid-semester slump, turning our daily lessons into a focused drive toward the carnival.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, my students are taking their financial literacy lessons to the next level as we enter the final quarter of the year. We are currently transitioning from basic budgeting to a \"Community Market\" project, where students will learn about supply and demand by setting \"prices\" for our remaining snack inventory based on popularity. This project has not only sustained their academic stamina but has also deepened their understanding of delayed gratification, ensuring that our keiki finish the year feeling empowered, celebrated, and prepared for the future.","fullyFundedDate":1771536337434,"projectUrl":"project/big-rewards-for-big-efforts/10104980/","projectTitle":"Big Rewards for Big Efforts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kumu Brandi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5219393_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533415623265","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5219393"},{"teacherId":5498128,"projectId":10109312,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation to our classroom. Your donation couldnʻt have come at a better time. Some of these donations will go home with my students as summer gifts. I love introducing the chapter book series, Junie B Jones to my students so as a goodbye gift, I like to send them home with Junie B Jones books. \r\nAlso, thank you so much for helping me replenish my Kala Store supplies. Your donations helped tremendously by allowing me to have a fresh and full Kala store for my students next year. I cannot thank you enough for being such a blessing!","fullyFundedDate":1778061121819,"projectUrl":"project/end-of-the-year-gifts-and-classroom-supp/10109312/","projectTitle":"End of the Year Gifts and Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5498128_orig.jpg?crop=312,312,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771493284657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5498128"},{"teacherId":7684652,"projectId":10103477,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to this project! The new bookshelves are an amazing improvement to our classroom. It is stable and even gives us more room to add more books to our classroom library. My students use this library daily to take home books to read for homework daily. \r\nThe other items in this project will be used this summer to make a keepsake pillow for our future kindergarteners to remember our transition program. We will also use the rest of the items to make calming jars for our students. It is a great tool to help kids with different options to calm their bodies when needed.","fullyFundedDate":1771641598226,"projectUrl":"project/1-2-3-books-on-me/10103477/","projectTitle":"1, 2, 3, Books on Me","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bagano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7684652_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631508824342","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/uehara"},{"teacherId":9102547,"projectId":10107179,"letterContent":"These items have opened our classroom wide. The students are so excited to get things in the treasure box, they want to earn more stickers and participate in our activities. The mood of our classroom changed and we are able to see the lights, camera, action with the students. The treasure box is a hot commodity in our class to the point that they are asking each other if they want treasure box. Itʻs almost like we didnʻt have a treasure box prior. \r\nWhen they first say the materials they were looking at it and just waiting for their turn to choose, when it was time.\r\nThe next steps are making it challenging for them to get a sticker. It was easier before, but now bringing it back and making bigger asks or having them do it on their own instead of reminding them.","fullyFundedDate":1771700188063,"projectUrl":"project/visual-sensory-motives/10107179/","projectTitle":"Visual & Sensory Motives","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Manuia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9102547_orig.jpg?crop=550,550,x280,y64&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720143195513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9102547"},{"teacherId":8102626,"projectId":10104696,"letterContent":"There is a specific kind of magic that happens in a classroom when a heavy cardboard box arrives at the front office. The air in the room shifts from routine academic focus to pure, unadulterated electricity. As I brought our recently funded supplies into the room—the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) kits, the fresh printer ink, and the bags of motivational prizes—my students didn't just see \"materials.\" They saw a tangible investment in their futures.\r\n\r\nThe \"Big Reveal\"\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, I decided to make it a communal experience. I placed the boxes at the front of the room and told the students that people wanted to make sure they had the very best tools for learning.\r\n\r\nThe reaction was instantaneous. There were audible gasps as I pulled out the SEL sensory tools and calming resources. One student, who often struggles with overstimulation, whispered, \"Is that for when we feel big feelings?\" It opened up a beautiful conversation about kindness and self-regulation. Seeing their faces light up reminded me that for many of these children, receiving brand-new resources is a rare and special occasion. It made them feel seen and valued.\r\n\r\nPutting Resources into Action\r\nWe haven't wasted a single moment putting these resources to use. The printer ink has been a total game-changer for our daily workflow. Previously, I had to be incredibly frugal with printing, often opting for black-and-white or skipping supplemental visuals entirely. Now, I am printing vibrant, color-coded graphic organizers and personalized learning packets that help bridge the gap for my visual learners.\r\n\r\nWe recently used the ink to print out \"Success Portfolios.\" Just yesterday, I witnessed a moment that perfectly captured the impact of your gift: a student who has historically struggled with math pridefully tucked a brightly colored, high-score worksheet into her portfolio. To celebrate her growth, she earned one of the motivational incentives from our new prize bin. The joy on her face wasn't just about the prize itself; it was about the recognition of her hard work. Because we now have these motivational prizes, the \"effort-reward\" connection has become a powerful driver for engagement.\r\n\r\nNext Steps in Our Journey\r\nThe momentum doesn't stop here. Now that we have these foundational tools, our next step is to integrate the SEL supplies into our morning meeting routine. We are moving from the \"discovery\" phase into a \"Self-Regulation Mastery\" phase.\r\n\r\nSpecifically, we are working toward:\r\n\r\nThe Calm-Down Corner: Using the new SEL materials to finalize a dedicated space where students can go to reset their emotions independently.\r\n\r\nThe Incentive Auction: Students are currently \"earning\" credits through positive behavior to participate in a month-end auction for the larger prizes, teaching them goal-setting and delayed gratification.\r\n\r\nA Profound Impact\r\nTo an outsider, these might look like simple supplies. But in this classroom, they represent opportunity and equity. You have removed a barrier to their success and replaced it with a spark of curiosity. By providing everything from the ink that facilitates their lessons to the prizes that celebrate their victories, you've sent a clear message: \"Your education matters.\"\r\n\r\nIn a world that can often feel indifferent, your decision to support a classroom of students you have never met is a profound act of kindness. You are the \"silent partners\" in our educational journey. On behalf of myself and my students, thank you for being our champions and for making our classroom a brighter, better place to learn.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1771518805017,"projectUrl":"project/learning-activated/10104696/","projectTitle":"Learning Activated","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chesebro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8102626_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670370077988","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8102626"},{"teacherId":8831551,"projectId":9970571,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui for bringing our classroom back to life with these essential creative tools! My haumāna were absolutely thrilled to see the boxes of colorful construction paper, fresh ink, and—perhaps most excitedly—a pencil sharpener that actually works. The energy in the room shifted instantly from \"how do we get this done?\" to \"look what I can make!\"\r\n\r\nThe dry-erase markers and whiteboard cleaner have also transformed our daily math and brainstorming sessions. My students are now collaborating more freely, using the boards to map out complex problems together without the frustration of faded ink. You've given them the power to move their ideas from their minds into the physical world, and for that, we are deeply grateful for your investment in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1771462360482,"projectUrl":"project/leaving-a-lasting-im-print/9970571/","projectTitle":"Leaving a Lasting Im-Print","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Osorio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8831551_orig.jpg?crop=1474,1474,x0,y142&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708661927803","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831551"},{"teacherId":9404581,"projectId":10107547,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution of snacks and treats for our Pono Prizes project. The chips, cookies, and other goodies have brought so much joy and motivation into our classroom. My students light up every time they see the prize table stocked, and it has quickly become one of their favorite parts of the day. These small rewards have made a big difference in encouraging positive behavior, celebrating achievements, and building a classroom culture where students feel recognized and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments happened the first day the pono prizes arrived. As soon as the students walked in, they stopped in their tracks, observing all the snack boxes received through the mail. Throughout the week, I watched students work harder, support one another, and take pride in earning kala which translates to pono prizes. Something as simple as a bag of chips or a cookie turned into a powerful motivator and a reminder that their efforts matter.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, we're now able to continue our Pono Prizes system as we move into our last quarter of school. Students are already setting new goals and challenging themselves to earn Kala. Your support has helped create a positive, encouraging environment where students feel celebrated and inspired. We truly appreciate your generosity and the joy you've brought into our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771778015692,"projectUrl":"project/pono-prizes/10107547/","projectTitle":"Pono Prizes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Agbayani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9404581"},{"teacherId":10437956,"projectId":10104858,"letterContent":"The introduction of these items into the classroom sparked a wave of immediate tactile excitement and high engagement. Students viewed the pens, squishies, and colorful pouches not just as supplies, but as tools for self-expression and sensory regulation. The squishies, in particular, serve as popular \"fidgets\" that help students manage anxiety or excess energy, while personalized pouches allow them to curate their own organized \"micro-environments.\" \r\n\r\nBeyond the initial novelty, these tools are integrated into the daily rhythm of learning and emotional development. Glue and pens transition from simple stationery to the primary instruments for hands-on projects and journaling, allowing students to physically anchor their ideas to the page. Meanwhile, SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) games provide a structured yet playful framework for students to practice empathy, turn-taking, and conflict resolution. By using these games in tandem with the other supplies, students learn to associate emotional growth with positive, tangible experiences, effectively turning a standard desk setup into a comprehensive toolkit for both academic success and personal well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1771551265331,"projectUrl":"project/motivational-incentives/10104858/","projectTitle":"Motivational Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vento-Rowe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10437956"},{"teacherId":8979536,"projectId":10104992,"letterContent":"It is with enormous gratitude and appreciation that I submit this impact letter to my donors for your kindness and generosity to give towards our End of Year Gift project for our students. \r\n\r\nSince the reusable water bottles arrived our classroom has been reshaped. Instead of asking to go drink water, they now have their own water in the classroom without being disruptive or a distraction. Thanks to you, our students are staying hydrated and ready to learn. The students have really been enjoying using their new water bottle on a daily basis. To give the students gifts, like a bunch of stickers to help them customize their water bottle, or a mini book to capture memories with classmates in the 3rd grade and to top it off a stress ball and some popcorn. The essential items will go along way. It will help replenish our stock and keep us organized. \r\n\r\nIn closing, the generous support of your donation makes it possible for my students to enjoy their end of year gift. It is really nice to have help to be able to provide a small gift to these students for their hard work throughout the school year. \r\nWe appreciate your support and hope you will continue to donate to our future projects!","fullyFundedDate":1771617266176,"projectUrl":"project/end-of-year-gifts-for-students/10104992/","projectTitle":"End of Year Gifts for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodrigues","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8979536_orig.jpg?crop=2160,2160,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701282450513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8979536"},{"teacherId":8831551,"projectId":9970586,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui for your incredible generosity! My haumāna are a truly special group—kind, active, and deeply thoughtful—but even the most eager students struggle to stay engaged when they are hungry. Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a space where every child has the \"brain fuel\" they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe impact on student learning was immediate. Before these snacks arrived, I often noticed a dip in energy and focus during our mid-morning lessons. Now, I can ensure that no student is trying to solve complex math problems or write creative stories on an empty stomach. These resources have provided the physical nourishment necessary for them to stay on task, participate more vibrantly, and think more clearly throughout the day.","fullyFundedDate":1770336826004,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-serving-smiles/9970586/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds; Serving Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Osorio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8831551_orig.jpg?crop=1474,1474,x0,y142&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708661927803","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831551"},{"teacherId":9732676,"projectId":9772609,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous contribution to our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) project. Your support has made a profound impact on our classroom community and the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nSince implementing the SEL program, I have witnessed remarkable growth in students' self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. The tools and activities provided have helped students better understand their feelings, communicate effectively, and build stronger relationships with peers and adults. This has created a safer, more supportive classroom environment where every child feels valued and heard.\r\n\r\nThese skills are essential not only for academic success but for lifelong well-being. Students are becoming more resilient, managing stress better, and showing increased motivation and engagement in their learning. The positive changes extend beyond the classroom, influencing their interactions at home and in the community.\r\n\r\nNone of this would be possible without your generosity. Your investment in SEL is helping to nurture confident, compassionate, and emotionally healthy young people who are better equipped to face challenges and thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for making this transformative experience possible for my students. Your support truly changes lives.","fullyFundedDate":1759198434378,"projectUrl":"project/tablets-to-spark-learning/9772609/","projectTitle":"Tablets to Spark Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9732676_orig.jpg?crop=1205,1205,x0,y277&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777927364058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9732676"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50774","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":341,"numTeachers":31,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":58,"percentMultiracialImputed":10,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":68.3,"schoolId":50774,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Keaukaha Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Keaukaha Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/keaukaha-elementary-school/50774"}
Join the 268 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Keaukaha Elementary School is
a town public school
in Hilo, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 341 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.0:1.
Its teachers have had 235 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - 6
341 Students
31 Teachers
240 Desha AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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
28%
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.
Keaukaha Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 21, 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.
Keaukaha Elementary School
$162,021
raised using DonorsChoose
235
projects
funded
41
teachers
funded
268
donors
29
projects
for
basic supplies
40
projects for
technology
20
projects for
books
24
projects
for
art supplies
Keaukaha Elementary School has received support from
183 individuals from Hawaii and
85 individuals out-of-state.