{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kohala High School","outOfStateSupporters":52.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4356341,"projectId":10067485,"letterContent":"Aloha,\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, many of my multilingual learners (MLLs) are working hard to build both language and confidence at the same time. These students, ranging from WIDA levels 2–4, often understand concepts but struggle to express their ideas using academic English. Vocabulary is one of the biggest barriers they may hear a word, see it in text, but not fully connect it to the meaning in a way that sticks. The Voices Into Words project is designed to change that.\r\n\r\nWith access to laptops or iPads, students will use AI tools to generate images based on new vocabulary words they are learning in science and across content areas. Instead of just copying definitions, students will describe a word in their own language, visualize it, and then generate an image that represents their understanding. This process builds a powerful bridge between language, meaning, and memory.\r\n\r\nWhen a student creates an image for a word like \"photosynthesis\" or \"mutation,\" they are not just memorizing, they are processing, interpreting, and owning that word. They begin to see language as something they can control and create with, rather than something that limits them. This project directly supports reading comprehension, writing development, and speaking confidence. It also increases engagement, especially for students who may feel disconnected from traditional text-heavy learning. Most importantly, it gives students a voice.\r\n\r\nBy turning words into images...and ideas into something visible, students build both academic language and self-belief. This is more than vocabulary instruction. This is access, empowerment, and equity in action. Mahalo for supporting our students and helping bring their voices into words.","fullyFundedDate":1771368585485,"projectUrl":"project/voices-into-words-using-support-english/10067485/","projectTitle":"Voices Into Words: Using Support English Language for Multilingual Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Douglas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4356341_orig.jpg?crop=352,352,x148,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663959993129","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rock-on-aloha-mr-douglas"},{"teacherId":4356341,"projectId":9867656,"letterContent":"Aloha,\r\n\r\nThe Tiny House Project is more than just a geometry assignment; it is a meaningful, real-world learning experience that connects math, science, and community powerfully. At Kohala High School, many of my students thrive when they can see how their learning applies to real-life challenges. Housing is a major issue in our community, and this project allows students to explore solutions while building critical academic skills.\r\n\r\nThrough this project, students design and construct scale models of tiny homes, applying geometry concepts such as area, volume, measurement, and proportional reasoning. At the same time, they engage in problem-solving, collaboration, and design thinking. For many of my Multilingual Learners, hands-on learning provides access to complex concepts that can otherwise feel out of reach. This project gives them a voice, allowing them to communicate ideas through visuals, models, and structured academic language.\r\n\r\nYour support will provide the materials needed to bring these designs to life. With the right resources, students can fully engage in building, testing, and refining their ideas. This hands-on experience increases motivation, deepens understanding, and builds confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1766960270706,"projectUrl":"project/project-title-tiny-homes-big-ideas-st/9867656/","projectTitle":"Project Title: Tiny Homes, Big Ideas: Student-Designed Sustainable House Dioramas","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Douglas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4356341_orig.jpg?crop=352,352,x148,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663959993129","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rock-on-aloha-mr-douglas"},{"teacherId":9310268,"projectId":9482958,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on my students. Thanks to your support, our classroom has transformed into a bustling hub of entrepreneurial activity! The \"Snack Startup\" project is officially up and running, and the excitement is palpable.\r\n The Powerade, veggie straws, bugles, Welch's gummies, Nutri-Grain bars and all the snacks received are more than just snacks—they are tools that make the students feel that they have somewhere to go whenever they get hungry.\r\n When the boxes first arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled! Their eyes lit up, not just because of the treats, but because they felt special. One student exclaimed, \"Wait, is this for us students?\" The sight of the organized, colorful snacks gave them a sense of pride and ownership. It showed them that people they don't even know believe in them and want to support their learning, which has significantly boosted their confidence.\r\n Mahalo again for your generosity and making sure there is a need and place when a student is hungry.","fullyFundedDate":1763500961975,"projectUrl":"project/snack-startup-for-students/9482958/","projectTitle":"Snack Startup for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cabrera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9310268_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1733,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727457526404","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9310268"},{"teacherId":4356341,"projectId":9734540,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of the Harnessing Microbes for Clean Energy: Microbial Fuel Cells grant. Because of your investment, our students were able to engage in authentic, hands-on science that connected microbiology, renewable energy, and real-world problem solving.\r\n\r\nThrough this project, students designed and tested microbial fuel cells, explored how microbes can generate electricity, and analyzed data to understand energy efficiency and sustainability. For many students, especially our multilingual learners, this experience made abstract science concepts tangible and accessible. Students were not just learning about clean energy; they were actively building, observing, and explaining it.\r\n\r\nYour support directly expanded access to high-quality STEM learning, encouraged curiosity and innovation, and empowered students to see themselves as scientists tackling global challenges. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to student learning and to a more sustainable future.","fullyFundedDate":1759163175983,"projectUrl":"project/harnessing-microbes-for-clean-energy-mi/9734540/","projectTitle":"Harnessing Microbes for Clean Energy: Microbial Fuel Cells","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Douglas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4356341_orig.jpg?crop=352,352,x148,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663959993129","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rock-on-aloha-mr-douglas"},{"teacherId":4356298,"projectId":9774381,"letterContent":"My classroom has become a safe and calming space where students come to relax, reset, and feel cared for. Throughout the day, students stop by during breaks to make a cup of tea or coffee, use fidgets, build together, or play games. These small moments—laughing, connecting, and slowing down—have a powerful impact on their sense of belonging and social-emotional wellbeing.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were genuinely excited and grateful. They treated everything with respect and quickly embraced the routines that help them feel grounded. The space has become a trusted reprieve from the busyness of their day, where students can be themselves and return to learning feeling calmer and more focused.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using this space as they work through individualized, online lessons at their own pace. Additional building sets, fidgets, and supplies to keep our tea and coffee station stocked—as well as a holiday-themed slime-making activity—will help maintain this welcoming environment. Personal headphones and storage bags will support focused learning, while classroom organization tools will keep the space calm, clutter-free, and ready for student projects. These resources go a long way in helping students feel supported every day—thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759498101607,"projectUrl":"project/organized-for-joy-tools-to-support-stud/9774381/","projectTitle":"Organized for Joy: Tools to Support Student Wellbeing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hedlund","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4356298_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502484869459","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4356298"},{"teacherId":4552887,"projectId":9877268,"letterContent":"My students were ecstatic when they saw all the beads and bracelet/key chain making supplies in my office. One student said, \"What are those for? Can I make something?\" When I explained the purpose of materials, she was even more excited to make something. She ended up making a bracelet for her friend whose grandpa just passed away. At our GSA club, all of our members were feverishly making bracelets or key chains for their friends/family members. \"What a cool idea, thank you Miss,\" is what they told me.\r\n\r\nShortly after receiving the materials, our students went on winter break. I am excited for them to come back this week and continue making pieces to give to those who need a little pick-me-up or happy reminder.","fullyFundedDate":1764219599507,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-empathy-and-resilience-with-co/9877268/","projectTitle":"Fostering Empathy and Resilience with Compassion Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Henderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/erin-henderson-373"},{"teacherId":4552887,"projectId":9879324,"letterContent":"Mahalo Nui Loa for your donations to my project, Snacks to Fuel Learning. Because of donors like you, and the Donors Choose Student Hunger Fund, my students are able to have a quick snack between classes that fuels their batteries. My students tell me that the snacks allow them to focus more on their learning rather than their rumbling stomachs or how much time is left before lunch.\r\n\r\nAs a high school counselor, I love to help meet my students' basic needs, and with your donations, I am able to do that. Thank you so very much.","fullyFundedDate":1762874368332,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-to-fuel-learning/9879324/","projectTitle":"Snacks to Fuel Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Henderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/erin-henderson-373"},{"teacherId":7934524,"projectId":9781492,"letterContent":"There is nothing quite like the smile on a child's face when they realize they are being celebrated! Thanks to your generous donation, every single student in my class now has the guarantee of a special birthday moment. The trinkets and treats you funded have removed the anxiety some students feel about not being able to bring things from home, ensuring equity and happiness for everyone.\r\n\r\nBeyond the celebrations, the daily snacks have been a lifesaver. I've noticed a significant decrease in irritability and a huge increase in focus during our hardest subjects. You haven't just bought us snacks; you've bought us productive, happy learning time. We are so incredibly grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1759594228879,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-celebrations-fall-2025/9781492/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Celebrations Fall 2025","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Randall Hendricks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7934524"},{"teacherId":9634992,"projectId":9775101,"letterContent":"I am writing to share my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous support of our classroom project, \"Let's Be Shelf-ish\"! Thanks to your contributions, we have successfully purchased a collection of engaging new books and comfortable, flexible seating options (bean bag chairs) for our students.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has transformed our classroom into an even more inviting and stimulating learning environment. You haven't just provided materials—you've provided comfort and inspiration for study. Thank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1759454343547,"projectUrl":"project/lets-be-shelf-ish/9775101/","projectTitle":"Let's Be Shelf-ish!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Patao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9634992_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728628857246","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9634992"},{"teacherId":7131361,"projectId":9612571,"letterContent":"Mahalo again for your generous contribution my classroom. It has been awesome to have the opportunity to provide nourishment in some form for students throughout the day. We are off campus everyday so the snacks that we have support students in their ability to stay alert, not be hungry, and be engaged in activities and learning. It's also nice to not hear, \"When is lunch? I'm so hungry!\"\r\n\r\nWhen we first got all of the snacks, the students' eyes lit up! They couldn't believe that there was a community of contributors who cared enough to support them with all of that. \r\n\r\nAgain, I appreciate all of your support!","fullyFundedDate":1756298020077,"projectUrl":"project/on-the-road-again-part-ii/9612571/","projectTitle":"On the Road Again, Part II","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Patao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7131361_orig.jpg?crop=2149,2149,x0,y121&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693085560013","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7131361"},{"teacherId":4552887,"projectId":9137109,"letterContent":"The Cowboys' Closet thrift store has been a huge success! Thanks to you, our thrift store is neatly organized and clutter free. Our students love coming in and looking through the clothes and other small items. \r\n\r\nWe decided that students should not have to pay any money for items they need, so Cowboys' Closet is now free for all students. Many students come in and are amazed at all the choices. Students and adults continue to donate clothing and other small items to the store so we are continually stocked.\r\n\r\nThe shelving units have really made the store come to life. Prior to your donations, students had to rummage through disorganized bins so we are very thankful that you helped us make Cowboys' Closet neat and tidy. Mahalo nui loa!","fullyFundedDate":1746787109670,"projectUrl":"project/cowboys-closet/9137109/","projectTitle":"Cowboy's Closet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Henderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/erin-henderson-373"},{"teacherId":9967538,"projectId":9161307,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations, which provided snacks for students at Kohala High School, and your support has made a huge difference.\r\n\r\nKohala has many low-income families, and food insecurity is a real concern for our students. The snacks you helped provide have been a game-changer, helping our students start the school year off strong. Not only have these snacks helped students stay focused and ready to learn, but they've also shown them that people care. Your kindness has a lasting impact, and we're so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1747332583820,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies-focused-minds-food-for-st/9161307/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies, Focused Minds: Food for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. O","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967538"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50775","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":260,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":21,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":47.4,"schoolId":50775,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kohala High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kohala High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kohala-high-school/50775"}
Join the 190 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kohala High School is
a rural public school
in Kapaau, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 260 students
in grades 9 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.0:1.
Its teachers have had 197 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
30%
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.
Kohala High 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.
Kohala High School
$178,240
raised using DonorsChoose
197
projects
funded
34
teachers
funded
190
donors
25
projects
for
basic supplies
25
projects for
technology
22
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Kohala High School has received support from
90 individuals from Hawaii and
100 individuals out-of-state.