{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kohala Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":52.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10081734,"projectId":9835462,"letterContent":"The moment our new science resources arrived, my classroom came alive with curiosity and excitement! For students who learn best by seeing and touching, these tools have transformed abstract concepts into hands-on experiences. Suddenly, the human body, DNA, and the principles of measurement were no longer just words in a textbook—they were real, interactive, and full of discovery.\r\n\r\nMy students eagerly explored the life-size skeleton and anatomical models, asking questions and making connections to what they had learned. One group even worked together to assemble the skeleton, identifying major bones and organs while discussing how each part functions. The digital scale has also been an incredible addition, allowing students to conduct experiments, measure accurately, and collect data to support their observations. These activities have strengthened critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning skills while making learning exciting and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are experiencing science in a way that is truly unforgettable. These tools are not only enhancing our current anatomy and biology lessons but are inspiring a lifelong curiosity and love for science. Your support has given my students the opportunity to explore, discover, and see themselves as future scientists, doctors, researchers, and health professionals.","fullyFundedDate":1763929873788,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-science-to-life-with-hands-on-m/9835462/","projectTitle":"Bringing Science to Life with Hands-On Models","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Guerrero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10081734_orig.jpg?crop=972,972,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753121061198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10081734"},{"teacherId":10240586,"projectId":9775292,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our ELA special education classroom. When this project was funded, I knew it would help our daily routine, but I didn't realize quite how much it would transform the confidence and focus of my students.\r\n\r\nThe color printer and laminator have become the \"heart\" of our prep station. For my students, who often struggle with abstract concepts, having high-contrast, color-coded visual supports is essential.\r\n\r\nInstead of standard black-and-white worksheets that can feel overwhelming, my students now use vibrant, laminated task cards and interactive sound walls.\r\n\r\nBecause these items are laminated and used with the dry erase markers, students feel safe making mistakes. They know they can simply wipe it away and try again, which has significantly lowered their \"academic anxiety\" and increased their willingness to participate.\r\n\r\nThe area rug and kid's tent have completely changed the physical energy of our room. In a special education setting, sensory regulation is a prerequisite for learning.\r\n\r\nWe have officially opened our \"Literacy Nook.\" It is no longer just a corner of the room; it is a sensory-friendly sanctuary. I have seen students who used to struggle to sit for five minutes of independent reading now \"disappear\" into the tent with a book for twenty minutes at a time. The rug provides a soft, defined boundary that helps them feel grounded and ready to focus.\r\n\r\nYour contribution did more than just buy supplies; it built a classroom where students with diverse needs feel seen, supported, and capable. You have provided the tools they need to bridge the gap between their potential and their progress.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for partnering with us and being a champion for special education.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,\r\n\r\nCiera Bruno\r\nKohala Middle School","fullyFundedDate":1759446944171,"projectUrl":"project/a-colorful-classroom-literacy-tools-for/9775292/","projectTitle":"A Colorful Classroom: Literacy Tools for ELA Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bruno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10240586"},{"teacherId":5023091,"projectId":9772793,"letterContent":"I want to tell you how much better this classroom functions having a screen that students can actually see. This allows every kid in the room to be able to see the materials I present, rather than trying to squeeze into a space on the floor so they can see. We really needed this. I didn't realize how hard it was for some of the kids to do their work because they say they can see the Smartboard, but they couldn't. \r\n\r\nThis has also been wonderful becaues the kids can now hear the tv as well, allowing me to use way more visual supports for their learning. We appreciate the donors so much. A special mahalo to the Benioffs, who give so much to Hawaii Schools. These gifts are incredible! It was hard to get the tv here to my classroom as Donors Choose couldn't find a company to ship it to Hawaii, and so they set it up as a pick up at Target. 4 trips to Kona, $100.00 in gas, and I was able to get Target to hold the TV and not send it back. Apparently, they cancel orders if you don't pick it up that day, but no one answers the phone so you cannot find out if it is on site. It was frustrating, but I got through it, my husband installed the tv near the ceiling, above the glare line of the windows and now the kdis can see. Mahalo Plenty!!!","fullyFundedDate":1759551125496,"projectUrl":"project/we-cannot-see/9772793/","projectTitle":"We Cannot See","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Corrales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5023091_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551406135909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5023091"},{"teacherId":5023091,"projectId":9458690,"letterContent":"The students love their materials for SURF Hawaii 5. They are able to access high quality books that help them build their social emotional skills. I wish I could tell you how wonderful the environment for reading is due to your kindness and donation. \r\n\r\nOur middle school classroom is like a mermaid grotto and all of the calming colors are really helping with the students' Social-Emotional health as they are able to process through challenges in a subdued environment, something that doesn't really exist in a middle school. \r\n\r\nHaving a multitude of children's literature available in the room at all times is fantastic because this year, our school CLOSED THE SCHOOL LIBRARY. I was able to grab many books and the bookshelves from SURF Hawaii are a god send.","fullyFundedDate":1753034169948,"projectUrl":"project/surf-hawaii-5-silent-uninterrupted/9458690/","projectTitle":"S.U.R.F. Hawaii 5: Silent, Uninterrupted Reading For Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Corrales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5023091_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551406135909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5023091"},{"teacherId":10035913,"projectId":9514494,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our students are showing new levels of engagement and motivation in their daily learning. In our FSC classroom, many students need immediate, concrete reinforcement to stay focused and to build confidence in completing tasks. With healthy snacks as positive reinforcers, students are more willing to participate in lessons, attempt new challenges, and persist even when the work feels difficult. These reinforcers have already become a powerful tool to teach perseverance, independence, and emotional regulation.\r\n\r\nWe've integrated the snacks into a variety of learning projects and routines. For example, during our \"Snack Store\" math activity, students practiced identifying coins and adding simple amounts, working toward the goal of earning a snack \"purchase.\" In literacy, students have been sequencing picture stories and earning small bites of their reinforcer after each correct step, which keeps them engaged and motivated to finish. We've also used snacks in group activities like turn-taking games, where students practice patience and cooperation while celebrating progress together. These moments turn abstract skills into exciting, rewarding experiences.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, the snacks will continue to support lessons in communication, social interaction, and behavioral self-regulation. For students who are developmentally at the kindergarten level but navigating middle school, these reinforcers create an essential bridge between effort and success. Each earned snack is not just a treat—it is a symbol of growth, effort, and pride. Your support ensures that our students have the tools they need to feel capable, celebrated, and ready to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1757548385958,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-better-with-a-snack-in-hand/9514494/","projectTitle":"Learning Is Better With a Snack in Hand","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Andersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10035913"},{"teacherId":8830433,"projectId":9158288,"letterContent":"Volleyball's impact on our school is significant. It's not just a sport; it's a catalyst for improved student well-being. Physically, it boosts health. Mentally, it enhances confidence and reduces stress. Socially, it builds teamwork and camaraderie. The program strengthens school spirit, creating a more vibrant community. Donor-funded equipment is essential, providing resources that allow students to excel and develop crucial life skills on and off the court. This support ensures the program's continued success and positive influence.","fullyFundedDate":1742050405938,"projectUrl":"project/spiking-potential-empowering-students-t/9158288/","projectTitle":"Spiking Potential: Empowering Students Through Volleyball and Esports","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kekaiola Coakley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8830433"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71226","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":172,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":53,"percentAsian":16,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":33,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":47.3,"schoolId":71226,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kohala Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kohala Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/kohala-middle-school/71226"}