{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Konawaena Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":61.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10170840,"projectId":10107993,"letterContent":"Walking into my lab lately feels less like managing a classroom and more like overseeing a professional research facility. My 120 sixth graders are in that energetic, transitional phase where they are moving from guided learners to independent thinkers, and these new resources have finally given them a workspace that acts as a launchpad rather than an obstacle course. Before these organizers arrived, I'd watch \"aha!\" moments flicker out because a student was deep-sea diving through a backpack \"black hole\" just to find a lab notebook. Now, the moment we start a lesson, there's a focused calm as they reach for their dedicated file organizers—we've officially retired our roles as \"Professional Paper-Hunters\" and reclaimed that time for actual discovery.\r\n\r\nThe \"Creativity Corner\" has become the heartbeat of our CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) activities. My students aren't just doodling; they are using these coloring materials to make their thinking visible. During our recent deep dive into the human body systems, you could hear a pin drop as they color-coded their arguments—highlighting their claims in one color, their supporting data in another, and their scientific logic in a third. When the materials first arrived, the reaction was pure middle school magic. Their eyes widened as if I'd just wheeled in a shipment of high-end tech. One student hovered over the new highlighters and asked, \"Wait, we get to use the 'good' markers for our evidence?\" It's amazing how a fresh set of colored pencils can make a student stand taller and take more pride in their data.\r\n\r\nThank you for ensuring that when the lightbulb goes off in their eyes, they have the tools to record it, the colors to analyze it, and the pins to show the world they conquered it!","fullyFundedDate":1771710835279,"projectUrl":"project/pins-pens-and-protocols-organizing-ou/10107993/","projectTitle":"Pins, Pens, and Protocols: Organizing Our Young Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jezz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10170840_orig.jpg?crop=2197,2197,x0,y212&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759479026242","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10170840"},{"teacherId":9988495,"projectId":9925440,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our school. I wanted to share a little about the incredible impact your support has had on my students, especially during a time of significant upheaval.\r\n\r\nMiddle school is a storm in its own right, but the recent Kona Low brought a level of stress that our community wasn't fully prepared for. Between the school closures and the physical damage many families at home, our students returned to campus carrying a heavy load. It was clear that the days spent away from our cafeteria meant many kids had gone without consistent meals, and they arrived back at school not just hungry for routine, but physically hungry as well.\r\n\r\nAs a behavioral health counselor, I know that connecting with students is the most important part of my job. Meeting their basic needs is the first step in building a trusting relationship. The food you've provided has become an invaluable tool for this; it acts as a bridge to help me build rapport and stabilize them emotionally after the chaos of the storm.\r\n\r\nA Calm After the Storm\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reaction was a quiet, deep sigh of relief. It wasn't a loud celebration, but a calm settling—it was as if a weight had been lifted. By ensuring they have enough to eat, they can focus on their own growth and development rather than the stress of an empty stomach.\r\n\r\nI've seen this play out in small, vital ways:\r\n\r\nBuilding Community: Recently, after a difficult group project, a few students were able to grab a snack in my office and take a quiet moment together. This simple act of sharing food helps them feel safe and seen.\r\n\r\nRestoring Focus: After the storm closures, many students were understandably distracted. Having nutritious options on hand allowed them to regulate and re-engage with their lessons.\r\n\r\nThe food you've provided is so much more than a meal; it's a foundation for their emotional well-being and a vital tool for connection. Thank you again for believing in our students and supporting the work we do. We are so grateful for your partnership.","fullyFundedDate":1770387895856,"projectUrl":"project/helping-kids-stay-calm-and-learn-with-br/9925440/","projectTitle":"Helping Kids Stay Calm and Learn With Brain Food!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tovah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9988495_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y554&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743451224226","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9988495"},{"teacherId":10170840,"projectId":9942588,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our Solar Oven project to life! Your generosity has transformed our science lessons into a hands-on culinary adventure. We are currently using these resources to study Heat Energy and the States of Matter. My students recently used their new ovens for a \"Solar S'mores\" challenge, which provided a fantastic \"lightbulb moment\" as they watched solid chocolate undergo a phase change into a liquid using only radiation from the sun.\r\n\r\nThe students were absolutely thrilled when the materials arrived, with one student exclaiming, \"We're actually going to cook with science!\" Seeing professional-grade thermometers and reflective materials made them feel like real scientists and gave them a newfound sense of pride in their work. Our next step is to explore thermal equilibrium by designing modifications to the ovens to see which materials prevent heat loss most effectively. Thank you for investing in my students and making science \"taste\" so good!","fullyFundedDate":1767811996973,"projectUrl":"project/catching-the-sun-engineering-our-own-so/9942588/","projectTitle":"Catching the Sun: Engineering Our Own Solar Ovens!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jezz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10170840_orig.jpg?crop=2197,2197,x0,y212&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759479026242","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10170840"},{"teacherId":6621951,"projectId":9774642,"letterContent":"My students loved the resources we received with this project. Getting to play with hula hoops and stepping stones reminded them of elementary school. We had our middle school students running across the \"river\" to avoid the \"alligators.\" We tested their agility and the split-second decision making ability. We had some casualties but more survivors. Students worked together and have fun. \r\n\r\nAgain, mahalo for giving equipment so that our teens can get up and moving. We love the competitiveness that they show each other and listening to the laughter of our middle school students.","fullyFundedDate":1759417298271,"projectUrl":"project/action-and-adventure-in-advisory/9774642/","projectTitle":"Action and Adventure in Advisory","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. J. Murphioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6621951_orig.jpg?crop=568,568,x46,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597084475340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/murphiokamath"},{"teacherId":6621951,"projectId":9156829,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving to my project, \"Colorful Cardstock Creations Continued.\" The restock of supplies has been helpful to my classroom and given the students a choice of colors to use for their skyscrapers. They had fun trying to make scale models. When they saw all the options of materials to use, they were excited. They were successful with the math application but really struggled with the creating and building of the model. It was great to see their perseverance while building and getting their skyscraper to freely stand along with adding in all the details of the skyscraper. \r\n\r\nWith your support, you made this project possible. Mahalo.","fullyFundedDate":1741834378291,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-cardstock-creations-continued/9156829/","projectTitle":"Colorful Cardstock Creations Continued","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. J. Murphioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6621951_orig.jpg?crop=568,568,x46,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597084475340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/murphiokamath"},{"teacherId":9581496,"projectId":9749938,"letterContent":"We are using the bean bags to create a calm, flexible seating area where students can read, work independently, and collaborate comfortably. This space has become especially helpful during reading time, small group instruction, and independent work. The snacks are used to support students who may come to school hungry or need an energy boost to stay focused. One special moment was seeing students quietly reading on the bean bags while enjoying a snack, creating a calm and positive learning environment where everyone felt comfortable and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the bean bags and snacks, they were extremely excited and grateful. Many students immediately asked if they could use the seating area for reading or group work, and their faces lit up when they saw the snack options. They felt cared for and valued, which helped set a positive tone for learning. Several students shared that having snacks helps them focus better and feel more comfortable during class.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students now feel more supported, relaxed, and motivated throughout the school day. The next steps for our students include continuing to build strong reading habits, working on collaborative group projects, and strengthening writing and discussion skills. The flexible seating area allows students to choose learning spaces that help them focus, while the snacks ensure they have the energy needed to stay engaged. These resources have helped create a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1758937133769,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corners-tasty-treats-for-learning/9749938/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corners & Tasty Treats for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rubio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9581496_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x116,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719892486004","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9581496"},{"teacherId":9581496,"projectId":9777852,"letterContent":"Many of our donors use technology at home, but may not always see how it supports learning in the classroom. In our class, technology helps increase student engagement, creativity, and connection. The Polaroid camera and Epson printer have allowed students to capture special classroom moments and create a themed photo wall using decorations to make it inviting and meaningful. This display celebrates learning, teamwork, and success. The decorated photo wall helps students feel recognized and valued, which encourages positive behavior, participation, and pride in their work.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is seeing their photos printed right away. Taking a picture and instantly watching it come out of the printer creates excitement and motivation. Students look forward to using the camera to document class projects, group work, and celebrations. Choosing decorations and helping design the photo wall has also allowed students to express creativity and take ownership of their classroom space. This has helped build a strong sense of classroom community.\r\n\r\nThis new technology has been especially impactful for students who are usually quiet or shy. Seeing themselves included on the photo wall helps them feel a sense of belonging and confidence. Many of these students are now more willing to participate in class discussions and group activities. It also supports students who struggle academically by reminding them that effort, growth, and teamwork are important and worth celebrating.\r\n\r\nOverall, the Polaroid camera, Epson printer, and themed decorations have helped create a positive and welcoming learning environment. Students are more engaged, motivated, and excited to come to class each day. The photo wall has become a daily reminder that learning can be fun, meaningful, and something to be proud of. This project has strengthened relationships, boosted confidence, and helped students feel more connected to their classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1759494277684,"projectUrl":"project/picture-perfect-learning-a-photo-wall-/9777852/","projectTitle":"Picture-Perfect Learning: A Photo Wall & Printer for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rubio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9581496_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x116,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719892486004","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9581496"},{"teacherId":9968691,"projectId":9571586,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation for our students successful experiences.\r\n\r\nWe have used these activities recently for team choice days for advisory and for steal the wheel (an alternate time where students go where teachers collaborate in specific fields and PE takes place). These student have had alternatives to choose from. \r\n\r\nIn making it more fitness based, I'm going to make these alternatives into a game show based choices. Our Jenna sets I'm going to put labels on the blocks (that they pull) with a fitness component like 20 second planks, 10 jumping jacks, 10 high knees, etc. and call it Fitness Jenga. It will then meet the standards of Physical Education. As for the Corn Hole games, I was thinking of making it some sort of relay game where you'd have to run to grab your bean bag, toss it in hopes to land it on the board or the hole, and then tag your team mate for the next person to go and do the same making it a relay and once again meeting the standards of Physical Education. \r\n\r\nWe'll still use them for rainy days to where when we do have rainy days and can't go outside. We'll use them without the alternative ways and just use them as the games were originally intended for giving the students more choices, but still understating and learning how to motivate and engage students with background knowledge of the original games.","fullyFundedDate":1765322376306,"projectUrl":"project/rainy-pe-days/9571586/","projectTitle":"Rainy PE Days","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Torbeck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9968691"},{"teacherId":2930404,"projectId":9683088,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project and for providing our classroom with essential tools for hands-on STEM learning. The gram scales and digital thermometers have already made a meaningful difference in how students engage with scientific investigations. Being able to accurately measure mass and temperature allows students to practice real scientific techniques, collect reliable data, and better understand concepts such as experimental variables, precision, and measurement error.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the batteries and aluminum foil are foundational materials that support a wide range of inquiry-based activities. From powering digital equipment to conducting experiments involving heat transfer, insulation, and electrical circuits, these supplies allow students to move beyond worksheets and into authentic, interactive learning experiences. Having reliable, readily available materials ensures that lessons run smoothly and that all students can actively participate.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly supports curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in young scientists. On behalf of my students and our classroom community, thank you for investing in education and helping make meaningful, hands-on learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1762265208895,"projectUrl":"project/mass-ive-stem-supplies/9683088/","projectTitle":"MASS-ive Stem Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cummins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2930404_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448482619508","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-cummins"},{"teacherId":10039649,"projectId":9784413,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing LEGO materials for our classroom. Your donation has made a meaningful impact on my students by giving them hands-on opportunities to learn, create, and problem-solve in an engaging and motivating way. The excitement on their faces when they are able to build, collaborate, and explore concepts through LEGO activities truly shows how valuable your contribution has been to our learning environment.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, students are strengthening critical thinking, teamwork, and fine motor skills while also building confidence and creativity. These materials have helped make learning more interactive and accessible for all learners, and they will continue to be a valuable resource throughout the school year. Thank you again for investing in our students and supporting their growth and success.","fullyFundedDate":1759627098729,"projectUrl":"project/special-education-math-hands-on-learning/9784413/","projectTitle":"Special Education Math Hands-on Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nakamoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10039649"},{"teacherId":9967638,"projectId":9750777,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my students are using these resources every day to design and build their own unique, fully imagined sets for original stop-motion films. When the materials first arrived, their excitement was immediate—they were thrilled by the variety and possibilities in front of them. Having access to so many creative tools kept them engaged and allowed their ideas to flow freely without limitations. Students eagerly collaborated, experimented, and problem-solved as they brought their visions to life, turning simple materials into detailed, imaginative worlds.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students had fun while learning and created some truly awesome sets and short films they are proud of. This project strengthened their creativity, storytelling skills, and confidence as creators. Next, students will continue refining their films by adding movement, sound, and finishing touches, while reflecting on their creative process. Your contribution didn't just provide supplies—it gave students the freedom to imagine, create, and experience the joy of learning through art and storytelling","fullyFundedDate":1759191834742,"projectUrl":"project/future-filmmakers/9750777/","projectTitle":"Future Filmmakers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Andrade","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967638"},{"teacherId":2930404,"projectId":9772657,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom and for providing these much-needed materials. Because of you, my students now have access to Paper Mate mechanical pencils, sketching and drafting pencils, Super Wiggle Bots, Scribble Bot kits, and the TeacherGeek Maker Tool Set. These resources will have an immediate and meaningful impact on our learning environment.\r\n\r\nMy students are naturally curious and learn best through hands-on experiences. Many come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of learning needs, so having engaging, tactile materials allows them to access learning at their own level. The Super Wiggle and Scribble Bots, along with the TeacherGeek Maker Tool Set, will help students design, build, and problem-solve as they learn by doing. These activities foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while strengthening their understanding of engineering and design principles.\r\n\r\nThese tools will help make STEM concepts tangible and exciting, building confidence and enthusiasm as my students continue their educational journey through middle school. My students are incredibly grateful for your support, and I am sincerely thankful for your investment in their learning and future success.","fullyFundedDate":1759271511155,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-stem/9772657/","projectTitle":"Tools for STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cummins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2930404_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448482619508","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-cummins"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62527","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":614,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":57,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":38.9,"schoolId":62527,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Konawaena Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Konawaena Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/konawaena-middle-school/62527"}