{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Na'alehu Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":55.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9691278,"projectId":10107469,"letterContent":"Wow! What an impact your support made for my students who can now come to class excited to meditate with Crystal singing bowls and aromatherapy in the air. The 5th graders cherish it most. They produce quality work and get along well with each other after meditating for 15 minutes on their mats. The classroom has a calming energy to it as a result of these new additions! \r\n Your generosity has help my students feel proud about their school and their education. Thank you for giving this \"Social Emotional Learning\" experience to them. The yoga mats, diffuser and crystal singing bowls will be used for many years!","fullyFundedDate":1771680346421,"projectUrl":"project/healing-arts/10107469/","projectTitle":"Healing Arts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daisy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9691278_orig.jpg?crop=1010,1010,x557,y583&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747093686993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9691278"},{"teacherId":7995077,"projectId":10106199,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support and generosity! Because of you kindergartners engaged with robotics in a more tactile way that met them where they are developmentally. \r\n\r\nOur robotics team was able to participate in an extra competition and wear custom shirts they designed and produced using our heat press machine which was paid for by this grant. In the future we may be able to fundraise by selling robotics T-shirts. The whole school was offered a chance to vote on our team's shirt design and many wanted their own shirt. \r\n\r\nBecause of donors like you robotics was able to end the year strong. Students had so much fun battling other robots and spending a day a STEM festival here in Hilo, Hawai'i. It was the perfect way to end the year, it brought so much joy, camaraderie and hands on learning. \r\n\r\nMahalo for making this all possible!","fullyFundedDate":1771609551690,"projectUrl":"project/robotics-ai-and-stem-supplies/10106199/","projectTitle":"Robotics, AI, and STEM Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7995077"},{"teacherId":9369409,"projectId":10108558,"letterContent":"Mahalo so much for supporting our classroom project! Your generosity brought new color pencils, a classroom rug, a filing cabinet, and white cardstock into our kindergarten classroom, and the students have been so excited to use them every single day. 🌺📚\r\n\r\nThe color pencils have quickly become one of the students' favorite tools. They are using them during writing, science observations, directed drawing, and art projects. One very special moment happened during our watercolor and drawing center when students created detailed pictures of hearts, flowers, and \"royalty\" self-portraits. One little girl carefully drew herself as a queen in a purple dress with a crown and proudly explained every detail of her artwork. The new supplies helped students slow down, focus, and add so much creativity and confidence to their work.\r\n\r\nOur new rug has helped create a calm and welcoming learning environment for small group reading and partner work. Students gather there daily to read together, share stories, and collaborate. It has become an important community space in our classroom where students feel comfortable and connected.\r\n\r\nThe filing cabinet has already made a huge difference in organization and classroom flow. We are using it to organize student materials, intervention resources, and small group lessons so learning time can stay smooth and focused. The white cardstock has been wonderful for creating durable learning materials, student books, art projects, and writing activities that students can proudly take home.\r\n\r\nOne exciting classroom project involved students working together to build and assemble new classroom furniture and organize learning spaces. The students were fascinated watching the process and eagerly helped by holding pieces, sorting parts, and problem-solving together. It became an unexpected but meaningful teamwork and engineering lesson! 🛠️✨\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their reactions were full of excitement. Many immediately asked if they could draw, read together on the rug, or help organize the classroom. Their enthusiasm reminded me how meaningful even simple classroom resources can be for young learners.\r\n\r\nNext, our students will continue using these materials during literacy centers, collaborative reading groups, science observations, art integration projects, and hands-on STEM activities. We are especially focusing on building independence, creativity, communication, and teamwork as we finish the school year strong.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and helping create a classroom environment where children feel excited, supported, creative, and successful every day. Your kindness truly impacts our students in lasting ways.","fullyFundedDate":1771695754947,"projectUrl":"project/art-fun-and-fine-motor-building/10108558/","projectTitle":"Art Fun and Fine Motor Building","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Briggs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9369409_orig.jpg?crop=1829,1829,x0,y1258&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700027278422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9369409"},{"teacherId":9966911,"projectId":10110734,"letterContent":"The art materials that you gave our classroom played are very important in my kindergarten class because they help students learn and be creative. Students use crayons, paint, markers, and clay to make different kinds of art projects. These materials allow my kindergarten class to explore colors, shapes, and textures while expressing their ideas and feelings. The different art activities also make learning fun and help my students feel confident in their work.\r\n\r\nUsing art materials also helps them develop important skills. Drawing, cutting, painting, and coloring improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Students also learn how to focus, follow directions, and work together with their classmates during art activities. By using different art materials, children can learn, grow, and enjoy being creative in the classroom. I am very much grateful for your donations in our class. \r\nMahalo.","fullyFundedDate":1771787972345,"projectUrl":"project/great-imagination/10110734/","projectTitle":"Great Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dapin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966911"},{"teacherId":9970513,"projectId":10114724,"letterContent":"Aloha!\r\n\r\nI am writing with a grateful heart to thank you for your generous support of our project, \"Future-Ready 6th Graders: Bringing Technology to Our Rural Classroom.\" Because of your kindness, my students now have access to tools and resources that were once out of reach.\r\n\r\nYour donations have made a meaningful difference in our classroom. With the new technology, my students are more engaged, motivated, and excited to learn each day. They are developing important 21st-century skills such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Lessons that were once limited to textbooks have now come alive through interactive activities and hands-on experiences.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come from rural communities where access to technology can be limited. Thanks to you, they are now able to explore new ideas, conduct research, and build confidence in using digital tools that will support their future academic and career goals.\r\n\r\nI have already seen growth in their participation and enthusiasm. Students who were once hesitant are now eager to share their ideas and take part in classroom activities. This transformation would not have been possible without your support.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire classroom, thank you for believing in us and investing in our future. Your generosity has opened doors and created opportunities that will have a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1772063866565,"projectUrl":"project/future-ready-6th-graders-bringing-techn/10114724/","projectTitle":"Future-Ready 6th Graders: Bringing Technology To Our Rural Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ferrer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9970513"},{"teacherId":9472038,"projectId":10079203,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our \"Write, Play, and Proud to Display\" project! The sponge blocks have become a favorite in our classroom—students are building, creating, and bringing their ideas to life while strengthening fine motor skills, problem-solving, and collaboration. They take great pride in what they design and love sharing it with others.\r\n\r\nOur Handwriting Without Tears chalkboards are also a wonderful addition, helping students practice letter formation in a fun, low-pressure way.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support in making hands-on, joyful learning possible!","fullyFundedDate":1772063866428,"projectUrl":"project/write-play-and-proud-to-display/10079203/","projectTitle":"Write, Play, and Proud to Display!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Olga","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9472038_orig.jpg?crop=546,546,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708209724703","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9472038"},{"teacherId":8435192,"projectId":8219272,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, *Alphabets Alive*. Because of your kindness, our classroom is becoming a vibrant, engaging space where students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade can truly connect with language and literacy.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is helping us bring learning to life in meaningful ways. With the art supplies you've provided, students are not only practicing letter recognition and phonics, but also expressing themselves creatively—designing colorful letter collages, painting phonics-themed artwork, and making learning both memorable and fun.\r\n\r\nThe addition of alternative seating, such as wiggle stools and cushions, is already making a powerful difference. These options give students the freedom to learn in ways that best suit their individual needs, helping them stay focused, comfortable, and excited about participating in lessons.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, we can continue using engaging, research-based strategies that incorporate movement, music, and visual learning—ensuring that every child, regardless of their learning style, has the opportunity to succeed.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support is helping us inspire a lifelong love of reading and language. You are not just funding supplies—you are opening doors, sparking curiosity, and empowering young learners to grow with confidence.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our students and in the power of education.","fullyFundedDate":1708188577246,"projectUrl":"project/alphabets-alive-a-multi-sensory-learni/8219272/","projectTitle":"\"Alphabets Alive: A Multi-Sensory Learning Adventure\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Boswell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8435192_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651212207431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8435192"},{"teacherId":8435192,"projectId":9779848,"letterContent":"With heartfelt gratitude, I am writing to thank you for your generous support of our classroom literacy project. Because of your kindness, our young learners—from Pre-K through 2nd grade—are gaining access to the tools they need to build strong foundations in reading and writing during these incredibly important early years.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we believe that literacy is more than just learning letters and sounds—it is the key that unlocks confidence, creativity, and lifelong learning. However, our materials have been limited and well-loved, making it challenging to provide the engaging, hands-on experiences our students truly need. Your donation is transforming that reality in the most meaningful way. Thanks to you, our reading and writing centers are becoming vibrant hubs of creativity and discovery. \r\n\r\nThe diverse writing materials, including colorful paper and fun pens, are inspiring our students to express themselves in new and exciting ways. Writing is no longer just a task—it is becoming an adventure. Whether they are crafting simple sentences, illustrating their ideas, or experimenting with storytelling, these materials are helping students see themselves as real authors.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting additions to our classroom is the collection of diverse hand puppets. These imaginative tools are bringing stories to life in ways that captivate our students' attention and encourage dramatic play. Through puppetry, students are building oral language skills, practicing storytelling, and developing confidence as they share their voices. It is truly magical to see a child light up as they act out a story or create their own.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the phonics and letter formation manipulatives you've provided are giving our students the hands-on support they need to master foundational skills. These tools make abstract concepts more concrete, helping students strengthen their understanding through touch, movement, and play.\r\n\r\n> Your generosity is not just providing supplies—it is creating opportunities, sparking imagination, and building a strong foundation for lifelong success.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is filled with excitement, curiosity, and a renewed love of learning. You are helping to ensure that every child, regardless of their starting point, has access to the resources they need to grow into confident readers and writers.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your impact will be felt far beyond this school year. The skills our students are developing now will stay with them for a lifetime, shaping their academic journeys and opening doors to future opportunities.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, thank you for believing in us and for investing in the power of education. Your generosity is truly making a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1759545821551,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fun/9779848/","projectTitle":"Reading is Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Boswell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8435192_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651212207431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8435192"},{"teacherId":9969001,"projectId":9785934,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to hands-on math manipulatives that make learning more meaningful and exciting. Instead of only reading about math concepts, students are now able to touch, move, and explore the materials while solving problems. We are currently using these manipulatives during our lessons on fractions and mixed numbers, where students use fraction pieces to visually compare, add, and multiply fractions. One memorable moment happened when a student who usually struggles with fractions excitedly said, \"Now I can see how the pieces fit together!\" That moment showed how powerful hands-on learning can be.\r\n\r\n When the students first saw the new materials, their faces immediately lit up with excitement. They were curious and eager to start exploring. Many of them said it felt like they were doing a puzzle while learning math. The manipulatives helped them become more confident because they could physically see the relationships between numbers instead of just imagining them.\r\n\r\n Moving forward, we will continue using these resources to deepen students' understanding of math concepts through collaborative group activities, problem-solving tasks, and real-world applications. Students will work together to solve multi-step problems, explain their thinking, and build stronger mathematical reasoning skills. Your support is helping create a classroom where learning is engaging, interactive, and accessible for every student. Because of you, my students are building not only stronger math skills but also greater confidence in their ability to learn and succeed.\r\n\r\n Thank you for making a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1759760178125,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-brighter-futures-eng/9785934/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning, Brighter Futures: Engaging Students with Manipulatives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9969001"},{"teacherId":10250924,"projectId":9780691,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your contribution, your donations bought a lot of gardening materials which students used to start a school māla (garden). We learned moʻolelo (stories) and planted Native Hawaiian plants (ipu, palapalai, naupaka) in the garden. I also bought manipulatives which were used to extend learning about the Native Hawaiian ahupuaʻa (land divisions). They are all great resources and additions to my classroom and lessons and I am grateful for this opportunity and enjoying the process of seeing students get creative, excited and inspired by their garden and classroom experiences. Even our special education class was able to use the manipulative to explore ahupuaʻa waterway systems. Mahalo nui again!","fullyFundedDate":1762692643893,"projectUrl":"project/cultural-sovereignty-and-sustainability/9780691/","projectTitle":"Cultural Sovereignty and Sustainability","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kumu Kassie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10250924"},{"teacherId":8824058,"projectId":9942147,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving to this project. I want to say of all my Donors Choose projects over several years, I feel this one has had the most impact. My students love the days we do \"body work\". And I have noticed how their core strength and coordination has improved.\r\n\r\nBest of all many of my fellow teachers are seeing the improvements my students are making with their stamina. They are wanting to apply these activities in tbeir classrooms.\r\n\r\nThis is only possible because of your generous donation and dedication to want to provide for our students. You are invisible angels!!!","fullyFundedDate":1765736227485,"projectUrl":"project/finding-a-balance-using-pe-skills-to/9942147/","projectTitle":"Finding a Balance: Using P.E. Skills to Increase Academic Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deleeuw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8824058_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689030786026","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824058"},{"teacherId":9966911,"projectId":9774834,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to our project, \"Maximizing Interest in School through Rewards and Incentives.\" In a classroom setting, the \"spark\" of interest is everything. Sometimes, a student just needs that extra nudge a small incentive or a tangible reward to realize they are capable of meeting their goals. Because of you, I now have a \"treasure chest\" of motivation that helps my students stay focused, participate more deeply, and take pride in their daily achievements.\r\n\r\nI've already seen a shift in the energy of the room. Students who were once hesitant to speak up are now eager to earn their rewards for positive contributions. You haven't just provided \"prizes\"; you've provided the fuel for a more engaged, joyful learning environment.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom's morale!","fullyFundedDate":1759446913020,"projectUrl":"project/maximizing-interest-in-school-through-re/9774834/","projectTitle":"Maximizing Interest in School through Rewards and Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dapin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966911"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50780","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":412,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":50,"percentMultiracialImputed":12,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"17.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":44.7,"schoolId":50780,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Na'alehu Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Na'alehu Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/naalehu-elementary-interm-school/50780"}