{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakea Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9967512,"projectId":10191868,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for your generous donation to our classroom! When I first posted this project, I did so with a hopeful heart but a realistic mindset. In the world of education, we often see many needs and finite resources, so seeing this project funded by the Cavens Ohana was a moment of pure joy and immense relief. \r\nThis project was born out of a necessity to bridge the gap between home and school. Our Care Closet serves as a bridge, ensuring that no student has to sit through a lesson while distracted by hunger. By having these resources we have removed a significant barrier to learning. It allows me, as their teacher, to focus on instruction rather than worrying about whether my students have the stamina to make it to the end of the period.\r\nThank you for believing in us and for making our classroom a better place to learn, grow, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1778061143652,"projectUrl":"project/keep-our-care-closet-stocked/10191868/","projectTitle":"Keep Our Care Closet Stocked","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mahuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967512_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y269&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741973948054","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/makennamahuna"},{"teacherId":4778089,"projectId":10044630,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. We started working on our Market Day project and the students are ecstatic. They got to pick their business partners and come up with creative ideas to start their business. They earned mini-society money all this semester and they used it to buy the arts supply from the Donor's Choose. \r\n\r\nAs you can see in the pictures, students are engaged and focused while working on their Market Day products. All of these wouldn't be possible without your generous donation to our classroom. Thank you again and I hope you know how big of an impact you have to our students.","fullyFundedDate":1770994368397,"projectUrl":"project/market-day-project-20/10044630/","projectTitle":"Market Day Project 2.0","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Okamoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4778089_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x416,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765212709525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-okamoto"},{"teacherId":4778252,"projectId":10107839,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our project. The students really enjoyed cooking and using all the supplies from the project. \r\n\r\nWe were able to have our little buddies and big buddies work together using the supplies. Through all the supplies in this project we were able to lift this program off the ground. The students really enjoy working together and getting to know their big buddies and create a sense of community with one another. They look forward to our activities each week and enjoy working together. They were able to cook and work together in taking turns creating brownies, dirt cups using the pudding. Our next goal is to make rice krispies. \r\n\r\nThank you again so much for helping this project get off the ground.","fullyFundedDate":1771684996897,"projectUrl":"project/confidence-starts-with-a-buddy/10107839/","projectTitle":"Confidence Starts with a Buddy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nitahara-Moses","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4778252_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649384737205","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4778252"},{"teacherId":4392380,"projectId":10193642,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose coffee cart project. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Because of you, they now have the opportunity to develop important real-world and vocational skills such as communication, teamwork, responsibility, and customer service.\r\n\r\nThis project goes beyond just serving coffee—it allows our students to build confidence, practice independence, and engage with the school community in a positive and purposeful way. They take pride in their work and are learning what it means to contribute, connect, and spread kindness to others.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support and belief in our students. Your donation is helping create lasting learning experiences that will impact them far beyond the classroom. Thank you for being a part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1776883484509,"projectUrl":"project/brewing-kindness-spreading-kindness-acr/10193642/","projectTitle":"Brewing Kindness: Spreading Kindness Across Our School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shikuma","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4392380_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494535957383","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4392380"},{"teacherId":5357502,"projectId":10104563,"letterContent":"The students were so excited to see all of the wonderful new supplies for our classroom. They were excited to get to use the step ladder to help organize our toner and help pin up posters in our classroom. \r\n Currently, we are working on organizing our classroom for the next school year. We are labeling our Chromebooks so that we know exactly where and who is using each device. The silver pens make it easier to see and keep track of all of the number of chromebooks. Each of the students got to use the label maker to label their Chromebooks with their name and cubby number. \r\n In the near future, we plan to invite the kindergarten and first graders to our class for a buddy lesson on taking proper care of our Chromebooks. We would also teach them how to be effective users of technology!","fullyFundedDate":1771610974362,"projectUrl":"project/computer-911-be-a-tech-medic/10104563/","projectTitle":"Computer 911-Be a Tech Medic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michael","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5357502_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759180455621","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5357502"},{"teacherId":8821596,"projectId":10103269,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate—they couldn't wait to explore everything. The books instantly made our classroom library more inviting, and I've seen students more eager to read and share recommendations with each other. Recess equipment brought so much joy and energy, encouraging teamwork and positive play. One of my favorite moments was watching students gather around to play with the new games, laughing, and reconnecting socially and off their computers!\r\n\r\nWe've been using these resources every day to support learning. Sheet protectors hold reference sheets students rely on during lessons, and the paper cutter helps me efficiently prepare materials. The wood frames were used for mother's day crafts. The air dry clay was used as a fun arts and crafts activity to learn how to make pinch pots. The buttons were designed and made by students to wear at their May Day performance, and the lei were made by me so to give at the end of the year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1771699927441,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-create-play-and-learn/10103269/","projectTitle":"Tools to Create, Play, and Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Iwamoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821596"},{"teacherId":1622538,"projectId":10103084,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for the art supplies. The students and I were super excited to receive the order and see what was included. They couldn't wait to get their hands on the colorful paper and put it to use for our animal research projects. \r\n It's really great to have fun pencils and writing supplies for the kids to use. It makes a difference in their motivation and enthusiasm for classwork. I also love being able to laminate individual pieces quickly with the classroom laminator. I don't have to reserve the main laminator in another building and hauling student work across campus.","fullyFundedDate":1771446740879,"projectUrl":"project/art-activities/10103084/","projectTitle":"Art Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1622538_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1500086755836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wesperry"},{"teacherId":4769839,"projectId":10103816,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to my project! These materials have helped create a classroom where my kindergarteners can learn, move, and grow with joy. Wobble chairs support focus by allowing students to move while they learn. At the same time, supplies like the tempera paint, dot markers, and cardstock have encouraged creativity and built fine motor skills through hands-on experiences in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe dolls in our home center have been enjoyed daily. They have promoted imaginative play and social-emotional development, helping students practice kindness and communication. \r\n\r\nAnd our prize box items have been motivating my students to demonstrate positive behavior by giving them something to look forward to and feel proud of each day.\r\n\r\nWith your support, my classroom space is one where students feel engaged, successful, and excited to come to school every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771611493091,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-art-play-and-motivation-for-y/10103816/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Art, Play, and Motivation for Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shibuya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4769839_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504770611841","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4769839"},{"teacherId":4604227,"projectId":9759155,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations to this project. Through this project, students have the flexibility to sit in various places within the classroom. They also have the opportunity to earn small rewards for their hard work and positive behaviors. These little extras make a big difference in helping students learn and enjoy school. Thank you for your support! Your generosity helps create a more engaging and positive learning environment. Students feel motivated and excited to do their best each day. We truly appreciate your kindness and support of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759192517069,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-treasure-chest-flexible-sea/9759155/","projectTitle":"Building a Treasure Chest & Flexible Seating for Growing Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4604227_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1521217999370","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heathercurryg102"},{"teacherId":8354915,"projectId":10103412,"letterContent":"This project integrates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into the daily rhythm of both Physical Education and Art. By providing pinnies, watercolor pencils, and sketchbooks, we are giving students the tools to build self-awareness, relationship skills, and emotional regulation.\r\n\r\n In Physical Education, the new sports pinnies will do more than just identify teams; they will cultivate a true sense of belonging. As students wear their team colors, they practice relationship skills by communicating strategies and navigating the highs and lows of competition. This environment encourages responsible decision-making and helps students learn to regulate their emotions during high-energy team interactions.\r\n\r\nIn Art, sketchbooks and watercolor pencils provide an opportunity for self-expression and mindfulness. Sketching allows students to process complex feelings non-verbally, while the precision required for watercolor techniques promotes patience and self-management. These tools empower students to explore their internal world, building the self-awareness and confidence necessary to thrive both in and out of the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771445749711,"projectUrl":"project/using-pe-and-art-to-foster-sel-skills/10103412/","projectTitle":"Using PE And Art To Foster SEL Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8354915"},{"teacherId":4614595,"projectId":9901559,"letterContent":"Andy B,\r\nMahalo for bringing so much joy to our classroom! With each new slushie recipe we try, my students light up with excitement, curiosity, and laughter. This has become such a special way to celebrate their hard work as they prepare for and complete their SBA exams and dedicate themselves to rehearsing for our end-of-year hōʻike performance. Your generosity gives them something fun to look forward to and reminds them that their effort, perseverance, and teamwork are worth celebrating every week!!","fullyFundedDate":1765318579607,"projectUrl":"project/cool-treats-for-cool-kids-a-classroom-s/9901559/","projectTitle":"Cool Treats for Cool Kids: A Classroom Slushie Incentive!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shinshiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4614595_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1621485376826","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-shinshiro"},{"teacherId":5827300,"projectId":10079883,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your most generous donation that brought my classroom supplies into my classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our ability to complete projects and engage more fully in our learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, we now have the materials we need to be creative, stay organized, and participate in hands-on activities that make learning more enjoyable and effective. Your contribution has truly had a positive impact on our classroom experience.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for supporting our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771769859143,"projectUrl":"project/growing-socially-academically/10079883/","projectTitle":"Growing Socially & Academically","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Iopa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5827300_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651982317195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/iopa"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50783","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":706,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":65.4,"schoolId":50783,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiakea Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiakea Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waiakea-elementary-school/50783"}
Join the 774 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Waiakea Elementary School is
a town public school
in Hilo, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 706 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.2:1.
Its teachers have had 1,091 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
706 Students
58 Teachers
180 W Puainako StContact 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.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
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
36%
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.
Waiakea Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 15, 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.
Waiakea Elementary School
$639,323
raised using DonorsChoose
1,091
projects
funded
81
teachers
funded
774
donors
133
projects
for
basic supplies
123
projects for
technology
110
projects for
books
148
projects
for
art supplies
Waiakea Elementary School has received support from
506 individuals from Hawaii and
268 individuals out-of-state.