{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakea Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4428015,"projectId":9757917,"letterContent":"Our Student Council students are using the new slushi machine and supplies as part of our weekly leadership meetings.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was during our first Student Council meeting after the materials \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the slushie machine, they were so excited to know what flavors we would be trying. \r\n\r\nNext, our Student Council students will use these resources to support upcoming spirit days and special events, including opportunities to serve staff as a way to say thank you. They are also learning how to plan ahead, assign roles, manage time, and reflect on what worked well after each event. These experiences are helping our students grow as confident leaders while building a stronger, more connected school community.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our donors a meaningful way to be part of our classroom and for supporting experiences that make leadership come alive for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758819848201,"projectUrl":"project/student-council-spirit-serving-up-leade/9757917/","projectTitle":"Student Council Spirit: Serving Up Leadership & Frozen Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shigenaga","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4428015_orig.jpg?crop=180,180,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766088782518","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teachingwithloveandsparkle"},{"teacherId":5357502,"projectId":9773938,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our classroom technology and materials are being used more effectively and purposefully to support student learning every day. These tools help students see, share, and preserve their learning in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe HDMI cables and USB-C hubs allow us to reliably connect laptops, tablets, and other devices to classroom displays. This makes lessons more interactive and visual, helping students better understand new concepts. Instead of just hearing information, students can see examples, model problem-solving, view student work, and participate in discussions as a class. The USB-C hubs are especially helpful because they allow multiple devices to connect easily, saving instructional time and keeping lessons flowing smoothly.\r\n\r\nThe laminating pouches have been just as impactful. Laminating student materials allows us to reuse learning tools such as reference sheets, task cards, graphic organizers, and hands-on activities. Students can write on them with dry-erase markers, practice skills multiple times, and correct mistakes without fear of \"messing up.\" This encourages risk-taking, independence, and repeated practice—key components of strong learning.\r\n\r\nStudents are most excited about how professional and permanent their work feels when it's laminated and displayed or used repeatedly. They love seeing their ideas preserved and respected. Several students who struggle with confidence have especially warmed to these materials because they allow for low-pressure practice and easy corrections. Others enjoy taking leadership roles by helping set up technology connections or assisting classmates during interactive lessons.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project has helped create a more engaging, organized, and student-centered learning environment. Your generosity has supported smoother instruction, increased student participation, and tools that will benefit our students long into the future. Thank you for investing in their learning and success.","fullyFundedDate":1759416766701,"projectUrl":"project/power-up-level-2/9773938/","projectTitle":"POWER UP LEVEL 2","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":4604227,"projectId":9522881,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, our students were able to enjoy special gifts for the holidays, fun treasure chest items, and so much more.\r\n\r\nThe kids have been incredibly excited and truly grateful. At Thanksgiving, they were thrilled to receive special treats, and now with Christmas approaching, they are enjoying extra goodies that help kick off the holiday season in such a joyful way.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and brought big smiles to many little faces. We are so thankful for your generosity and support of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760811645895,"projectUrl":"project/treasure-chest-reading-incentives-for-m/9522881/","projectTitle":"Treasure Chest Reading: Incentives for Morning Reading Success!","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":10111948,"projectId":9777909,"letterContent":"The social-emotional learning books introduced important skills that we explicitly teach and practice in our classroom. Through these texts, students are learning how to identify and name their emotions, understand how feelings affect behavior, and explore healthy strategies for self-regulation such as deep breathing, taking breaks, and using positive self-talk. The stories also help students build empathy by seeing situations from different perspectives and discussing how characters handle challenges, conflicts, and big emotions.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and purposeful. We read SEL books together during morning meetings and dedicated social-emotional lessons, pausing often to discuss feelings, make connections, and practice strategies from the stories. Students also revisit the books independently or with a partner, using them as tools when they need help calming down or solving a problem. The books have become part of our daily routines, not just something we read once and put away.\r\n\r\nSeveral students are especially enjoying the new books—particularly those who sometimes struggle with managing emotions or expressing how they feel. These students often choose the SEL books on their own and refer back to the strategies when they are upset or overwhelmed. It has been incredibly meaningful to hear students say things like, \"This book helped me calm down,\" or to see them use a strategy they learned from a story in real time.\r\n\r\nMahalo for supporting our students' emotional growth and helping create a classroom where learning includes both the heart and the mind.","fullyFundedDate":1759457899578,"projectUrl":"project/social-and-emotional-learning/9777909/","projectTitle":"Social and Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Dell-Lambeth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10111948_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761155268369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/odell-lambeth"},{"teacherId":10111948,"projectId":9776736,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your generous support of our cozy reading corner! Because of you, my third graders now have inviting new seating and an exciting selection of books that we use every single day. Students choose books from the collection during independent reading time and curl up in the cozy seating to read, reflect, and truly enjoy their stories. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who usually struggles to stay focused sit comfortably with a book and proudly tell me, \"I don't want to stop reading yet.\"\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their reactions were priceless. Their eyes lit up as they explored the books and eagerly tried out the seating. Many asked when they could start reading right away, and several students carefully selected a \"just-right\" book and settled in with huge smiles. The reading corner instantly became a calm, welcoming space that students are excited to use.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, students are now building stronger reading stamina and a deeper love for reading. Our next steps include using the reading corner during small-group reading lessons, book clubs, and response activities where students write and talk about what they've read. These resources are helping students grow as confident, motivated readers—and that impact will last all year long.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students a space that makes reading feel special. Your kindness has truly made a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759449276678,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corner-for-growing-readers/9776736/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corner for Growing Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Dell-Lambeth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10111948_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761155268369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/odell-lambeth"},{"teacherId":4778089,"projectId":9580661,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our Market Day project. This is the most anticipated project that we do in 4th grade. The students were so excited to have materials that they can use to showcase their creativity while learning about economics. \r\n\r\nThe students started various businesses by selling bookmarks, bracelets, greeting cards, slime, and painted rocks. They learned all about the hard work and strategies that comes with starting a business. \r\n\r\nNow that the students got a taste of their first market day, they are very excited to plan for our next one in May 2026. Thank you so much again and this is definitely an experience that my students will never forget!","fullyFundedDate":1755521859002,"projectUrl":"project/market-day/9580661/","projectTitle":"Market Day","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":4614595,"projectId":9530495,"letterContent":"This year, one of my students is autistic and benefits greatly from sensory tools, visual supports, and hands-on materials that promote focus, self-regulation, and confidence.\r\nWith your generous donations, you've helped to create a calm, accessible learning environment for this student while also supporting others who benefit from sensory breaks, clear routines, and differentiated instruction. These tools will reduce barriers to learning and help all students stay engaged and successful throughout the day.\r\n\r\nA huge mahalo for helping us build a classroom where every learner feels supported, included, and empowered to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1764685163020,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-supports-and-resources-for-inclu/9530495/","projectTitle":"Sensory Supports and Resources for Inclusive Success","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":4614595,"projectId":9684028,"letterContent":"This project will transformed my classroom into a hands-on STEAM learning space where creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration thrive. With these materials, students will think like engineers, designers, and innovators as they build, create, and experiment through meaningful, real-world projects.\r\n\r\nStudents have already applied their learning by building shield and composite volcanoes, making meaningful connections to the island they call home. Through these projects, they problem-solved with peers, navigated both leadership and supporting roles, and learned the value of teamwork and communication.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources will empower students to explore ideas, take risks, and develop confidence as creative thinkers—skills that will support their academic growth and future success.","fullyFundedDate":1757512728594,"projectUrl":"project/building-brains-creativity-and-innovat/9684028/","projectTitle":"Building Brains, Creativity, and Innovation with STEAM!","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":7934280,"projectId":9777283,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"Rewarding Resilience: A Fine Motor Treasure Box to Motivate Kindergarten Heroes.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. We are using the treasure box as a positive reinforcement tool to celebrate perseverance, self-regulation, and effort during fine motor and learning activities. Students earn opportunities to choose from the treasure box after demonstrating resilience—such as completing a challenging task, using calming strategies, or trying again after making a mistake. One special moment was watching a student who typically gives up quickly carefully finish a cutting activity, proudly saying, \"I didn't quit!\" before earning a reward.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the treasure box, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. They were eager to explore the items and immediately began asking what they could do to earn a turn. The rewards have been incredibly motivating, especially for students who struggle with frustration or attention. The treasure box has helped shift our classroom culture toward encouragement and growth, reinforcing that effort and persistence truly matter.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue integrating the treasure box into fine motor centers, writing tasks, and social-emotional learning lessons. Students are now working on strengthening their hand muscles, improving pencil control, and building independence while learning that resilience is something to be celebrated. Because of you, our kindergarten heroes feel seen, supported, and motivated to keep trying—even when learning feels hard. Thank you for helping us build confidence, resilience, and joy in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759458647291,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-resilience-a-fine-motortreasu/9777283/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Resilience: A Fine MotorTreasure Box to Motivate Kindergarten Heroes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Directo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7934280_orig.jpg?crop=2415,2415,x0,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627689530029","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7934280"},{"teacherId":4614595,"projectId":9773935,"letterContent":"Your support will directly enrich my students' learning by creating a classroom where creativity, organization, movement, and hands-on exploration thrive. These supplies will empower students to express their ideas through creative projects, build responsibility with organizational tools, and stay energized and active throughout the day.\r\n\r\nFrom designing personalized items and building ahupuaʻa models to exploring science through gardening, each resource supports meaningful, real-world learning. Together, these materials help nurture confident, curious, and engaged learners while supporting the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.","fullyFundedDate":1759457242919,"projectUrl":"project/creative-minds-organized-spaces-and-he/9773935/","projectTitle":"Creative Minds, Organized Spaces, and Healthy Learning","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":4778089,"projectId":9774399,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation to our classroom project. Here's a glimpse of how your donations was used in our classroom. \r\nThe Kleenex was really useful especially during flu season. Our class go through one box of Kleenex a week. During the holiday season, our class created artworks to give to their families as gift for the holiday season. The sublimation ink, paper, and blank puzzles was used to make customized holiday puzzle with student's pictures. We also created a handprint kitchen towel. We used the hand towels, iron-on vinyl, and paint to create a one-of-a-kind artwork that their families will keep and cherish. \r\nI was hoping that there's more time for me to show you how the rest of the materials will be used for the rest of this school year. The blank tote bags will be used to make mother's day gifts from students to the mother figure in their life. The blank t-shirts will be used to tie dye at the end of the school year. \r\nThe students was really happy and excited to have the opportunity to create art. Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity and it's definitely something that these students will remember.","fullyFundedDate":1759418745856,"projectUrl":"project/artsy-craftsy/9774399/","projectTitle":"Artsy Craftsy","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":1989844,"projectId":9613923,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Growing Scientists: Exploring Life Science Through Gardening project! Your generosity helped transform our classroom into a living science lab, and my fourth graders were engaged from day one.\r\n\r\nStudents loved planting seeds and checking their sprouts each morning. We ended up with a wide variety of plant growth, which kept the project exciting. One unexpected discovery was that our mint seeds didn't sprout at all, even after two weeks. This led to great discussions about what might have affected their growth and how real scientists learn from both successful and unexpected results.\r\n\r\nWith the pots, soil, gloves, tools, and seeds you provided, students were able to explore life science in a hands-on way. As they cared for their plants, they learned about life cycles, ecosystems, and what living things need to survive. We also planted several of our herb and vegetable seedlings in the school's raised garden beds, giving students a chance to see their plants continue to grow outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nGrowing vegetables opened the door to conversations about nutrition and the farm-to-table process. Students connected what they were growing to the foods they see at home, helping them understand where fresh produce comes from and why healthy eating matters. The project also encouraged teamwork, patience, and responsibility—skills that go far beyond science.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this experience possible. Your support sparked curiosity, strengthened scientific thinking, and gave my students a project they will remember.","fullyFundedDate":1757565499296,"projectUrl":"project/growing-scientists-exploring-life-scien/9613923/","projectTitle":"Growing Scientists: Exploring Life Science Through Gardening","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1989844_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1559429345636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leslie-walker"}],"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"}