{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakea High School","outOfStateSupporters":44.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7665845,"projectId":9782021,"letterContent":"My students are very grateful for the Creality 3D printer that you gifted our class. Using Tinkercad, a computer-aided design (CAD) platform, they digitally designed products that are solutions to day-to-day problems. Afterward, they used the Creality 3D printer to bring their digital designs to life. \r\n\r\nIndeed, the students printouts are making lives easier. One group developed a spinning popsicle stick holder that teachers can use to randomly pick students to answer a question or participate in an activity. Another group created an \"Egg Nest Organizer,\" which is a three-layer egg-shaped organizer that serves as storage for small office supplies like paper clips and erasers. There was also a group that printed \"KitchenAddons\" to be attached to a commercially available brush. The add-ons consisted of a sponge holder, bristle cleaner, and gunk scraper, which were designed to make the brush more efficient. Other projects developed by students include: shoe fitter, cord organizer, customized beverage coaster with holder, pen organizer, screw sorter, and minitrash can with pencil holder. \r\n\r\nThe students love the Creality 3D printer because it printed their projects fast. Once they slice and saved the geometric code of their designs in a USB flash disk, some prints lasted 30 to 40 minutes, while others lasted for hours, depending on the size. Compared to other available printers, the Creality printer was way faster. \r\n\r\nThe experience of 3D printing provided my students the opportunity to develop creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration --- valuable skills that will prepare them for the real world. Thank you once again for your generous donation.","fullyFundedDate":1759599213177,"projectUrl":"project/3d-digital-designs-coming-to-life/9782021/","projectTitle":"3D Digital Designs Coming to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dabalos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7665845_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628067890598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7665845"},{"teacherId":4520371,"projectId":9153525,"letterContent":"We are writing to you today with immense gratitude and excitement! Thanks to your generous contribution to our science lab, we successfully acquired the equipment needed for advanced microscope work, the essential supplies for our Elodea and Snail labs, and the tools for exciting owl pellet dissections.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate and visible.\r\n\r\nThe lab materials have completely transformed our approach to cellular biology and ecology. We are no longer limited by old, unreliable equipment.\r\n\r\nA perfect example of this transformation happened last week during our Elodea and Snail Lab. This classic experiment demonstrates the cyclical relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Using the new, high-quality glassware and testing probes, students were able to set up their individual closed systems and monitor the CO2 and O2 levels with precision. For the first time, every student was actively collecting data rather than just watching a demonstration. They saw the plant consume CO2 and produce O2 in the light, and then saw the snail's role in balancing the exchange—a true, tangible demonstration of energy flow.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes of new equipment were unboxed, the classroom buzz was electric. The students' first collective \"Aha!\" moment came when they first looked at the different colored liquid in the test tubes. \r\n\r\nBuilding on the concepts of photosynthesis, cellular respiration and energy transfer we explored with the Elodea, our next major unit is ecology.\r\n\r\nNext week, we are moving on to the Owl Pellet Dissection using the new stainless-steel dissection kits you helped fund. This is a critical hands-on project where students act as forensic ecologists. They will meticulously dissect the pellets to identify and reconstruct the skeletons of small prey (like rodents and birds), which allows them to analyze the owl's diet and map out a food web. \r\n\r\nThank you again for empowering our students to be active, engaged scientists. Your investment is igniting curiosity and providing an authentic, unforgettable learning experience.\r\n\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1741921287241,"projectUrl":"project/science-is-fun/9153525/","projectTitle":"Science is Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Araki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4520371"},{"teacherId":9299738,"projectId":9174610,"letterContent":"Aloha! Mahalo nui loa for your generous donation! Although we were unable to obtain the requested smoker which was unavailable, we were able to purchase a variety of supplies and equipment that we are currently using at our ʻĀinakoa Ag Park. ʻĀinakoa is a Hawaiian word that translates to land of the warriors, and warriors of the land.\r\n\r\nOur goal is to promote the direct use of locally grown products and elevate our recipes with local flavors and enthusiasm. Students are involved in the selection, planting, care, harvesting, preparation and recipes of many different ag products that we raise at our school. The more activities that we do in this realm the more students get inspired to create and grow more!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your continued support for our land and our warriors!","fullyFundedDate":1746478026356,"projectUrl":"project/hawaiian-style-smoked-meat-and-fish/9174610/","projectTitle":"Hawaiian Style Smoked Meat and Fish","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Valente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9299738"},{"teacherId":9184653,"projectId":9161364,"letterContent":"Donations for a 9th-grade English classroom library have a profound and lasting impact on struggling students, particularly in fostering increased enjoyment and literacy. For many students who find reading a chore or a source of frustration, a diverse and engaging classroom library transforms the learning environment into a more inviting and less intimidating space. The ability to choose books that genuinely interest them, rather than being limited to a single textbook or assigned reading, empowers students and reignites their curiosity. This freedom of choice, directly enabled by donations, directly correlates to increased motivation to read, as students are more likely to invest their time and effort in a book they've personally selected. This personal connection to literature is crucial for struggling readers, as it builds confidence and breaks down barriers associated with reading.\r\n\r\nBeyond simply making reading more enjoyable, these donations directly contribute to improved literacy skills. Access to a wide range of genres, reading levels, and topics allows students to encounter new vocabulary, sentence structures, and narrative styles organically. Regular engagement with self-selected books, driven by enjoyment, naturally increases reading fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, a well-stocked classroom library fosters a culture of reading, encouraging students to discuss books with their peers and teacher, further deepening their understanding and analytical abilities. Ultimately, the positive impact of donations extends far beyond the immediate joy of reading; it lays the foundation for lifelong literacy and a greater appreciation for the power of stories.","fullyFundedDate":1742062023114,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library-and-ink-for-print-sake/9161364/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library and Ink for Print Sake","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Morrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9184653"},{"teacherId":7896976,"projectId":9158223,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding the packaging equipment. Students reflected on their previous projects and designed stickers that could be used with the new packaging. They also factored in cost of materials and figured out the amount needed based on their products. They also brainstormed how they would have adapted the project if they had this resource to begin with. \r\n\r\nStudents were excited to see the response to their projects with equipment to enhance what they did. They thought it was cool that people were willing to fund this to give them this learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1741920076818,"projectUrl":"project/packaging-like-the-pros/9158223/","projectTitle":"Packaging Like The Pros","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pierce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7896976_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625514651731","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7896976"},{"teacherId":8825673,"projectId":8173460,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share with you the incredible impact your generous donations have made on our special education classroom. Your support has truly transformed our learning environment and opened up new possibilities for our students. Let me take you through some of the amazing changes we've experienced.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, the students' reactions were priceless. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they explored the new materials. One student, who often struggles with verbal expression, beamed with joy as he ran his fingers over the textured surfaces of our new math manipulatives. Another student, usually hesitant to participate, eagerly reached for the colorful Uni Japan Paint Markers, exclaiming, \"Can we use these today, please?\"\r\n\r\nWe've been putting these resources to great use in various projects. Recently, we used the Aizweb Giant Magnetic XY Coordinate Dry Erase Grids for a cross-curricular lesson combining math and art. Students plotted coordinates to create geometric shapes, then used the Uni Japan Paint Markers to transform these shapes into vibrant abstract art pieces. This hands-on approach not only reinforced mathematical concepts but also allowed for creative expression, resulting in increased engagement and reduced anxiety among our students.\r\n\r\nThe Texas Instruments calculators have been a game-changer for our more advanced students. We're currently working on a project where students are using these calculators to solve real-world problems, such as calculating discounts during a simulated shopping experience. This practical application of math skills has boosted their confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nOur chess sets have become a favorite during our social skills sessions. Students are learning strategic thinking, patience, and good sportsmanship. It's been heartwarming to see students who usually struggle with social interactions engage in friendly competition and even teach their peers new moves. In fact we are establishing a chess club which I will be in charge of for next year.\r\n\r\nThe art supplies, including the watercolor paints and various markers, have been instrumental in our emotional expression exercises. Students who find it challenging to verbalize their feelings are now creating beautiful artwork to communicate their emotions. This has led to improved self-awareness and better communication between students and staff.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're excited about our upcoming projects. We're planning to use the chalkboard paint to create an interactive learning wall where students can practice math problems, write creative stories, or draw freely. This will provide a flexible, sensory-friendly space for various learning activities.\r\n\r\nWe're also developing a cultural awareness project inspired by the \"Island Wisdom\" and \"Shodo\" books. Students will explore Hawaiian traditions and Japanese calligraphy, promoting diversity awareness and fine motor skills development.\r\n\r\nYour donations have not only provided tangible resources but have also injected new energy and enthusiasm into our classroom. Students who previously showed reluctance to participate are now eager to engage in learning activities. We've seen improvements in focus, creativity, and social interactions.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting their unique learning journeys. Your generosity has made a significant difference in their lives, helping them build skills, confidence, and a love for learning that will serve them well beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1707488665612,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-special-education-students-to/8173460/","projectTitle":"Empowering Special Education Students Towards High School Diploma Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chesser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8825673_orig.jpg?crop=716,716,x281,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667436285213","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8825673"},{"teacherId":5614667,"projectId":9161324,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to extend our big \"thank you\" for your generous contribution to our classroom project, \"See and Share Our Thinking.\" Your support has truly brought this vision to life, and we're already seeing the positive impact it's having on our learning environment.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the large white boards and dry-erase markers, they immediately began to doodle in excitement. It was a heartwarming reminder that even in high school, the opportunity for visual expression and hands-on engagement sparks genuine excitement. \r\n\r\nAcademically, they've been using the whiteboards to brainstorm ideas in groups, map out complex concepts, and visually represent their problem-solving processes in English as we explore Hamlet. It's incredible to witness them actively engaging with each other's thinking in such a visible way, leading to richer discussions and deeper understanding.","fullyFundedDate":1742050248484,"projectUrl":"project/see-and-share-our-thinking/9161324/","projectTitle":"See and Share Our Thinking","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yonemoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5614667_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627810118629","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5614667"},{"teacherId":2945199,"projectId":9160687,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. My students were thrilled to have the opportunity to have some classes outside interacting with the world. We had a great time measuring things around campus and then doing calculations in class. \r\n\r\nIn the past I have used string or borrowed tape measures from the construction teacher. It is so nice to just have my own class set, especially the 100ft ones. Having the ability to measure the sides of buildings and the lengths os sidewalks and railings really opens up the possibilities for my lessons. \r\nThank you again for your generosity,","fullyFundedDate":1741995488264,"projectUrl":"project/measuring-our-world/9160687/","projectTitle":"Measuring Our World","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Waters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2945199"},{"teacherId":9342151,"projectId":9156288,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of scientific sensors and scientific calculators to my classroom. My students are using the soil moisture sensor to run a small-scale greenhouse gas effect experiment that observes the effects of humidity on temperature. They will use the salinity probes to prepare various salt water solutions as well as analyze marine and environmental samples.\r\nThe class set of scientific calculators have come in handy when my students are working on practice problems as well as when they need it for quizzes and tests.","fullyFundedDate":1741809084758,"projectUrl":"project/sensors-for-science/9156288/","projectTitle":"Sensors for Science","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Sakai-Kawada","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342151"},{"teacherId":9813910,"projectId":8899434,"letterContent":"The students all thank you for the generous donation to our classroom. The amount of complaints of heat dwindled down thanks to the multiple fans that were donated. With the donation, they have been more comfortable in the classroom and I seen an increased focus and engagement due to having a comfortable learning environment.\r\n\r\nI hope that more classrooms with a similar situation get funded as well, so that the students and teachers can also see the difference a comfortable learning environment can do.","fullyFundedDate":1729988259988,"projectUrl":"project/warriors-want-to-be-cool-for-school/8899434/","projectTitle":"Warriors Want to be Cool for School","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ayap","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9813910"},{"teacherId":8388092,"projectId":8887067,"letterContent":"Donors! Your gift: hi-hats, bass, ukes! Pure joy! Kids' eyes wide, instant engagement. Rhythm clicks, hands-on learning. Uke rack? Jam sessions bloom, sharing music, collaboration thrives. Bass grooves inspire, new depths explored, confidence grows. \"Rhythm Explorers\" project? A huge hit! Syncopated beats, pure creativity, each student found their rhythm. Next: blues riffs, band songs, diverse styles explored, from jazz to rock. You sparked music magic, ignited passion, built confidence, and created a lasting impact. Thank you for giving them the tools to dream big","fullyFundedDate":1729390773207,"projectUrl":"project/miscellaneous-music-supplies/8887067/","projectTitle":"Miscellaneous Music Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mento","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8388092_orig.jpg?crop=320,320,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661925760346","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8388092"},{"teacherId":9184653,"projectId":8881097,"letterContent":"We're no longer just reading for plot; we're delving into themes, analyzing characters' motivations, and exploring the author's purpose. Students are learning to ask thoughtful questions and support their interpretations with evidence from the text.\r\n\r\nStudents enthusiasm for reading is definitely improved. I've noticed many more quiet moments of focused reading, where students are completely absorbed in their books. \r\n\r\nThese are just a few examples of the many ways your generosity has impacted our students. You've not only provided books; you've opened doors to new worlds, sparked imaginations, and empowered our students to become lifelong learners.","fullyFundedDate":1729207962113,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-for-a-classroom-library/8881097/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels for a Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Morrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9184653"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44287","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1183,"numTeachers":80,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":20,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":55.4,"schoolId":44287,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiakea High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiakea High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waiakea-high-school/44287"}