{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakea Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":42.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9607598,"projectId":9779980,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of snacks for my PBIS store. My students have had such a positive experience with receiving a snack for completing their work and also for having a positive attitude. When I gave them all treats for Halloween they were so appreciative to have received treats because many of my students do not go out trick or treating. They felt really special to be part of the fun that Halloween brings.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw all of the snacks, they were blown away that someone was so generous to donate all these wonderful snacks to them. When I have a hungry student, I can now give them snacks to help get their blood sugar up. I plan to continue to provide snacks for my students who have positive attitudes to learning. I believe attitude is everything, and I want to instill that philosophy into my students.","fullyFundedDate":1759539650733,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-jos-pbis-store/9779980/","projectTitle":"Mr's. Jo's PBIS Store","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9607598"},{"teacherId":519876,"projectId":9774898,"letterContent":"I am extremely grateful for your support for our students. Thank you for funding our project and for investing in their creativity and community. These supplies—from the acrylic paints for our group banners to the Shrinky Dink paper for their personal projects—will provide a much-needed outlet for self-expression during our advisory period. The students haven't wasted any time from making a homeroom banner to our Halloween Mac and Cheese costume and now currently working on our holiday door decorations. You haven't just given us supplies; you've given my students a powerful way to build confidence and connection with each other. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1759435301420,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies/9774898/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miyazono","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp519876_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618791031744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/519876"},{"teacherId":9657693,"projectId":9816246,"letterContent":"The most exciting aspect of the new purchases for your 7th-grade ELA students is undoubtedly the immediate, tangible improvement in their daily learning environment. The multiple new fans have transformed the classroom from a stifling, distraction-filled sweatbox into a cool and comfortable sanctuary. Students are incredibly thankful for this relief. Before, the excessive heat made it difficult to concentrate on close reading, writing assignments, or classroom discussions. Now, with the continuous airflow, they can truly focus on the demanding curriculum of 7th-grade English Language Arts. This change isn't just about comfort; it's about validating their effort and enabling better academic performance, making the ability to learn without the constant distraction of heat the most appreciated \"new product\" of all.\r\n\r\nBeyond the cool relief, the students are also thrilled about the increased sense of safety and organization brought by the cord organizers. While the fans provide the immediate physical comfort, the organizers address a subtle but important source of classroom anxiety: the messy, hazardous clutter of wires. Knowing that the multiple fan and technology cords are neatly secured and out of the way provides a safer pathway through the classroom, eliminating trip hazards and reducing the visual chaos that can often accompany a lack of air conditioning. This organized, safer environment allows them to move around the room for group work or stations with greater confidence, ultimately contributing to a more focused and respectful learning atmosphere where their well-being is clearly prioritized.","fullyFundedDate":1760408927594,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-quality-of-life-improvements/9816246/","projectTitle":"Classroom Quality of Life Improvements","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657693"},{"teacherId":9657693,"projectId":9816120,"letterContent":"The new supply of pencils and paper couldn't have come at a better time for my 7th Grade ELA class. We had just opened our very last boxes, and having a fresh stock has been a huge relief for both me and the students. The resources are primarily being used to complete all of our physical, in-class assignments and activities. This is especially helpful for the students who don't have their own dedicated notebooks for ELA. Since some students are trying to use a single notebook for all their classes, having a constant supply of loose paper in my classroom significantly reduces the chance of them mixing up or losing their assignments among their other subjects. This simple resource is really helping us stay organized and on top of our work.\r\n\r\nA specific classroom moment where these resources made a big difference was during our recent project on figurative language. We were focusing on identifying and analyzing metaphors and similes in poetry. I gave each student a clean sheet of the new paper and had them fold it into four sections. The assignment was to create a \"Figurative Language Quilt.\" In each section, they had to write down a different example of a simile or metaphor, explain its meaning, and then illustrate it. The clear, fresh paper allowed them to create neat, colorful, and engaging final products. Having their own dedicated sheet prevented anyone from saying, \"I can't find a clean page,\" or \"I forgot my notebook,\" ensuring that every student could fully participate in this creative exercise without a logistical barrier.\r\n\r\nThe new materials have truly boosted classroom productivity and equity. It's a small thing, but ensuring every student has the basic tool—a good pencil and a clean sheet of paper—has made the shift from instruction to application much smoother, allowing them to focus entirely on mastering concepts like figurative language.","fullyFundedDate":1760302178748,"projectUrl":"project/basic-ela-school-supplies/9816120/","projectTitle":"Basic ELA School Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657693"},{"teacherId":6149687,"projectId":9161728,"letterContent":"These games are currently being used as a positive behavioral incentive as well as a tool to help students develop better communication skills(SEL). Several games also help in students growth in critical thinking(Chess, Checkers, Connect Four, Battleship, Jenga, and Checkers). One game in particular is also a great support in building quick math computations(Cribbage). These games will be well cared for so they can continue to be used by students for several years too! Just know that the financial support you've provided has a lasting and immediate impact on our youth in East Hawaii.","fullyFundedDate":1742001608567,"projectUrl":"project/sel-the-fun-way/9161728/","projectTitle":"SEL The Fun Way!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Piianaia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6149687"},{"teacherId":7934912,"projectId":8881346,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us create a vibrant and inspiring space for music and art! The moment my students walked into the classroom and saw the colorful cushions and glowing lava lamps, their eyes lit up with excitement. They were immediately drawn to the cozy seating and calming lights, and many of them said the space felt like \"a whole new room.\" The atmosphere has completely transformed into one that feels welcoming, creative, and fun—perfect for making music together.\r\n\r\nSince setting up the space, students have been eager to use it every day. They love gathering in small groups on the cushions to collaborate on their ʻukulele pieces or just unwind while listening to music. The lava lamps have become a classroom favorite, adding a magical, relaxing energy that helps students focus and feel at ease. This creative corner has truly become a special part of our classroom, and it's making a difference in how students engage and connect with the arts. Thank you for helping us make this dream a reality!","fullyFundedDate":1729214181758,"projectUrl":"project/creative-space-for-music-and-art/8881346/","projectTitle":"Creative Space for Music and Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7934912_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y765&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627962987167","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7934912"},{"teacherId":2099432,"projectId":9268375,"letterContent":"On behalf of Our school and students, thank you for your incredibly generous support of public education. Your contribution has profoundly impacted our school environment.\r\n\r\nOur students were thrilled! We've seen a significant increase in weight room usage during recess, providing a vital outlet for physical activity. Your support has also made classes easier, allowing students to spread out while maintaining supervision. The new mirrors have empowered more students to exercise and utilize our equipment effectively.\r\n\r\nWe're testing the weight room's capacity this year for full use next school year. Crucially, your generosity has eliminated our 15-student waitlist, allowing all students access during recess.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your profound dedication and support. It's an investment in our students' health, learning, and future. We are truly grateful for your partnership.","fullyFundedDate":1746501108696,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-student-safety-and-access-in-t/9268375/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Student Safety and Access in the Weight Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Inouye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2099432"},{"teacherId":2776373,"projectId":9236376,"letterContent":"Reading Night by Elie Wiesel had a profound impact on my students' learning. They not only developed stronger reading comprehension and literary analysis skills, but also grew more thoughtful and compassionate in their worldview. Through guided discussions, reflective writing, and historical context activities, students were able to engage with complex themes such as identity, prejudice, and justice. Many students expressed a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling and the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition.","fullyFundedDate":1746493968359,"projectUrl":"project/class-set-of-the-novel-night/9236376/","projectTitle":"Class Set of the Novel \"Night\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carvalho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2776373"},{"teacherId":519876,"projectId":9172329,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous donation to my Engineering Care Home Project. With your help, students were able to complete their projects to take to a local care home and assist the senior patients with their fine and gross motor skills, encourage physical activity and movement, and increase their social and emotional well-being. Students were able to create a reward system that went along with their projects so that the senior patients could earn prizes that was purchased through Donors Choose. It was amazing and satisfying to connect young students with the senior patients and to see the transmission of knowledge across generations. We are looking forward to doing this project again in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1742150507511,"projectUrl":"project/care-homeengineering-project/9172329/","projectTitle":"Care Home/Engineering Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miyazono","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp519876_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1618791031744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/519876"},{"teacherId":7946213,"projectId":9161962,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your generous donation. Your funding went towards keeping our keiki safe on field trips. From the photos, you can see a fraction of the 270 students who attend the Volcano National Park field trip. Students are from the island of Hawaiʻi, but a few have never visited the National Park, so this trip was extra special. It is a great experience for these 8th graders, and during this trip, students witnessed a live eruption of the volcano. \r\nAll chaperones were clearly visible using the safety vests, and as the group spread out throughout the trails of the park, chaperones were able to communicate with the walkie-talkies that were donated. Luckily, the trip was without incident, so the other emergency supplies that were purchased were on hand but not needed. When the group got together, chaperones used the voice projectors to help organize the group and explain key details that they wanted students to pay close attention to. \r\nThank you again for your kind donation that kept our keiki safe and will continue to keep them safe as we plan more field trips and large group activities.","fullyFundedDate":1742055202324,"projectUrl":"project/safety-first/9161962/","projectTitle":"Safety First!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Estrella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7946213"},{"teacherId":7356007,"projectId":9172001,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our theatre club was able to bring our spring musical, The One Stop Happiness Shop, to life with a level of professionalism and heart we've never achieved before. The new costumes, props, and stage curtain transformed our performance space into a true theatrical experience. With these resources, we added music, sound effects, and lighting that helped students fully embody their characters and confidently explore the musical's central theme—teen mental health.\r\n\r\nThe students were amazed and energized the moment they saw the materials. There was a real sense of pride and excitement as they unpacked costumes and experimented with props. The new curtain alone made the stage feel like a professional venue, and this elevated environment empowered them to take the performance seriously. Many students commented that they felt like \"real actors\" for the first time and were motivated to work harder during rehearsals because they felt supported and seen.\r\n\r\nBeyond the stage, they're reflecting on the themes of the show and connecting them to real-life experiences and conversations. Your support didn't just help us put on a great show—it helped students find their voices, support one another, and grow as performers and people. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1742150551603,"projectUrl":"project/spring-musical-the-one-stop-happiness-s/9172001/","projectTitle":"Spring Musical: The One-Stop Happiness Shop","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mazurik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7356007_orig.jpg?crop=2625,2625,x50,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627666920781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmazurik"},{"teacherId":9468800,"projectId":9248214,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support of my project, which was fully funded! I am so excited and thankful for the opportunity you have given my students for the 2025/2026 school year. The books you've helped bring into my classroom will make a significant difference in their learning experiences.\r\n\r\nWhile the school year hasn't yet begun and we haven't started using the new texts, I can share with you my plans and the anticipated impact of these resources. We will use this novel to explore the genre of autobiography, identify themes, and the powerful impact of figurative language, such as metaphor, simile, and imagery. By reading and analyzing this novel students will develop empathy by experiecing powerful writing.\r\n\r\nFor example, we will examine how Wiesel uses the recurring metaphor of \"night\" to represent complex ideas like death, loss of faith, and the absence of God. We will also analyze his use of vivid imagery to help students visualize the horrors of the concentration camps and understand the sensory impact of those events. By studying these literary devices, students will not only develop a deeper understanding of the text and the historical context, but also improve their ability to analyze how authors use language to convey complex ideas and emotions. This will enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in all academic areas and in becoming informed, empathetic citizens.\r\n\r\nThank you for providing the resources I need to create the ELA classroom I envision. A classroom that has students reading whole novels, analyze their impact, and engage in meaningful discussions.","fullyFundedDate":1744221235944,"projectUrl":"project/elevating-honors-ela-a-class-set-of-eli/9248214/","projectTitle":"Elevating Honors ELA: A Class Set of Elie Wiesel's \"Night\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9468800_orig.png?crop=920,920,x0,y39&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744162209794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9468800"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50785","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":857,"numTeachers":56,"percentFrplEligible":51,"percentAsian":17,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":58.0,"schoolId":50785,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiakea Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiakea Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waiakea-intermediate-school/50785"}
Join the 181 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Waiakea Intermediate School is
a town public school
in Hilo, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 857 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.3:1.
Its teachers have had 133 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
42%
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 Intermediate School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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 Intermediate School
$140,770
raised using DonorsChoose
133
projects
funded
29
teachers
funded
181
donors
14
projects
for
basic supplies
27
projects for
technology
6
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Waiakea Intermediate School has received support from
105 individuals from Hawaii and
76 individuals out-of-state.