{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakeawaena Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":60.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2056799,"projectId":9772455,"letterContent":"The new resources that we received are being used school-wide in several different classrooms. Students are using the visual timers to give them a reminder of how much time they have to complete a task. It helps students remain focused on their task and know how much time they have left. The visual oil timers are being used to help students calm down as well as give them a few moments to take a break when needed. There are many fidget toys that students use to keep their hands busy and help to keep them focused. The book, \"It's Okay to Not Be Okay\" was used in a few classrooms to incorporate and talk about feelings and how we respond appropriately. \r\nThe students were excited to have these materials as a way to help with emotion regulation and to maintain attention and focus. \r\nI will continue to offer these tools to classrooms and students that are in need. They help assist with emotional regulation as well as give them some support and tools to focus and stay engaged. I hope that these tools will help the students in the classroom and allow them greater access to their education.","fullyFundedDate":1759193357026,"projectUrl":"project/support-my-feelings/9772455/","projectTitle":"Support my feelings!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Goya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2056799"},{"teacherId":8823896,"projectId":9777100,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation. \r\nMy students love their new 360 turn book shelf and they go to the book shelf often. They also said it is easier to see all the books. \r\nMy students also love the colorful bins for their recess indoor toys which help it look nice and neat. They also mentioned that it is easy to find games and keep organized. \r\n\r\nWhen they first saw these materials they were so excited and wanted to help me put things together and put it to use right away. \r\n\r\nMy class commits to continue to read, read, read and keep our indoor games nice and neat.","fullyFundedDate":1759455304739,"projectUrl":"project/organized-fun-indoor-recess-and-reading/9777100/","projectTitle":"Organized Fun: Indoor Recess and Reading Corner Upgrade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yagi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8823896_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760737508547","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823896"},{"teacherId":6881553,"projectId":9773909,"letterContent":"The moment that our class learned our project was approved, we were overwhelmed with gratitude and joy! When we opened the boxes and took out our new STEM kits and pompoms with tweezers, the students and I were so happy because these kits and center toys were the perfect addition to our class. With the tweezers, the students are gaining support and practice with fine motor skills by picking up the pompoms. This activity will help with gaining muscle strength and stamina for writing. The ink pads, the printer ink, the border strips, paper clips, timers, pens, card stock, staples, painters tape, and velcro dots are all supplies that our class was running low on and needed a refresh. These supplies help with class management, art projects, student-created engineering projects, and exploration of creativity.\r\n\r\nThese supplies came at a much needed time as funding for our classroom is uncertain. Your support means that my students get a refresh on their supplies and get more opportunities to explore and create with their STEM kits and materials. When my administrator visited she was thrilled to see the new supplies and kits and that students were creating and exploring.","fullyFundedDate":1759358845791,"projectUrl":"project/learning-and-growing-in-kindergarten/9773909/","projectTitle":"Learning and Growing in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marote","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6881553_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637629829259","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6881553"},{"teacherId":7135266,"projectId":9773442,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, each class from Kindergarten to Grade 2 now has a breathing ball to promote calmness. I've observed teachers and students using them, and they've significantly enhanced focus and provided a calming effect during emotional moments.\r\n\r\nThe flexible seating options, including the bean bag and exercise ball chairs, have been a huge success! Students eagerly use these new seats, finding them comfortable and conducive to better focus.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tiles added to my office floor have also made a significant impact. Students love interacting with them and have even requested some for their classrooms. They enjoy pressing on the tiles during our sessions or jumping between them to release energy.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our students' mental health through these valuable supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1759241554489,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-and-sensory-calming-too/9773442/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating and Sensory Calming Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yanagisawa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7135266_orig.jpg?crop=307,307,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1582611990808","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7135266"},{"teacherId":650929,"projectId":9358934,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting my professional development in Structuring Math Interventions for K–2. This learning experience has truly elevated my teaching and helped me better meet the needs of my young mathematicians. The course gave me a clearer understanding of what effective math intervention looks like, how to identify which students need support, how to structure intervention blocks, and how to monitor growth in meaningful, manageable ways.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are getting more targeted instruction, feeling more successful, and building stronger foundations in math. Thank you for making this possible and for believing in the impact of strong early-grades instruction!","fullyFundedDate":1747842940258,"projectUrl":"project/math-interventions/9358934/","projectTitle":"Math Interventions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ichinose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp650929_orig.png?crop=735,735,x89,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625100861605","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ichinose"},{"teacherId":650929,"projectId":9358924,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Classroom Management Strategies for the Everyday Teacher project. This professional development has had a powerful impact on both my teaching and my students. The course deepened my understanding of the CHAMPS framework and helped me reflect on the strengths and gaps in my current routines. I now feel more confident creating clear expectations, reinforcing positive behaviors, and setting my students up for success from the moment they walk in.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest highlights of this course was learning how to break down expectations for each specific activity: transitions, partner work, whole-group lessons, and explicitly teach students what successful behavior looks and sounds like. This proactive approach has made our days smoother, calmer, and more predictable.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my classroom is more positive, structured, and focused. Thank you for investing in my growth and helping create a learning environment where every child can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1747677642460,"projectUrl":"project/never-stop-learning/9358924/","projectTitle":"Never Stop Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ichinose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp650929_orig.png?crop=735,735,x89,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625100861605","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ichinose"},{"teacherId":7897060,"projectId":9773195,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation which allowed me to purchase fans, a pencil sharpener, and paper clips. Our learning environment is now much more comfortable and focused — especially during those warm days when staying cool helps everyone concentrate and learn better. The students are so grateful for the fresh breeze and often comment on how much easier it is to enjoy class when the room feels pleasant. Also, having a sharp pencil helps students' writing flow and the clips keep them organized.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reminds us that a caring community can make a real impact in education. You've helped create a space where students can thrive, learn, and feel valued.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful gift and for investing in the well-being of our students. Your contribution means more than words can express.","fullyFundedDate":1759417011814,"projectUrl":"project/the-cool-kids/9773195/","projectTitle":"The Cool Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hakoda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7897060_orig.jpg?crop=2157,2157,x403,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625982830118","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7897060"},{"teacherId":9966906,"projectId":9782741,"letterContent":"We can't thank you enough for all the donations that you have contributed. It had made such a difference in our classroom. This means so much to our keikis.\r\nWhen we first got the cubby, the students were so happy to have a place to put their workbooks, computers, and their headphones. Now they have more work space on their desks and clutter free. \r\nOur little library and game area are a hit. The students really love the books and games. They especially love reading the Pigeon books and the magnetic rods to build things. It gives them that space to just 'chillax' when they are done with their work.\r\nCan't forget about their snacks and squishy toys. They are most excited about that. Perfect to have during recess or the end of the week when they have accumulated enough point to choose theirs prizes.\r\nSo, again much much mahalo!!! This could have never been possible without your generous donations.","fullyFundedDate":1759683702820,"projectUrl":"project/just-believe-in-your-shelf/9782741/","projectTitle":"Just Believe in Your Shelf!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liz's","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9966906_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759309472555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966906"},{"teacherId":6503300,"projectId":9152805,"letterContent":"I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for your generous support of our project to bring cutting-edge technology into the classroom. Because of you, we now have a 3D printer that is transforming our students' learning experience and empowering them to turn their boldest ideas into tangible realities.\r\nMany of our donors use technology every day but might not see how it's used in schools. This 3D printer isn't just a cool gadget; it's a powerful teaching tool that has become a true hub for innovation. The technology helps students learn by making abstract concepts concrete. Instead of just reading about an architectural structure or a complex molecular shape, students are now designing, prototyping, and holding them in their hands. This process cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity far beyond what a textbook can offer, all while teaching them valuable computer-aided design (CAD) skills for the modern world.\r\nWhat is most exciting to the students about the new product is its sheer potential for creation and self-expression. They are not just consuming information; they are innovators, problem-solvers, and creators. They love that they can ask \"what if?\" and then set out to find the answer by designing and printing their own solutions. We recently tasked the students with a foundational project: designing their own custom keychains. This simple task instantly unlocked their enthusiasm. It was an incredibly powerful moment for them to see an idea they had in their head become a real-world object they could hold and use. Given that our students come from diverse backgrounds, providing them access to this kind of tool is essential for giving every student the opportunity to explore, experiment, and express themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1741660407702,"projectUrl":"project/3d-creations-where-students-bring-ideas/9152805/","projectTitle":"3D Creations: Where Students Bring Ideas to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kalawe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6503300_orig.jpg?crop=1869,1869,x0,y390&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628637243109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6503300"},{"teacherId":4223687,"projectId":9241486,"letterContent":"On behalf of my 4th grade students, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for helping fund our classroom library project. Your generosity is making a meaningful impact on our students' learning and love of reading.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we were able to expand our library with a wider range of books that reflect diverse voices, genres, and reading levels. These new titles will allow each student to find books that match their interests and experiences, helping to foster a lifelong love of reading. Additional bookshelves also helped us organize our growing collection and make books more accessible to every student.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to explore these new stories. Even my former students visited my room to check out the new books, eagerly asking if they could borrow titles that sparked their interests. Our new books went with us to lunch, to the library for quiet reading time, and to our homes so that we could extend our growing love of reading beyond our classroom walls. New books mean new adventures and upon opening each new box of books, my students were ready to dive in! \r\n\r\nYour contribution ensures that my young scholars have the tools they need to thrive as readers. Your support is not just helping to build a library, it is investing in our students' futures and inspiring a love of learning that will last a lifetime.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for making this project possible.","fullyFundedDate":1754321440909,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-love-of-reading-expanding-ou/9241486/","projectTitle":"Building a Love of Reading: Expanding Our Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Matsuura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4223687_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677011109982","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-leahmatsuura"},{"teacherId":4484004,"projectId":8880407,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating learning clocks and math materials to our classroom. The clocks are helping students understand the concept of time as they practice telling time using their own analog clocks. They're also having a lot of fun showing different times with me and with each other, using the skills they've learned.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the math counters, blocks, and place value kits have made learning math more fun and easier to understand. Students enjoy using these tools and are able to see how math works in a hands-on way. \r\n\r\nThank you again, for your generosity. I truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1729134416170,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-through-collaborativ/8880407/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning Through Collaborative Learning Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4484004_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496684839382","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4484004"},{"teacherId":4484004,"projectId":9152733,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of fans to our classroom. Your kindness has made a real and meaningful difference in our day-to-day school life, and we are truly grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nBefore we received the fans, our classroom would often get very hot—especially during warmer days. The heat made it difficult for students to focus, stay calm, or feel comfortable enough to learn. Many students felt tired, frustrated, or distracted simply because the temperature was too high.\r\n\r\nSince the fans arrived, everything has changed for the better. The air now moves through the room, keeping us much cooler and more comfortable. It's easier for students to concentrate on their work, stay seated during lessons, and feel more relaxed during the school day. Something as simple as a fan has helped turn our classroom into a place where learning can truly happen.\r\n\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I can definitely say that your gift has made my job easier. Teaching in a hot classroom is incredibly hard, and the fans have made it much more manageable. With fewer distractions caused by the heat, I can focus more on helping students learn, and they can focus more on reaching their full potential.\r\n\r\n\r\nYour gift has made a lasting impact, and we will think of your generosity every time we feel that much-needed breeze during a long school day.","fullyFundedDate":1741660972748,"projectUrl":"project/learning-in-the-heat-with-much-needed-su/9152733/","projectTitle":"Learning in the Heat With Much Needed Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4484004_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496684839382","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4484004"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50786","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":669,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":53,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":39.3,"schoolId":50786,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiakeawaena Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiakeawaena Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waiakeawaena-elementary-school/50786"}
Join the 349 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Waiakeawaena Elementary School is
a town public school
in Hilo, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 669 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.5:1.
Its teachers have had 320 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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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
39%
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.
Waiakeawaena Elementary 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.
Waiakeawaena Elementary School
$196,866
raised using DonorsChoose
320
projects
funded
60
teachers
funded
349
donors
25
projects
for
basic supplies
53
projects for
technology
38
projects for
books
27
projects
for
art supplies
Waiakeawaena Elementary School has received support from
137 individuals from Hawaii and
212 individuals out-of-state.