{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakeawaena Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":60.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10438186,"projectId":10107603,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for all the supplies for the class. The students were able to use them and helped make the classroom a brighter place.\r\n\r\n The students were most excited by the emotional support puppy of course. They came up with a schedule on their own so they could share her and gave her the name Camille. I bought another one so she could have a friend. Camille really helped students when they were feeling stressed or sad. They also liked keeping the classroom clean with the sweeper.\r\n\r\nOn a more academic note the whiteboards were very useful. They like to use them to work out math problems. They are also very useful for writing practice and getting their ideas worked out before they put them to paper.\r\n\r\nThank you all for your generosity, it means","fullyFundedDate":1771678153910,"projectUrl":"project/a-sweet-class-to-be/10107603/","projectTitle":"A Sweet Class to Be","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. McNeely","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10438186"},{"teacherId":8456358,"projectId":10255074,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness in supporting the Elementary Math Topics PD. Even though it is currently summer break, teachers work diligently to prepare for the next school year. I am also working hard in preparation for my new grade level, by reading and getting ideas to help support my students in various ways. I don't want to just \"teach\" the material and move on; I want to discover new strategies to present the material to all of my students in fun and engaging ways. By taking this PD, I am able to do just that! Through this course I am gaining confidence in my math knowledge and new viewpoints on how I can support all of my students. I couldn't do it without you!","fullyFundedDate":1780102400839,"projectUrl":"project/elementary-math-topics-pd/10255074/","projectTitle":"Elementary Math Topics PD","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pedersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8456358"},{"teacherId":9814093,"projectId":10107894,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and I, we would like to extend our heart felt gratitude for your generous donations this school year. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students. The smile on their faces were priceless. \r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, I was able to purchase a variety of incentive items, including squishies, snacks, resin animal figures, and school supplies. These rewards have helped create excitement, motivation, and encouragement for my students as they worked hard toward their assignments, goals and other academic achievements. \r\n\r\nThese items served as a positive reinforcement that helped build confidence, perserverance, and helped the love in learning. I was able to celebrate their success and hard work. Thank you again for caring about our students growth and success. You all definitely made a huge impact and we couldn't have done it without all your help.","fullyFundedDate":1771702731644,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-cravings-energy-to-learn-fun/10107894/","projectTitle":"Classroom Cravings: Energy to Learn, Fun to Earn.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Suwa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814093"},{"teacherId":9477956,"projectId":10103276,"letterContent":"Thank you for all the wondering incentives, reading materials, and 5th grade luncheon prizes, decorations, and materials. The donation truly brought a smile and excitement to students. The donations really helped to make the 5th grade luncheon special and memorable as students transition to Middle school next year. They were able to have a special luncheon celebration where donations were used to decorate the venue, prizes were used for games to make the day special.\r\n The students in my RTI group were also happy with the guided reading books and the incentives really motivated them as they reached their reading and quarterly goals. All of the donations really helped to support student learning, motivation, and create special memories at the end of the year.","fullyFundedDate":1771652672279,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-and-celebrating-milestones/10103276/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds and Celebrating Milestones","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fujioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9477956"},{"teacherId":8456358,"projectId":10246156,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my professional growth in nurturing my students' academic journeys. My students work so hard each and every day in mastering their academics of reading and writing. They are very diligent, hard workers, but when it comes to science they absolutely love discovering all of the amazing things it has to offer. Their faces light up with excitement and curiosity to learn more. Through this professional development, I will gain a better understanding of the curriculum to help guide them in their love of science and to help myself become more confident in the material as well. It is a win-win situation for all of us. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity!","fullyFundedDate":1778007521575,"projectUrl":"project/elementary-science-topics-pd/10246156/","projectTitle":"Elementary Science Topics PD","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pedersen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8456358"},{"teacherId":8064730,"projectId":10104375,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Create, Play, and Refuel.\" When the boxes arrived in our classroom, the atmosphere was absolutely electric! The students could hardly contain their excitement as we unboxed everything from the LCD writing tablets to games like The Uzzle and Connect 4 Spin. Seeing their eyes light up when they realized these materials were just for them was a moment I will never forget. They immediately wanted to know when we could start diving into our new \"Learning and Celebration\" tools.\r\nWe are also utilizing the digital timers to manage our activity rotations and the printer supplies to capture these joyful memories. Thanks to the snacks you provided, we have the perfect fuel to reward their hard work during these celebration days. Thank you for making our classroom feel like a second home and for giving my students a reason to be excited to learn every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1771715888474,"projectUrl":"project/create-play-and-refuel/10104375/","projectTitle":"Create, Play, and Refuel","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kalawe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8064730"},{"teacherId":10414236,"projectId":10107955,"letterContent":"Thank you for allowing our inclusion classroom students with diverse learning needs, thrive because they have been able to access tools that support both academics and self-regulation. \r\n The photo printer allowed us to create visual supports, social stories, behavior charts, and memory books that make learning more concrete and meaningful. \r\n Many of our students have benefited from hands-on the use of our sensory tools, and fidgets. It provided a safe, appropriate way to improve focus, manage anxiety, and increase time on task. \r\n The printer ink was an essential supply that keeps individualized materials, visual schedules, adapted worksheets, and communication tools readily available. \r\n Thanks to your donations, we were able create a structured, supportive environment where every learner could feel successful and included.","fullyFundedDate":1771669966304,"projectUrl":"project/focus-and-photos-supporting-every-learn/10107955/","projectTitle":"Focus and Photos: Supporting Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Souza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10414236"},{"teacherId":9859705,"projectId":10105103,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, my students now have exciting tools, rewards, snacks, and interactive activities that help create a positive and engaging learning environment every single day.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled to see the new claw machine and gumball vending machine added to our classroom. These fun incentive systems have already become powerful motivators for encouraging positive behavior, participation, teamwork, and perseverance. Students are excited to earn rewards, and the prize capsules, candies, and building block favors help celebrate their hard work and accomplishments in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe reclining floor chairs have created a more flexible and comfortable learning space where students can relax while reading, collaborating, or participating in small group activities. Having alternative seating options helps students feel more comfortable and focused throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThe visual timer has also become an important classroom tool. It helps students better manage transitions, stay on task, and build independence with time management skills. In addition, the push lights and batteries support engaging classroom activities and create a fun atmosphere that keeps students excited about learning.\r\n\r\nThe snacks and treats have been especially appreciated by students. Having quick snack options available helps support focus, boosts morale, and provides encouragement during long learning days and special classroom celebrations.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping create a classroom environment filled with motivation, comfort, positivity, and joy. My students feel supported, valued, and excited to come to school each day because of caring donors like you.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful impact on our classroom and for investing in the success and happiness of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1771594095374,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rewards-motivation-tools-for/10105103/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rewards & Motivation Tools for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fuerte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9859705"},{"teacherId":9967042,"projectId":10105654,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! Your support has brought so much excitement and joy to my students, and these materials are already making a meaningful impact on their learning and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe class set of scissors has given every student the opportunity to participate independently in art projects and hands-on activities without having to wait or share limited supplies. Having their own reliable tools helps students feel confident and capable during classroom projects.\r\n\r\nThe squishy incentives and desk pets have quickly become a favorite in our classroom. My students are especially excited about earning and caring for their desk pets as positive behavior incentives. These small rewards have helped build motivation, responsibility, and classroom community in such a fun and engaging way.\r\n\r\nThe LCD writing boards are another huge hit! Students love being able to practice writing, drawing, solving math problems, and sharing ideas in an interactive and reusable format. The instant erase feature makes learning feel playful and low-pressure, which encourages students to participate more confidently.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most exciting project for students has been creating Father's Day gifts using the shrinky dink plastic. Watching their artwork shrink into special keepsakes was magical for them! Students were incredibly proud to create personalized gifts for their loved ones, and the experience allowed them to express creativity while making meaningful connections at home.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided my students with tools that inspire creativity, engagement, and excitement for learning every day. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping create memorable learning experiences for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1771652151705,"projectUrl":"project/small-tools-big-impact/10105654/","projectTitle":"Small Tools, Big Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caceres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967042"},{"teacherId":6881553,"projectId":10104097,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our kindergarten classrooms. Your donations have made a meaningful difference in helping us finish the school year with the materials and resources our students need to learn, grow, and succeed. Because of your kindness, we now have essential classroom supplies including a printer, toner, file folders, and scissors that help keep our classroom organized and running smoothly every day. The printer and the toner is so critical in getting materials printed and copied for every day classroom use.\r\nYour support also brought joy and motivation into our classroom through fun incentives such as shoe charms, shoe charm bracelets, and stuffed animal keychains. These rewards help encourage positive behavior, celebrate student accomplishments, and make learning even more exciting for our class.\r\nThank you again for your kindness, support, and commitment to education. Your donations are sincerely appreciated and have made a lasting impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771632569022,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success/10104097/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success","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":9812231,"projectId":10105043,"letterContent":"Our students were thrilled to receive the carpet and calming fidgets for our classroom! These new resources have already made a big difference in helping students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe carpet has quickly become a favorite gathering spot during story time, morning meetings, and small group lessons. Students love sitting together in a welcoming space where they can listen, share ideas, and participate in classroom discussions. The calming fidgets have also helped many students stay focused and regulated during learning activities, especially during independent work and transition times.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was seeing students use the fidgets appropriately while staying engaged during a read-aloud lesson. Students who sometimes struggle to sit still were able to focus longer and participate more confidently in discussions. It has been wonderful to watch students feel calmer and more successful throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were excited and eager to explore them. Many students immediately asked when they could use the carpet and carefully tried out the fidgets with big smiles on their faces. The classroom instantly felt more warm, calm, and inviting.\r\n\r\nAs we continue learning together, these resources will support students during literacy centers, collaborative activities, and social-emotional learning lessons. Our goal is to continue building a classroom environment where every child feels safe, comfortable, and ready to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a calm and caring learning space for our focused learners!","fullyFundedDate":1771658078061,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-carpet-calming-fidgets-for-focu/10105043/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Carpet & Calming Fidgets for Focused Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Teramoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812231"},{"teacherId":8978691,"projectId":9153444,"letterContent":"The GoPro has made a meaningful impact in our classroom by allowing us to capture special memories during hands-on learning activities, collaborative projects, celebrations, and field trips throughout the school year. Students enjoy seeing themselves actively engaged in learning, which helps build excitement, confidence, and a stronger sense of classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe photos and videos taken with the GoPro have also provided families with a window into their child's educational experiences and accomplishments. Whether documenting STEM activities, outdoor learning experiences, or memorable field trips, the GoPro helps preserve important moments that students will remember for years to come.\r\n\r\nIn addition, these recordings support student reflection and storytelling, allowing students to revisit experiences, discuss what they learned, and celebrate their growth together. Overall, the GoPro has become a valuable tool for strengthening engagement, school-home connections, and lasting classroom memories.","fullyFundedDate":1741712864482,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-present-enhancing-stu/9153444/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Present! – Enhancing Student Presentations with Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Matsuura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8978691_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692554971555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978691"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":22,"percentMultiracialImputed":33,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":39.4,"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 360 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 376 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - 5
669 Students
46 Teachers
2420 Kilauea AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
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 Jun 23, 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.
Waiakeawaena Elementary School
$229,053
raised using DonorsChoose
376
projects
funded
67
teachers
funded
360
donors
26
projects
for
basic supplies
65
projects for
technology
45
projects for
books
30
projects
for
art supplies
Waiakeawaena Elementary School has received support from
142 individuals from Hawaii and
218 individuals out-of-state.