{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakeawaena Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":60.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6503300,"projectId":9772582,"letterContent":"Since the arrival of our Laser Cutter Machine, our classroom has transformed into a high-tech design studio where abstract concepts become tangible reality. While many of us use technology for communication or entertainment, in our school, it serves as a bridge between the digital and physical worlds. Students aren't just \"using\" a computer; they are practicing precision engineering and spatial reasoning. This technology allows them to master measurement and scale with a level of accuracy that makes their learning feel professional, relevant, and deeply rewarding.","fullyFundedDate":1759451268766,"projectUrl":"project/laser-power-for-learning-build-enginee/9772582/","projectTitle":"Laser Power for Learning: Build, Engineer, and Innovate!","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":7963764,"projectId":9776052,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing fans for our classroom. Your kindness is already making a big difference in our daily learning environment. As the temperatures rise, staying cool can be a challenge, but because of you, our classroom is now a more comfortable and welcoming space. Your donation shows that you care deeply about students' well-being, and we are truly grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity.\r\n\r\nWith these fans, we can stay focused, relaxed, and ready to learn, even on the hottest days. Your support helps us do our best work without being distracted by the heat, and it reminds us that there are people out there cheering us on. Thank you for believing in us and helping create a better place to learn and grow. We appreciate you more than words can express!","fullyFundedDate":1759436210790,"projectUrl":"project/much-needed-fans-to-learn-in-the-heat/9776052/","projectTitle":"Much Needed Fans to Learn in the Heat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shimizu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7963764_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628748203678","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7963764"},{"teacherId":7963764,"projectId":9375515,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards for our first grade classroom. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience.\r\nWith these resources, I am able to access engaging, high-quality materials that support a variety of learning styles and needs. My students benefit from hands-on activities, differentiated lessons, and creative content that helps make learning both fun and meaningful. Your contribution allows me to better meet each child where they are and help them grow with confidence.\r\nMost importantly, your generosity shows our students that there are people who care about their education and want them to succeed. That message is truly powerful.\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and in the future of our students. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1748722677379,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-learning-with-tpt-magic/9375515/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Learning with TPT Magic!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shimizu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7963764_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628748203678","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7963764"},{"teacherId":5155872,"projectId":10107732,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your generous contributions to our classroom. Your donation of small group stools has made a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment. Before receiving them, we often faced a shortage of seating, and students had to move chairs back and forth to participate in group activities. This not only disrupted the flow of lessons but also limited the comfort and collaboration of our students. Thanks to your support, our classroom is now more organized, efficient, and conducive to teamwork.\r\n\r\nI would also like to thank you for providing the Scholastic News Magazines. These have been an incredibly valuable supplemental resource for my students. They help bring current events and engaging nonfiction content into our classroom, sparking curiosity, improving reading comprehension, and encouraging thoughtful discussions. My students truly look forward to using them, and they have enriched our learning in many ways.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has had a direct and positive impact on our students' educational experience. We deeply appreciate your support and commitment to helping our classroom thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1771712495493,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-our-library/10107732/","projectTitle":"Level Up Our Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arakaki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5155872"},{"teacherId":9974828,"projectId":9205216,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous contributions in providing musical instruments, drawing and painting supplies, snacks, and cultural play materials for my students. Your support has brought vibrant, hands-on experiences into our classrooms in ways that words can hardly capture. \r\n\r\nThanks to you, our students are joyfully engaged in drawing and painting, expressing their ideas through colorful artwork and exploring their creativity with confidence. In our music spaces, students are not only learning to play instruments but are also singing together, building harmony, teamwork, and self-expression as they create music as a group. \r\n\r\nIn addition, students have been delighted to learn and play traditional Korean games such as gonggi and jeggi. These activities have introduced them to new cultural experiences while building coordination, focus, and a sense of fun and community among their peers.\r\n\r\nThese moments-students focused on their artwork, proudly sharing their paintings, playing instruments while singing, or laughing together during games- are powerful experiences that enrich both their learning and their sense of belonging. The snacks you provided also ensure they stay nourished and ready to fully participate each day. \r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a real, lasting difference in my students' lives. You are helping nurture creativity, joy, cultural appreciation, and a love for learning that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1749393210047,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-through-art-music-and-cultu/9205216/","projectTitle":"Creativity through Art, Music, and Culture","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bolema","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9974828_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y112&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742693754089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9974828"},{"teacherId":4484004,"projectId":9757512,"letterContent":"After attending professional development on inclusive math strategies for rural schools, I've noticed a shift in both my teaching and my students' engagement. The training focused on creating math experiences where every learner feels a sense of belonging—something especially important in rural communities where resources can vary. Because of this project, I've been able to bring new tools and ideas into my classroom that help more students feel comfortable contributing to math discussions.\r\n\r\nOne highlight of the event was observing other educators who face similar challenges. I learned practical ways to build inclusive math classrooms and make problem-solving more accessible. One strategy I've already started using is \"multiple access point tasks,\" where students can approach the same problem in different ways. In a recent lesson, students used drawings, manipulatives, and number sentences to explore a concept, and the room was full of conversation and curiosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for making it possible for me to attend this training. My students are more engaged, more willing to take risks, and more connected during math time because of it.","fullyFundedDate":1759493648169,"projectUrl":"project/pd-to-engage-and-support-students-in-mat/9757512/","projectTitle":"Pd to Engage and Support Students in Math!","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":10293778,"projectId":10103780,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been transformed by your generosity, and I wish you could have seen the look on my students' faces the day the boxes arrived. When we unpacked the new resources together, there were gasps, cheers, and more than a few \"Are these for us?!\" For many of my students, having access to brand-new, high-quality materials is a rare and powerful experience. You made them feel seen, valued, and believed in. When students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate, but what stayed with me most was their sense of ownership. They treated every item with care and kept saying, \"We have to do our best with this.\" Your support didn't just provide tools; it inspired responsibility and pride.Because of you, my students are not just completing assignments—they are exploring, creating, and believing in their potential. Thank you for opening doors and expanding what is possible in our classroom. Your generosity is making a lasting difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1771479608006,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tomorrows-thinkers/10103780/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tomorrow’s Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brooke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10293778"},{"teacherId":9814096,"projectId":9785480,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing \"Fueling Curiosity\" to life! These new sensory bins and educational activities have completely transformed our classroom environment. While many people think of \"technology\" as screens or tablets, in our classroom, the most impactful technology is often tactile. The design of these sensory bins allows my students to engage their senses while practicing essential skills like fine motor control, sorting, and early literacy. By digging through different textures to find hidden letters or numbers, the \"work\" of learning feels like a discovery mission.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for the students has been the sheer variety the new materials provide. Every time a new activity is introduced, there is a visible spark of curiosity. They aren't just sitting at desks; they are standing, touching, and collaborating. It has turned our dedicated center time into the highlight of their day.","fullyFundedDate":1759630688341,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-curiosity-new-sensory-bins-and/9785480/","projectTitle":"Fueling Curiosity: New Sensory Bins and Educational Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814096"},{"teacherId":8456358,"projectId":10105708,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your gracious gift towards our new classroom rug. The students use it every day when they are participating in carpet discussion and learning times. They are no longer confused where to sit and maintain their personal space more often during wiggle and brain breaks.\r\nWhen we first received our rug, the students were so excited to have a bigger place to sit with comfortable padding. They love how the colors match our fish decor, which also brightens up our room even more. Thank you for all you do to help our keiki learn!","fullyFundedDate":1771631958528,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn/10105708/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn","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":9785462,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and I we wanted to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donations of snacks and school supplies. Your donations or items helped launch this school year with confidence and excitement. \r\n\r\nBecause of you and your contribution we were able to make this school year of learning more engaging and fun. It made a huge impact for our small groups which the trivia game played an important role for the students to have fun and compete with one another. The Snacks such as the cookies and takis were a big hit. Students were able to earn class money from doing their work and acts of kindness to purchase these wonderful snacks. It kept the students to continue in working hard and staying focus to earn points. It fueled them with energy, helped them focus, made them feel cared for, and celebrated their success. The selphy printer helped capture the memories throughout our school year, which the students will be able to keep close to them. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your time and donations in making this year filled with love, growth, opportunities and success. We are truly grateful for your kindness and partnership.","fullyFundedDate":1761670653163,"projectUrl":"project/snap-smile-and-succeed-photos-and-sna/9785462/","projectTitle":"Snap, Smile, and Succeed: Photos and Snacks for Our Stars!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Suwa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9814093"},{"teacherId":4484004,"projectId":9901534,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for purchasing STEM kits for our first grade class! Your kindness and support mean the world to us. Although we haven't officially completed the kits yet, the students have already had the chance to take them out, explore the materials, and start wondering about all the possibilities. Their excitement is building each day as they eagerly count down the two weeks until they begin working on the activities in March.\r\n\r\nIn March, our first graders will partner with their fourth grade buddies to complete the STEM kits together, which makes this opportunity even more special. The chance to collaborate with older students adds another layer of learning, mentorship, and fun. Our class is buzzing with anticipation, and it's all thanks to your generosity. We are so grateful for your investment in our young learners and can't wait to share more once the projects are underway!","fullyFundedDate":1763579954372,"projectUrl":"project/stem-kits-to-enrich-and-engage-my-studen/9901534/","projectTitle":"STEM Kits to Enrich and Engage My Students!","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":8360733,"projectId":9774752,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting my project! The paper shredder has been a huge help in ensuring that confidential information remains confidential! The writing cubes, art supplies, and writing paper have worked to support my students in the writing process. Not only have we seen progress by the students in writing, but incorporating writing prompts and art have allowed the students to bring their cultural and lived experiences into the learning. \r\n\r\nAgain, I can't thank you enough for your generous donation!","fullyFundedDate":1760481786275,"projectUrl":"project/shredding-for-success-learning-privacy/9774752/","projectTitle":"Shredding for Success: Learning, Privacy, and Growth in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Slattery","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8360733"}],"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":39.5,"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 352 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 360 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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 Apr 10, 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
$223,388
raised using DonorsChoose
360
projects
funded
64
teachers
funded
352
donors
25
projects
for
basic supplies
63
projects for
technology
44
projects for
books
30
projects
for
art supplies
Waiakeawaena Elementary School has received support from
139 individuals from Hawaii and
213 individuals out-of-state.