{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":43.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8820181,"projectId":10251818,"letterContent":"Our fourth-grade students have been using the new Character Strong books to build important social-emotional skills such as empathy, gratitude, resilience, and self-awareness. Books like *The Bad Seed*, *The Remember Balloons*, *Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal*, *The Secret of Saying Thanks*, *Eyes That Kiss in the Corners*, and *Du Iz Tak?* have sparked meaningful classroom discussions and reflections. One memorable moment occurred after reading *The Secret of Saying Thanks*, when students wrote gratitude notes to classmates, family members, and school staff, helping strengthen our classroom community and encouraging kindness beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nThe students were excited and curious when they first saw the new books. They immediately wanted to explore the colorful illustrations and learn more about the stories. Many students connected personally with the characters and themes, especially those focused on friendship, perseverance, and appreciating differences. The books quickly became favorites during read-aloud time, and students were eager to share their thoughts and experiences during discussions.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our social-emotional learning journey, students will use these books as a foundation for lessons on character development, emotional regulation, goal setting, and building positive relationships. They will participate in activities such as reflective writing, partner discussions, and collaborative projects that help them apply these important life skills in meaningful ways. Thank you for helping provide resources that support not only academic growth but also the development of caring, confident, and compassionate young people.","fullyFundedDate":1778025312379,"projectUrl":"project/i-am-smart-i-am-kind-i-am-me/10251818/","projectTitle":"I Am Smart, I Am Kind, I Am Me!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McAuliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820181"},{"teacherId":8820181,"projectId":10108158,"letterContent":"My fourth-grade students have been enthusiastically using the new resources every day. The 30-slot mailbox has helped improve classroom organization, while the cardstock, easel pads, and clipboards have supported a variety of hands-on learning activities. One highlight was a recent research project where students worked in teams to create ecosystem presentations using the cardstock and easel pads. The magnetic bookshelves have also made it easier for students to access classroom books, encouraging independent reading and research.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were incredibly excited and eager to begin using them. They immediately noticed the new additions and were especially thrilled about the clipboards and fidgets, which have helped them stay engaged and focused throughout the school day. Knowing that caring donors made these resources possible helped students feel valued and supported in their learning.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue building their research, writing, and presentation skills through collaborative projects and independent learning activities. These resources will play an important role as students create visual displays, organize their work, access reading materials, and practice sharing their knowledge with others. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping provide meaningful learning opportunities for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1771689956178,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-restock/10108158/","projectTitle":"Classroom Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McAuliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820181"},{"teacherId":7199258,"projectId":10194232,"letterContent":"How We Are Using the New Resources & Our Students' Reaction\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, the energy in our room was electric. My students were incredibly proud and excited to see high-quality, professional materials dedicated entirely to their vision. They immediately began unboxing the monitor stand risers, treating them not as office equipment, but as the foundational architecture for our new mobile stations.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are in the active production phase of our project. Our classroom has transformed into a design studio where students are utilizing the dual-monitor risers as beautifully organized, tiered display shelves to showcase sensory regulation tools. The transformation from a chaotic pile of supplies to structured, inviting \"Peace Portals\" has given the students an immense sense of ownership and professionalism.\r\n\r\nA Specific Classroom Moment\r\nOne of the most impactful moments occurred when we opened the LEGO Winnie the Pooh kit. Instead of hoarding the pieces, my students immediately grasped the concept of the \"collaborative building station.\" They set up the baseboard on a central tray and decided on a rule: any student from any grade level visiting the library can contribute exactly three bricks to the structure during a decompression break. Watching my students take on the role of leaders—exhibiting patience and hospitality as they explained this concept to a group of visiting peers—showed just how deeply they understand what it means to build community.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, a small group of my students took the Winnie the Pooh Sticker Book and quietly established a production line, carefully selecting stickers to assemble individual, hand-crafted \"grounding packets.\" These packets are already being distributed to peers who need a quiet, fine-motor task to reset their focus during moments of high anxiety.\r\n\r\nOur Next Steps\r\nMoving forward, our \"Mindfulness Ambassadors\" are preparing to officially launch the mobile stations across our campus's common areas and school library. Our next instructional steps involve:\r\n\r\nPeer-to-Peer Training: My students are writing and practicing simple scripts to explain the purpose of the tools to school-wide library visitors.\r\n\r\nLogistics & Maintenance: Setting up a daily inventory schedule where students rotate responsibility for cleaning, organizing, and restocking the grounding packets in each portal.\r\n\r\nData Tracking: Creating a simple check-in system to see which sensory tools are most utilized by the school community so we can adapt our support.\r\n\r\nYour generous contributions didn't just buy materials; they validated my students' desire to lead, care for their peers, and foster a school-wide culture of mental health awareness. Thank you for making them the heroes of our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1778523267435,"projectUrl":"project/student-led-peace-portals-for-our-scho/10194232/","projectTitle":"Student-Led \"Peace Portals\" for Our School Community","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Blacksmith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7199258_orig.png?crop=423,423,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649956412195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7199258"},{"teacherId":10232090,"projectId":10103674,"letterContent":"Thank you, mahalos, for all the goodies. My kids had the best spring time they could have ever asked for. We did so many art projects (pictures have been included) and the students created posters as a requirement to pass the DARE program! Art is so important to my kids and I am so happy they got to experience so many things this year. As they move on to middle school, I know that they have made amazing memories with their friends, and are ready to tackle their next adventure! Mahalo nui loa for everything","fullyFundedDate":1771640605836,"projectUrl":"project/springtime-goodies-for-the-kids/10103674/","projectTitle":"Springtime Goodies for the Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10232090"},{"teacherId":9657585,"projectId":10208855,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived, the classroom erupted into pure excitement. My students' eyes lit up the moment they saw the vibrant packs of colored pens and the pristine new globe. Living on an island, the concept of the rest of the world can sometimes feel a bit abstract, so seeing them crowd around the globe, eagerly spinning it to find our tiny home in the middle of the Pacific, was an unforgettable moment. We immediately put the resources to work, using the new map and globe to see just how far away other continents are, which instantly sparked a wave of curiosity about the unique wildlife that exists across the ocean.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are using the colored pens to anchor that curiosity into an exciting animal research project. Students have used the map and globe to select a specific continent and research an animal that we never get to see here in Hawai'i—such as African elephants, Australian kangaroos, or Arctic wolves. The bright pens have completely re-energized their enthusiasm for writing and non-fiction reporting during a time of year when classroom energy usually starts to drag. Instead of watching the clock, they are deeply focused on charting distinct biomes and writing rich descriptions of exotic ecosystems, totally absorbed in learning about creatures that live far beyond our shores.\r\n\r\nAs we head into the final weeks of the school year, our next step is to bring these research profiles to life using the new paint sets. Students will be painting vibrant, detailed portraits of their chosen animals inside their natural habitats, applying everything they learned about their environments. We will wrap up the unit by hosting a \"Global Safari Gallery Walk\" in our classroom, where students will display their artwork and share their animal facts with their peers. Your generosity has truly transformed the end of our school year, giving these students the tools to expand their horizons and finish the year on an inspired, creative high note!","fullyFundedDate":1778061123721,"projectUrl":"project/the-creative-explorer-project/10208855/","projectTitle":"The Creative Explorer Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kerr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9657585_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723697501189","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657585"},{"teacherId":9342281,"projectId":10174443,"letterContent":"This project had a meaningful impact on our students both academically and personally. By researching hygiene topics and creating presentations and awareness materials for their peers, students strengthened their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. They became more self-aware about the importance of personal hygiene and wellness while also developing empathy and a sense of responsibility toward their school community.\r\n\r\nLeading presentations for visiting middle school students helped boost their self-confidence and public speaking abilities. Many students who are typically shy became more comfortable expressing themselves and working collaboratively with others. For my English Learners especially, this project provided authentic opportunities to practice speaking, listening, and presenting in a real-world setting. Students felt proud knowing that their work educated and positively impacted nearly 200 peers across our school.\r\n\r\nOverall, this initiative empowered students to become leaders, role models, and active contributors to a healthier and more informed school community.","fullyFundedDate":1775139970406,"projectUrl":"project/empower-through-self-care/10174443/","projectTitle":"Empower through Self Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miukie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9342281_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757383496893","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342281"},{"teacherId":10298928,"projectId":10106798,"letterContent":"So far, all the materials donated for \"Fun in the Sun\" has been a great success. We had our quarter 3 parent night in March where we set up the yard games set to some music, and encouraged kids and adults to play on campus, in between visiting classrooms. We had elementary and middle school students playing with each other and staff. It is amazing the natural conversations and relationship building that happens when every is \"just playing\"\r\n\r\nWe also had a family who was new to the school come to play. Their children were starting at Waikoloa the next week. As they played they were able to connect with my colleague, the elementary literacy coach, and have all kinds of questions answered in an inviting school-setting.\r\n\r\nNext week, as we close the school year, these yard games will be out for students to have fun and be outdoors, as well as for our last staff meeting of the year, where we hope teachers can let loose as they finish up for the school year.\r\n\r\nLastly, the wagon which was purchased to store and transport the yard games has been useful. Following a very bad storm, our primary middle school office has been flooded and will not be usable until the following school year. I am using the cart to store the items in my office. From time to time I use wagon for transporting materials to and from other classrooms around campus. It is quite useful!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generousity, and caring about students and public education in Hawaii. Your donations have a made a difference at our school! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1771638269600,"projectUrl":"project/fun-in-the-sun/10106798/","projectTitle":"Fun in the Sun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DiColli Nolen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10298928_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y16&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759451544636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10298928"},{"teacherId":291640,"projectId":10109683,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the resources that allow me to broaden the fun of math games into our school community. Through your donation, I can share games and resources with teachers at all levels. As a school, we are focused on building math fact fluency so students feel confident as they tackle more difficult concepts through the grades. Your donation helped to purchase new and unique math board games that have been used in small groups during school and outside of instruction. \r\n\r\nStudents have fun playing and practicing their multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition facts with others. The supplies provide a learning experience in classes, outside of class, and during our extension activities with families. I will continue to use these materials at our school STEAM events and during our summer learning program with all grades K-8.","fullyFundedDate":1771730594138,"projectUrl":"project/gaming-with-math-not-on-the-screen/10109683/","projectTitle":"Gaming - With Math Not on the Screen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Souza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp291640_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759733561041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mstaira"},{"teacherId":7712681,"projectId":10105229,"letterContent":"I am writing to share my deepest gratitude for your recent contribution to our classroom. The materials purchased with your donation have already had—and will continue to have—a profound impact on our students' daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nBy providing hands-on tools for our Kindergarten through Second Grade learners, you've turned abstract concepts into tangible discoveries. It is truly a joy to watch these young students collaborate in small groups, heads huddled together as they navigate the fundamentals of coding. Beyond the screen, they are developing critical spatial awareness and logic skills, including a practical understanding of the compass rose and directional navigation.\r\n\r\nYour generosity does more than just provide supplies; it fosters a sense of wonder and builds a foundation for STEM literacy that will follow these children throughout their academic careers. You are helping us cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and teammates.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for believing in the power of early childhood education. We are so grateful to have you in our corner!","fullyFundedDate":1771609502583,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-coding/10105229/","projectTitle":"Hands On Coding","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7712681_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662222057350","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7712681"},{"teacherId":10265545,"projectId":10106494,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"FSC Classroom Snacks\" project! Your generosity has already made a meaningful difference in our classroom community. Because of your donations, our students now have access to healthy snacks throughout the school day, helping them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.\r\nThe impact was immediate. When the snack bins arrived, students were excited and relieved to know that they could grab something to eat if they were hungry. For many of our students, having a snack available during the day provides comfort and helps reduce stress or distractions. Moments like that remind us how important basic needs are to student success.","fullyFundedDate":1772212935931,"projectUrl":"project/fsc-classroom-snacks/10106494/","projectTitle":"FSC Classroom Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liliana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10265545"},{"teacherId":9377587,"projectId":10108816,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom. The students were thrilled with all of their new supplies which include pencils, pens, prizes, paper, and more.\r\n\r\nAs my students have continue to amaze me this year, I have been able to offer them awards, ranging from small toys and mini notebooks to mechanical pencils and cool pens. They especially love the mechanical pencils\r\nand I've noticed many of them, using them regularly and proudly. Their writing has improved! \r\n\r\nHawaii State Department of Education, your support is so vital to student success! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1771708990798,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-shepherds-classroom-refresh/10108816/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Shepherd's Classroom Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shepherd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9377587"},{"teacherId":9657585,"projectId":9971719,"letterContent":"The impact of this project on our classroom has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment the books arrived, the energy in the room shifted as students eagerly crowded around to select their first \"deep dive\" text. The most rewarding part of this experience is hearing the constant chorus of \"Aha!\" moments; several times a day, a student will rush up to me, pointing excitedly at a diagram of a dragonfly or a map of Ancient Greece, exclaiming how the book perfectly matches what we discussed during our core Reading block. These books have turned our curriculum into a living, breathing reality, allowing students to take ownership of their learning and prove to themselves that they are becoming true experts in these subjects.\r\n\r\nWhen it is time for independent reading, a remarkable change occurs. The classroom falls into a profound, focused silence that speaks volumes about the depth of exploration happening in their minds. In this stillness, you can practically feel the gears turning as they transition from being passive listeners to active, curious researchers. This quiet isn't just about a lack of noise; it is the sound of twenty-two different imaginations navigating the complexity of folklore or the intricacies of biology. By providing texts that bridge the gap between science, history, and literacy, this project has fostered a genuine love for reading that extends far beyond the classroom walls, showing my students that every book is a chance to connect their own world with the vast wonders of the one they are studying.","fullyFundedDate":1773855244410,"projectUrl":"project/wings-wonders-and-wild-tales/9971719/","projectTitle":"Wings, Wonders, and Wild Tales","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kerr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9657585_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723697501189","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657585"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61322","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":732,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":51,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":29,"percentMultiracialImputed":19,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":56.4,"schoolId":61322,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waikoloa-elementary-school/61322"}