{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waimea Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":393541,"projectId":10187174,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, I was able to provide my students with the materials, resources, and classroom tools that helped make learning more meaningful and accessible. The replacement toner allowed me to print clear, engaging practice activities, reading passages, and hands-on learning materials so students had the resources they needed. The Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards gave me access to meaningful and differentiated resources that helped meet students' individual learning needs, provide extra support, and keep lessons engaging. It was rewarding to see students explore new activities and grow more confident in their learning.\r\n\r\nThe classroom clock became a valuable learning tool that helped students strengthen their time-telling skills and build a better understanding of time. Students used the clock to identify numbers, read the minutes, and recognize patterns while practicing their multiplication facts for 5s. This provided a visual connection between skip-counting by 5s and reading the minutes on a clock. It also helped students develop time-management skills, understand daily routines, and become more independent during classroom transitions.\r\n\r\nYou helped create an environment where students felt supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. Thank you for investing in my classroom, my students, and making a positive difference in their educational journey!","fullyFundedDate":1776451180131,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-classroom-running/10187174/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Classroom Running!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carvalho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/393541"},{"teacherId":393541,"projectId":10103285,"letterContent":"Thank you for making a difference in our classroom! Your generosity provided my students with hands-on materials that made math and STEM learning more engaging and meaningful. We used the fraction tiles to help students visualize and understand fractions, while the LEGO materials encouraged creativity through engineering and building challenges. My students were excited when they first saw the new materials and couldn't wait to explore, build, and create! It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they shared ideas and worked together to bring their designs to life.\r\n\r\nThe binders helped students stay organized and track their learning goals, while classroom snacks and reward items allowed us to celebrate positive choices, effort, and perseverance. It was heartwarming to see the students smile with excitement when they got to pick a reward or snack. Lastly, the light covers softened the brightness of the overhead lights, creating a more comfortable and welcoming classroom environment that helped students feel more relaxed and focused during learning activities.\r\n\r\nOur next steps included continuing to strengthen fraction skills through hands-on activities and exploring new STEM engineering challenges. Thank you for investing in our students and providing opportunities for them to grow in confidence, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Your generosity truly made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1771695949699,"projectUrl":"project/building-math-minds-through-hands-on-ste/10103285/","projectTitle":"Building Math Minds Through Hands-On STEM Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carvalho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/393541"},{"teacherId":2004485,"projectId":10606432,"letterContent":"Your donations have been some of the best additions I've made to our class, getting my students engaged from the moment they walk in the door. Your donations have allowed the students to establish a routine where they look forward to walking in each day, taking comfort in playing with their own stress management gadgets while waiting for our opening bell. We change these out each quarter. In addition, we now have ample supplies of reward incentive toys to go with our self-improvement chart. These have improved the students' responsibility, behavior management, attendance, and assignment completion. Lastly, the weighted stuffed animals have added support, comfort, and security to our calming corner. \r\nThank you for making our learning environment a more welcoming, engaging, and comforting place to help students focus and grow! They love it!","fullyFundedDate":1789568552892,"projectUrl":"project/hocus-pocus-everybody-focus/10606432/","projectTitle":"Hocus Pocus! Everybody Focus!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2004485_orig.jpg?crop=652,652,x1128,y391&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720858657234","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2004485"},{"teacherId":3814946,"projectId":10670083,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and for believing in my keiki. Because of your support, our intervention room has transformed into the vibrant, hands-on math workshop these resilient learners deserve, a space where frustration is steadily being replaced by pride and genuine confidence.\r\n\r\nThe biggest shift I have seen since these materials arrived is how much more independent my students have become. Previously, when faced with abstract concepts, many of our keiki would freeze and immediately look to the adult for the next step. Now, they have the physical tools to organize their own thinking and tackle challenges on their own. The place value mats are a current favorite for organizing base ten blocks or drawings to solve multi-digit equations solo!\r\n\r\nYour kindness gave my students more than just classroom supplies, you gave them the tools to trust their own minds and take ownership of their learning. Thank you for investing in their growth and showing them that their hard work matters.","fullyFundedDate":1790806545193,"projectUrl":"project/caution-mathematicians-at-work/10670083/","projectTitle":"Caution! Mathematicians at Work","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Raz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3814946_orig.jpg?crop=328,328,x27,y69&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646607267462","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missraz"},{"teacherId":7939819,"projectId":10215835,"letterContent":"What a relief it has been from the hot Hawaii weather with our two new high-powered fans! It was so exciting to break out the brand new Play-Doh with my students when they were just starting to learn their numbers and letters and instead of trying to write them, they could strengthen their fine motor skills and use the Play-Doh.\r\n\r\nAlthough Play-Doh is often used for play, it is so amazing how it can build up their confidence with their hand strength, their knowledge of their letters and how to make their letters and their numbers when using paper and pencil is just too difficult.","fullyFundedDate":1783631126039,"projectUrl":"project/relief-from-the-heat-and-fine-motor-skil/10215835/","projectTitle":"Relief From the Heat and Fine Motor Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beth lustik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939819"},{"teacherId":7486184,"projectId":10111737,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom learning! Your donation has made a meaningful difference in the way my students engage with their learning.\r\n\r\nThe math manipulatives have been especially helpful during our lessons on multi-digit addition and subtraction. Students have been able to physically model and visualize the process of \"regrouping,\" helping them develop a deeper conceptual understanding rather than simply memorizing a procedure. These hands-on materials have allowed us to break down challenging concepts and return to the foundations of number sense, giving students greater opportunities to build confidence in their mathematical thinking. \r\n\r\nStudents have also benefited from the sensory stickers, which provide a simple and helpful tool for regulating their emotions and increasing their focus during learning. Having these resources available helps students feel more comfortable and ready to participate in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and providing resources that support both their academic growth and their well-being. Your generosity is helping create a classroom where students can learn, grow, and feel supported.","fullyFundedDate":1776451180642,"projectUrl":"project/concrete-tools-for-confident-math-studen/10111737/","projectTitle":"Concrete Tools for Confident Math Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kainoa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7486184"},{"teacherId":5607464,"projectId":10107129,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my Student Council students were able to conduct fun interviews with people in front of a green screen. They were able to choose a background to make their videos more interesting. \r\n\r\nYour donation will continue to pay off in the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. We're also planning on using them to support acting exercises in Drama Club, having student council candidates create their campaign speeches by using the green screens and camera to support their bids for office.","fullyFundedDate":1771647593529,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-action/10107129/","projectTitle":"Lights! Camera! Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sayegh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5607464"},{"teacherId":3257392,"projectId":10455060,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding Story Books for Computer Science Knowledge. These story books have been extremely helpful with balancing screen time lessons and unplugged activities. Story books (#Goldilocks, Tek, Click the Cat, etc.) were wonderful books to teach about responsibility using technology through fictional characters. \r\nThere were also expository texts about real life people and their contribution towards computer, and informational text about computers. These read-a-loud moments gave a chance for students, from Kindergarten through 5th grade, to enjoy an impromptu story telling time with real-life discussions on how to computer safety, using electronic devices wisely or to gain inspiration through real life computer science innovators. My lower grade level students especially loved these story telling times with practice sessions on how to be responsible future coders and programers. Thank you again for your wonderful support towards our future computer engineers!","fullyFundedDate":1786657505514,"projectUrl":"project/story-books-for-computer-science-knowled/10455060/","projectTitle":"Story Books for Computer Science Knowledge","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lawson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3257392_orig.jpg?crop=410,410,x352,y75&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597003767576","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/g-lawson"},{"teacherId":3257392,"projectId":10306104,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us to get teaching supplies to make learning fun! We are using our magnetic note paper to practice weekly spelling words which makes memorizing spelling words more kinesthetic. The finger puppets make words and vocabulary come to life. A recent session was to read about ducks. One shy student placed a duck finger puppet onto her tiny finger and giggled and laughed while learning about ducks, parts of its body and action words. This past week was our first week of computer science classes. Those wonderful scented stickers were priceless when I used them as incentives to practice being respectful and responsible with their learning. I'm so thankful for these funded supplies to make learning fun!","fullyFundedDate":1785427674828,"projectUrl":"project/sight-words-super-stars/10306104/","projectTitle":"Sight Words Super Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lawson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3257392_orig.jpg?crop=410,410,x352,y75&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597003767576","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/g-lawson"},{"teacherId":10441455,"projectId":10118422,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us create a more comfortable and welcoming space for our students. Our students range from kindergarten through fifth grade, and we use our new bean bags during our daily circle time. During circle, we practice important skills such as saying our names, identifying the weather, working with the calendar, counting, recognizing coins, and other skills based on each student's individual needs.\r\n\r\nThe bean bags have given our students a comfortable place to sit and participate while we learn together. Having supportive seating helps make circle time more inviting and gives our students another way to feel comfortable and included as part of our classroom community. Whether we're practicing academic skills, sharing with one another, or simply beginning our day together, the bean bags have become a meaningful part of our classroom routine.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us create a classroom where every child has a comfortable place to learn, participate, and belong. Your generosity makes a difference in our students' everyday experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1778227139986,"projectUrl":"project/building-belonging-with-bean-bags/10118422/","projectTitle":"Building Belonging with Bean Bags","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Naihe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10441455"},{"teacherId":9586189,"projectId":10113641,"letterContent":"When the boxes of snacks and sensory fidgets arrived, the reaction from the students was an immediate, collective excitement and maybe even relief. In a counseling office, students usually arrive overwhelmed, anxious, or completely shut down. When they first saw the colorful assortment of fidget tools and the fully stocked snack cart, their faces instantly softened.\r\n\r\nWe have integrated these resources directly into our daily Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and crisis intervention work. In a high-poverty school, hunger and sensory overload are massive barriers to emotional regulation.\r\n\r\nDuring the last week of school a student came to my office in the middle of a severe panic attack, unable to speak or focus. I was able to hand them a snack of their choice and a heavy, textured stress ball. As they ate (addressing the immediate physical need) and rhythmically squeezed the ball, I watched their heart rate slow down. We used the fidget tool for a grounding exercise, having them focus entirely on the physical texture of the object to pull them out of their anxiety. Within ten minutes, they went from a state of total crisis to calmly articulating what was bothering them. The snacks and fidgets aren't just \"perks\"; they are critical tools that bridge the gap from panic to communication.\r\n\r\nWith these essential comfort and regulation tools successfully integrated into the office, our next steps focus on building long-term emotional independence:\r\n\r\nCreating \"Calm Down Kits\": Students are learning to identify which specific sensory items help them regulate best. Next, we are going to help them build miniature, portable \"calm kits\" (using small pouch bags and a few targeted fidgets) that they can discreetly carry to their regular classrooms.\r\n\r\n We are practicing a self-advocacy routine. Before we begin a counseling session, students use a visual chart to identify if their emotional distress is being amplified by physical hunger. If it is, they grab a snack first, learning the vital skill of checking in on their own basic physical needs.\r\n\r\nIn addition, A few of our older students who frequently visit the office are being trained to help stock and organize the snack and fidget station, giving them a sense of ownership, leadership, and pride in maintaining this safe space for the younger kids.\r\n\r\nBy taking care of their basic physical comfort and sensory needs, you have given these students the security they need to do the hard, emotional work of healing and learning. Thank you for wrapped our students in this safety net!","fullyFundedDate":1778061132828,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-fidgets/10113641/","projectTitle":"Snacks and fidgets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shahar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9586189_orig.jpg?crop=532,532,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1776876098481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9586189"},{"teacherId":8820701,"projectId":10117142,"letterContent":"The objective of our project, Kindness Club Readers, is to foster and encourage kindness and caring for others and for caring for our natural resources. As a reward for acts of Aloha and Malama (Kindness and Care), students receive tokens they can use to get books from our Kindness Club book vending machine!\r\nStudents must be nominated by other students or faculty that recognize such acts. We have received enough books through generous donors such as yourselves, so that all students nominated receives a token for a book! Students are celebrated each week, in front of their peers.\r\nThis has not only created awareness in our students, of what kindness and care look like, and the impact that even the smallest of gestures could be huge in someone else's eyes! It gives students a sense of pride. It encourages all students to be caring, to show Aloha! All the while, building upon reading foundations and fostering a love for reading! \r\nMahalo for your commitment to our youngest citizens!","fullyFundedDate":1773855243713,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-club-readers/10117142/","projectTitle":"Kindness Club Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marvalee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8820701_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677871965323","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/weshistorians"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50787","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":454,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":38,"percentMultiracialImputed":24,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":54.1,"schoolId":50787,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waimea Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waimea Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waimea-elementary-school/50787"}