{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Governor Sanford Dole Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":52.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9700690,"projectId":9452113,"letterContent":"I wish to extend my deepest gratitude for your support of our classroom. In the first few weeks of school, the transition from summer can be incredibly taxing for students who face additional learning challenges. Your generosity has provided more than just food. It has provided a sense of security and stability for my 7th graders at Dole Middle School. By stocking our classroom with these energizing snacks, you have helped ensure that hunger is no longer a barrier to their focus or their ability to participate in our lessons.\r\n\r\nThe reaction from the students when they saw the variety of snacks was one of pure relief and joy. For many of our learners, knowing that a snack is available without question allows them to settle into their routines with confidence. We are using these resources to bridge the gap between school meals and to provide positive reinforcement during difficult academic tasks. Because of your kindness, my students feel seen and valued as they work toward their goals. They are now better equipped to handle the demands of the school day with the energy they need to succeed. Mahalo for your commitment to our Kalihi community and for helping us start our year with such a strong foundation of care.","fullyFundedDate":1762390223658,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success-fueling-our-students/9452113/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success: Fueling Our Students This Fall","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700690_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738568128014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kumujey"},{"teacherId":9700690,"projectId":9892970,"letterContent":"It is with profound gratitude that I share the impact of your generosity upon our 7th-grade classroom in Kalihi. When the concert ʻukulele kits arrived, the atmosphere in our room shifted from curiosity to a vibrant and audible joy. For many of my students, seeing a brand-new instrument complete with its own case and tuner was a rare moment where they felt the world truly invested in their potential. They did not just see musical tools. Instead, they saw a bridge to their own heritage and a medium through which their voices could be heard.\r\n\r\nWe have already begun integrating these resources into our Pacific Island Studies and Science curriculum. In our current project, students are using these instruments to compose original pieces that weave together scientific vocabulary with place-based storytelling. One specific moment that stands out involved a student who, after mastering the G7 chord, remarked that the sound reminded them of the wind at the beach. We are now moving into a phase where 100 percent of the class is tasked with performing a short composition that names a local land feature, such as a watershed or coral reef, while identifying an environmental challenge like sea-level rise. Your support has allowed these students to transform abstract ecological concepts into melodic prayers for the land. Mahalo nui loa for believing in the power of music, literacy, and the resilient spirit of our youth.","fullyFundedDate":1764427018660,"projectUrl":"project/ukulele-learning-for-language-land-and/9892970/","projectTitle":"Ukulele Learning for Language, Land, and Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700690_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738568128014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kumujey"},{"teacherId":9700690,"projectId":9775323,"letterContent":"The arrival of our \"Kindness in Small Bites\" resources has transformed the energy in our classroom. My students were absolutely buzzing with excitement when they saw the organized bins of snacks and the hot cocoa station. For many of my middle schoolers, especially those navigating the challenges of being low income or having diverse learning needs, these are more than just treats. They are tools for regulation.\r\n\r\nWe recently used the \"cozy reading\" supplies during a rainy day in Kalihi. While students worked on their ELA drafts, being able to offer a warm cup of cocoa and a granola bar completely shifted the atmosphere. I watched students who typically struggle to settle down stay focused for an entire forty minute block because they felt cared for and physically comfortable. These small gifts tell my students that their effort is seen and that they belong here. Now that their basic needs are met, we are moving forward with our next unit on Pacific Islander storytelling. These rewards will continue to celebrate their progress and perseverance. Thank you for investing in their joy and their success.","fullyFundedDate":1759424645618,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-in-small-bites/9775323/","projectTitle":"Kindness in Small Bites","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700690_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738568128014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kumujey"},{"teacherId":2788106,"projectId":9512729,"letterContent":"Since receiving these resources, my students have been using them daily as both motivation and meaningful learning tools. Snacks help students stay focused during lessons, small-group work, and long testing days. The clay and paint have already become powerful tools for expression—students use them to show their thinking and gain confidence while creating and sharing their work.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their faces lit up. They were excited, grateful, and proud to know that people outside our classroom believed in them and wanted to support their success.\r\n\r\nAs we move toward the end of the school year, students will also begin using the cooking supplies for hands-on learning experiences that connect language development with math, science, and teamwork. These resources are helping keep my students engaged, motivated, and excited to learn during a very demanding time of year. Thank you for giving our classroom the tools to learn, create, and thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1759186728994,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-smiles-self-expression/9512729/","projectTitle":"Snacks, Smiles & Self-Expression","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tanno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2788106_orig.png?crop=1290,1290,x0,y571&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753856643923","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2788106"},{"teacherId":8822557,"projectId":9773113,"letterContent":"We are using the board games during structured small-group time and as a reward after students demonstrate strong focus and effort during lessons. One of my favorite moments was watching students naturally practice turn-taking, problem-solving, and respectful communication while playing together. I saw students encouraging one another, explaining rules patiently, and celebrating small wins as a team. The games have become a meaningful way to build collaboration and positive classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was immediate! Students' faces lit up as soon as they saw the games, and many exclaimed, \"We get to play these?!\" They were incredibly thankful and curious, carefully opening the boxes and asking when we could start. Several students shared that they don't have games like these at home, which made the moment even more special. Their gratitude and enthusiasm truly showed how impactful these resources are.\r\n\r\nThe students will continue using the games as part of our social-emotional learning and collaboration goals. We are connecting gameplay to skills like following directions, managing emotions, and reflecting on teamwork. Students will also practice writing short reflections about strategies they used, challenges they faced, and how they worked with others, making the games a bridge between fun and learning. Thanks to our donors, these experiences will continue to support both academic growth and a positive classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1759365562095,"projectUrl":"project/board-games-for-my-students-to-level-up/9773113/","projectTitle":"Board Games for My Students to Level Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oumi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8822557_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759175298029","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8822557"},{"teacherId":9816435,"projectId":9781584,"letterContent":"My students love using the seating cushions around the classroom. They sit by our class library on the cushions, and some students like to lie down on them while we read our class novel. This truly does make our classroom a more comfortable place. \r\n\r\nThe snacks are especially helpful in incentivizing and rewarding students for completing their reading and math intervention lessons. Many of the students we serve tend to suffer from food insecurity, and being able to provide them with food addresses Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. \r\n\r\nI have yet to receive a few things that were ordered, and I think they may be lost in the mail. But I am truly grateful for the generous donations and funds that have come to support our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1759599073693,"projectUrl":"project/help-make-our-classroom-a-better-place/9781584/","projectTitle":"Help Make Our Classroom a Better Place","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Silva","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816435"},{"teacherId":10112067,"projectId":9776521,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support that has provided our classroom with these incredible resources. I witness firsthand the delight on my students' faces when they are able to have a snack in class. During a recent lesson, we enjoyed a \"nutrition break\" where students eagerly collected a snack, fueling their energy for the rest of class. The integration of graphic novels and headphones into our curriculum has sparked excitement too; students are now able to explore diverse narratives at their own pace, fostering both a love of reading and improved literacy skills.\r\nStudents have enjoyed reading the graphic novels, even bringing them home to read after school. Students have been using the headphones for quiet, focused reading time and for listening and speaking assignments. Additionally, the new ball is part of our scheduled movement breaks, encouraging physical activity and teamwork—essential components for both academic success and emotional well-being. Your donation has truly empowered our students, ensuring that both their academic and nutritional needs are met, and I cannot thank you enough for helping us create such a supportive, inclusive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1759450177226,"projectUrl":"project/complete-our-classroom/9776521/","projectTitle":"Complete Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kalifa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kalifa"},{"teacherId":10112067,"projectId":9536962,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in funding the document camera for our middle school classroom. This technology has transformed our learning environment by enabling real‐time projection of documents, textbooks, and student work. It not only brings lessons to life but also accommodates diverse learning styles. This tool uniquely empowers students in a classroom setting by making abstract concepts tangible. I can now demonstrate step-by-step problem-solving, showcase experiments, and even highlight the intricate details in student projects, which makes the lessons more interactive and engaging.\r\n\r\nThe response from our students has been overwhelmingly positive. They are particularly excited about the opportunity to see live demonstrations and be active participants in lessons rather than passive listeners. Visual learners, in particular, have embraced this technology—seeing complex concepts laid out clearly on the screen sparks their curiosity and deepens their understanding. Some students who previously struggled to follow written instructions now have a newfound confidence as they can visually connect with the material. This simple yet powerful tool is truly making a lasting difference in our students' academic journey.","fullyFundedDate":1755686092457,"projectUrl":"project/better-access-to-learning-with-a-documen/9536962/","projectTitle":"Better Access to Learning With a Document Camera","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kalifa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kalifa"},{"teacherId":9700690,"projectId":9830234,"letterContent":"When the ʻukuleles arrived, the room lit up. Students formed small groups, learned to tune with clip-on tuners, and practiced steady strum with C, F, G7, and Am. During our first class kani ka pila, one student quietly started a familiar local Hawaiʻi tune, and the whole group joined. Another student, who is Chuukese, taught us a simple island rhythm he learned from his uncle. In that moment, they were not just learning chords, they were connecting with their culture, growing in confidence, and showing pride in who they are.\r\n\r\nWe are using the ʻukuleles to build belonging and literacy. Students rotate the instruments in class, then analyze lyrics for theme and figurative language, and write short reflections naming at least one cultural connection. They are listening more closely, being brave in front of peers, and encouraging each other through tricky chord changes. Several have checked out an ʻukulele for short home practice with family permission, and they come back eager to share what they learned with their ʻohana.","fullyFundedDate":1760693577877,"projectUrl":"project/ukuleles-to-learn-belong-and-shine/9830234/","projectTitle":"Ukuleles to Learn, Belong, and Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700690_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738568128014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kumujey"},{"teacherId":9700690,"projectId":9279698,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, my students are now learning with greater focus and confidence. The new headphones have transformed how we use technology in the classroom. Students can listen to digital lessons, access read-aloud features, and use translation tools without distraction. The room is calmer, and students are more independent during reading, writing, and testing.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, especially those who receive special education services or are English Language Learners, the headphones provide a sense of comfort and ownership. They love having their own pair that fits well and helps them concentrate. One student told me, \"It's easier to learn when I can hear only my work.\" Small changes like this have made a big difference in their ability to stay on task and feel proud of their progress.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, every student can now access learning in a way that meets their individual needs. You helped create an inclusive classroom where all students can focus, listen, and thrive. Thank you for believing in them and for giving them the tools to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1746785408692,"projectUrl":"project/hearing-every-word-headphones-for-focus/9279698/","projectTitle":"Hearing Every Word: Headphones for Focused and Inclusive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700690_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738568128014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kumujey"},{"teacherId":9700690,"projectId":9158206,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are now reading stories that reflect their home, culture, and community. The new graphic novels have transformed the way reading looks in our classroom. Students are gathered in small groups, leaning over pages filled with familiar faces, Hawaiian words, and local landscapes. They are asking questions, interpreting illustrations, and connecting history to their own family stories.\r\n\r\nThese books have helped my struggling readers find joy in reading again. The visual storytelling helps them understand tone, character emotions, and historical context in ways traditional textbooks never could. One student said, \"I finally understand what it means to stand up for others because Katsu did it.\" Seeing that connection to justice and courage through a local hero has built confidence and pride in so many of them.\r\n\r\nYour kindness made it possible for my students to learn that their voices and experiences matter. You helped them see that history is not just something to memorize, but something they are part of. Mahalo nui loa for giving them this powerful gift of representation and hope.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1746786393600,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-through-graphic-nov/9158206/","projectTitle":"Empowering: Students Through Graphic Novels in Social Studies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700690_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738568128014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kumujey"},{"teacherId":9657600,"projectId":9699291,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for your generous support! Since the materials arrived, we've used them daily—especially for our Unit Rate: Oreos & Kool-Aid project. Students collected real price labels for Oreos and Kool-Aid Jammers, then used the new calculators, rulers, and graph paper to compute cost per 1 (ounce or fluid ounce) and build clean bar graphs. From our class labels: Oreos (14.3 oz for $4.79) → $4.79 ÷ 14.3 ≈ $0.34/oz; Family-Size Oreos (19.1 oz for $5.99) → $5.99 ÷ 19.1 ≈ $0.31/oz. For drinks, Kool-Aid Jammers (10 pouches × 6 fl oz = 60 fl oz for $3.99) → $3.99 ÷ 60 ≈ $0.066/fl oz; a single pouch (6 fl oz for $0.75) → $0.75 ÷ 6 ≈ $0.125/fl oz. Students wrote claims like, \"Family-size Oreos are the better buy (≈$0.31/oz vs. $0.34/oz), and the 10-pack Jammers beat single pouches (≈6.6¢/fl oz vs. 12.5¢/fl oz).\"\r\n\r\nWhen we opened the boxes, the room buzzed. \"We get our own calculators?\" one student asked, already lining up a ruler to draw axis lines for a unit-rate graph. For several SPED learners, the right tool at the right time lowered anxiety and kept them on task: calculate → record → graph → explain. Even hesitant writers were eager to use their composition books as \"data journals,\" and students treated materials with pride because they felt seen and supported.\r\n\r\nNext, we're extending the lesson to compare single-serve vs. family-size across more stores and to write a short Shopper's Guide: \"Best Buys—Oreos & Kool-Aid\" using unit-rate evidence and clear graphs. Students will practice presenting one visual (their graph) and one defended conclusion (\"Which option saves the most per ounce, and why?\"). Your gift keeps rippling forward—these tools turn everyday snacks into relevant math, building confidence, independence, and that powerful moment when a student says, \"I can prove it!\" Mahalo for being part of our classroom ʻohana.","fullyFundedDate":1757546788128,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success-building-my-first-cl/9699291/","projectTitle":"“Tools for Success: Building My First Classroom”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gigi Wong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9657600_orig.jpg?crop=1597,1597,x0,y415&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726515509292","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657600"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50872","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":564,"numTeachers":56,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":25,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":47.9,"schoolId":50872,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Governor Sanford Dole Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Governor Sanford Dole Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/honolulu-school-district/dole-middle-school/50872"}