{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hilo High School","outOfStateSupporters":46.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6974110,"projectId":9775643,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of paint and high-quality paper to our classroom. In a time when school budgets are often stretched thin, having these essential art supplies means the world to both me and my students. Your support ensures that every child in my room has the tools they need to explore their imagination without limits.\r\n\r\nWith these new materials, my students are able to create vibrant, full-color masterpieces. The heavy-duty paper allows them to experiment with different techniques without worrying about tears or bleed-through, giving them a true sense of pride in their finished work. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for believing in the importance of creativity in education.","fullyFundedDate":1759439934051,"projectUrl":"project/from-blank-pages-to-bold-creations/9775643/","projectTitle":"From Blank Pages to Bold Creations!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zanetos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6974110_orig.jpg?crop=2691,2691,x0,y836&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675885561860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6974110"},{"teacherId":6262059,"projectId":9772341,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation of snacks for my students. The snacks were the perfect number to get us through the rest of the first semester. Students felt very seen and cared for knowing that there were people out in the community who cared enough to donate snacks for them. \r\n\r\n We had enough for each student to have a snack each class period. There was definitely a heightened level of awareness and engagement in class because having snacks elevated the period from something to get through to a place of family and belonging. Of course, many other factors go into creating that classroom climate, but having consistent snacks really contributed to students' sense of belonging.","fullyFundedDate":1759202522926,"projectUrl":"project/snack-lab/9772341/","projectTitle":"Snack Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6262059_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1550456196497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6262059"},{"teacherId":5886073,"projectId":9824709,"letterContent":"This project was so much fun! My students were able to connect with their spirit animal-hybrid. They made their Alebrijes with black clay, painted on white slip, then scratched through the surface with tribal designs and patterns. Then they embellished their pieces with underglaze colors and an overglaze gloss.\r\nThey came out so beautiful! We were able to emulate the Alebrijes represented in the movie Coco, with a little Polynesian flare for some of my local students. \r\nThese little sculptures were so much fun to make, they had a great time in ceramics class!","fullyFundedDate":1761333600312,"projectUrl":"project/celebrate-alebrijes/9824709/","projectTitle":"Celebrate Alebrijes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5886073_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x255,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726813635606","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mant"},{"teacherId":5886073,"projectId":9774217,"letterContent":"What a wonderful way to help us fire more of our artwork ceramics! Thank you all so much for helping us buy new shelves for our kiln. We used these kiln shelves for several of our projects. Most notable were the Christmas ornaments and our Alebrijes sculptures. We were able to fire everything before break, thanks to you folks!\r\nThe colors were outstanding!\r\nThe kiln shelves are necessary to fire all of our ceramics. Having more shelves gives us the freedom to stack our work in the kiln. \r\nMy students love being able to do ceramics, and you folks helped a lot.\r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1759387835037,"projectUrl":"project/shelves-to-fire-ceramic-artwork/9774217/","projectTitle":"Shelves to Fire Ceramic Artwork","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5886073_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x255,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726813635606","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mant"},{"teacherId":5886073,"projectId":9758123,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of new underglazes! My students loved being able to color their ceramics with bright, beautiful colors!\r\nWe used these underglazes for several of our projects. Most notable were the Christmas ornaments and our Alebrijes sculptures. The colors were outstanding!\r\nThey loved being able to paint on glaze that doesn't run, and comes out like it is supposed to. They are bright, clear, and even colors. \r\nThe colors are bold, then we brushed on a clear coat of glossy glaze that really makes the artwork pop! Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1758824288934,"projectUrl":"project/glorious-glazing/9758123/","projectTitle":"Glorious Glazing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5886073_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x255,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726813635606","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mant"},{"teacherId":9530449,"projectId":9711333,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Thanks to your support, our classroom is now filled with the rich, warm sounds of brand-new classical guitars.\r\n\r\nBefore this project was funded, many of our students were sharing instruments or using older gear that was difficult to keep in tune. Now, every student in our guitar class has a high-quality instrument in their hands. This has completely changed the energy in our room—there is a new sense of pride and ownership that wasn't there before.","fullyFundedDate":1757891746545,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-guitar-ensemble/9711333/","projectTitle":"Classroom Guitar Ensemble","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Yoshimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9530449"},{"teacherId":2846899,"projectId":9772275,"letterContent":"Your donation impacted learning and teaching in my classroom in numerous ways. The class set of Atlas of the Heart by Breneʻ Brown contributed to studentsʻ social emotional learning as well as academic skills, and it was also an integral part of my own professional development and personal growth.\r\n\r\nStudents spent time honing their close reading skills and being able to cite evidence for their analysis of the assigned readings. They acquired more understanding of the nuances of vocabulary to describe emotions concisely. The philosopher Wittgenstein said \"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.\" Thus, if we expand the language skills of students, we open up their possibilities. Explicit instruction, small group and whole class discussions of targeted vocabulary words and their meanings and contexts made an enormous difference in the precision of their writing, evidenced through their reflections after each lesson. They were also able to apply what they learned to other readings of literature and informational texts.\r\n\r\nThis book was also used as part of a professional development course I was enrolled in through the Hawaii DOE, a course titled \"Language of the Heart,\" which was designed to help teachers explore effective ways to teach vocabulary and lessons in social emotional learning. I was able to utilize Brownʻs list of \"87 Human Emotions and Experiences\" and readings from the book to design lessons that were engaging and effective by trying out the new teaching strategies I was learning in the professional development course. \r\n\r\nI have noticed that now more than ever many of my stāudents now have emotional challenges. They are encountering difficult situations and sometimes lack the ability to name and navigate their emotions. It was enriching for me to see students suddenly gain insight and more control over understanding themselves and others. \r\n\r\nYour donation has made a profound difference. Mahalo for your generous contribution toward making a better people for a better world.","fullyFundedDate":1759625118980,"projectUrl":"project/leaning-into-the-language-of-the-heart/9772275/","projectTitle":"Leaning into the Language of the Heart","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Crowl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2846899_orig.jpg?crop=2063,2063,x131,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729148162108","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-crowl"},{"teacherId":7931628,"projectId":9784637,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project! Your generosity has provided my Japanese Level 3 and 4 students with the tools to excel both creatively and socially.\r\n\r\nThe paints and brushes were essential for our 3D Yokai project, a deep dive into Japanese folklore. My students loved the process of designing their Yokai, writing their stories in Japanese, and finally painting them for our community presentation. The final results were stunning!\r\n\r\nFurthermore, the ping pong equipment has been a massive hit. It is used daily during breaks and has become our go-to \"icebreaker\" when we host guests from Japan. It's a joy to see students practicing their language skills in such a fun, active environment.\r\n\r\nThank you for making these experiences possible for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1759622906965,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-in-wellness-artistr/9784637/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students in Wellness, Artistry, and Applied Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shehata","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7931628_orig.jpg?crop=1358,1358,x484,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627705936829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7931628"},{"teacherId":9369942,"projectId":9784814,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and faculty involved in the Waikoloa Dryland Forest Restoration Project, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt mahalo nui loa (thank you very much). Your generous contribution, specifically providing nutritional snacks and refreshing Gatorade, did more than just fill hungry bellies and quench thirst—it fueled a day of invaluable scientific work and hands-on learning that the students will remember for a lifetime.\r\n\r\nWhen we embarked on this project, our goal was ambitious: to actively participate in the restoration of a critically endangered ecosystem. The Waikoloa Dryland Forest is a unique natural treasure, home to rare native Hawaiian plants like the wiliwili and koaiʻa. Restoring this land requires dedication, perseverance, and a lot of physical labor in a challenging, hot environment. This is where your gifts truly shone.\r\n\r\nThe moment the students saw the boxes of snacks and coolers of drinks, their energy lifted visibly. Before a long morning of removing invasive grasses and planting fragile native seedlings, the Gatorade was essential for keeping them hydrated and energized under the strong sun. A quick break for a protein bar or piece of fruit didn't just offer a moment of rest; it offered them the necessary sustained energy to keep digging, weeding, and caring for the young plants that are vital to the forest's future.\r\n\r\nThis project is far more than just planting trees. It is an exercise in applied science, conservation biology, and cultural preservation. By working the land, students are learning about:\r\n\r\nEcosystem Dynamics: Understanding the delicate balance between native and invasive species.\r\n\r\nAdaptation: Learning how native plants survive in drought conditions.\r\n\r\nData Collection: Tracking the survival rates of the seedlings they planted.\r\n\r\nAnd perhaps most importantly, they are learning the deep Hawaiian value of mālama ʻāina—to care for the land. They are now invested stakeholders in the future of the Waikoloa Dryland Forest.\r\n\r\nYour generosity allowed us to sustain this demanding, full-day fieldwork without compromising student safety or energy levels. It allowed the focus to remain purely on the scientific and conservation goals, rather than fatigue.\r\n\r\nAs we look ahead, the next steps for our students involve returning to the planting site to monitor the growth and survival rates of the 100 seedlings they planted. \r\nThank you again for recognizing the dedication required for this essential work. Your contribution made the difference between a challenging day and a successful, energizing, and highly productive day of conservation. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our students and in the future of our precious native forests.\r\n\r\nWith deepest gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1759621806328,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-their-future/9784814/","projectTitle":"Fuel Their Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Amaral","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9369942"},{"teacherId":5668421,"projectId":9772566,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to report that your generous donations have been immediately integrated into our daily routine, profoundly enhancing our music and technology instruction. The new resources have allowed us to launch a major performance-based project: \"The Ensemble Evolution.\" Our trumpet and cello students are using the high-quality Bach mouthpieces and the D'Addario cello strings to practice their parts for an upcoming winter concert piece, focusing specifically on achieving the rich, consistent tone necessary for a cohesive ensemble sound. Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil is revolutionizing how we handle scores; I use it to annotate complex musical passages directly on our digital whiteboard, helping students visualize technical challenges and rhythmic patterns instantly. This combination of professional-grade instruments and digital precision is fostering a new level of musical excellence and engagement in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students' reaction when the materials arrived was one of genuine excitement and appreciation. The moment the double bass student saw the new Markbass Contra Series Strings, their face lit up—they knew immediately the impact those high-quality strings would have on their sound. The trumpet players were eager to try the professional-grade mouthpieces, recognizing the upgrade over our older, worn equipment. The arrival of the music-specific items, along with the universally useful Sharpie markers, signaled to them that their musical education is valued and supported by a generous community. This initial boost in morale has translated directly into more focused practice and enthusiasm for rehearsals.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps are centered on finalizing our \"Ensemble Evolution\" project. Having established a stronger foundation with the new strings and mouthpieces, our students are now transitioning from sectionals to full ensemble rehearsals. They are applying the immediate, positive feedback they receive from the Apple Pencil annotations to refine their dynamics and articulation. The ultimate goal is to present a performance in the coming weeks that truly showcases the improved tone and technique made possible by your donations. Your contributions have not only upgraded our supplies but have also raised the bar for what our students believe they can achieve.","fullyFundedDate":1759198571916,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-tune-up-and-draw-on/9772566/","projectTitle":"Tools to Tune Up and Draw On","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arceo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5668421_orig.jpg?crop=284,284,x46,y202&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650913605522","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5668421"},{"teacherId":2096644,"projectId":9772405,"letterContent":"The students and I truly appreciate your generous donations toward our metal shop. Thanks to your support, I was able to purchase essential tools and supplies that have made a meaningful difference in my students' learning.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors use technology at home but may not be as familiar with how it is used in schools. In our metal shop, these tools have helped students build real-world technical skills that connect to careers in manufacturing, engineering, and design. They are learning through hands-on work, developing problem-solving abilities and gaining confidence as they complete their projects.\r\n\r\nWhat students find most exciting about the new equipment is the opportunity to turn their ideas into something tangible. Whether they are creating a functional toolbox or designing custom metal art, the tools you helped fund have allowed them to think more creatively and take greater ownership of their work.","fullyFundedDate":1759417720311,"projectUrl":"project/metals-2025-2026/9772405/","projectTitle":"Metals 2025-2026","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Aki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2096644"},{"teacherId":693953,"projectId":9784602,"letterContent":"Your support has transformed our classroom, allowing us to celebrate the joy and individuality my students bring every day. The resources you funded—snacks, art supplies, and personalized notebooks—have directly met their needs, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of their learning. For instance, in our \"3D Geometric Cityscape\" math project, the new art supplies turned a challenging concept into a hands-on architectural triumph. Students, like Kekoa who usually struggles with abstract math, were able to intuitively master concepts like volume and surface area by designing and building complex structures. The ability to express their understanding creatively has validated their curiosity and deepened their learning experience across all subjects.\r\n\r\nThe personalized notebooks and readily available snacks have also built a strong foundation of security and pride. When the students received their personalized notebooks, the simple gesture fostered a profound sense of ownership over their work, motivating them to stay organized and engaged. We are now using these resources for our personal narratives and storytelling unit. Students are drafting their stories in their unique notebooks and using the art supplies to create illustrations, culminating in a \"Celebration of Stories\" event. Your generosity has provided essential tools that fuel their focus, affirm their value, and empower them to thrive academically and personally.","fullyFundedDate":1759621809273,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-learn/9784602/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blair","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/693953"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50760","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1170,"numTeachers":78,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":54.0,"schoolId":50760,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hilo High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hilo High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/hilo-high-school/50760"}