{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hilo Union Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3761005,"projectId":9774472,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! When the students opened the boxes full of graduation caps they couldn't contain their excitement. They were surprised that they would be able to decorate their own graduation caps for their upcoming graduation ceremony!\r\n\r\nAs stated in the project, this will be the only graduation that some of our students get to experience in their lives, so making it as special as possible for them really makes all the difference.\r\n\r\nThey did not get to sneak a peek at their graduation gifts, but I know that they will be excited to receive their school supplies, fidgets, and knick knacks in their custom graduation gift bags.\r\n\r\nThank you again for funding this experience for my students. This will be a graduation they will remember for the rest of their lives thanks to your generosity and thoughtfulness.","fullyFundedDate":1759437310920,"projectUrl":"project/caps-off-to-the-grads/9774472/","projectTitle":"Caps Off to the Grads!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morishita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3761005_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532385028451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/g-morishita"},{"teacherId":8075565,"projectId":9778252,"letterContent":"I am writing to you with a heart full of gratitude. Today, our classroom is a more vibrant, engaging, and inspiring place to learn, and that transformation is entirely thanks to your incredible generosity.\r\nWhen I shared with my third graders that a kind supporter had funded our LEGO table, art supplies and snacks, the room erupted in cheers. But the true impact goes far beyond that initial excitement. Because of your gift, I now see students who used to struggle with confidence standing tall as they show off a LEGO structure they engineered or a clay sculpture they spent hours perfecting.\r\nYour donation has provided more than just materials; you have provided opportunity. You have given my students the chance to work with their hands, to solve problems together, and to see their own imaginations take physical form. For many of them, knowing that someone like you believes in their potential is the greatest gift of all. It has fostered a sense of belonging and worth that will stay with them long after they leave the third grade.","fullyFundedDate":1759506720917,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-our-creative-side/9778252/","projectTitle":"Exploring Our Creative Side!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8075565_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632716405116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8075565"},{"teacherId":2100000,"projectId":9776990,"letterContent":"The entire class had a positive reaction just seeing the microphone system charging at the front of the class. Each of them asked what it was for or when will we use it. Once the system was charged, my students have been using the microphone and speaker system daily to lead our morning meeting. They enjoy being in charge of sharing information with their classmates using the microphones. We also used the system to host an authorʻs chair. The students took turns reading their narrative piece at the front of the room. We also used the second microphone to have the students answer questions from the audience. The addition of the microphone and speaker system has raised the engagement level and improved the overall confidence when students speak or share out during lessons. \r\n I also purchased activity scarves to use during physical education lessons. I taught the grade level how to juggle. We began practicing with one scarf and advanced to three scarves. The students were very supportive of one another as the amount of scarves increased. We also used them for exercises which build the left-right brain connection. The studentsʻ pride and happiness at being able to juggle three scarves was so precious to me. \r\n Another favorite item in the project was the mac ʻn cheese fidget. This item supports sensory regulation. For some students access to a fidget item allows them to more efficiently engage in instruction. For other students access to a fidget is a nice way to take a break for their hard work. The mac ʻn cheese fidget brought many smiles and allowed lots of work to be done.","fullyFundedDate":1759538589910,"projectUrl":"project/broadcast-our-learning/9776990/","projectTitle":"Broadcast Our Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaimi-Morimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2100000"},{"teacherId":6396866,"projectId":9730028,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous support. Your donation made it possible for our students to explore coding and technology in a meaningful, hands-on way through the use of Microbits. These tiny devices opened up a world of creativity and problem-solving for them—far beyond what we could have imagined.\r\n\r\nWith the Microbits, students designed projects connected to real-world issues, including climate change and natural disaster awareness. They built model homes out of recycled materials and programmed the Microbits to light up their houses and even create warning signals when the structures were shaken. Watching their inventions come to life not only strengthened their understanding of coding but also empowered them to think about how technology can help keep communities safe.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has had a lasting impact. Many of my students do not always see themselves as scientists, engineers, or creators—but this project helped them realize that they can be all of those things. The confidence, curiosity, and teamwork they developed will carry over into future learning and open doors to opportunities they may not have known existed.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for giving them the chance to dream, build, and shine. Your generosity truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1762265312115,"projectUrl":"project/future-innovators-start-with-microbits/9730028/","projectTitle":"Future Innovators Start with Micro:bits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kohagura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6396866"},{"teacherId":6396866,"projectId":9773693,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous support. Your donation made it possible for our students to explore coding and technology in a meaningful, hands-on way through the use of Microbits. These tiny devices opened up a world of creativity and problem-solving for them—far beyond what we could have imagined.\r\n\r\nWith the Microbits, students designed projects connected to real-world issues, including climate change and natural disaster awareness. They built model homes out of recycled materials and programmed the Microbits to light up their houses and even create warning signals when the structures were shaken. Watching their inventions come to life not only strengthened their understanding of coding but also empowered them to think about how technology can help keep communities safe.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has had a lasting impact. Many of my students do not always see themselves as scientists, engineers, or creators—but this project helped them realize that they can be all of those things. The confidence, curiosity, and teamwork they developed will carry over into future learning and open doors to opportunities they may not have known existed.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for giving them the chance to dream, build, and shine. Your generosity truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1759377522905,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-learning-with-microbits/9773693/","projectTitle":"Lighting Up Learning with Micro:bits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kohagura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6396866"},{"teacherId":9966813,"projectId":9775621,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing autism-specific resources for our classroom. Your contribution has greatly strengthened the learning environment for my students at Hilo Union School, especially those in our third-grade inclusion setting who rely on consistent, predictable routines. Thanks to your generosity, I am better able to stay organized and provide clear supports that help all students feel safe and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nThe visual task analysis boards, visual cue cards, and visual countdown timers have made a remarkable difference—especially during transitions. Many of my autistic students struggle most when moving from one activity to another, and these tools give them the structure and reassurance they need. I have already seen smoother transitions, reduced anxiety, and increased independence as students understand what to expect and what comes next. These supports truly help them stay engaged and confident throughout the day.\r\n\r\nMahalo for investing in our keiki and for supporting the diverse needs of autistic students. Your kindness and commitment to inclusive education make a real, lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759494848514,"projectUrl":"project/inclusive-classroom/9775621/","projectTitle":"Inclusive Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ha'o","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966813"},{"teacherId":9966813,"projectId":9760283,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my new teacher project. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in my classroom, allowing me to create a more organized, supportive learning environment where I can stay on task and fully engaged with my students. Because of your help, daily instruction feels smoother, more intentional, and more joyful.\r\nThe new floor desk has already become a favorite during small-group time. Students love having a flexible, comfortable learning space, and it has helped them stay focused and more confident while working. The color images and visual materials you helped provide have also strengthened engagement and accessibility. These visuals support my learners who benefit from additional cues and make our classroom a more inclusive place for all students.\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and in me. Your generosity reaches far beyond supplies—you have supported curiosity, confidence, and learning in real and lasting ways.","fullyFundedDate":1758984091282,"projectUrl":"project/new-teacher/9760283/","projectTitle":"New Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ha'o","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966813"},{"teacherId":472635,"projectId":9775742,"letterContent":"So far with our new resources, we have been able to complete a few holiday activities. My homeroom students used the permanent markers to make their Thanksgiving balloons. My science class used the pipe cleaners to complete their Christmas tree STEM project. Both groups of students enjoy having flexible seating options like the office chair and especially the floor cushions.\r\n\r\nIt is always exciting when boxes arrive in class. Because the kids never know what was requested, they love when new supplies appear in the classroom. Having more flexible seating options allows more students to find comfortable spaces around the room when working in groups or independently. We are excited to be have supplies that will help us with various projects throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1759445275953,"projectUrl":"project/refreshing-the-supplies-to-motivate-and/9775742/","projectTitle":"Refreshing the Supplies to Motivate and Boost Student Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaneko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp472635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471323685814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/472635"},{"teacherId":8823584,"projectId":9775004,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our project. Your contributions to providing snacks and reusable water bottles have made a remarkable difference in the lives of my 6th-grade students.\r\n\r\nThese young learners are bursting with curiosity, resilience, and potential. Every day, they come to class eager to learn and grow, not only academically but also as compassionate individuals. Many of them face various challenges outside the classroom, but their determination and hope inspire me daily. \r\n\r\nThe provision of snacks and reusable water bottles might seem like a small gesture, but it has a profound impact on their performance and well-being. A simple snack during those lengthy morning hours helps them stay focused and engaged. Having a reusable water bottle means they can easily hydrate, allowing them to remain in class without the disruption of frequent trips to the water fountain. \r\n\r\nBy meeting their basic needs, you are allowing my students to concentrate fully on their studies, participate actively in discussions, and maintain their energy levels throughout the day. With your support, they are empowered to learn, create, and truly shine. It's more than just providing resources; it's about equipping them for success not just now, but for the bright futures they are diligently working toward.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting their journey. Together, we are nurturing a generation of thoughtful, capable individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.","fullyFundedDate":1759424536221,"projectUrl":"project/bottles-bites-boosting-young-minds/9775004/","projectTitle":"Bottles & Bites: Boosting Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Imai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823584"},{"teacherId":8974656,"projectId":9782044,"letterContent":"My students were DELIGHTED to check out the new incentives that they could earn for focusing on their learning. We instill intrinsic rewards and gratification first and foremost, but these incentives are the cherry on top! Students have already started to earn the many items that were donated. If they demonstrate growth they can earn a spot on our \"Complex Thinker\" board and an opportunity to pick a special prize. \r\n\r\nWe also try to instill a sense of mahalo (thankfulness) in our students. I told them the items were purchased by a generous donor in our community. They want to extend a huge MAHALO NUI LOA to you and wanted me to tell you how much they appreciate your thoughtfulness. They were touched to know someone in our community thought they were worth giving to.","fullyFundedDate":1759602811505,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-that-pay-off/9782044/","projectTitle":"Incentives That Pay Off","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8974656_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718689275520","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974656"},{"teacherId":7008155,"projectId":9775482,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. We have seen a great impact of your donation already. The children are drinking more water since it is now able to stay cold. The students are showing more interest in the food from home since we are able to warm it in the microwave. The students are better able to drink milk from the milk cartons with the straws that you proviced us.\r\n\r\nThe bookshelves has been great to store the students communication devices. The microphone has encouraged the students to use their voice more in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for your donations. If has greatly helped my preschoolers with special needs.","fullyFundedDate":1759436302120,"projectUrl":"project/improve-my-students-feeding-and-self-he/9775482/","projectTitle":"Improve My Student's Feeding and Self Help Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7008155"},{"teacherId":6526383,"projectId":9778242,"letterContent":"My students love playing with the Legos, the Uno cards, construction toys, and wooden puzzle. They are especially grateful for the Squishmallow plush toys. These toys have helped my students to express their emotions and feelings through active play and interaction with others. They have built relationships with other students and are learning appropriate social skills and improving their overall social-emotional skills.\r\n\r\nThe color printer and color paper has helped tremendously in providing colored paper worksheets for differentiated activities and colored printouts to support student needs.\r\n\r\nMahalo for your help in making this project come to life for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1759509394325,"projectUrl":"project/toys-and-tools-to-support-learning/9778242/","projectTitle":"Toys and Tools to Support Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haleamau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6526383_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1562630677952","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6526383"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50762","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":449,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":63.2,"schoolId":50762,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hilo Union Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hilo Union Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/hilo-union-elementary-school/50762"}