{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makaha Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":77.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10251190,"projectId":9702996,"letterContent":"We are using the bean bag seating and fidgets daily during independent work, small-group instruction, and transitions. These resources have been especially helpful during reading and writing blocks, where students are expected to sustain focus and self-regulate. One standout moment was during literacy centers, when a student who typically struggles to stay engaged was able to complete an entire rotation calmly while using a fidget and flexible seating.\r\n\r\nHow did your students react when they first saw the materials?\r\nStudents were genuinely excited and grateful. Many immediately recognized the bean bags and fidgets as tools to help them feel comfortable and focused. Several students expressed that the seating made the classroom feel more welcoming and safe.\r\n\r\nWhat are the next steps for your students on a current classroom lesson or project?\r\nAs we continue our current lessons, these materials are helping us build a classroom environment that supports self-regulation and learning readiness. The next step is teaching students how to independently choose tools that help them regulate their bodies and attention. These resources provide a designated space for dysregulated students to reset, refocus, and rejoin learning successfully, allowing all students to access instruction more effectively.","fullyFundedDate":1759975235409,"projectUrl":"project/calming-corner/9702996/","projectTitle":"Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schnell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10251190"},{"teacherId":4953446,"projectId":9778268,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has transformed into a space where students feel supported, motivated, and celebrated. The resources you provided from nutritious snacks for hungry tummies to exciting prizes for our classroom store has completely shifted the energy in our room.\r\n\r\nWe use these materials daily to ensure every student is ready to learn. The snacks have been a game-changer; when students are properly fueled, their concentration levels skyrocket, and \"brain fog\" disappears. The classroom store has become the hub of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system.","fullyFundedDate":1759442627149,"projectUrl":"project/fun-with-clocks-snacks-and-a-glowing-c/9778268/","projectTitle":"Fun With Clocks, Snacks, and a Glowing Celebration!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spencer-Yuen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4953446_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1509761687990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-spencer-yuen"},{"teacherId":6709949,"projectId":9776940,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of my classroom and after-school tutoring program. My 5th graders and tutoring students are curious, hardworking, and full of big dreams. They love robotics, building, and creating with technology, and they also work tirelessly to strengthen their reading and math skills.\r\n\r\nMany of my students stay after a long school day for tutoring or robotics because they are determined to succeed. Your support helps make that possible. The technology tools allow students to learn and create with confidence, the fans make our classroom a more comfortable and welcoming space, and the snacks give students the energy they need to stay focused and engaged.\r\n\r\nWhen students feel comfortable, cared for, and equipped, they truly shine. Your kindness sends a powerful message to my students—that their hard work matters and that there are people who believe in them and their futures. The impact of your generosity will be felt every day in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759459188385,"projectUrl":"project/cool-tools-breezes-and-snacks-for-lear/9776940/","projectTitle":"Cool Tools, Breezes, and Snacks for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Secretario-Klein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6709949_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689035569937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6709949"},{"teacherId":7718301,"projectId":9772769,"letterContent":"Our counseling sessions have been transformed by creating a \"mobile wellness theater\" that moves therapy beyond the four walls of an office. By using one of the rolling book trucks as a centralized hub, we can transport the screen and mini projector to any outdoor space, turning a standard lesson into an immersive experience. A standout project involved projecting students' \"internal fears\" onto the 14-foot screen; seeing their anxieties displayed at such a large scale helped externalize and de-stigmatize their struggles, making the invisible visible and much easier to discuss as a group.\r\n\r\nTo balance these visuals, we integrate the Big Bubble Wands as a tool for emotional regulation. This combination of large-scale storytelling and tactile, sensory play allows students to process complex emotions in a way that feels like a shared adventure rather than a clinical intervention, leading to breakthroughs that traditional talk therapy often misses.","fullyFundedDate":1759435866460,"projectUrl":"project/fun-walk-for-learning/9772769/","projectTitle":"Fun Walk for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Toyama","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7718301_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y1008&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627516832147","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7718301"},{"teacherId":10087921,"projectId":9495366,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful difference in my students' speech and language sessions by creating a more structured, motivating, and emotionally supportive learning environment. The visual timers help students clearly understand how long they are expected to work and when it will be time to play or return to class. This has reduced anxiety, increased focus, and supported emotional regulation—especially for students who struggle with transitions or time concepts.\r\nThe stickers have been a powerful motivator and positive reinforcement for hard work and communication attempts, encouraging students to try, participate, and stay engaged. In addition, the organizers and storage bins have improved access to books and materials, allowing sessions to run more smoothly and helping students independently choose activities. Together, these tools have increased motivation, organization, and confidence, making speech therapy a more positive and successful experience for my Title I students.","fullyFundedDate":1756149348013,"projectUrl":"project/fill-in-speech-and-therapy-room/9495366/","projectTitle":"Fill in Speech and Therapy Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10087921_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753150174369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/playtalklearn"},{"teacherId":10087921,"projectId":9730166,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students now have meaningful access to communication in ways that were not possible before. The iPad is being used with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) apps that allow students who are non-speaking or minimally speaking to express their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas. In the classroom and during speech therapy sessions, students use the iPad to make choices, request items, answer questions, and participate in routines and learning activities alongside their peers. The low-tech voice output buttons are especially helpful for early communicators, allowing them to press a button to produce a recorded word or phrase such as \"help,\" \"my turn,\" or \"all done,\" giving them an immediate and empowering voice.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is that *their actions now produce real communication*. They are motivated by hearing a clear voice speak for them and seeing adults and peers respond right away. The technology is interactive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, which makes learning feel fun rather than frustrating. Even students who were hesitant to communicate before are now eager to participate, take turns, and explore language through play and daily classroom routines.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my preschool and lower elementary students have especially flourished with this technology. Students who previously relied on gestures, crying, or withdrawing are now independently requesting, commenting, and initiating interactions. One student who rarely engaged during group activities now presses a voice button to greet peers, while another confidently uses the iPad to make choices during lessons. These tools have not only supported language development, but have also increased confidence, independence, and social connection. Thank you for giving my students a voice and helping them feel heard every day.","fullyFundedDate":1759268566782,"projectUrl":"project/voices-for-keiki-ipads-for-communicatio/9730166/","projectTitle":"Voices for Keiki: iPads for Communication","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10087921_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753150174369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/playtalklearn"},{"teacherId":11950,"projectId":9424044,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our Balloons Across Broadway parade such a memorable experience for our students! Because of your support, our class was able to bring the story to life using balloons, balloon sticks, a balloon pump, and a speaker that allowed us to play music as we proudly paraded around the school.\r\n\r\nAfter reading Balloons Over Broadway, students designed and created their own balloon creations, just like the character in the book. The excitement on their faces as they walked through the school, sharing their work with other students and staff, was truly priceless. The music added an extra layer of joy and helped turn this learning experience into a celebration of creativity, confidence, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nYour donation helped make learning hands-on, engaging, and meaningful. Our students felt proud to showcase their work and loved seeing how a story can come alive beyond the classroom. Thank you for helping create such a joyful and unforgettable learning experience for our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1756337170342,"projectUrl":"project/bring-the-magic-of-balloons-over-broadwa/9424044/","projectTitle":"Bring the Magic of Balloons Over Broadway to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dennis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp11950_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524112795646","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sarah-dennis"},{"teacherId":8360368,"projectId":9776587,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of student incentives. Your support is already making a meaningful impact—our students are truly excited and motivated to earn enough HERO points to redeem some of the amazing prizes you've helped provide.\r\nBecause of you, positive behavior is being celebrated in a fun and engaging way. Your contribution not only rewards students for making great choices, but also encourages a culture of kindness, responsibility, and hard work throughout our school community.\r\nWe are sincerely grateful for your partnership and generosity. Thank you for helping our students shine!","fullyFundedDate":1759457510971,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-for-great-work-and-good-behav/9776587/","projectTitle":"Motivation for Great Work and Good Behavior","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8360368"},{"teacherId":5113040,"projectId":9773664,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for your donation of a child-sized couch through DonorsChoose!\r\n\r\nOpening the box was fun because the children couldn't figure out what could be so large. The children are so eager to use it. They love being chosen to sit on the \"special couch\" when they are working on quiet tasks like reading, writing, or on their ipad. It provides a cozy, comfortable space that makes their work feel like a privilege.\r\n\r\nWe truly want to thank you for helping us to create such a warm and engaging learning environment. Your generosity is appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1759607318908,"projectUrl":"project/just-one-comfy-couch/9773664/","projectTitle":"Just One Comfy Couch","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calbero's Honeybees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5113040_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525122284830","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a10honeybees"},{"teacherId":6489788,"projectId":9784248,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations to my English Learner students. We had a successful multilingual family event where families came together and got to connect with teachers. They made a thankfulness craft with your donations, and started an at home reading program. Your snacks were a hit with the kids and helped make it an enjoyable event for everyone. \r\nFamilies worked together to make a paper mache mason jar. At home, they could write on strips of paper what they were thankful for and add it to the jar. This was especially appropriate, as the event was held in November. \r\nThank you for helping to make our multilingual families feel more welcomed on the school campus, which can feel especially daunting due to the language barrier.","fullyFundedDate":1759622728151,"projectUrl":"project/headsets-crafts-snacks-oh-my/9784248/","projectTitle":"Headsets, Crafts & Snacks, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sherick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6489788_orig.jpg?crop=435,435,x171,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1640841240331","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6489788"},{"teacherId":5113040,"projectId":9401040,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation of new art supplies and an organizing cart through DonorsChoose!\r\n\r\nThe children were so excited to see the materials arrive, and they have already put them to good use. They absolutely love doing arts and crafts and it has become one of their favorite activities! This new cart helps us keep everything neatly organized and easily accessible, which means less time searching and more time creating. The kids love to bring their creations home. \r\n\r\nWithout your help, I could not have afforded to bring these things to my classroom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1755729799822,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-art/9401040/","projectTitle":"Organizing Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calbero's Honeybees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5113040_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525122284830","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a10honeybees"},{"teacherId":11950,"projectId":9634747,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity is helping our kindergarten through second-grade students explore creativity, craftsmanship, and real-world problem-solving through hands-on art projects.\r\n\r\nThis year, our students have already enjoyed creating their own Christmas ornaments, learning to express themselves while developing fine motor skills, attention to detail, and design thinking. Soon, they will be moving on to an exciting new project: creating bobblehead animals using the pinch pot method. With your support, they will have access to essential materials like air-dry clay, paint, rollers, stamps, pens, sequins, and other decorative tools—everything they need to add detail, personalization, and creativity to their clay creations.\r\n\r\nThrough these activities, students are not only learning important art skills but also discovering how craftsmanship connects to real-world careers in industrial design, ceramics, product development, and architecture. They are practicing design thinking, following multi-step processes, and developing the precision and creativity that professionals in these fields value.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is making it possible for our students to create projects they can be proud of while building skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Thanks to your support, our young artists are gaining confidence, learning to problem-solve, and exploring pathways that could inspire their future careers.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for helping us bring the joy of hands-on learning and creativity to our students!","fullyFundedDate":1755974009094,"projectUrl":"project/creative-hands-bright-minds-pottery-pr/9634747/","projectTitle":"Creative Hands, Bright Minds: Pottery Projects for Young Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dennis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp11950_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524112795646","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sarah-dennis"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50800","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":409,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"8.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":22.9,"schoolId":50800,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Makaha Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Makaha Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/makaha-elementary-school/50800"}