{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Maui Waena Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9342543,"projectId":9776807,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing healthy snacks for our classroom. Your kindness has had an immediate and meaningful impact on our students.\r\n\r\nWe are using the snacks daily to help students stay focused and energized, especially during intensive learning blocks and testing periods. Recently, during a small-group reading and writing project, I noticed a remarkable difference. Students who would typically struggle to maintain attention were engaged, participating in thoughtful discussions, and completing their work with confidence. Having access to nutritious snacks has helped eliminate distractions caused by hunger and allowed students to concentrate fully on their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the healthy snacks, their faces lit up with excitement. Many expressed gratitude right away, and a few even shared that they sometimes do not have snacks available at home. They felt cared for and supported, knowing that someone beyond our classroom believes in their success.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are beginning a collaborative research and writing project where students will work in teams to investigate real-world topics and present their findings. With your continued support through these resources, they will be able to stay nourished, focused, and ready to do their very best work.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has created more than just snack breaks — it has created comfort, stability, and readiness to learn. Thank you for investing in our students and for being an important part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1759449397143,"projectUrl":"project/cheers-to-healthy-snack-and-meals-equals/9776807/","projectTitle":"Cheers to Healthy Snack and Meals Equals Healthy Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Evans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342543"},{"teacherId":4628643,"projectId":9772774,"letterContent":"Because of you, our classroom feels alive with possibility.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, my students immediately gathered around with huge smiles and endless questions. The paint sets were opened first — one student quietly said, \"We are gonna have some much fun\" That moment alone reminded me why this project mattered. For many of my students, access to high-quality materials makes them feel valued and capable.\r\n\r\nWe began by using the sketching and paint materials to create an art piece that they leave with me as part of my wall of memories. Students reflected on personal challenges they've overcome and expressed those stories through art. I watched students who normally struggle to stay focused sit for nearly an hour blending colors and adding detail. One student who rarely participates proudly held up his painting and explained the meaning behind it to the class. That confidence was powerful.\r\n\r\nOur fruit seeds are now planted in our classroom garden space, and students take turns checking soil moisture and tracking growth in journals. They are learning responsibility, patience, and the science behind food production. There's something special about watching them care for something that will eventually nourish them.\r\n\r\nThe pull-up station has become a daily goal-setting hub. Students track personal fitness progress and encourage one another. What started as \"I can't do one\" has turned into students celebrating when they accomplish their first pull-up. It's building not just physical strength, but resilience and mental toughness.\r\n\r\nNext, we are combining everything into a cross-curricular project called \"Growing Strong.\" Students will design and build 3D plant markers, create botanical sketches of our growing fruit plants, track growth data, and reflect on how growth in the garden mirrors personal growth. We are also incorporating health lessons on nutrition and goal setting tied to our fitness station.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students aren't just completing assignments; they are creating, growing, problem-solving, and building confidence every day. Your generosity is helping shape a classroom where creativity and strength truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1759280718409,"projectUrl":"project/restocking-creativity-and-strength/9772774/","projectTitle":"Restocking Creativity and Strength","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sewpaul","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4628643_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646701764192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4628643"},{"teacherId":7938962,"projectId":9776759,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our sewing project! Because of your generosity, we now have a sewing cart, rulers, and fabric pens that have transformed our classroom experience.\r\n\r\nStudents have used these supplies to design and create projects like pillows and tote bags. Along the way, they've learned valuable skills such as measuring accurately, planning designs, and sewing with confidence. Many of them had never sewn before, and now they are proudly completing their own handmade creations.\r\n\r\nYour support has sparked creativity, built confidence, and made hands-on learning possible. We are so grateful for your investment in our students!","fullyFundedDate":1759451775405,"projectUrl":"project/a-sew-good-time/9776759/","projectTitle":"A Sew Good Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Terawaki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938962"},{"teacherId":10294650,"projectId":9777736,"letterContent":"Your generous contribution to the Persuasive Policy Pitch: Text-to-Legislation project has profoundly enhanced our 8th-grade ELA curriculum, transitioning students from passive literacy to active academic synthesis. By providing the resources necessary for multi-modal expression, you have enabled these dynamic learners to bridge the gap between abstract literary concepts and concrete, actionable legislative ideas. The use of kinetic tools like the Super Sticky Easel Pads and specialized markers has transformed thematic analysis into a sophisticated, collaborative brainstorm, while the inclusion of tone-analysis stamps and real-time drafting whiteboards has fostered a high-engagement environment rooted in rigorous critical thinking.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your support is most visible in the professionalization of our classroom discourse. The integration of a digital timer has instilled a crucial sense of conciseness during \"Policy Pitches,\" while the acquisition of a printer and laminating machine has allowed students to transform their research into durable, high-quality Policy Briefs. These artifacts, now displayed as a permanent gallery of academic achievement, serve as a testament to their mastery of persuasive writing and public speaking. We are deeply grateful for your investment in fostering both the literary excellence and the civic responsibility of our future leaders.","fullyFundedDate":1759468846428,"projectUrl":"project/project-persuasive-policy-pitch-text-t/9777736/","projectTitle":"Project: Persuasive Policy Pitch: Text-to-Legislation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Labadan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294650"},{"teacherId":9968921,"projectId":9777733,"letterContent":"Mahalo to your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a hands-on engineering lab where students are currently using the new kits to design and test structural braces against simulated seismic waves. The students were absolutely thrilled when the materials arrived, with many shouting in excitement as they realized they could finally move their sketches from the page to real-life 3D models. Our next step is a \"Final Shake Challenge,\" where teams will compete to see whose tower can withstand the highest magnitude while supporting the most weight.","fullyFundedDate":1759458255852,"projectUrl":"project/earthquake-proofing-the-tower/9777733/","projectTitle":"Earthquake-Proofing the Tower","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carvajal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9968921_orig.jpg?crop=2883,2883,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741916701811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9968921"},{"teacherId":9338017,"projectId":9772121,"letterContent":"Aloha,\r\nI want to extend a heartfelt mahalo for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom! Thank you so much for your generosity and support in helping me achieve my goal of providing comfortable alternative seating in my classroom and all the other items that will help create a positive classroom environment. My students will be thrilled and I can't wait for them to use the new seating.\r\nI've found that offering students a more comfortable environment in which to work is often all they need to help them focus, so I decided to include a few alternate seating types in my class. I was able to add some, but found that a few more would help. Adding a new wiggle seat and one more beanbag gives us a little more variety and allows for everyone to choose their preferred seat. \r\n Your kindness will impact our classroom for many years to come, helping us to be fully prepared and focused on what truly matters—our students' learning.\r\nThank you once again for your support. You are making a meaningful impact, not just in our classroom but across our school. We're so grateful to have such caring friends in our community!","fullyFundedDate":1759312099804,"projectUrl":"project/making-it-positive/9772121/","projectTitle":"Making it Positive!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Heck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338017"},{"teacherId":7940759,"projectId":9775459,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of new PE equipment and a portable speaker. These resources have already made a vibrant impact on our daily activities.\r\n\r\nWith the new speaker, our playground and field areas are now filled with music, creating an energetic and joyful atmosphere where children truly enjoy staying active. Furthermore, the specialized equipment has been essential in ensuring every student can participate fully and safely in their FitnessGram assessments.\r\n\r\nYour support provides more than just equipment; it fosters a love for health and wellness that will stay with these children for years to come. Thank you for investing in our students' physical education and overall well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1759592794073,"projectUrl":"project/mwis-pe-department-needs/9775459/","projectTitle":"MWIS PE Department Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Matsushima","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7940759"},{"teacherId":8825705,"projectId":9719445,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for investing in the emotional well-being of my students.. We have used the prize wheel with students several times now, and it has helped break through that 'middle school cool' exterior in the best way. As many of you know, middle schoolers can be a tough crowd to impress, but seeing their visible excitement as the wheel clicks toward a prize is a reminder of how much they value being recognized.\r\n\r\nMiddle school can be an incredibly complex and overwhelming landscape for students to navigate. Your donation has provided the \"spark\" many of my students need to lean into SEL rather than shying away from it. The prize wheel has turned our office into a space that celebrates growth, making the hard work of self-reflection feel fun and rewarding.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stands out occurred recently during a particularly high-stress day on campus. I witnessed a student's face completely light up when they earned a spin for their leadership; they had stepped by to share a specific coping strategy with a peer who was struggling. Seeing a student not only use these tools for themselves but also use them to support a friend is exactly why we do this work.\r\n\r\nThrough incorporating \"Spin to Win,\" I have witnessed a significant increase in students' willingness to participate in various SEL activities. Whether it's practicing deep breathing, identifying triggers, or improving academic habits, they are more engaged than ever. These snacks and fidgets are so much more than just prizes—they are tangible symbols of their resilience, effort, and character.\r\n\r\nYour support has made it possible for me to reward the process of growth, not just the end result. Thank you for helping me show these students that their emotional health matters and that their positive choices are worth celebrating.","fullyFundedDate":1760266699394,"projectUrl":"project/spin-to-win-fueling-middle-school-motiv/9719445/","projectTitle":"Spin to Win! Fueling Middle School Motivation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8825705"},{"teacherId":7136082,"projectId":9772258,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, this project has made a clear and immediate difference for my students. While many of our donors may be familiar with gaming systems as home entertainment, in our classroom this technology is being used with clear learning goals in mind. The Nintendo Switch 2 supports instruction in strategic thinking, teamwork, communication, and self-regulation. Students are not just playing games, they are analyzing decisions, reflecting on outcomes, learning from mistakes, and practicing how to give and receive constructive feedback. These skills directly support both academic learning and social-emotional growth.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the new system is how smoothly and reliably it works. The improved performance means fewer interruptions, faster transitions, and less frustration, which helps students stay focused and engaged. The system also allows for both individual practice and collaborative play, giving students opportunities to learn independently while still working together toward shared goals. Students are excited not just because it is new technology, but because it creates a structured, shared experience where their effort and improvement are visible.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially benefited from this project. Some who struggle in traditional academic settings have found new confidence through strategic planning, problem-solving, and leadership during gameplay. Others who tend to be highly competitive are learning how to manage emotions, communicate respectfully, and support teammates rather than focusing only on winning. I have also seen quieter students step into mentoring roles, explaining strategies and encouraging peers, and students who previously avoided group work become active, positive contributors.\r\n\r\nOverall, this technology has helped create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment where different strengths are recognized and valued. Thank you for making this experience possible for my students. Your support has turned this project into a meaningful opportunity for growth, collaboration, and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759195014933,"projectUrl":"project/esports-and-career-exploration/9772258/","projectTitle":"Esports and Career Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Fusato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7136082"},{"teacherId":10294430,"projectId":9776734,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our band program. Because of your kindness, we were able to purchase much-needed reeds for all of our students, over 300 young musicians in our Title I school.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, access to quality reeds is the difference between feeling frustrated and feeling confident in their music. Your donation ensures that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can participate fully, produce their best sound, and experience the joy of making music. The excitement on their faces when they received their new reeds said it all. Now we are preparing for our holiday concert in one week and without you it wouldn't be possible.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is making a real and immediate impact in our classroom. You're helping us build not just skills, but pride, opportunity, and a lifelong love of music.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us—thank you for believing in our students and supporting their musical journey.","fullyFundedDate":1759447484767,"projectUrl":"project/bandroom-reeds/9776734/","projectTitle":"Bandroom Reeds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Conaway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294430"},{"teacherId":5275971,"projectId":9776480,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! The testing dividers, folders, and colored whiteboard markers will immediately create a more focused and organized learning environment for all my students. Your support is deeply appreciated.\r\nThe testing dividers will provide the students with essential privacy and a personal, focused workspace, which significantly reduces test anxiety and allows them to concentrate fully on their assessments.\r\nThe new folders are equally invaluable. They serve as a crucial organizational tool, empowering each student to manage and safely file their ongoing and completed assignments. This simple addition has drastically cut down on lost work and has boosted their sense of responsibility.\r\nFinally, the colored whiteboard markers are a huge hit and central to our collaborative work in our Building Thinking Classrooms. The vibrant colors make group work visually engaging and allow students to clearly distinguish their ideas and celebrate their team's contributions on the board.\r\nThank you once again for investing in my students' success, organization, and focus. Your support is deeply appreciated and truly helps us build a better learning future.","fullyFundedDate":1759446862742,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success/9776480/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5275971_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729121041099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5275971"},{"teacherId":7937349,"projectId":9771976,"letterContent":"On behalf of the Department of Education, I would like to thank you for your generous donation of $746 to my students in Kahului. This donation is being used for Maui Waena Intermediate school 6th graders, which is about 250 students in my health classes. We are using this donation to help teach students the importance of taking care of their body and to build skills to help their social and emotional needs. These materials are helping to make lessons more interactive and promote skill building with students using the National Health Education standards. I will also be using the materials for supporting my student's emotional needs since the Lahaina fire and COVID. This donation will include many hands on tools that will provide my students with a comfortable learning environment and reach different types of learners in my classroom. \r\nWe greatly appreciate your generosity and support for the students at Maui Waena Intermediate.","fullyFundedDate":1759198969398,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-health-lessons/9771976/","projectTitle":"Hands on health lessons","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schofield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7937349"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54829","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1015,"numTeachers":71,"percentFrplEligible":50,"percentAsian":44,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":54829,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Maui Waena Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Maui Waena Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/maui-waena-intermediate-school/54829"}