{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiakea Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1989844,"projectId":9613923,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Growing Scientists: Exploring Life Science Through Gardening project! Your generosity helped transform our classroom into a living science lab, and my fourth graders were engaged from day one.\r\n\r\nStudents loved planting seeds and checking their sprouts each morning. We ended up with a wide variety of plant growth, which kept the project exciting. One unexpected discovery was that our mint seeds didn't sprout at all, even after two weeks. This led to great discussions about what might have affected their growth and how real scientists learn from both successful and unexpected results.\r\n\r\nWith the pots, soil, gloves, tools, and seeds you provided, students were able to explore life science in a hands-on way. As they cared for their plants, they learned about life cycles, ecosystems, and what living things need to survive. We also planted several of our herb and vegetable seedlings in the school's raised garden beds, giving students a chance to see their plants continue to grow outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nGrowing vegetables opened the door to conversations about nutrition and the farm-to-table process. Students connected what they were growing to the foods they see at home, helping them understand where fresh produce comes from and why healthy eating matters. The project also encouraged teamwork, patience, and responsibility—skills that go far beyond science.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this experience possible. Your support sparked curiosity, strengthened scientific thinking, and gave my students a project they will remember.","fullyFundedDate":1757565499296,"projectUrl":"project/growing-scientists-exploring-life-scien/9613923/","projectTitle":"Growing Scientists: Exploring Life Science Through Gardening","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1989844_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1559429345636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leslie-walker"},{"teacherId":1989844,"projectId":9584203,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our owl pellet dissection project! My fourth graders were beyond excited for this activity—they talked about it for weeks leading up to \"Owl Pellet Day.\" Of course, once they got over the initial shock of what an owl pellet actually is, their curiosity took over completely.\r\n\r\nBefore we began, we discussed the scientific skills we would be using: observing with our senses, describing what the pellet looked and felt like, making predictions, and recording changes as the dissection unfolded. Students were encouraged to talk with their groups, share surprises, and celebrate discoveries together.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the room once we started dissecting was incredible. Students paused often to show each other interesting finds—like the unforgettable moment when someone found two skulls in one pellet. This led to such thoughtful (and funny) questions: \"Why would this happen? Did an animal have two heads?\" Moments like this showed how deeply they were thinking and how quickly they were making connections to what real scientists do.\r\n\r\nThis project introduced them not only to dissection, but also to the bigger world of scientific investigation—how fossils, bones, and evidence can teach us about animals, ecosystems, and relationships in nature. Many students said this was their favorite science activity of the year.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, each student had their own pellet, along with the tools needed to explore it safely and carefully. They were able to examine bones, identify prey animals, and understand predator-prey relationships in a hands-on, meaningful way. Instead of just reading about ecosystems, they experienced one firsthand—observing, questioning, analyzing, and sharing their findings just like real scientists.\r\n\r\nYour support made this unforgettable learning experience possible. Thank you for helping spark curiosity, build scientific thinking, and create a moment of excitement and discovery that my students will remember for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1757512501891,"projectUrl":"project/discovering-natures-mysteries-through-o/9584203/","projectTitle":"Discovering Nature’s Mysteries Through Owl Pellet Dissection","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1989844_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1559429345636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leslie-walker"},{"teacherId":1989844,"projectId":9450882,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom music project! Your generosity allowed my students to experience real, hands-on music learning this year—something they would not have had access to without you.\r\n\r\nMy students have absolutely loved learning to play the recorder. Many were surprised at how challenging it was, especially getting the finger placement just right. They learned basic music notation and discovered how rhythm connects to the math skills we practice in class. Watching them focus, try again, and celebrate each small success has been incredible.\r\n\r\nAfter recorders, we explored handbells. Students quickly realized that playing music in a group requires listening closely, working together, and encouraging one another. Their genuine excitement when they recognized the melody of a familiar song they created as a team was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nBoomwhackers quickly became a class favorite. With the fun play-along videos, students eagerly jumped into songs where everyone's contribution mattered. It was amazing to see them return to familiar tunes and apply everything they'd learned about rhythm, timing, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nWith the holiday season underway, we've begun playing seasonal songs, and the energy in the room has been wonderful. This year, due to changes beyond our control, my students do not have access to a dedicated music teacher. Because of your support, they are still receiving meaningful music instruction filled with learning, discovery, and pride in their progress.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students this opportunity. You have made a lasting impact on their confidence, creativity, and love of music.","fullyFundedDate":1756360586534,"projectUrl":"project/let-the-music-begin-recorders-bells-a/9450882/","projectTitle":"Let the Music Begin: Recorders, Bells, and More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. L. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1989844_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1559429345636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leslie-walker"},{"teacherId":5265736,"projectId":9773126,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom! Your generosity means the world to my students and me. Because of you, we'll have the supplies we need to stay organized, feel confident, and dive into learning with excitement. The bins, binders, workbooks, and rewards you helped provide will make our classroom feel welcoming, calm, and ready for success.\r\n\r\nYour kindness truly impacts my students every single day, and we're so grateful to have people like you cheering them on. Mahalo for believing in their potential!","fullyFundedDate":1759410023594,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-classroom-for-learning-and-so/9773126/","projectTitle":"Building a Classroom for Learning and Social Emotional Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nagato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5265736"},{"teacherId":4604227,"projectId":9152162,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations that helped transform our classroom into a more comfortable, calming space for students. Because of your support, we now have cozy bean bags, calming corners, and thoughtful decorations that help students feel relaxed, safe, and ready to learn each day. Your kindness truly makes a meaningful difference for our classroom community, and we appreciate you deeply. The students are already benefiting from the warmer, more welcoming atmosphere. Your generosity will continue to support them throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1741636506953,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calm-and-organized-reading-in/9152162/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calm and Organized Reading Intervention Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Curry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4604227_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1521217999370","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heathercurryg102"},{"teacherId":9967512,"projectId":9557026,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous donations to our Care Closet, my students are able to come to school with their basic needs met, an essential step in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Having access to hygiene items, snacks, and other essentials helps students feel safe, secure, and cared for, allowing them to focus on learning rather than worrying about unmet needs. With these foundational needs supported, students are more confident, engaged, and ready to participate fully in class. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in both their well-being and their academic success, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758857939158,"projectUrl":"project/care-closet/9557026/","projectTitle":"Care Closet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mahuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967512_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y269&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741973948054","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967512"},{"teacherId":5327407,"projectId":9772665,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Your donations have made a meaningful and immediate impact on both our learning environment and our daily routines.\r\n\r\nThanks to your thoughtful gifts—such as the broom and dustpan—we are able to keep our classroom clean and welcoming. The craft supplies, holiday materials, hot glue gun, and sticker label machine have already helped bring our lessons and projects to life, giving students hands-on opportunities to express creativity and take pride in their work. The stamps for correcting tests have added a fun, positive touch to feedback, and the Market Day supplies are helping students engage in real-world learning experiences with excitement and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has not only provided much-needed tools, but has also shown our students that there is a community of people who believe in their success. The joy and enthusiasm your donations have sparked are felt every day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful difference. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759271697814,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-joyful-and-well-supplied-clas/9772665/","projectTitle":"Creating a Joyful and Well-Supplied Classroom All Year Long!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yamauchi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5327407_orig.jpg?crop=1221,1221,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677868406839","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leilaniyamauchi"},{"teacherId":5327407,"projectId":9479249,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Your donations have made a meaningful and immediate impact on both our learning environment and our daily routines.\r\n\r\nThanks to your thoughtful gifts—such as the broom and dustpan—we are able to keep our classroom clean and welcoming. The craft supplies, holiday materials, hot glue gun, and sticker label machine have already helped bring our lessons and projects to life, giving students hands-on opportunities to express creativity and take pride in their work. The stamps for correcting tests have added a fun, positive touch to feedback, and the Market Day supplies are helping students engage in real-world learning experiences with excitement and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has not only provided much-needed tools, but has also shown our students that there is a community of people who believe in their success. The joy and enthusiasm your donations have sparked are felt every day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful difference. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758809783161,"projectUrl":"project/creating-cleaning-and-customizing-lear/9479249/","projectTitle":"Creating, Cleaning, and Customizing Learning All Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yamauchi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5327407_orig.jpg?crop=1221,1221,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677868406839","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leilaniyamauchi"},{"teacherId":9967512,"projectId":9701425,"letterContent":"MAHALO NUI LOA!!\r\nThe materials provided through Launching Learning: Supplies for a First-Year Classroom made a tremendous impact on my students and on my ability to teach effectively during my first year. These supplies helped create an organized, welcoming, and fully functional learning space right from the start. With essentials like storage, writing tools, and instructional materials, my students had everything they needed to engage in lessons, collaborate, and feel confident in their work. This support allowed me to focus on teaching rather than worrying about gaps in classroom resources. Thanks to this project, our classroom became a vibrant and productive place where learning could truly take off.","fullyFundedDate":1758857938918,"projectUrl":"project/launching-learning-supplies-for-a-first/9701425/","projectTitle":"Launching Learning: Supplies for a First-Year Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mahuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967512_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y269&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741973948054","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967512"},{"teacherId":9967512,"projectId":9772168,"letterContent":"The materials I received will help me give my students a merry and memorable Christmas this year. These supplies allow me to create a warm and joyful classroom experience filled with holiday activities, small gifts, and festive surprises that many of my students may not otherwise have access to. With this support, I can make the season feel special, inclusive, and meaningful for every child. The resources help me build a positive classroom environment where students feel cared for, appreciated, and excited to learn. Thanks to this generosity, my students will enjoy a holiday experience filled with laughter, connection, and joy.","fullyFundedDate":1759436844142,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-holiday-magic-to-our-classroom/9772168/","projectTitle":"Bringing Holiday Magic to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mahuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967512_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y269&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741973948054","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967512"},{"teacherId":8354915,"projectId":9704563,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our kite-building project! Because of your contribution of wooden dowels and string, our students were able to fully engage in a hands-on STEM experience that combined creativity, problem-solving, and pure joy.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made this entire learning experience possible. You helped create a project that encouraged teamwork, perseverance, and a sense of accomplishment that students will carry with them long after the kites have flown.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and investing in opportunities that inspire curiosity and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1760639756312,"projectUrl":"project/lets-build-our-own-kites/9704563/","projectTitle":"Let's Build Our Own Kites","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8354915"},{"teacherId":8354915,"projectId":9771984,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your kindness, our students now have watercolor pencils, sketchbooks, magnet tiles, and Rubik's cubes—materials that immediately sparked excitement, creativity, and hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe watercolor pencils and sketchbooks have already inspired beautiful artwork and given students a calming, meaningful way to express themselves. The magnet tiles are helping our young engineers build, explore, and collaborate while strengthening problem-solving skills. And the Rubik's cubes have quickly become a favorite challenge, encouraging perseverance and logical thinking.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a positive impact on our students' daily experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1759417483171,"projectUrl":"project/builidng-sel-skills-withteam-bin-activit/9771984/","projectTitle":"Builidng SEL Skills withTeam Bin Activities and Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Newell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8354915"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50783","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":706,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":65.3,"schoolId":50783,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiakea Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiakea Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/waiakea-elementary-school/50783"}