{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waihe'e Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9610885,"projectId":9772865,"letterContent":"We wanted to send a huge, heartfelt thank you for your incredibly generous donation of supplies to our first-grade classroom! The moment the kids saw all the art supplies—especially the pom poms and sparkling holiday beads—they were absolutely thrilled. We're putting them to great use right away for our big seasonal project: making custom Christmas ornaments for their families! This isn't just fun; it's a wonderful way to help them practice those all-important fine motor skills, which is essential for improving their pencil grip and handwriting. Plus, the new reading folders are already helping our students keep their daily reading books and practice sheets neat and tidy, teaching them responsibility from day one.\r\n\r\nAnd we can't forget the teacher cart and dolly—what a lifesaver! Moving our big curriculum books, heavy class sets, and stacks of finished projects around the school used to be a real chore, but these tools make it so much faster and easier. They truly help us save time and energy, allowing us to focus entirely on teaching and supporting the kids, rather than getting caught up in logistics. Your kindness has a direct and immediate impact on our learning environment, making it more organized, resourceful, and stimulating for everyone. From all of us, especially our excited first graders, thank you again for your wonderful support!","fullyFundedDate":1759233246055,"projectUrl":"project/little-minds-big-ideas/9772865/","projectTitle":"Little Minds, Big Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Inouye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9610885_orig.jpg?crop=285,285,x15,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742687568844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9610885"},{"teacherId":7603359,"projectId":9773849,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our kindergarten classroom. Because of you, we now have new chair pockets and writing tablets that have already made an incredible difference in our daily learning. My students and I are truly grateful, and I'm excited to share how these resources are bringing new energy, organization, and confidence into our space. \r\n\r\nWe began using the chair pockets the very same day they arrived. In kindergarten, having our materials close at hand is a big step toward independence, and the pockets immediately helped our students take ownership of their learning tools. Each child now has a special place for their writing folder, crayons, handwriting book, and finished work. This simple addition has made transitions smoother, reduced clutter, and helped the children feel proud of their organized space. \r\n\r\nThe writing tablets have been especially exciting for our class. We introduced them during our daily writing workshop, and the children instantly lit up with enthusiasm. These tablets are sturdy, smooth, and perfectly sized for small hands, making them ideal for young writers who are still developing fine motor skills. My students use them to practice forming letters, stretching out words, and drawing pictures that support their writing. \r\n\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the reactions were priceless. There were gasps, happy jumps, and many curious little hands wanting to touch everything at once. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to support our literacy units and writing projects throughout the year. Soon, we'll begin writing simple stories, and the organization from the chair pockets will help students keep their drafts, sketches, and tools together as they grow as students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759420385814,"projectUrl":"project/cool-organized-and-ready-to-write-kin/9773849/","projectTitle":"Cool, Organized, and Ready to Write: Kindergarten Learning Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gaspar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7603359"},{"teacherId":10072321,"projectId":9751331,"letterContent":"I'd like to thank you all for the amount of support you all have shown my students and I this school year. We love all of our new books, flexible seating, and classroom supplies so far!\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw everything, they were very excited to see them! I think their favorites out of the new items have to be the books and the flexible seating options. \r\n\r\nThe new Llama Llama books we received are definitely a big hit among them. They are always asking to read those books in particular. I feel like when reading the Llama Llama books together, it makes them feel calm as they love to listen to me read them. \r\n\r\nAs for our new flexible seating options, it has really helped them with being able to sit for longer periods of time as well as concentrate better. Some of my students really needed that so I appreciate that and everything else very much.","fullyFundedDate":1758752585286,"projectUrl":"project/ms-caylas-first-classroom/9751331/","projectTitle":"Ms. Cayla's First Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cayla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10072321"},{"teacherId":5407695,"projectId":9153187,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project, Flexible Seating for Active Learners! Your generosity means so much to my students and me. With your help, our classroom will be transformed into a more engaging, comfortable, and student-centered learning space.\r\n\r\nThe new seating options will give my students the freedom to choose where and how they learn best. For many of them, having this kind of flexibility makes a huge difference in their focus, confidence, and motivation. I can already imagine the excitement on their faces as they walk into a classroom that truly meets their needs.\r\n\r\nYour kindness will have a lasting impact, not only on this year's group of learners but also on many future students who will benefit from these resources. Thank you for believing in the power of education and for helping create a classroom where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1741662606116,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-active-learners/9153187/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Active Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Viela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5407695"},{"teacherId":7929789,"projectId":9152073,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has a color printer that is making learning come alive for my kindergarten students! We have been using it to create colorful worksheets, flashcards, charts, and posters that capture students' attention and keep them engaged in lessons. Bright visuals make a huge difference—whether it's sight word flashcards, math manipulatives, or learning games, the colors help students connect more deeply to the material and stay excited about learning.\r\n\r\nOne special moment happened during a recent alphabet review. I printed brightly colored letter flashcards with matching pictures, and the students were thrilled to use them in small groups. They eagerly matched uppercase and lowercase letters and took turns leading their friends in letter-sound practice. The excitement and confidence I saw on their faces reminded me how important it is to provide materials that are visually engaging and developmentally appropriate.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new colorful posters and charts, their eyes lit up. Several of them exclaimed, \"Wow, it's so pretty!\" and \"Can we use this every day?\" The color printer has transformed simple lessons into experiences that feel exciting and special.\r\n\r\nThis project has had a lasting impact on my teaching as well. I am now able to customize resources to meet the unique needs of my students, print visual aids for small-group lessons, and create classroom materials that support different learning styles. The ability to produce high-quality, color-rich materials has made my instruction more effective and interactive.","fullyFundedDate":1741636342245,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-learning/9152073/","projectTitle":"Colorful Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kawamura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7929789_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627532127608","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7929789"},{"teacherId":7929789,"projectId":8887019,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving my kindergarten students the gift of creativity and hands-on learning! With the Magna-Tiles, LEGO sets, Play-Doh, and pony beads, our classroom has transformed into a space filled with imagination, collaboration, and joyful problem-solving.\r\n\r\nOne special moment came during a STEM exploration day. Students worked in small groups to build towers and bridges using the Magna-Tiles and LEGO bricks. The teamwork, communication, and excitement were incredible to watch! With Play-Doh, students have been strengthening their fine motor skills while shaping letters, numbers, and fun creations. The pony beads have been especially useful for math—students string them to make patterns and practice counting, while also enjoying them as a creative art project.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their eyes widened with excitement. They cheered, clapped, and immediately started sharing ideas about what they wanted to build and create. Many said, \"This is the best day ever!\" Their enthusiasm has carried into every lesson where we use these resources.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to incorporate these materials into ongoing STEM challenges, math patterning lessons, and literacy activities. For example, students will be using Magna-Tiles to design 2D and 3D shapes during our geometry unit, pony beads to build and extend repeating patterns, and Play-Doh to \"write\" letters and sight words. These resources will continue to inspire creativity, strengthen problem-solving skills, and bring joy to learning each day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact in our classroom by giving students opportunities to explore, create, and learn in meaningful ways. Thank you for believing in their potential and helping us build a strong foundation for their future.","fullyFundedDate":1729390995749,"projectUrl":"project/starting-the-day-with-play-in-kindergart/8887019/","projectTitle":"Starting the Day with Play in Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kawamura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7929789_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627532127608","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7929789"},{"teacherId":9610885,"projectId":9450320,"letterContent":"On behalf of my 1st grade class, we just wanted to say a huge thank you for your incredibly generous donation. The classroom laminator, door decoration, folders, labels, and large manila envelopes have made a big impact already!\r\n\r\nThe kids were so excited when the supplies arrived. Their faces lit up as we decorated our door, and they were so proud to get their very own folders, envelopes to hold their reading books, and new labels for all their books and supplies. \r\n\r\nYour thoughtful gift not only provided us with essential supplies, but it also showed our students that their education and well-being are valued. These resources have made our classroom feel even more special and have helped the students feel more organized and responsible.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness. We are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1754024190810,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-for-success/9450320/","projectTitle":"Setting Up for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Inouye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9610885_orig.jpg?crop=285,285,x15,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742687568844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9610885"},{"teacherId":5342956,"projectId":9153249,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your generous support of our classroom! When the materials arrived, my 5th graders were so excited—they couldn't believe the Posca pens, headphones, binders, and stand-up desk were really for them. The Posca pens brought their creativity to life during projects like our \"Water PBL,\" and the headphones have helped students focus better during independent and online work. The binders are teaching them responsibility and organization, and the stand-up desk has been a great option for students who need movement to stay engaged.\r\n\r\nYour donation has truly made a difference. These tools have created a more dynamic and supportive learning space where every student feels empowered to learn in ways that work best for them. Thank you for investing in their success and making our classroom a brighter place to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1741664353792,"projectUrl":"project/creative-minds-and-focused-learning-sup/9153249/","projectTitle":"Creative Minds and Focused Learning: Supplies for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Saito","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5342956_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524387237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/t-saito"},{"teacherId":7948634,"projectId":9156369,"letterContent":"Sorry this was late. It was the end of the school year when we received everything and the TV and cart didn't get put together until this week. The maintenance crew who helped me put it together had to wait until summer break. Anyway, it is installed and now ready for it to be put to use. We are so excited and grateful to have this equipment to hold meetings and for sharing information from teachers, staff and students. \r\n\r\nWe would like to thank you so much for your generous donations. It has not only allowed more opportunities for our school community to share, it also has made it better for our environment (we are saving trees by being able to do things virtually/electronically). Thank you again!!","fullyFundedDate":1741972087376,"projectUrl":"project/projecting-projects-info-and-stuff/9156369/","projectTitle":"Projecting Projects, Info and Stuff","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Inouye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7948634"},{"teacherId":2534505,"projectId":9153956,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our new iPad has quickly become an essential tool in our counseling space! While many people use iPads at home for entertainment, here at school, it's helping students learn in powerful and creative ways.\r\n\r\nThe iPad allows me to access engaging, interactive SEL tools and digital resources during lessons and one-on-one sessions. We use it for emotion check-ins, mindfulness activities, educational videos, and student goal tracking. It's also been a huge help for creating visuals, digital stories, and personalized supports—especially for students who benefit from nonverbal tools or alternative ways to express themselves.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most is how interactive it is. They love using drawing apps, mood trackers, and video reflections. One student who usually struggles to open up has really responded to using the iPad—he now eagerly participates by selecting digital feelings cards and even recording short voice notes to share how he's doing.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a real difference. Mahalo for believing in our students!","fullyFundedDate":1741812967571,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-student-support-with-technolog/9153956/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Student Support with Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lehano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2534505_orig.jpg?crop=1945,1945,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646826154622","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tlehano"},{"teacherId":9420437,"projectId":9158866,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of PE equipment to our elementary school here on Maui. Your kindness has brought new energy and excitement to our students' physical education experience, encouraging them to stay active, healthy, and engaged. The new equipment has already made a positive impact, sparking joy and teamwork on our playgrounds and in our PE classes. We are deeply grateful for your support and commitment to the well-being of our keiki.","fullyFundedDate":1741965258325,"projectUrl":"project/elementary-school-pe-resources/9158866/","projectTitle":"Elementary School Pe Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. K Higa Jr.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9420437"},{"teacherId":7932818,"projectId":9173007,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a more focused, collaborative, and creative space! The headphones, flexible stools, writing tools, colored paper, and organizers have all contributed to a smoother daily routine—and have truly empowered my students to engage more deeply with their learning. The headphones helped students concentrate during independent tasks, while the stools offered a flexible seating option that made it easier for small groups to gather, share ideas, and work together on projects.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting transformations has been in our art and project-based learning. The colored paper brought our classroom projects to life—whether students were designing brochures for their careers unit, creating culture-based posters, or crafting poetry books. These materials made it possible for students to express themselves in meaningful, hands-on ways. It's been incredible to see their confidence and creativity shine. Your donation didn't just provide supplies—it opened the door for authentic collaboration, focus, and joyful learning. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1742157370288,"projectUrl":"project/tune-in-focus-up-tools-for-engaged-lea/9173007/","projectTitle":"Tune In, Focus Up: Tools for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sinclair","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7932818_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y107&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627629878079","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mayasinclair"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50990","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":572,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"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":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.7,"schoolId":50990,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waihe'e Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waihe'e Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/waihee-elementary-school/50990"}