{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"King David Kalakaua Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":38.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8565348,"projectId":10084704,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing \"Snacks and Sensory Tools for Inclusive Learning\" to life! When the boxes arrived, my students were happy to unpack the bright floor cushions, fidget toys, and delicious snacks. They were incredibly touched that someone would send these gifts just to support them. Seeing their faces light up as they picked out their favorite cushions and tried out the sensory tools was a moment of pure joy that instantly boosted our classroom morale.\r\n\r\nThese resources have transformed our writing block. On the very first day, we used the cushions to form a cozy \"writing circle\", allowing students who struggle at traditional desks to find a comfortable space. The fidget toys have worked wonders for helping busy hands stay focused, while the snacks have been a lifesaver for our hungry writers—giving them the physical energy and motivation they need to push through a challenging draft.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I'd like our kiddos to dive into a creative storytelling project where students will draft and publish their own short books. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now a truly inclusive environment where everyone has the flexible seating and sensory support they need to focus. Thank you for making our classroom a more comfortable, caring place to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1778037225637,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-sensory-tools-for-inclusive-l/10084704/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Sensory Tools for Inclusive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nishioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8565348"},{"teacherId":9986140,"projectId":10111431,"letterContent":"I am writing with an incredibly full heart to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom project, \"Snackies For Days!\" Your kind donations have brought an immense amount of joy and relief to my classroom.\r\n\r\nHaving a fully stocked supply of snacks means the world to us. It ensures that every student has access to the quick fuel and energy they need to stay focused, comfortable, and ready to learn throughout the day. It is incredible to see how a simple snack can turn a student's day around and create a much more supportive, welcoming environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nYour contribution does so much more than just provide resources; it shows my students that there is a wider community of people who care about them, support their well-being, and truly believe in their education. Thank you so much for making such a positive difference in our daily school life. We are profoundly grateful for your kindness and investment in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771783543351,"projectUrl":"project/snackies-for-days/10111431/","projectTitle":"Snackies for Days!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9986140_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y1008&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743152782698","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9986140"},{"teacherId":9375435,"projectId":10106147,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! When the boxes arrived, my students were incredibly excited. There was an immediate buzz in the room as we unpacked the bean bag chairs and the stability ball. For my eighth graders, seeing brand-new resources chosen just for them made them feel genuinely cared for and valued. It completely changed the energy in our room, turning a regular school day into something really special.\r\n\r\nWe are already using these tools every day. During independent practice last week, the difference was night and day. A few students who usually struggle to sit still settled into the bean bags with their clipboards, totally locked into their work. Others put on the new headphones to focus on their online math interventions without any outside noise. Best of all, having enough calculators meant nobody had to share or wait around. The classroom was quiet, comfortable, and incredibly productive.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are moving into a tough unit on graphing linear equations and prepping for our upcoming state tests. Thanks to your generosity, my students don't have to worry about missing supplies. They have a comfortable space, the right tools, and the confidence they need to succeed. Thank you for making a real difference in their daily learning!","fullyFundedDate":1771715669735,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-essential-tools-for-m/10106147/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating & Essential Tools for Math Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Guan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9375435_orig.png?crop=334,334,x10,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707982909621","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9375435"},{"teacherId":3392344,"projectId":10104385,"letterContent":"Thanks for the opportunity to purchase a bunch of goods for my students. I purchased pipes and fittings that were used to simulate the idea of moving water from one place to another. In 6th grade social studies, students are learning about ancient civilizations to include Mesopotamia, Egyptian, Indus Valley, and Chinese Civilizations. It was a fascinating period in world history because of how people and places evolved. Perhaps the greatest commonality that binds all 4 civilizations together is the importance of water. Each civilization understood the importance of water and how valuable that natural resource would be, especially for farming. It was during the first civilization of Mesopotamia that irrigation or the moving of water from one place to another emerged. It impacted how society grew and how civilizations emerged. Through this grant, I was able to purchase pipes and connectors where students moved water from one place to another. They experienced the concept of moving water and how important it was for humans to use irrigation for farming and subsequently, population growth and the eventual development of civilizations. Thanks again.","fullyFundedDate":1771470316921,"projectUrl":"project/irrigation-pipes/10104385/","projectTitle":"Irrigation Pipes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ibara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3392344"},{"teacherId":10269833,"projectId":9730637,"letterContent":"My student use the podium/ standing desk when they share their findings with their class. The photo I attached was of a group of students who were presenting their research project during class. Students love having a podium and get excited when they use it. I personally use it as well, especially when I give feedback to students and need to move along with my computer. \r\nIn addition, the most used item has been the clipboards that were donated to us, especially when students want to sit on the carpet or any of the flexible seating areas I have. The clipboards were especially handy when we took a field trip to Kapiolani community college and students needed a clipboard to help them write on their worksheet. \r\nI haven't been able to use the clay that was sent to us, but I am hoping we will use it before the end of the school year. \r\nThank you so much for all the donations!","fullyFundedDate":1767118377980,"projectUrl":"project/6th-grade-world-history-project/9730637/","projectTitle":"6th Grade World History Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daniels","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10269833"},{"teacherId":7928182,"projectId":10106332,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to your untiring support to our classroom initiatives. Some ideas and plans won't happen if not for the generosity of the donors like you. My students were motivated to do their labs and enjoy the fruits of their labor through the snacks that were given to them. Though we are still navigating how to use the equipment for the thermal energy lab, there is no doubt in my mind that my future students will be able to use them effectively and efficiently in the years to come. \r\n\r\nAgain, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you very much and more power to you.","fullyFundedDate":1771658021882,"projectUrl":"project/for-the-love-of-lab-and-snacks/10106332/","projectTitle":"For the Love of Lab and Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7928182"},{"teacherId":9469113,"projectId":10083514,"letterContent":"Aloha! These fun games and toys have added so much joy to my classroom! The students are always so stressed at this time of the school year, with many different tests and exams that they have to complete. By using some of these fun and stress reducing items, we were able to make this otherwise uncomfortable time a little bit better!\r\n\r\nWe also had some more fun Harry Potter graphic novels that we were able to incorporate into the classroom thanks to your generous donation! The photos make the stories come alive with joy and my students (who normally would tell me that they were bored with reading) loved reading them!","fullyFundedDate":1770488021440,"projectUrl":"project/mr-whinnas-fun-and-literature/10083514/","projectTitle":"Mr Whinna's Fun and Literature!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Whinna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9469113"},{"teacherId":9971557,"projectId":10107987,"letterContent":"Using the microgreens kits in the classroom provides a hands-on laboratory that transforms abstract biological concepts into a visible, daily reality. As students engage with the kits, they observe the entire germination process in a compressed timeframe, typically seeing results within just a few days. This rapid growth cycle is ideal for maintaining student engagement, allowing them to track the transition from dormant seeds to vibrant, nutrient-dense cotyledons. By measuring growth rates and documenting the development of the first true leaves, students gain a practical understanding of plant anatomy and the specific environmental conditions—such as light, moisture, and airflow—required for life to flourish.\r\n\r\nBeyond the botanical science, these kits foster a sense of responsibility and curiosity regarding nutrition and sustainable food systems. When students are tasked with \"farming\" their own classroom crops, they become more invested in the results, often leading to a greater willingness to sample the greens they grew themselves. This experience bridges the gap between the soil and the plate, sparking discussions about intensive urban farming and how high-density planting can produce significant yields in small spaces. The process culminates in a tangible harvest, reinforcing the idea that science is not just a subject in a textbook, but a practical tool for self-sufficiency and healthy living.","fullyFundedDate":1771666187966,"projectUrl":"project/microgreens-in-cte/10107987/","projectTitle":"Microgreens in CTE","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kinoshita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9971557"},{"teacherId":8834044,"projectId":10047738,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our school! The new capo have been a wonderful addition to my classroom. With the help of the capo we are now able to play any song in any key. It has been a great help for the progress of our students. The high quality aluminum capo allow for one handed changes in the middle of songs, something that was impossible in the past. The students have become much more proficient in their understanding of how key changes and capos work and are experimenting with different tunings and drone strings like on a banjo. Thre students are also learning to use Artificial Intelligence to chart out the chords of their favorite songs and with the help of the capo, learn to play them. When I was a young muscian, it would take me hours to make song sheet charts. Now the students are learning to do it in minutes. The combination of AI and capo usage is transformative in the way that students have access to playing. I have seen great growth and interest in learning from all of my classes. \r\nThe other day one of my students showed me a tiktok video by some young young kids playing a song by the Canadian Duo Angine de Poitrine. It is quite challenging and trchnical and I was surprised not just by the young age of the performers and their ability to perform at a high level but also because they were using cable ties between frets to create microtonal tuned guitars. I recignized that my student was able to see the connection of what they learned in school to their home world and the creative uses of tools for different purposes. \r\nI learned at the university that the creative ability to recognize the usage of one technology for a new purpose is how innovation comes about and how industries change. They become the disrupters and move the world. I can see creativity and application growing in my students and I am so grateful to you. \r\nAs I write this I laugh because of a funny thing that happened last night. I was at a band concert recording the performance and my cellphone battery started to get low and I needed to charge my battery. Unfortunately, the cable that I haf to charge my phone is not very long and my phone was on the tripod. I thought that I might have to hold the power bank next to the phone for the rest of the night. I looked in my bag and I had two capos and a computer cable. I wrapped the cable around the phone and tripod and powerbank and used the capos to hold them tight together and keep my phone charged. It worked for the rest of the night. Years of watching MacGyver in my youth really came in handy!\r\n\r\nI will share that story with my students on Monday and ask the students to think about and share experiences where they were able to be creative to solve a problem. That is how entrepreneurs and new businesses are formed. \r\n\r\nThank you DonorsChoice and Donors for your helping our class and school. You are greatly appreciated beyond words.\r\n\r\nMay all of the greatest blessings from all over the universe be with you. Mahalo! Boom Shaka!","fullyFundedDate":1769278861925,"projectUrl":"project/aluminum-capo-for-guitar-class/10047738/","projectTitle":"Aluminum Capo for Guitar Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. T","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8834044"},{"teacherId":9481884,"projectId":10070343,"letterContent":"Your generosity has officially turned our classroom into a high-functioning engineering lab. When the materials first arrived, the room was buzzing with excitement; my students were stunned that \"real\" professional equipment was being delivered specifically for them. \r\nThe impact was immediate. In our recent \"Cell phone Stand project\", the precision of the new tools allowed students to move past the frustration of jagged cuts and uneven joints. This project has shifted our classroom culture from one of \"making do\" to one of excellence and iteration.\r\nMoving forward, our young engineers are diving into the Kinetic Sculpture Project, where they will design and build complex moving gears. Because of you, my students now have the confidence and the resources to tackle these advanced mechanical concepts. We are no longer just dreaming about the future, we are building it, one precise cut at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1771603095150,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-the-future-one-cut-at-a-tim/10070343/","projectTitle":"Engineering the Future: One Cut at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kamiya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9481884"},{"teacherId":10438241,"projectId":10107632,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our project. Because of the support from the Donors Choose community, we now have supplies that will allow us to create meaningful, hands on incentives for our students. This technology opens the door for them to design, build and take home items that celebrate their hard work and growth.\r\n\r\nYour contribution doesn't just provide materials-it fuels excitement, creativity and a sense of accomplishment. We're deeply grateful for your belief in our students.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. Palimoo","fullyFundedDate":1771660060187,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printed-incentives/10107632/","projectTitle":"3D-Printed Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Palimoo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10438241"},{"teacherId":9481884,"projectId":9984207,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new classroom essentials was a total game-changer! When the students first saw the sturdy new staplers, sharp scissors, and fresh packs of popsicle sticks, there was a collective sigh of relief. One student joked, \"Wait, the stapler actually works on the first try?\" The frustration of struggling with broken equipment vanished instantly, replaced by an energized focus on their work. But the biggest cheers were reserved for the new game boards; the sight of the high-quality Chess, Checkers, and Tic-Tac-Toe sets sparked an immediate wave of friendly competition and excitement.\r\n\r\nWe put these resources to work right away during our Structural Engineering Challenge. Using the new popsicle sticks and upgraded tools, students worked in teams to design and build weight-bearing bridges. In a standout moment, two students who rarely collaborate spent an entire hour huddled over a bridge design, using the new scissors to precisely trim their supports. While they worked, other students engaged in a \"Tournament of Brains\" with the new board games. Watching a group of students teach their peers the strategic moves of Chess—while their classmates tested the load-bearing capacity of their bridges nearby—was a beautiful snapshot of a truly collaborative, multi-dimensional learning environment.\r\n\r\nNow that we have the right tools, we are moving into the \"Optimization\" phase of our current projects. Here is what is on the horizon:\r\nThe Great Bridge Test: Next week, we will be testing our popsicle-stick bridges to the breaking point by adding weights to see whose design is the most structurally sound.\r\n\r\nClassroom Gallery: Students are using the new staplers and supplies to curate a wall of their best engineering blueprints and game-winning strategies.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just replace broken supplies; it removed the daily barriers to our students' creativity. Thank you for giving them the tools they need to build, think, and succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1768587464860,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success/9984207/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kamiya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9481884"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50840","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":900,"numTeachers":63,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":63,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":23,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.5,"schoolId":50840,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about King David Kalakaua Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"King David Kalakaua Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/honolulu-school-district/kalakaua-middle-school/50840"}