{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kalihi Kai Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7907784,"projectId":10108531,"letterContent":"On behalf of Room 22, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity in supporting our DonorsChoose project, \"Creating Meaningful Moments of Connection.\" Your kindness and support mean so much to our classroom and the amazing students we serve.\r\n\r\nOur students are children with special needs who thrive through meaningful interactions, hands-on learning, sensory experiences, and opportunities to build connections with others. Because of your donations, we are able to create a more engaging, supportive, and inclusive environment where our students can learn, grow, communicate, and celebrate small but meaningful successes every day.\r\n\r\nMany of our students benefit from specialized materials, sensory supports, and structured activities that help them feel safe, connected, and successful in school. Your generosity helps provide opportunities for joyful learning moments, increased engagement, and stronger social-emotional connections that make a lasting impact.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their future. Your support reminds us that there is a caring community cheering them on and helping make meaningful moments possible. We are truly grateful for your compassion and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1771696989106,"projectUrl":"project/creating-meaningful-moments-of-connectio/10108531/","projectTitle":"Creating Meaningful Moments of Connection","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Peria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7907784"},{"teacherId":7286693,"projectId":10112106,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our project, \"Developing Pre-academic Skills!\" Your generosity brought new software and hands-on resources into our preschool inclusion classroom. Our class of 20 students includes a mix of children receiving special education services and many English Language Learners. They learn best with concrete experiences and visual aids. When the Yellow Door software and alphabet pebbles arrived, the children were excited to try them. They love using the new apps on our screens and tablets, and it has been great to see them choose these games during learning time.\r\n\r\nThis technology helps my students learn by connecting digital activities with physical materials. The apps provide clear visual frameworks for letter formation, counting, and shape identification. The students find the learning playful, and they especially love the \"Pre-Coding with Penguins\" app and the matching games. A few of my students who face sensory or fine motor challenges have taken a strong liking to these tools. They enjoy holding the physical uppercase and lowercase alphabet pebbles while tracing the corresponding letters on the screen.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom is a space where every child can succeed at their own developmental level. The \"I Got A Feeling\" software has also helped our students communicate and name their emotions through play. Your investment did more than buy materials. It built a foundation for learning for these preschoolers. Thank you for making a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771789783957,"projectUrl":"project/developing-pre-academic-skills/10112106/","projectTitle":"Developing Pre-academic Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pamela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7286693_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593200803088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kalihikai-mspamela"},{"teacherId":7929898,"projectId":10103381,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, my students have had access to materials that support both academic learning and creativity in our special education classroom. The headphones have made a huge difference during independent work and small-group instruction. Many of my students are easily distracted or benefit from audio supports while reading and completing assignments. Having access to individual headphones allows students to focus better, listen to instructional programs independently, and participate more successfully in technology-based learning activities. This has increased engagement, reduced distractions, and helped students feel more confident working on their own.\r\n\r\nThe craft and classroom supplies have also created exciting opportunities for hands-on learning and social-emotional growth. My students especially loved using the Model Magic, shrink plastic sheets, markers, and keychain materials to create personalized projects. These activities gave students opportunities to practice following directions, fine motor skills, creativity, and perseverance while also building confidence and pride in their work. Many of my students struggle in traditional academic settings, so being able to experience success through creative projects has been incredibly meaningful for them. In addition to supporting learning, supplies like tissues, disinfecting wipes, envelopes, cardstock, and pens have helped us maintain an organized, safe, and welcoming classroom environment where students can thrive. Your generosity has truly made a positive impact on our classroom community, and we are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1771602763126,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-and-art-supplies/10103381/","projectTitle":"Headphones and Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tiffin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7929898_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627583972199","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7929898"},{"teacherId":8375032,"projectId":10103962,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, our students now have access to a color printer, a bookshelf, and organizational tubs that are already making a meaningful difference in their learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe new color printer has become an important instructional tool in our classroom. It allows me to create engaging, high-quality learning materials that are visually appealing and easier for students to understand. Students can work with colorful graphic organizers, reading activities, science diagrams, and project materials that help make abstract concepts more concrete. The printer also allows students to publish and share their own work, helping them take pride in their learning and feel like real authors and creators.\r\n\r\nThe new bookshelf has also created an inviting reading space where students can easily browse and select books that interest them. Combined with the organizational tubs that keep materials accessible and orderly, these resources have helped create a classroom that feels welcoming, engaging, and designed for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1771732750256,"projectUrl":"project/let-creativity-shine/10103962/","projectTitle":"Let Creativity Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Noblado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8375032"},{"teacherId":7409421,"projectId":10002363,"letterContent":"My students were amazed when they first saw the new materials arrive. There were lots of excited reactions, questions, and immediate ideas for what they could create. Many students had heard of a Cricut before but had never seen one in person or had the opportunity to use one themselves. They were especially excited to learn that they would be able to design and create projects connected to our classroom learning. The materials instantly brought a new level of energy and motivation into the classroom.\r\n My 5th graders made projects for their 1st grade buddies and signs for graduates at a local high school.","fullyFundedDate":1771440809132,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-creators/10002363/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Creators","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. MacKenzie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7409421_orig.jpg?crop=2700,2700,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646765003064","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7409421"},{"teacherId":8823624,"projectId":10103523,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when they saw the box arrive! Getting a delivery in our classroom truly feels like Christmas morning. They've come to recognize that when a package arrives, it means we'll gather together, open it as a class, and explore all the new items inside. That shared moment builds so much anticipation and joy.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting these materials to great use. The puzzles, weighted vest, and stress balls have become important tools in our daily routine. Students are using them for self-soothing and during independent play, and we're already seeing positive changes. Many students are showing improved focus, better emotional regulation, and increased independence when choosing activities that meet their needs.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping us create a more supportive and responsive learning environment. Moving forward, we will continue guiding students to recognize which tools help them feel calm and ready to learn. We're also incorporating these items into structured center time to build both social and problem-solving skills. Your generosity is making a real difference in helping our students grow and succeed each day.","fullyFundedDate":1771456643688,"projectUrl":"project/navigating-strong-emotions/10103523/","projectTitle":"Navigating Strong Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Guieb Jr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8823624_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742194280381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823624"},{"teacherId":10294656,"projectId":9777754,"letterContent":"This project has had a meaningful and immediate impact on my students by helping create a classroom environment that is both engaging and supportive of their diverse needs. The addition of sensory tools, like stretchy bands and pop-it bubbles, has been especially powerful for students who need movement or tactile input to stay focused. Instead of becoming distracted or overwhelmed, these students now have appropriate outlets that allow them to regulate their energy and emotions while continuing to participate in learning. I've noticed improved attention during lessons, smoother transitions, and fewer disruptions, which benefits not only those individual students but the entire class community. These tools have helped normalize the idea that everyone learns differently, fostering a more inclusive and understanding classroom culture.\r\n\r\nThe new chapter books have also made a huge difference during our small group reading time. Having high-interest, appropriately leveled texts allows me to better meet students where they are and tailor instruction to their needs. Students are more motivated to read, participate in discussions, and build comprehension skills when they are genuinely excited about the stories. This has strengthened both their confidence and their stamina as readers. In addition, the small incentives like cute mini erasers, glitter pens, and squishy mochi toys have brought so much joy and motivation into our classroom store system. Students are working hard to demonstrate positive behavior, complete assignments, and show kindness because they feel a sense of ownership and pride in earning rewards. These items may seem small, but they have been incredibly effective in building a positive classroom climate and reinforcing expectations in a fun, meaningful way.\r\n\r\nFinally, the origami paper has added a creative and calming outlet during art centers and choice time. Students are not only developing fine motor skills and following multi-step directions, but they are also expressing themselves artistically and collaborating with peers. Origami has become a favorite activity that encourages patience, perseverance, and problem-solving. Altogether, these materials have transformed our classroom into a more dynamic, supportive, and joyful place to learn. My students are more engaged, more motivated, and more confident, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to provide them with these enriching experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1759490578863,"projectUrl":"project/fun-learning-and-reading-for-growing-2/9777754/","projectTitle":"Fun, Learning, and Reading for Growing 2nd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kosaka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294656"},{"teacherId":8978474,"projectId":10104937,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, \"Little Learners, Big Memories.\" Your generosity will make a big difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students now have new books to read, containers to keep our books organized, snacks to help them stay focused, and craft materials for cultural and holiday activities. The students were especially excited when the books and snacks arrived! \r\n\r\nIn my classroom, students read together as a group, with partners, and sometimes on their own. They practice important skills like recognizing letter sounds, sounding out words, and understanding stories. The new decodable books match my students' age and reading levels much better than the older books we had before, which helps keep them more engaged and build confidence as they read.\r\n\r\nStudents are also able to borrow a book each night to take home and read with their families. They are very excited to bring the new books home and love sharing what they read with their families.\r\n\r\nThe snacks help students stay energized and ready to learn, and they are always happy to see what snack we have for the day. The craft materials allow us to celebrate cultural traditions and holidays through fun, hands-on activities that help students create special memories together.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my classroom and helping my little learners grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771525936484,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-memories/10104937/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Memories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Konishi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8978474"},{"teacherId":8364780,"projectId":10103025,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Our 3rd-5th grade esports club at our Title 1 school officially put our new gear to use today, and the atmosphere was electric. While many people see gaming as a solo hobby, in our classroom, it is a collaborative laboratory. These controllers are essential tools for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL); our students are practicing strategic communication, digital citizenship, and high-stakes problem-solving. By providing professional-grade equipment, you have bridged a significant digital divide, giving these students a sense of pride and showing them that their interests are valued in an academic setting.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of the day was seeing the students' faces when they picked up the Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers. For many, this was their first time using \"pro\" ergonomic gear rather than the small Joy-Cons, and it made them feel like true varsity athletes. Even the charging dock became a lesson in community responsibility, as the kids worked together to ensure every piece of equipment was docked and ready for the next group. This organization maximizes our limited club time, allowing us to focus on teamwork rather than troubleshooting dead batteries.\r\n\r\nWe have already seen the social impact of your gift. One of our 4th graders, who is typically very quiet and struggles to connect with peers during the school day, completely blossomed today. With a Pro Controller in hand, he felt confident enough to step into a \"coaching\" role, patiently teaching a teammate a new maneuver. This technology acted as a vital social bridge, turning a reserved student into a leader. Thank you for investing in our students and providing the \"Tech\" that makes our \"Teamwork\" possible!","fullyFundedDate":1771442718978,"projectUrl":"project/teamwork-and-tech-supporting-our-elemen/10103025/","projectTitle":"Teamwork and Tech: Supporting Our Elementary Esports","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8364780_orig.jpg?crop=917,918,x0,y229&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659389836750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8364780"},{"teacherId":9609230,"projectId":9861050,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of these sensory materials. They have truly transformed our classroom into a space where my students feel both calm and curious.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new sand and water table, their faces lit up with smiles—some even jumped for joy! Whether it's a sunny or rainy day, this station has become a favorite highlight of our routine. Your kindness has provided them with a vital outlet to explore new textures, play collaboratively, and grow in a way that meets their unique needs.","fullyFundedDate":1762212169594,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-discoveries/9861050/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Discoveries","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uyesaka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9609230_orig.jpg?crop=1728,1728,x0,y253&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721971630980","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9609230"},{"teacherId":7492792,"projectId":9713485,"letterContent":"The addition of a camera and instant photo printer has had a meaningful impact on how my students learn and express themselves. This technology allows my students to capture moments, ideas, and inspirations from their own perspectives and immediately turn them into tangible materials. By printing photos on the spot, students are able to engage in hands-on learning that strengthens creativity, reflection, and storytelling. Creating vision boards has become a powerful way for students to visualize goals, explore emotions, and connect learning to their own experiences.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about this new product is the immediacy and ownership it provides. They love being able to take a photo and see it printed within moments, transforming their ideas into something real they can touch, arrange, and build upon. The process feels fun and empowering, turning learning into an interactive experience rather than a passive one. Students eagerly collaborate, share ideas, and proudly explain the meaning behind the images they choose for their vision boards.\r\n\r\nSeveral students, especially those who may struggle to express themselves through writing alone, have truly flourished with this technology. Visual learners and more reserved students have found a new voice through photography and design, using images to communicate their thoughts, dreams, and feelings. The camera and printer have opened doors for creativity, confidence, and self-expression, and we are deeply grateful to our donors for making this opportunity possible for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1759199108005,"projectUrl":"project/visionary-learners/9713485/","projectTitle":"Visionary Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kuwamura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7492792"},{"teacherId":8391879,"projectId":9775141,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our elementary music classroom. Because of you, my students are already using the new resources in meaningful ways. The shelving has helped us organize our instruments so students can independently set up and clean up, giving us more time to make music together. We have begun using the recorder books during small-group practice, and students are also enjoying music-themed read-alouds that spark discussion, imagination, and connections between music and storytelling.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students' excitement was immediate. They were thrilled to see the boomwhackers and recorder materials ready for use, and many were especially curious about the ukulele books. Students loved flipping through the pages and asking when they would get to start learning new chords and songs. The books created an instant sense of anticipation and motivation to learn.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue developing music-reading and ensemble skills through recorder units and boomwhacker activities, while preparing to explore ukulele in future lessons. The read-alouds will support lessons on composers, musical elements, and self-expression, and the professional books are already helping me strengthen my teaching so I can better meet the needs of all learners. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1759424340421,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-harmony-building-a-musical-cla/9775141/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Harmony: Building a Musical Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ornellas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8391879_orig.jpg?crop=2654,2653,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708627718179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8391879"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50843","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":533,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":70,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":17,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.1,"schoolId":50843,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kalihi Kai Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kalihi Kai Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/honolulu-school-district/kalihi-kai-elementary-school/50843"}