{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pu'uhale Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10164696,"projectId":10135132,"letterContent":"The arrival of these cleaning and hygiene supplies has turned our classroom into a much safer and more organized learning environment. My students were incredibly excited when the boxes arrived; they treated the new supplies like a special gift for our \"school home.\" Seeing their faces light up over something as simple as fresh sanitizing wipes and organized cleaning stations was a poignant reminder of how much they value a well-maintained space.\r\n\r\nWith the burden of \"big germs\" managed, our next steps involve a deeper dive into our Life Skills unit. We are currently working on a project focused on community health, where students are learning how keeping our immediate environment clean helps our entire school stay healthy. These materials aren't just cleaning supplies; they are the tools that allow us to focus on learning without the constant interruption of illness.\r\nThank you for investing in the health and happiness of my students. Your generosity has truly cleared the way for a successful and focused spring semester!","fullyFundedDate":1773076877549,"projectUrl":"project/small-hands-big-germs-help-us-stay-hea/10135132/","projectTitle":"Small Hands, Big Germs: Help Us Stay Healthy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Balisi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10164696_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756006990451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10164696"},{"teacherId":10164696,"projectId":10068000,"letterContent":"The arrival of the noise-canceling headphones has transformed our classroom into a more focused and productive environment. In an elementary special education setting, the \"hum\" of a busy classroom—from the buzzing of lights to the chatter of small groups—can often feel like a roar to students with sensory processing sensitivities. These headphones act as a vital \"off switch\" for that overwhelming sensory input, allowing my students to finally access their lessons without the constant interference of background noise.\r\n\r\nWhile many people use headphones for entertainment, in our classroom, they serve as a critical learning bridge. For my students, auditory filtering is a major challenge. By using this technology, they can engage with specialized instructional software like TeachTown and literacy programs with absolute clarity. The headphones allow the software's audio cues and verbal instructions to go directly to the student, ensuring that \"tuning out\" the environment leads directly to \"tuning into\" the curriculum.\r\n\r\nOne particular group of students who struggle with high levels of distractibility has shown remarkable progress. Before this project, these students would frequently stop their work to investigate every minor sound in the room. Now, they can sit for extended periods, successfully completing their independent tasks. One student in particular, who used to become very anxious during transitions and loud activities, now reaches for their headphones as a self-regulation tool. This equipment hasn't just provided noise cancellation; it has provided a sense of safety and confidence that allows them to thrive academically.\r\n\r\nThank you for providing the quiet my students needed to find their voices and their focus!","fullyFundedDate":1769970380520,"projectUrl":"project/tuning-out-distractions-tuning-into-lea/10068000/","projectTitle":"Tuning Out Distractions, Tuning Into Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Balisi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10164696_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756006990451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10164696"},{"teacherId":9162843,"projectId":8216234,"letterContent":"Wow, I cannot believe my students and I have another project funded. Each time I create a project I ask my students, \"what do you think we need to help us learn in our classroom?\". My students wanted snacks, jumbo crayons, and some fidget toys. The look on their faces when they first heard they would be getting those things but also the way they expressed how thankful they were was such an incredible moment. \r\nI want to talk specifically about the jumbo crayons and how they impacted my classroom. A lot of times I love to take my students outside to do their learning activities. Taking a pencil can be dangerous because it is pointy. Taking small crayons when they are moving around can be a challenge because they break more easily. The jumbo crayons we received allowed us to go outside or even do projects on the carpet without safety issues or them breaking.\r\nThank you for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1708557389477,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-grade-k/8216234/","projectTitle":"We Love Grade K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9162843_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768779636702","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9162843"},{"teacherId":9162843,"projectId":7966301,"letterContent":"First off, I want to thank you again for your generous donation to my classroom. From the moment I told the class we got a project funded to seeing each and every package delivered to the room, the smiles on their faces were priceless. As soon as our custodian would deliver a package, the entire class would want it opened right away. As a class, the discussions of why and how we received what we received became incredible. A group of kindergarten students truly understanding that people, more than just teachers and their own family, want to help them learn and help them achieve greatness is something I know they will carry with them throughout all their school years. \r\nA big majority of what we had asked for was snacks. My students didn't have to wait for lunch to come just to be able to have something in their stomachs. If they missed breakfast at school there were snacks available to them. If they were hungry during the day, they had something to eat. \r\nAgain, thank you for funding this project for my incredible students.","fullyFundedDate":1698502749715,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-materials-for-learning/7966301/","projectTitle":"Snacks & Materials for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9162843_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768779636702","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9162843"},{"teacherId":10164696,"projectId":9711555,"letterContent":"A Heartfelt Thank You for \"Creative Hands\"\r\nBecause of your incredible generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a hub of digital artistry. The \"Creative Hands\" project is officially live, and I wanted to share exactly how your contributions are shaping the way my students see themselves and the world.\r\nBridging the Gap: Classroom vs. Home Tech\r\nWhile many of us use tablets or computers for scrolling or basic tasks, \"Creative Hands\" has turned technology into a high-level tool for construction rather than consumption.\r\nIn our classroom, this technology is helping students learn by:\r\n• Developing Fine Motor Precision: Using digital styluses to mimic traditional brushwork and sculpting.\r\n• Encouraging Fearless Iteration: The ability to \"undo\" a mistake allows students to take creative risks they might be too intimidated to try with permanent ink or expensive clay.\r\n• Visualizing Complex Concepts: Students are now able to layer their ideas, literalizing the process of building a project from a rough sketch to a polished finish.\r\n\r\nThe \"Spark\" of Excitement\r\nThe most exciting part for the students? The professional-grade results. There is a palpable buzz in the room when they realize they can create something that looks like it belongs in a video game or a digital gallery. They aren't just \"doing schoolwork\" anymore; they are producing portfolios. The vibrancy of the screens and the responsiveness of the tools have turned even the most mundane assignments into a \"can't-wait-to-start\" activity.\r\nImpact Spotlight: Finding a Voice\r\nI've noticed a profound shift in a few of my students who typically struggle with traditional written assignments.\r\n\r\nThank you for putting these tools into their hands. You haven't just bought hardware; you've invested in their confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1767118352373,"projectUrl":"project/creative-hands/9711555/","projectTitle":"Creative Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Balisi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10164696_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756006990451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10164696"},{"teacherId":8823665,"projectId":9157058,"letterContent":"At Pu'uhale Elementary, our priority is ensuring that every student has the opportunity to stay active and healthy, regardless of the weather. Our vibrant purple gymnastics mats have become a cornerstone of this mission, particularly during the rainy season. When the fields are too wet for traditional play, these mats transform our indoor spaces into a professional-grade fitness zone. They provide a supportive and comfortable surface for our core-focused workouts, allowing students to engage in planks, sit-ups, and stability training without the physical strain of a hard floor. This equipment ensures that our PE program remains consistent and high-energy, even when we are forced indoors.","fullyFundedDate":1741879063619,"projectUrl":"project/support-pe-at-puuhale-es/9157058/","projectTitle":"Support PE at Pu'uhale ES!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823665"},{"teacherId":7825676,"projectId":9728537,"letterContent":"My students were thrilled to use the Mini Sphero robots to further develop their computer programming skills. Before they started coding, however, they collaborated in pairs to design a maze for their robot. This process began with individual maze ideas sketched on whiteboards, followed by a discussion to select the best elements, which were then combined into a final paper \"blueprint.\"\r\n\r\nNext, it was time for construction! Students used wooden blocks to build the physical maze based on their blueprints, moving them closer to the coding stage. Some teams enhanced their designs with creative elements like traps, dead-ends, and exit signs. Each team presented their maze to the class, indicating a designated Start location and the possible path(s) to the End location.\r\n\r\nUsing block coding, students programmed their robots to navigate the wooden maze, performing actions like rolling, stopping, turning, and backing up. The coding, testing, revising, and retesting phases were excellent opportunities for teammates to apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Our final steps will involve students recording their Mini Spheros traveling through the mazes and interviewing each other about the experience.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for providing these learning materials, which continue to be a favorite with both the students and myself.","fullyFundedDate":1759548727028,"projectUrl":"project/rollin-with-the-code/9728537/","projectTitle":"Rollin' with the Code","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7825676"},{"teacherId":8823665,"projectId":9773215,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for the incredible boost you've given to our classroom. When the boxes of new supplies arrived, my students were buzzing with excitement; it felt like a holiday morning. For my English Language Learners (ELL), these resources have provided a vital bridge to engagement. We recently used the new materials during a collaborative group activity, and seeing students who usually stay quiet suddenly leading their peers because they felt confident with the new tools was truly moving. These aren't just supplies; they are catalysts for confidence and inclusion in a diverse learning environment.\r\n\r\nIn our PE sessions, the impact was immediate and visible. The new equipment has turned our physical education time into a high-energy environment where every student, regardless of their athletic background, feels invited to participate. We've been using the resources to build teamwork skills and improve coordination through structured play. One of the best moments was watching a student who often struggles with social cues successfully navigate a team challenge using the new gear. Moving forward, we plan to integrate these tools into our daily wellness routines to ensure that staying active remains a highlight of their school day. Thank you for investing in their health and happiness!","fullyFundedDate":1760476952154,"projectUrl":"project/support-pe-and-ell-students-at-our-schoo/9773215/","projectTitle":"Support PE and ELL Students at Our School","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823665"},{"teacherId":9426786,"projectId":9782187,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! Thanks to your donations, my students are able to be more engaged with their learning. They are eager to show on task behaviors to fill out their token boards and earn a small reward at the end. This creates a positive classroom environment and builds deeper relationships! \r\n\r\nThe classroom materials that were donated help both teachers and students! The push pins are used to hold vocabulary cards up on magnetic surfaces, so that students have a better view of the words. The students and I enjoy using our new highlighters to find key details and evidence. Overall, these donations have contributed greatly to student learning!","fullyFundedDate":1759602071719,"projectUrl":"project/do-it-love-it-learn-it/9782187/","projectTitle":"Do It, Love It, Learn It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9426786"},{"teacherId":10164696,"projectId":9846346,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your support of our project, \"No More Hunger Headaches: Snacks for Maximum Classroom Focus.\" Because of your kindness, my students no longer have to push through the afternoon with empty stomachs and headaches.\r\n\r\nWe have integrated these snacks into our daily transition between English Language Arts (ELA) and our small-group instruction. Before we had these resources, I noticed a significant \"slump\" in energy around 1:30 PM, where focus would drift and frustration would rise.\r\n\r\nNow, we have a \"Brain Fuel\" break. A specific moment that stands out happened last week during a particularly challenging 3rd-grade reading comprehension lesson. Usually, this is when students start to check out. Instead, after a quick snack, one of my students looked up and said, \"I feel like I can actually think now.\" That clarity is exactly what your donation provided.\r\n\r\nMy students were very grateful and motivated when they saw the snacks. With our \"hunger headaches\" out of the way, we are diving deep into our next ELA unit on narrative storytelling. They are well-nourished and focused, they are able to stay in their seats and engage in the writing process for longer periods, leading to much more creative and thoughtful work.\r\n\r\nThank you for being the \"heroes\" in our story and for ensuring that my students have everything they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1767118352041,"projectUrl":"project/no-more-hunger-headaches-snacks-for-max/9846346/","projectTitle":"No More Hunger Headaches: Snacks for Maximum Classroom Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Balisi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10164696_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756006990451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10164696"},{"teacherId":10164658,"projectId":9565586,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom. The mirror and organizer cart have quickly become meaningful parts of our daily routine. Each morning, students use the mirror to say positive affirmations like, \"I am smart\" and \"I can do hard things.\" What once felt a little silly has grown into a powerful confidence-building moment. I've seen students smile, stand taller, and approach their learning with a more positive mindset.\r\nThe organizer cart has helped students stay focused and responsible by keeping their materials neat and accessible. As we move into more challenging fifth-grade lessons, these tools are helping students stay organized while reminding them that they are capable of success. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on both our classroom environment and our students' belief in themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1758636562230,"projectUrl":"project/from-chaos-to-confidence/9565586/","projectTitle":"From Chaos to Confidence!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Isabelle Montances","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10164658"},{"teacherId":9416747,"projectId":9777537,"letterContent":"The new whiteboard is very useful for displaying writing prompts, spelling word lists, checklists, and important notes that students can check every day. We use it daily, and it has become part of our routine to check the board.\r\n\r\nMagnetic words are the perfect manipulatives for my students who have difficulty with writing. It is fun and motivates them to spell.\r\n\r\nAll the prizes and rewards work well for my students as motivational incentives. They look forward to the prizes and focus more as a result.\r\n\r\nThe students will keep using all the materials and resources to stay focused and on task.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1759458095285,"projectUrl":"project/special-tool-for-special-students/9777537/","projectTitle":"Special Tool for Special Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9416747"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50868","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":239,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":26,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.4,"schoolId":50868,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pu'uhale Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pu'uhale Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/honolulu-school-district/puuhale-elementary-school/50868"}