{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School","outOfStateSupporters":36.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9794085,"projectId":9496055,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Because of you, our classroom has truly transformed into a more comfortable, organized, and engaging space. The new rugs and whiteboard accessories have made a huge difference for my students—and their excitement has been incredible.\r\nWhen the rugs arrived, my students lit up! They couldn't believe they were really ours. The very first thing they did was take off their shoes before stepping on them. Ever since, they've either removed their shoes or carefully walked around the rugs to keep them clean. They are treating the rugs with so much respect, which really speaks to how much they value them. One student even said, \"It feels like home.\" Many have even said they want to sleep at school! LOL.","fullyFundedDate":1755756124645,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-out-the-rugs-for-learning/9496055/","projectTitle":"Rolling Out the Rugs for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9794085"},{"teacherId":9838210,"projectId":8945151,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our speech therapy room is now full of excitement, curiosity, and meaningful communication! The resources you funded language games, articulation cards, interactive books, AAC supports and have truly transformed our sessions.\r\n\r\nThe moment the students walked into the room and saw the new materials, their faces lit up. One of my students, who usually needs prompting to engage, immediately pointed to the new games on the shelf and independently expressed that she wanted to play with one of the new games.\r\n\r\nThese tools don't just support learning—they spark confidence, independence, and a love of language. Our next steps include using these resources to support carryover into the classroom. I'm collaborating with teachers to align our therapy with classroom themes, and now I have the materials to do it effectively.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the potential of every student, including those with communication challenges. You've made a lasting impact, and we're so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1742231949908,"projectUrl":"project/speech-therapy-activities-games-for-an/8945151/","projectTitle":"Speech Therapy Activities & Games for an Elementary School SLP","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kakuda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9838210"},{"teacherId":9838210,"projectId":9171618,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our speech therapy room is now full of excitement, curiosity, and meaningful communication! The resources you funded language games, articulation cards, interactive books, AAC supports and have truly transformed our sessions.\r\n\r\nThe moment the students walked into the room and saw the new materials, their faces lit up. One of my students, who usually needs prompting to engage, immediately pointed to the new games on the shelf and independently expressed that she wanted to play with one of the new games.\r\n\r\nThese tools don't just support learning—they spark confidence, independence, and a love of language. Our next steps include using these resources to support carryover into the classroom. I'm collaborating with teachers to align our therapy with classroom themes, and now I have the materials to do it effectively.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the potential of every student, including those with communication challenges. You've made a lasting impact, and we're so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1742146773079,"projectUrl":"project/speech-materials-supplies-for-an-schoo/9171618/","projectTitle":"Speech Materials & Supplies for an School-Based SLP","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kakuda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9838210"},{"teacherId":9372454,"projectId":9173646,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donation of items that classroom at our school will use in the calm corner. The weighted animals have been most comforting to students when they are have strong emotional feelings and just need something to squeeze of feel close to. These added stuffed weighted friends have tremendously helped our students to self-regulate in the calm corner. The classes have named these animals. \r\n\r\nThe breathing pals and timers have taught our students to take deep breaths when feeling angry or sad and gives them the tools to do it independently. Having the breathing posters remind students how to do their breathing techniques. \r\n\r\nThe students and teachers were so excited to have more tools and techniques for the calm corner in the classrooms. The next steps for the calming corners is to be able to have students independently self-regulate and help their peers with all the tools and techniques that they have been provided.","fullyFundedDate":1742171007819,"projectUrl":"project/keep-calm-stay-calm/9173646/","projectTitle":"Keep Calm, Stay Calm","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ah Soon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372454"},{"teacherId":8821732,"projectId":9167236,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for contributing to bringing our \"Empowering Young Minds: Fueling Innovation with STEAM Materials\" project to life! It has been a yearlong goal to work on laulima (collaboration), and the students were thrilled to be able to work with new materials. The keiki are able to engage in a variety of hands-on learning experiences that allow for student choice and voice, while developing problem-solving and communication skills.\r\n\r\nI've had the absolute pleasure of getting to observe the students choosing the materials that they want to explore during tinker stations, listening to how they communicate with one another to share ideas, encourage and help one another, and be creative problem solvers. In one example, I saw a group of kindergarten students using a tub of connecting blocks to build different creations. One student made a car and proceeded to teach the other students how to make their own. Then they all played together. After learning about a variety of native plants, the fourth graders used the uv resin to create keychains. Another group of fifth grade students were able to design on Procreate and then use them to print and sell stickers for Market Day. \r\n\r\nThese materials have brought so much joy to our STEAM class, and will continue to do so for many years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1742090911121,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-fueling-innovati/9167236/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds: Fueling Innovation with STEAM Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dela Pena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821732"},{"teacherId":7933906,"projectId":9158811,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our teacher lending library! Your generosity helped us stock it with valuable resources like classroom tools, games, and materials that teachers can easily borrow and use to enhance their teaching. It's become a space where educators can find inspiration, grab what they need, and try out new strategies without spending out of pocket.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped build a stronger sense of collaboration and support among our staff. Teachers feel more empowered and equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students, and the sharing of resources has sparked new ideas and creativity across grade levels. Thanks to you, we've created a hub that strengthens teaching and learning schoolwide!","fullyFundedDate":1741966439247,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-supercharging-learning-with-fun/9158811/","projectTitle":"Game On: Supercharging Learning with Fun and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dulog","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7933906_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x61,y162&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660649317766","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7933906"},{"teacherId":7933906,"projectId":8229910,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our playful learning project! With your help, we've added exciting new games, hands-on materials, and interactive tools that make learning feel like play. Whether it's a board game that practices math facts or a hands-on challenge that builds problem-solving skills, our students are now learning through laughter, movement, and collaboration and they absolutely love it.\r\n\r\nThese new materials have transformed our classroom into a space where students are more engaged, motivated, and eager to participate. They're working together, thinking critically, and having fun while learning core skills. Your generosity helped create that spark, and we're so grateful. Thank you for believing in joyful, meaningful learning!","fullyFundedDate":1708329592423,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-playful-learning/8229910/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Playful Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dulog","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7933906_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x61,y162&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660649317766","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7933906"},{"teacherId":7933906,"projectId":8041715,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students now have access to hands-on, engaging materials that make learning to read a more joyful and meaningful experience. The phonics games, reading kits, and activity cards are helping bring reading to life in ways that spark curiosity and excitement especially for students who may have struggled to connect with books in the past. These tools are allowing us to meet students where they are, using movement, visuals, and tactile materials to build foundational literacy skills.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, your donation is helping to shift the way our students feel about reading. We're seeing more smiles, more confidence, and more students willing to take risks as they explore new words and sounds. Reading is becoming fun again and that's a huge win. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where every child can grow as a reader and feel successful on their journey.","fullyFundedDate":1700362214890,"projectUrl":"project/setting-a-fundation-for-reading/8041715/","projectTitle":"Setting a FUNdation for Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dulog","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7933906_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x61,y162&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660649317766","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7933906"},{"teacherId":7933906,"projectId":9005894,"letterContent":"The DonorsChoose support gave us the reset we needed to help relaunch the Robotics Club at Waialae. After a long pause, we were able to rebuild our program from the ground up with new robotics kits and essential materials. These resources allowed us to create hands-on, engaging learning experiences for students in grades 3–5, where they could explore the basics of engineering, coding, and engineering design process.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, this reset brought new energy and excitement to our students. They're now collaborating, problem-solving, and thinking creatively—skills that extend far beyond robotics. Thanks to this support, we've been able to reimagine what STEM can look like on our campus and give students the opportunity to see themselves as builders, thinkers, and future innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1734409138296,"projectUrl":"project/robotics-club-building-robots-building/9005894/","projectTitle":"Robotics Club: Building Robots, Building Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dulog","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7933906_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x61,y162&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660649317766","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7933906"},{"teacherId":9794085,"projectId":9166831,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! The moment my students walked into the classroom and saw the flexible seating, their faces lit up with pure excitement. They immediately started exploring the different seating options and naturally gravitated toward spaces that helped them feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn. Since adding the flexible seating, I've seen a huge shift in student engagement—there's more movement, more collaboration, and so much more joy in our learning environment. It's incredible how something as simple as choice in where to sit can spark curiosity and confidence.\r\n\r\nAnother highlight was when my students noticed the new clipboards hung on the wall for displaying their art and written work. They were so proud to see a space dedicated to their creativity and accomplishments. It's become a rotating gallery of student voices, and they love showing off their pieces to classmates and visitors. Your support has transformed our classroom into a space where students feel seen, valued, and inspired—and for that, I can't thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1742070166114,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-diverse-learners/9166831/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Diverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9794085"},{"teacherId":9372684,"projectId":9172316,"letterContent":"WOW!!! If you could have heard the ooohs and awwws as we opened the boxes. They were absolutely delighted to use the new writing paper to write gratitude notes to you awesome donors! They were so excited to see the same lines we learn to write on (sky line, grass line, airplane line, but in color!) They each wrote what they were thankful for and what they liked about the new items in kindergarten spelling.\r\n\"Thank you for the book bins. Mine was broken.\"\r\n\"Thank you for the toys. Thank you for the puppy.\"\r\n\"Thank you for the garden. I love planting.\"\r\n\"Thank you for the babies. I like holding the baby.\"\r\n\"Thank you for the new paint because I like to draw.\"\r\nAs a teacher, it fills my heart with joy to see the kids collaborating during centers and playing and learning together. In the kitchen, to see them lovingly care for the dolls and remind each other how to hold them with malama. (Safe). In the garden, they noticed they didn't have water to help the garden grow. (A need we learned about in science, so they took a blue squishy to represent the water.) At the vet center, they can be heard talking about working at the Hawaiian Humane Society, an organization we donated items to and learned about the animals that are there. Seeing all of their learning in action is so rewarding as a teacher. Thank you Hawaii State Dept. of Ed and Marc & Lynne Benioff for giving us the opportunity to enhance our kindergartens love for learning and collaboration!!!","fullyFundedDate":1742148941903,"projectUrl":"project/create-and-collaborate-in-k/9172316/","projectTitle":"Create and Collaborate in K!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372684"},{"teacherId":7929036,"projectId":8944887,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous support of the music curriculum at Waiʻalae School. Your contribution has made a significant impact on our students' learning experiences, providing them with the resources and opportunities to explore the joy of music. With your support, we have been able to enrich our program with instruments, materials, and learning tools that foster creativity, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for the arts. Our students are gaining confidence and building lifelong skills. It has been heartwarming to witness their excitement and enthusiasm as they discover their musical voices.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also allows us to integrate music into our school's culture and connect it to other areas of study, from storytelling and theater. By making music accessible to all students, you are helping to ensure an inclusive and equitable learning environment where every child can thrive. The joy and sense of accomplishment our students experience are a direct reflection of your kindness and belief in the power of music education. On behalf of the entire Waiʻalae School community, thank you for your invaluable support. Your contribution will continue to resonate in the hearts and voices of our students for years to come.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1734129616546,"projectUrl":"project/read-with-me-in-music/8944887/","projectTitle":"Read with Me in Music!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hermes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7929036_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627520051584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7929036"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50875","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":495,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":10,"percentAsian":35,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.8,"schoolId":50875,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/honolulu-school-district/waialae-elementary-public-charter-school/50875"}
Join the 141 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School is
an urban public school
in Honolulu, Hawaii that is part of Honolulu School District.
It serves 495 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.2:1.
Its teachers have had 164 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School Demographics
10%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
48%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School
$119,938
raised using DonorsChoose
164
projects
funded
51
teachers
funded
141
donors
17
projects
for
basic supplies
14
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
26
projects
for
art supplies
Wai'alae Elementary Public Charter School has received support from
90 individuals from Hawaii and
51 individuals out-of-state.