{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waimea Canyon Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":48.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9371815,"projectId":9770609,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I want to express my profound gratitude for your support of our \"From Concept to Creation: Building 3D Models and Scientific Understanding\"We were overjoyed to hear that our project was fully funded. While the materials are currently on their way, the knowledge that we will soon have these world-class resources has already created a new sense of purpose and pride in our classroom. When I shared the list of upcoming supplies with my students—especially the large sky-blue project boards and the massive 36-pack of colorful dry-erase markers—their eyes widened with excitement. They are already brainstorming how to turn our lab into a professional exhibition space.\r\n\r\nThe upcoming arrival of these materials represents a turning point for our Biology and Earth Science curriculum. We are moving directly into a \"Cellular Construction\" unit where students will use the 14 packs of Styrofoam spheres, liquid glue, and acrylic paint markers to build detailed, 3D cross-sections of animal and plant cells. By providing the Molymod 12-layer DNA models, you are giving my students the chance to physically manipulate the \"blueprint of life,\" turning a complex microscopic concept into a tangible reality. The Nasco Cell and Flower models, paired with the VercanMonth Magnetic Anatomy kits, will allow for deep, tactile exploration that a textbook simply cannot provide.\r\n\r\nYour investment goes beyond just equipment; you have helped us curate an environment where students feel like true professionals. The aesthetic and organizational touches—from the tiered plant stands for our live Calathea and Pothos plants to the new set of 12 lidded storage bins and magnetic desktop whiteboards—ensure our workshop remains a high-functioning sanctuary for scientific thought. Practical tools like the electric stapler, laminating pouches, and mounting tape will allow students to create durable, high-quality displays for our upcoming Science Fair. Because of Ripple and your individual generosity, my students now have a workspace that is as functional as it is inspiring, bridging the gap between classroom learning and future STEM careers.\r\n\r\nThank you for your incredible commitment to our students and for empowering the scientists of tomorrow. We look forward to sharing our progress and photos of our finished 3D models once our workshop officially begins!","fullyFundedDate":1759450357933,"projectUrl":"project/from-concept-to-creation-building-3d-mo/9770609/","projectTitle":"From Concept to Creation: Building 3D Models and Scientific Understanding","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cacao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9371815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725838041034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371815"},{"teacherId":9371815,"projectId":9690634,"letterContent":"The resources on their way will fundamentally change how my students interact with complex biological and physical concepts. We are particularly eager to receive the Molymod DNA models, which will allow students to build the \"blueprint of life\" in three dimensions, alongside the Nasco Cell and Flower models. The addition of live Pothos and Calathea prayer plants, displayed on our new tiered wooden stands, will turn our lab into a living botanical study center. These tools, along with the Katzco Plasma Ball and Moon Phase charts, will serve as powerful visual anchors for our upcoming units, turning our lab into a space of constant discovery and wonder. By providing these materials, you are helping to bridge the gap between abstract theory and real-world application.\r\n\r\nBeyond the specialized equipment, your contribution toward our classroom environment creates a professional and welcoming atmosphere. From the \"Aloha\" neon sign and butterfly wall decor to the floral floor cushions and vibrant magnetic labels, you have helped design a space that honors the work these young scientists are doing. Even practical necessities—like the laminating pouches for preserving our Earth Science posters, the digital thermometers for lab data, and the laptop backpacks for student transport—contribute to a workspace that is both highly functional and deeply inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1758833495917,"projectUrl":"project/a-scientific-sanctuary-cultivating-curi/9690634/","projectTitle":"A Scientific Sanctuary: Cultivating Curiosity and Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cacao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9371815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725838041034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371815"},{"teacherId":9371815,"projectId":9553742,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for fully funding our project, \"Our Scientific Journey: A Classroom of Wonder and Discovery\"We just received the wonderful news that our materials are on their way, and the sense of anticipation in our classroom is incredible. My students are already buzzing with excitement, knowing that there is a community of people who believe in their potential as young scientists.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity on our upcoming curriculum will be profound. This workshop was designed to move our studies from abstract concepts to tangible, hands-on experiences. Once these materials arrive, we will be able to transform our lab into a high-tech, immersive \"living classroom.\" For instance, rather than just viewing 2D diagrams, students will be able to interact with the Nasco Cell and Typical Flower models, and use the Magnetic Cell Anatomy kits to visualize life at a microscopic level. The addition of the Katzco Plasma Ball will provide a captivating look at physics, while the Earth Science posters and flip charts will anchor our geological units.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, I am better equipped to facilitate high-level scientific inquiry. The \"softer\" side of our workshop—including the cozy shag carpet for our reading nook, the colorful trifold boards for science fair presentations, and the butterfly decorations—creates a welcoming environment where students feel inspired to explore. With the \"Nerd Words\" science game and our new bulletin board sets, we are building a classroom culture that celebrates discovery. Even practical needs, like the Epson ink refills, ensure that we can print high-quality data and research for our lab reports.","fullyFundedDate":1757540055493,"projectUrl":"project/our-scientific-journey-a-classroom-of-w/9553742/","projectTitle":"Our Scientific Journey: A Classroom of Wonder and Discovery","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cacao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9371815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725838041034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371815"},{"teacherId":9371815,"projectId":9529518,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! When the boxes arrived, the excitement in my classroom was palpable. My students' faces lit up as they unpacked the 100-pack of Super Tips markers, the vibrant sunflower garlands, and especially the high-quality Biology posters. For many of my students, seeing a classroom filled with fresh, professional materials makes them feel that their education is truly valued. They immediately began using the new magnetic push pins and marker holders to organize our \"Science Discovery\" whiteboard, turning a formerly cluttered space into an interactive focal point for our daily lessons.\r\n\r\nWe have already put these resources to work in a specific project: \"The Architecture of Life.\" Using the new biology posters as a reference, students used the Sharpies and washable markers to create detailed cell diagrams and anatomical sketches. The sunflower garlands and artificial plants have completely transformed our lab environment into a \"living classroom\" that reduces stress and sparks curiosity about botany and ecology. Even the practical items, like the new broom set and the bulk pre-sharpened pencils, have streamlined our daily transitions, allowing us to spend less time on cleanup and more time on high-level scientific inquiry.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve a collaborative mural project where students will use the glue sticks and mini hot glue sticks to build 3D models of ecosystems. We will also be using the large hanging storage bags to organize individual student lab kits, ensuring that every learner has easy access to their own specialized tools. Your contribution didn't just buy supplies; it provided the \"scaffolding\" for a more organized, creative, and inspiring Biology department. We are so grateful for your support in helping these young scientists thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1757540055211,"projectUrl":"project/the-blueprint-for-a-thriving-learning-ec/9529518/","projectTitle":"The Blueprint for a Thriving Learning Ecosystem","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cacao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9371815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725838041034","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9371815"},{"teacherId":10211456,"projectId":9777436,"letterContent":"Thank you so so so much!\r\nThank you so much for your generous support in providing materials for our reading nook project. Because of your kindness, our students now have a warm and inviting space where they can slow down, relax, and truly enjoy reading. Having comfortable and engaging materials encourages them to spend more time with books, strengthening their reading skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. The reading nook has quickly become their special place. \r\n\r\nYour contribution has also made a meaningful emotional impact on our students. They feel valued knowing that someone cared enough to invest in their learning environment. The cozy space promotes focus, creativity, and a love for literacy that extends beyond the classroom. This project has not only enhanced their academic growth but has also created a sense of comfort and belonging. They were able to engage with their classmate, through the use of the technology, Ipad- they can use it those who prefer to read online, and it is really a great help for them. \r\n\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your generosity and the positive difference you have made in our students' lives. THANK YOU SO MUCH DONORSCHOOSE","fullyFundedDate":1759455193482,"projectUrl":"project/building-literacyempowering-through-tec/9777436/","projectTitle":"Building Literacy:Empowering Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. BAGUNAS","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10211456"},{"teacherId":8615155,"projectId":9944033,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your generous contributions! We are using the Cricut machine to create our own athletic uniforms, and it has quickly become something our students feel deeply excited to try. Seeing their ideas turn into real uniforms they can wear on the court or field has been incredibly powerful. Sports uniforms are not simply fashion statements; they instill a sense of pride and create an element of solidarity amongst our keiki. Students aren't just putting names and numbers on shirts; they're creating something that represents culture, pride, and a sense of belonging. Next, students will continue designing and producing uniforms for our growing flag football, volleyball and basketball teams.Thanks to our you, our students aren't just preparing for practices and games, they're learning responsibility, leadership, and pride in something they helped build from the ground up.","fullyFundedDate":1766494412530,"projectUrl":"project/sustainable-middle-school-sports-uniform/9944033/","projectTitle":"Sustainable Middle School Sports Uniforms","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8615155_orig.png?crop=272,272,x0,y59&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684963705623","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8615155"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9751557,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School on the west side of Kauai, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very very much for your compassionate support! My students and I are stoked for our end of the year send off! With your help, my students will be able to build and launch model rockets the last week of school. Toward the end of the school year for the past five years, my students have watched October Sky and launched rockets to wrap up an amazing school year. We wouldn't be able to this without you!\r\n\r\nI really believe that science is caught more so than taught. What better way to end the year with a metaphorical but quite literal \"the sky is the limit\"! The key to learning being caught by students is to provide them a motive and an inspiration. I believe watching those rockets soar catches the imaginations of my students. Somehow or another I think it helps them believe in themselves and look forward to their futures. After a long year of hard work, they deserve to end on a high note! Thank you for making this all possible! \r\n\r\n*Note that pictures were added from last year's rocket send off.","fullyFundedDate":1758833496495,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-end-of-year/9751557/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: End of Year Rocket Send Off!!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9478928,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very very much for supporting us with Fantastic Basic Classroom Supplies! With your help, my classroom environment has been bolstered and students have benefited. We have used the supplies in various ways throughout the year. For example, we have used the table mats for an assortment of dissection activities. We have dissected sharks, starfish, pig hearts, and cow eyeballs! We also have used the table covers for various events, such as a Thanksgiving advisory potluck.\r\n\r\nI fundamentally believe the best learning happens in classrooms where students see they are loved from being reached in creative ways. Thank you for helping me love my students in creative ways. Thank you for loving them with me! They see all of the sacrifice and support. Little things like table cloths, and headphones, and scissors, and sharpies, and construction paper go a long way in serving students well! When they see and feel their needs being met, it is truly special.","fullyFundedDate":1757533116903,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-fantastic-/9478928/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: Fantastic (Basic) Classroom Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9480176,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very vey much for your incredible support! With your help, over 150 6th grade students received supplies to design popsicle stick bridges in an epic start of the year STEM competition. The best day of this project is definitely when we test the bridges to see which one is the most effective design solution! There is no escaping reality with this project. What the students put in always shows up in their results. Some students are shocked by how well they did! Others are found wanting (haha). No matter how the students fare, the popsicle stick bridge competition is a tremendous way to start the year because of how it brings students together and pushes them to put their best foot forward. \r\n\r\nFor the past three years, donors like you have made the popsicle stick bridge competition a possibility for my students! I love to teach because I love to build relationships with students and for them to feel genuinely protected and promoted. Donors like you have made this possible time and time again! The popsicle stick bridge competition is the perfect opportunity to not only inspire academic excellence, but also to build deep and lasting relationships with students. More so, the project allows students to bond with one another! WCMS is composed of students from several feeder elementary schools, so when our students first arrive on campus they can be overwhelmed. Your generosity provided them a learning opportunity to help them feel welcomed at the start of the year! Thank you so much for everything!!!","fullyFundedDate":1756730751844,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-popsicle-st/9480176/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition!!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9479360,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very very much for donating sharks and starfish to our classroom for dissections! My students were shocked and ecstatic to have the opportunity to dissect such unique specimen. The best part was when my period 4 realized the dogfish shark was pregnant! Yes, it can seem a little over the top and inhumane, but it was great science and my students loved it! \r\n\r\nMy students simply thrive with hands-on learning opportunities. While one of our goals with the dissections was to obviously connect to content standards, the real purpose was to give my students real-life experiences that capture their imaginations. I tell my students all the times that science is real magic. Did you know starfish have two stomachs, and one of them is a cardiac stomach? Thank you for helping learn that! Your kindness had fueled their passion for life and helped them feel deeply cared for at our school. The dissection days were so wonderful! Thank you for everything!!!","fullyFundedDate":1756730749150,"projectUrl":"project/island-style-learning-sharks-starfish/9479360/","projectTitle":"Island Style Learning: Sharks & Starfish Dissections!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"},{"teacherId":7939653,"projectId":9438998,"letterContent":"On behalf of my amazing students at Waimea Canyon Middle School on the west side of Kauai, MAHALO NUI LOA, thank you so very very much for your incredible support! My students have absolutely loved the new classroom raffle popcorn machine. It has really been a tremendous blessing. My students are simply stoked to have their names drawn from the raffle and win a popcorn! Oh, and the popcorn is very good by the way, especially with the movie theatre salt added (but not too much haha!). \r\n\r\nAt the end of each week, students turn in their Mr. Singer Dollars so their names can be added to the raffle. Ten dollars equals another raffle entry. We draw two names per class at the end of the week. In total, 10-12 students a week win the popcorn raffle! My students are so grateful to be recognized for their hard efforts. Positive reinforcement is absolutely essential in today's classrooms. Having the classroom raffle popcorn machine truly changes the culture of my classroom. It has helped keep me accountable to give out far more Mr. Singer Dollars, and it has made students participate far more frequently and willingly. \r\n\r\nAgain, we are incredibly grateful for your heartfelt support. The classroom raffle popcorn machine is a perfect gift for my students. I wish you were here to see them light up when they get to eat their popcorn! I hope the pictures encourage you. I am so humbled by your support. Thank you for changing student's lives!!!","fullyFundedDate":1756730747316,"projectUrl":"project/kauai-island-style-learning-classroom-p/9438998/","projectTitle":"Kauai Island Style Learning: Classroom Popcorn Machine for Weekly Raffle!!!!!!!!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Tory Singer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939653"},{"teacherId":9726201,"projectId":9781341,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have the tools they need to stay organized and focused on learning. The materials from Organized Learning, Clear Minds have helped students keep their work in one place, manage assignments more effectively, and feel less overwhelmed during the school day.\r\n\r\nWith these organizational supplies, students are spending less time searching for papers and more time engaged in learning. They are developing important habits like responsibility, time management, and independence—skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been especially meaningful for students who struggle with organization or anxiety. Having structured, consistent materials has helped them feel calmer, more confident, and better prepared each day. When students feel organized, they feel capable—and that confidence shows in their participation and effort.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students' success. Your kindness has created a more focused, supportive learning environment and helped give students clearer minds and a stronger foundation for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759591905966,"projectUrl":"project/organized-learning-clear-minds/9781341/","projectTitle":"Organized Learning, Clear Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9726201"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50966","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":467,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":26,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":51.3,"schoolId":50966,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waimea Canyon Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waimea Canyon Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/kapaa-kauai-waimea-school-district/waimea-canyon-middle-school/50966"}