{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waimea Canyon Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":48.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9342162,"projectId":9709292,"letterContent":"Whisks & Wisdom: Cooking Up Confidence has been a wonderful success in our Culinary Arts program. The students were excited to receive the new baking equipment, and it has quickly become an important part of our hands-on cooking labs.\r\n\r\nStudents are using the equipment every time they are in the cooking lab, giving them more opportunities to practice measuring, mixing, baking, teamwork, and kitchen safety. Having the proper tools has helped students become more independent and confident in the kitchen. It is exciting to see them take pride in their work and build skills they can use both in school and at home.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our Culinary Arts students and helping us provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences!","fullyFundedDate":1759772805961,"projectUrl":"project/whisks-wisdom-cooking-up-confidence/9709292/","projectTitle":"Whisks & Wisdom: Cooking Up Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pfandler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9342162_orig.jpg?crop=309,309,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789594347448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342162"},{"teacherId":9706722,"projectId":10112784,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our \"Hands-On Science: Building a Better Learning Environment\" project! These materials have already helped make our science classroom more hands-on, engaging, and organized.\r\n\r\nStudents have used the plastic sifters during hands-on investigations and the DNA model to build and explore the structure of DNA. They were excited to work with materials they could physically manipulate and see, rather than learning only from pictures or textbooks. The cleaning supplies have also helped us maintain a clean and safe environment before and after our laboratory activities.\r\n\r\nThese resources have allowed me to provide students with meaningful opportunities to investigate, build models, make observations, and work collaboratively. The materials will continue to be used by other students throughout the school year, giving more classes the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue using these resources in science investigations and biology activities. Students will build on what they have learned by creating models, analyzing evidence, and connecting hands-on experiences to important science concepts. Thank you for helping make these learning experiences possible!","fullyFundedDate":1778296320902,"projectUrl":"project/modeling-life-understanding-dna-through/10112784/","projectTitle":"Modeling Life: Understanding DNA Through Art and Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9706722_orig.jpg?crop=450,450,x491,y962&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724629428143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9706722"},{"teacherId":9706722,"projectId":9776916,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our \"Hands-On Science: Building a Better Learning Environment\" project! The digital microscopes and prepared slides have already given my students exciting opportunities to explore the microscopic world through hands-on science.\r\n\r\nStudents have used the microscopes to examine prepared samples of animals, insects, plants, and flowers. They were excited to see details that they could not see with their eyes alone. They made observations, discussed what they noticed, and connected their discoveries to our science lessons.\r\n\r\nThese materials have made learning more interactive and engaging, and they will continue to be used by other students throughout the school year. Future classes will have the same opportunity to explore specimens, collect observations, compare samples, and develop scientific explanations based on evidence.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided resources that will continue making a difference for many students as they learn, explore, and discover science!","fullyFundedDate":1759449673243,"projectUrl":"project/future-scientists-need-a-closer-look/9776916/","projectTitle":"Future Scientists Need a Closer Look","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9706722_orig.jpg?crop=450,450,x491,y962&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724629428143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9706722"},{"teacherId":9706722,"projectId":9756053,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our \"Hands-On Science: Building a Better Learning Environment\" project! The drone and micro SD cards have already made our science learning more engaging and hands-on.\r\n\r\nMy students used the drone to capture aerial images and videos during outdoor science activities. They were excited to see science from a different perspective and enjoyed using technology to make observations and collect visual evidence. The micro SD cards allowed us to store and organize the photos and videos from these activities.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the drone, they were immediately curious and excited to learn how it could be used for science. It created opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with real-world technology.\r\n\r\nWe are continuing to use these resources in science investigations and projects. Students will continue collecting observations, analyzing evidence, and using technology to support their scientific thinking. Your generous support has helped make these experiences possible!","fullyFundedDate":1758833496264,"projectUrl":"project/eyes-in-the-sky-student-drone-explorati/9756053/","projectTitle":"Eyes in the Sky: Student Drone Exploration Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9706722_orig.jpg?crop=450,450,x491,y962&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724629428143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9706722"},{"teacherId":9706722,"projectId":8908005,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our \"Hands-On Science: Building a Better Learning Environment\" project! These new resources are helping create a safer, more organized, and more hands-on science classroom for my students.\r\n\r\nStudents now have laboratory aprons, disposable aprons, and bouffant caps to use during labs and hands-on investigations. The turn-in trays also help us keep student work organized and make it easier to collect and return assignments efficiently. The voice amplifier helps students hear directions and discussions clearly, especially during demonstrations and group activities.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to see the new science materials because they made our classroom feel more like a real laboratory. They are learning that safety, organization, and teamwork are important parts of doing science.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include continuing hands-on investigations involving collisions, motion, forces, and materials. Students will use the resources as they collect data, make observations, work with partners, and build and test scientific ideas. Thank you for helping make science more engaging and accessible for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1740266132136,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-building-a-better-lear/8908005/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science: Building a Better Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9706722_orig.jpg?crop=450,450,x491,y962&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724629428143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9706722"},{"teacherId":8615155,"projectId":10104112,"letterContent":"The new resources in the WCMS Counseling Center are helping transform our space into a true refuge for emotional regulation. Students utilize the \"calm corner\" throughout the school day when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally dysregulated. The comfortable seating provides an inviting place to sit back, take deep breaths, and decompress before returning to class. The sensory fidget tools allow students to ground themselves physically while working through strong emotions, while the visual emotion-regulation banner acts as a self-guided map, helping them identify what they are feeling and choose an effective coping tool.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the newly equipped safe space, their eyes lit up with excitement. Many commented on how cozy and intentional the space felt, pointing out the vibrant emotion-regulation banner and trying out the various tactile fidget tools right away. Knowing that generous donors cared enough to provide these resources gave them a strong sense of validation, showing them that their emotional well-being is valued and supported by a wider community.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is integrating these resources into small-group social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons centered on building long-term self-awareness and emotional resilience. Students will be using the visual emotion-regulation banner as a baseline tool to create their own personalized \"calming kits.\" Through structured guidance, each student will identify which sensory fidgets and self-regulation techniques work best for them individually. By practice-testing these strategies in the counseling center, students will learn to apply these self-regulation habits inside their regular classrooms, ensuring they stay engaged, supported, and ready to learn every day. Mahalo for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1778788480619,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-safe-space-at-the-couns/10104112/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Safe Space at the Counseling Center","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":9371815,"projectId":10102034,"letterContent":"The new resources have completely transformed our learning space into a functional \"Scientific Sanctuary.\" We recently utilized the trifold display boards and vibrant acrylic markers for an interactive classroom project where students designed and mapped out their own sound concept maps. To bring our biology units to life and soften the industrial feel of the lab, we used the fake roses and botanical garlands to frame our main science bulletin boards. This blend of structured academic tools and natural elements has created an environment where students can tackle rigorous STEM concepts with focus and clarity.\r\nWhen the students walked in and saw the classroom transformation, their faces completely lit up! They were incredibly excited to see a space that felt intentionally designed just for them. One student mentioned that the botanical roses on the bulletin boards made the room feel calm and peaceful, like a university lab rather than just a standard middle school classroom. They immediately felt a sense of ownership over the new, high-quality trifold boards and couldn't wait to start sketching out their scientific ideas.","fullyFundedDate":1771702851328,"projectUrl":"project/bloom-into-biology-immersive-modeling-a/10102034/","projectTitle":"Bloom into Biology: Immersive Modeling and Scientific Design","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":9769258,"letterContent":"With the acrylic markers and trifold boards you funded, my students have been diving deep into abstract scientific concepts by building tangible, three-dimensional project displays.\r\n\r\nRecently, we used these materials for a comprehensive project on sound concepts. Instead of just looking at flat diagrams in a textbook, students used the vibrant acrylic markers to design and color-code intricate sound concept maps on large trifold boards. They visually mapped out the relationships between frequency, amplitude, wavelengths, and how sound travels through different mediums.\r\n\r\nA standout moment was watching a student who usually struggles with traditional reading assignments suddenly take the lead in their group. Stepping up to the trifold, organizing the flowcharts, and physically painting the design and connections with the markers allowed the concepts to finally \"click.\" They proudly explained the entire sound concept map to their peers with absolute confidence—a breakthrough moment that wouldn't have happened without these tactile, highly visual resources.","fullyFundedDate":1771362291668,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-stem-modeling-workshop/9769258/","projectTitle":"Interactive STEM Modeling Workshop","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":10107017,"letterContent":"The transformation in our classroom has been absolutely incredible! We used these resources to completely redesign our space into a vibrant \"Scientific Sanctuary.\" The fake grass, rose flower garlands, and faux potted plants have been strategically placed around the room to bring a calming, nature-inspired energy indoors, balancing out the traditional, sterile feel of a lab.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, the walls are now alive with high-quality, framed Periodic Tables, scientific method charts, and motivational science banners. We are using these visual aids daily as a \"living reference station.\" During a recent lesson on chemical reactions and states of matter, students were able to look up from their lab tables, scan the unbleached kraft paper cups holding their experiment samples, and instantly cross-reference the elements on the canvas Periodic Table poster. It has turned our physical room into an active teaching tool.","fullyFundedDate":1776096903616,"projectUrl":"project/the-instant-impact-science-room-design/10107017/","projectTitle":"The \"Instant Impact\" Science Room Design Blueprint","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":10103544,"letterContent":"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support to my projects. Your kindness and willingness to help truly mean so much to us especially to my students. \r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our students are given better opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their full potential through those materials. It was a great way for them to be creative and active and those materials you provided have made a real difference in their learning experience. Seeing the excitement and happiness of the students while using these materials is something I will always be thankful for.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for being part of their journey as a middle schoolers. Your support is not only helping them academically, but it is also inspiring them that learning has different ways and there are millions of ways to develop their capabilities. \r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you so much DONORcCHOOSE. We truly appreciate everything you have done for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1771552970525,"projectUrl":"project/read-print-create-transforming-our-li/10103544/","projectTitle":"Read, Print, Create: Transforming Our Literacy Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. BAGUNAS","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10211456"},{"teacherId":8826542,"projectId":9773049,"letterContent":"First, I'd like to say Mahalo to our donors that helped our school get backdrop frames, clothes irons, and ironing boards for our May Day celebration. It might seem like \"just equipment,\" but it made a world of difference for our event. \r\n\r\nThe backdrop frames helped parents create a beautiful, colorful and meaningful backdrop for their child to stand in front of. These island Prince, Princess, Kahili Bearers and Ladies In Waiting stood so proud of. \r\n\r\nWith the new irons and boards, our students and dancers were able to stand and dance confidently in their crisp costumes. \r\n\r\nHaving our own high-quality equipment, we did not need to scramble to borrow supplies. Everything ran smoothly and on time!!\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our parents, staff and community had a beautiful day they will always remember. Thank you for caring about the details that make our traditions special.","fullyFundedDate":1767278405327,"projectUrl":"project/the-lei-that-came-home-a-tradition-rebo/9773049/","projectTitle":"The Lei That Came Home: a Tradition Reborn Year 2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Muranaka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8826542_orig.png?crop=355,356,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726296257725","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8826542"},{"teacherId":8823842,"projectId":10110108,"letterContent":"This project really changed the vibe of our math class by turning it into a place where it's actually okay to mess up. By swapping out permanent notebooks for whiteboard pens and \"erasable\" surfaces, we took the scary edge off of math anxiety. When kids realized they could just swipe away a mistake, they stopped freezing up and started actually experimenting with their work. It turned math from a \"right or wrong\" high-pressure test into a low-stakes draft, which gave everyone the confidence to jump into tough problems without overthinking it.\r\n\r\nOn top of the whiteboards, we used stickers and celebratory leis to totally flip the script on what \"being good at math\" looks like. Instead of just rewarding the fastest kids, we started celebrating things like helping a teammate or sticking with a problem that felt impossible. Post-it notes became a simple way for students to flag where they got stuck, helping them speak up for themselves instead of just shutting down. By focusing on grit and teamwork rather than just perfect scores, the students stopped seeing math as a chore and started seeing themselves as capable problem-solvers.","fullyFundedDate":1771735024868,"projectUrl":"project/boosting-math-and-sel-confidence/10110108/","projectTitle":"Boosting Math and SEL Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Remigio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823842"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50966","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":469,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":25,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":25,"percentMultiracialImputed":24,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":51.7,"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"}