{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"August Ahrens Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9805188,"projectId":10105323,"letterContent":"The funding of this project had a meaningful impact on my classroom by creating a fun, engaging, and communication-rich environment where all of my students were able to participate and succeed. The books, crafts, and play-based activities provided meaningful opportunities for students who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices to practice vocabulary, comprehension, early literacy, and expressive language skills. By pairing books with hands-on activities, students were able to use their AAC devices to request, comment, answer questions, make choices, sequence events, and share ideas in ways that felt natural and motivating.\r\n\r\nOne of the most significant impacts was that my students increased their ability to engage in classroom activities while using their AAC devices. They became more comfortable using their devices to participate in shared reading, crafts, play, and other learning experiences rather than relying on them only during structured communication activities. These repeated opportunities helped students generalize their communication skills beyond the therapy setting. They were able to take their AAC devices outside of the classroom and use their communication skills in practical, everyday settings, allowing them to interact more independently with peers, teachers, and others throughout their school environment.\r\n\r\nThe project also helped create a welcoming and well-equipped space that encouraged communication and participation. The resources supported students in becoming more confident and independent communicators while helping them recognize that their AAC devices were valuable tools for expressing themselves in a variety of situations. Overall, the project gave my students more opportunities to communicate, connect with others, participate meaningfully in their education, and use their voices across both academic and everyday settings.","fullyFundedDate":1771638194378,"projectUrl":"project/a-communication-rich-space-books-craft/10105323/","projectTitle":"A Communication-Rich Space: Books, Crafts, and AAC Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benavente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9805188"},{"teacherId":9869590,"projectId":10063622,"letterContent":"This project has already made a meaningful difference in my students' learning by giving them hands-on resources they can use to explore Natural Resources and agriculture in a more engaging, meaningful way. My students are using the new materials to learn through hands-on activities rather than simply reading about concepts. One of our current projects has students exploring agriculture in Hawaiʻi and thinking about where our food comes from, why agriculture is important, and how we can create a more sustainable future.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were immediately excited and curious. They wanted to touch, explore, and figure out how everything worked. Their excitement showed me how powerful it is to give students resources that make learning feel real and connected to their everyday lives.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue using these materials as we build our Natural Resources program. Students will apply what they are learning to hands-on projects in our garden and continue exploring sustainability, agriculture, and Hawaiʻi's natural resources. I am especially excited to see students take more ownership of their learning as they grow, experiment, ask questions, and connect what happens in our classroom to the world around them.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful to the donors who helped make these experiences possible. Your support is giving my students opportunities to learn by doing, build curiosity, and develop a deeper connection to the ʻāina.","fullyFundedDate":1771777020674,"projectUrl":"project/natural-resources/10063622/","projectTitle":"Natural Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Napier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9869590"},{"teacherId":4564793,"projectId":10104740,"letterContent":"The resources funded through your project have already begun transforming your classroom into an interactive, highly engaging literacy hub. The addition of the Reader's Theater scripts and Scholastic task card sets gives your students hands-on, collaborative tools that make mastering complex reading skills—such as context clues and analyzing literary text—feel like play rather than work. By bringing fluency and comprehension to life through group activities and storytelling, these dynamic materials build confidence, encourage teamwork, and keep your 43 students energized and eager to participate in their learning journey.\r\n\r\nBeyond high-energy group activities, the new privacy desk dividers and basic supplies have created a balanced, stress-free environment for independent work and assessments. The desk dividers give students their own quiet \"private offices,\" helping them minimize visual distractions, regain focus, and approach testing with self-assurance. Coupled with fresh erasers and pre-sharpened pencils, students can comfortably work through challenges and correct mistakes without unnecessary frustration.\r\n\r\nOverall, blending active literacy resources with dedicated tools for focus provides your classroom with the well-rounded structure needed to support diverse learning styles. These foundational materials ensure your students have both the excitement to explore new language concepts together and the quiet space required to demonstrate their individual growth.","fullyFundedDate":1771558467177,"projectUrl":"project/read-play-stay-focused/10104740/","projectTitle":"Read, Play, Stay Focused","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Siclot","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/siclot"},{"teacherId":8974962,"projectId":10105155,"letterContent":"The math games provided by your generous donation has helped my students practice building their math fluency skills as well explore new ways of learning through games. They really enjoyed challenging themselves and their peers with the card games and asked multiple times after playing it when the next time they will get to use it. Games like these that help students build their math fluency skills are beneficial to learning of new concepts. Once again, we are very appreciative for your donation and support of students' learning in fun ways.","fullyFundedDate":1771777509939,"projectUrl":"project/math-games/10105155/","projectTitle":"Math Games","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dingal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8974962_orig.jpg?crop=373,373,x444,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677830818490","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974962"},{"teacherId":7937515,"projectId":10105202,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to upgrade our library space! The class is so in love with the area and is a coveted spot for many different blocks during the day. Whether we are partner reading, silent reading, centers, or just during indoor recess, students will ask if they can sit in the library!\r\n\r\nYou also have made my life easier with your donation, I was able to place storage crates for storing student work as well as have a \"fun work\" bin for early finishers!\r\n\r\nWithout you, these moments would be almost impossible to create. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1771624178058,"projectUrl":"project/library-space-upgrade/10105202/","projectTitle":"Library Space Upgrade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cadiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7937515"},{"teacherId":8357582,"projectId":10103450,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support in helping my student's academic journey. They are so grateful of the kindness you have given them for providing more supplies to help them in class. Many of them expressed joy in being able to easily access things like pencils or paper in an easily accessible way so they are prepared for the lessons of the day. \r\nI look forward to my upcoming class being able to use the same resources and materials to better their academic journey. I am so thankful for the donation you have given us and the opportunity that it was grated my students.","fullyFundedDate":1771687529557,"projectUrl":"project/efficient-classroom-organization/10103450/","projectTitle":"Efficient Classroom Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gabriel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8357582"},{"teacherId":8824447,"projectId":10107336,"letterContent":"Thanks for the generous donation for helping my class update old materials. Having a pencil dispenser was a game changer, it helped save time distributing pencils or when students needed new ones. This year students were losing pencils left and right and this item helped relieve a lot of loss time. The students were also responsible for refilling the box.\r\n\r\nThe new controllers helped replace the older ones since the control stick was having drifting issues. Having the new controllers. All the balls were very nice. We had several activities with the grade level and students were able to play with all the new balls. Other classes also didn't have any and I shared mine with the other classes too. At recess the kids seems to have more fun now since they have something to play with.\r\n\r\nThe other items not mentioned above were all great too!","fullyFundedDate":1771688185755,"projectUrl":"project/updating-classroom-materials/10107336/","projectTitle":"Updating Classroom Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hirota","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8824447_orig.png?crop=490,490,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667290422232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824447"},{"teacherId":7875554,"projectId":10103479,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our supplies! The students have been enjoying being able to learn with them, explore their ideas, and just have fun at school. I feel that it really helps them to have hands on experiences to be able to learn and grow rather than just looking at numbers in a textbook or on a screen. We especially appreciate all of the support that we've received! It has helped me provide more opportunities and supplies for my students that I wouldn't otherwise be able to provide. I know that these materials will make a huge difference for my students and their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1771554650842,"projectUrl":"project/math-adventures/10103479/","projectTitle":"Math Adventures!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sakaguchi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7875554_orig.jpg?crop=1915,1915,x525,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625110049414","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msnishimura"},{"teacherId":8822735,"projectId":10108037,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity towards the students this year and years past. The students are grateful for your support in their writing journey. Because of your contribution, the students were able to have access to tools during our small group lessons without having to stress about having the supplies they need.\r\n\r\nHaving the supplies bin gave easy access to writing tools during our group lessons and discussions. The chair bands and calming strips were great tools for students who needed exhaust some energy and calm down when they needed to self regulate during a writing lesson. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1771712551767,"projectUrl":"project/writing-tools/10108037/","projectTitle":"Writing Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gmei Eugenio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8822735"},{"teacherId":8568442,"projectId":10109258,"letterContent":"Students were excited when they received the materials. From the moment everything was handed out, there was a noticeable sense of enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the classroom. Many students immediately began discussing ideas with their classmates and asking questions about what they would be creating. The materials helped spark creativity and encouraged students to think in new and imaginative ways. Because the supplies were new and engaging, students were eager to participate and remained focused during the activities. It was exciting to see how motivated they were to begin working on their projects and to share their ideas with others. The positive energy in the classroom created an encouraging learning environment where students felt comfortable expressing themselves creatively.","fullyFundedDate":1771719673197,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-triumph/10109258/","projectTitle":"Tools for Triumph","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brenes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8568442_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y168&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700536583086","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8568442"},{"teacherId":10438315,"projectId":10108140,"letterContent":"My students were very excited to start using the new resources in our classroom. One memorable moment was during a small group activity where students were able to stay more engaged and focused while completing tasks and participating in discussions. The materials helped create a more structured and supportive learning environment, especially for students who benefit from visual supports and hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were curious and eager to use them right away. Many students smiled, asked questions, and immediately explored the new items. The new resources also helped increase participation and motivation during lessons.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our classroom projects and lessons, the next steps are to use these resources consistently to support communication, independence, and positive learning behaviors. We plan to incorporate them into daily routines, small group instruction, and individualized activities to help students build academic, social, and functional skills throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1771683636415,"projectUrl":"project/calm-hands-focused-minds-our-sensory-o/10108140/","projectTitle":"Calm Hands, Focused Minds: Our Sensory Oasis","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pasuquin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10438315"},{"teacherId":9368376,"projectId":10106207,"letterContent":"Today was a truly unforgettable day in our classroom. I had the pleasure of meeting my\r\nincoming fourth-grade students for the upcoming school year. The energy in the room\r\nshifted the moment I shared the news: thanks to the generosity of donors like you, they\r\nwill be receiving all of their school supplies for free.\r\n\r\nWhen I told my students that their parents would not need to worry about buying\r\nschool supplies this year, the room was filled with a mixture of surprise,\r\nexcitement, and deep gratitude. For many of our families, this takes a significant\r\nfinancial weight off their shoulders, allowing students to start the year with\r\nconfidence and dignity.\r\n\r\nMy students were so moved that they immediately wanted to share their thanks with you. Included with this update are handwritten notes from the children, including several from my special education students who worked hard to express their joy. These notes are a direct reflection of the relief and happiness your gift has provided.\r\n\r\nBy providing these essentials, you have ensured that every student—regardless of their\r\nbackground—has the same high-quality tools to succeed from Day One. You have helped me build a classroom environment where the focus is entirely on learning, growing, and rewarding hard work.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1771712539598,"projectUrl":"project/everything-we-need-to-succeed-and-a-lit/10106207/","projectTitle":"Everything We Need to Succeed (and a Little Fun, Too!)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9368376_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700021983695","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9368376"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50788","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1105,"numTeachers":75,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":73,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":6,"percentMultiracialImputed":11,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.2,"schoolId":50788,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about August Ahrens Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"August Ahrens Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/august-ahrens-elementary-school/50788"}