{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ewa Makai Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":36.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2503256,"projectId":10104783,"letterContent":"The new books in our classroom are helping students build a wide range of reading and thinking skills. Through titles like The Poet X, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and The Hunger Games, students are learning how to analyze character development, explore theme, and make connections between texts and their own lives. The variety of genres—from verse novels to historical fiction to dystopian series—also allows us to introduce lessons on author's craft, perspective, and voice. With the Erin Entrada Kelly author study and Newbery winners like The Graveyard Book and Hello, Universe, students are practicing deeper comprehension skills such as inference, symbolism, and understanding complex emotions and relationships.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active, student-centered, and collaborative. Students engage in book clubs, independent reading time, and small-group discussions where they share ideas, ask questions, and respond to each other's thinking. Tools like sticky notes, whiteboards, and markers support annotation, quick writes, and visual thinking, while simple supplies like pencils ensure everyone is ready to engage fully. Our classroom environment encourages choice and ownership, allowing students to select books that interest them while still practicing essential literacy skills.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have already shown a strong connection to these new books. Some are especially drawn to stories that reflect their identities and experiences, such as Don't Ask Me Where I'm From and The Best At It, while others are captivated by fast-paced series like A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Hunger Games. Students who previously struggled to stay engaged are now excited to read and participate in discussions, often recommending books to their peers. These texts are not only building academic skills but also helping students see themselves as readers, which is one of our most important goals.","fullyFundedDate":1771605556989,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-22026/10104783/","projectTitle":"Building Readers 2/2026","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Compton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2503256_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472589458399","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/comptonenglish"},{"teacherId":9669972,"projectId":9773672,"letterContent":"Your contribution has greatly enhanced my students understanding of problem solving and design, by allowing them to showcase their written solutions by converting them into 3D format. Over the course of this project students were required to think of two solutions to a community problem, whether it was afforable housing, enviromental pollution, food insecurity, homelessness, etc. Having the Minecraft element encouraged students to engage with systems thinking and create their solutions with purpose. The technology helped my students give life to their abstract ideas while exercising creativity and critical thinking skills.\r\nOne exciting part was the opportunity to display their ideas to their peers through presentation. However, I would say the most exciting part was being involved in the process itself. The process entailed intentional thought, collaboration, creativity, and of course play. My students really appreciated having access to tools to help them build efficiently like the computer mice, and access to the surge protectors which gave them peace of mind as they charged their chromebooks. The books also provided valuable lessons and inspiration for their solutions. Thank you again for your consideration.","fullyFundedDate":1759610993744,"projectUrl":"project/design-build-change-the-world/9773672/","projectTitle":"Design. Build. Change the World.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bonzoumet","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9669972"},{"teacherId":7065882,"projectId":10104081,"letterContent":"Our students are very appreciative of the resources we were able to receive. In my studentsʻ reflections, they have made comments about the impact our ISS program has made this school year. Here are a few responses:\r\n\r\n- I liked when we went to pick up trash and more.\r\n- I like the service project A LOT.\r\n- Thank you for not making ISS boring.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, in my communication with other stakeholders, they have also left some encouraging feedback. Here are their responses:\r\n\r\n- That's great that they do school service now (Teacher)\r\n- I liked that the students are learning to be responsible for our school, besides completing assignments. Hopefully, it helps STUDENT to be more responsible for himself and take pride in what he accomplished today. (Teacher)\r\n- Any additional suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much! For your support, and I'm glad he has someone alongside at school who could help guide him in the right direction. Sometimes they would rather hear the truth from others than their parents. (Parent)","fullyFundedDate":1771554299344,"projectUrl":"project/helping-in-school-suspension-students-th/10104081/","projectTitle":"Helping In-School Suspension Students Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mahoe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7065882_orig.jpg?crop=348,348,x5,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707944710253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7065882"},{"teacherId":5998711,"projectId":9777848,"letterContent":"The students have been enjoying the games outside and in the classroom. It is more fun to review math before a test, with a game involved. We can do problems on a white board and then winning groups get to go putt on the golfing green or toss a bean bag into a goal.\r\nThe speaker has been very handy when we have had guest speakers or the need to speak to large groups. We have also used it to play music while the students are playing outside. They are able to get sunshine and dance or sing along to music.\r\nThe flash cards are being used to practice math facts. Students have made up their own games, competing against each other to see who can name a math fact the quickest.\r\nOverall we are very thankful for the supplies to keep our classroom environment fun. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1759462893227,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-the-math-classroom-fun/9777848/","projectTitle":"Keeping the Math Classroom Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pauly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5998711_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1549954143702","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5998711"},{"teacherId":6592932,"projectId":9774625,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donations of the ukuleles!\r\n\r\nMy students are so excited to look up different chords and songs!\r\n\r\nAlthough I'm not a skilled musician, I am also trying to learn along side with my students and teaching them that trying new things can be fun!\r\n\r\nSo far, students have memorized two or three chords and they love to show off what they know so far.\r\n\r\nI'm hoping to have them learn at least one song and maybe be able to showcase that in front of another classroom--then other students can cheer for them and congratulate them for a job well done!","fullyFundedDate":1764534119243,"projectUrl":"project/playing-ukuleles/9774625/","projectTitle":"Playing Ukuleles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Matsuura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6592932_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1564879252003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6592932"},{"teacherId":8979407,"projectId":9777588,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and faculty at Ewa Makai Middle School, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of 3D printing filament and specialized parts, valued at $500.\r\nThis contribution arrives at a historic moment for our school. These materials will directly support our very first 3D printing and additive manufacturing course. Launching a new technical program is an ambitious undertaking, and your support ensures that our students have the high-quality resources necessary to succeed from day one.\r\nWhile the filament will allow our students to explore existing models and engineering benchmarks, its true value lies in the bridge it builds between the digital and physical worlds. Thanks to your gift, our students will not only study Computer-Aided Design (CAD) on a screen but will also experience the incredible milestone of holding their own original designs in their hands. Transforming a digital concept into a tangible, physical object is a powerful \"lightbulb moment\" that inspires the next generation of engineers, artists, and innovators.\r\nYour investment in our classroom does more than provide supplies; it provides the \"fuel\" for creativity and technical mastery. We are honored to have you as a partner in this new chapter of our school's curriculum.\r\nThank you again for your kindness and for supporting the future of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1759455852439,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-supplies/9777588/","projectTitle":"3D Printing Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8979407_orig.png?crop=435,435,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709077871718","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8979407"},{"teacherId":8006949,"projectId":9776863,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing meaningful resources into our advisory classroom. Your generosity has had an immediate and lasting impact on our students' social–emotional learning and daily routines.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new resources:\r\n\r\nEach Wednesday during our five-minute journaling routine, students use the new journals and prompt cards to reflect, set intentions, and process emotions.\r\nWe've added choice-based prompt slips so students can personalize their entries — sometimes selecting a guided prompt, other times choosing a free-write card to share whatever is on their minds.\r\n\r\nWe also use the materials for quick check-ins at the start or end of advisory: a student reads a prompt aloud, peers respond with a thumbs-up/neutral/thumbs-down and we record themes to guide future conversations.\r\n\r\nA classroom moment that stands out Last week we asked students to write about a time they felt proud. One student who is usually quiet wrote a thoughtful page about helping a classmate with math — and then asked to read it aloud. The room fell silent and then erupted in support. Several students later said they'd never noticed how meaningful small acts can be. That moment sparked a week of peer encouragement, and the student's confidence noticeably increased.","fullyFundedDate":1759454696116,"projectUrl":"project/advisory-sel/9776863/","projectTitle":"Advisory SEL","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8006949_orig.jpg?crop=1693,1693,x100,y1088&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637276361855","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8006949"},{"teacherId":6592932,"projectId":9773588,"letterContent":"Thank you again for the wonderful resources to make my final Health project so memorable. \r\n\r\nTaking the time to do art in our stress relief unit was so wonderful-every student was completely engaged and focused. \r\n\r\nWhen other teacher, staff, and students came into my room, they were so shocked to see all of the canvas boards, paint, brushes, art and crafts--they were confused on how I was able to do this with all of my Health classes! \r\n\r\nWithout your generous donations, I wouldn't be able to do such meaningful lessons that fostered learning to every student. \r\n\r\nThanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1759380055105,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-arts-crafts/9773588/","projectTitle":"Social & Emotional Arts & Crafts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Matsuura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6592932_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1564879252003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6592932"},{"teacherId":985535,"projectId":9776402,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and belief in our students. Because of you, every classroom in our school now has simple and effective tools to create a designated Calm Corner—and the impact has already been meaningful.\r\n\r\nOur students experience big emotions every day. When feelings become overwhelming, learning can feel impossible. The Calm Corner tools you helped provide give students a safe, respectful way to pause, regulate their emotions, and practice self-management strategies. Instead of escalating or shutting down, students now have options: breathing tools, sensory supports, and visual reminders that help them reset and return to learning feeling calm, focused, and ready.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this especially powerful is that these tools are available in every classroom, not just one or two. This sends a clear message to students: your well-being matters everywhere you learn. Your support didn't just fund supplies; it helped create classrooms that feel safer, more inclusive, and more supportive for all learners. \r\n\r\nFrom all of us—students, teachers, and staff—thank you for investing in both learning and well-being. Your kindness is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1759446452936,"projectUrl":"project/get-regulated-and-ready-to-learn/9776402/","projectTitle":"Get Regulated and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pajimula","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp985535_orig.jpg?crop=866,866,x93,y440&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683150664134","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/985535"},{"teacherId":1890129,"projectId":9475014,"letterContent":"Who knew reading could be so exciting! Incorporating books into my math classroom this year was something I was hoping would get students to start to enjoy math more and make connections to the real world through the books we read. \r\nWith the diversity of the titles purchased, I was also hoping to build more connections with my English Language Learners to their own culture and language. I am so excited to add all of these books to my classroom library.\r\nEvery week or so, I have been reading a new book to my students, but sometimes repeat the ones that relate to what we are doing in class. For example, on test days I like to read \"Jabari Jumps\" because it is a cute book about motivation and overcoming obstacles.\r\nStudents look forward to the books I read because it gives them a brain break from learning and allows them to be kids again.\r\nThank you for supporting my efforts in making reading fun again!","fullyFundedDate":1755716055837,"projectUrl":"project/make-reading-fun-again/9475014/","projectTitle":"Make Reading Fun Again!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nitahara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1890129_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523384118788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jenna-nitahara"},{"teacherId":1890129,"projectId":9772298,"letterContent":"The students in my advisory were STOKED for the new games that we received. They were surprisingly most excited about Uno, Battleship, and Jenga, the traditional games that I least expected them to be drawn too. \r\nThe games and activities that were purchased through your donation are used on our Fun Days, rainy recess days, or during free time. There are a handful of students who actually come to my class during recess to play with the building blocks. One in specific enjoys creating the suggest animals provided with the directions. He comes in often to work currently on the dinosaur.\r\nWe will continue to incorporate the math specific games into my class as the students are still trying to learn how to make them competitive and effective with improving their basic math skills. As we all know, time is always of the essence in teaching and schools.\r\nThank you again for contributing to my classroom so my students can take their eyes away from their computers and experience fun games device free.","fullyFundedDate":1759195707317,"projectUrl":"project/non-screen-games-for-teens/9772298/","projectTitle":"Non-Screen Games for Teens!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nitahara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1890129_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523384118788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jenna-nitahara"},{"teacherId":6602654,"projectId":9762469,"letterContent":"The project has made an immediate impact on my classroom. The new board games, math manipulatives, snacks, and classroom supplies are now woven into our daily routines and lessons. The board games have become a valuable tool during social emotional learning time, allowing students to practice problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance in an engaging way. Providing snacks and readily available supplies has also helped create a welcoming, supportive environment where students can stay focused and feel prepared to learn each day.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were so excited. They have enjoyed have new classroom games to play. This board games have provided opportunities for students who may not interact with each other often, to have positive interactions that is not heavily academic based. This has allowed students to show empathy and create other opportunities for interactions while in class. These materials have not only enhanced learning, but also strengthened our classroom community, reminding students that others believe in them and their success.","fullyFundedDate":1759425015080,"projectUrl":"project/fun-and-engaging-classroom/9762469/","projectTitle":"Fun and Engaging Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mac","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6602654_orig.jpg?crop=426,426,x121,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596748892991","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-macadangdang"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_99518","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1221,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":33,"percentAsian":32,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"24.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.9,"schoolId":99518,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ewa Makai Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ewa Makai Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/ewa-makai-middle-school/99518"}