{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Highlands Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":17.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9672297,"projectId":9893365,"letterContent":"My students and I were able to use our brand new digital scales that have transformed our lab atmosphere from being \"close enough\" to true scientific inquiry. When students first saw the new equipment, they were excited and treated the lab space with more respect and professional curiosity. One specific moment that stands out was during a recent thermal energy lab. Students were measuring 2.0 grams of calcium chloride and 2.0 grams of baking soda, and their faces showed pure focus as they tried to measure the exact amount of each. They were practicing the meticulous habits of real-world chemists.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to use more of the materials provided from the donation. We have an upcoming lab where students will explore cell transport using the dialysis tubes and paper cups to hold liquids. We will be filling the dialysis tubes with a starch and glucose liquid to see which food molecules can move through a semi-permeable membrane. These kinds of labs that require these materials help students visualize microscopic concepts using hands-on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763001186144,"projectUrl":"project/science-in-action/9893365/","projectTitle":"Science in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9672297"},{"teacherId":8804793,"projectId":9777136,"letterContent":"It is a joy to share our progress with you! Our students have been working passionately to memorize lines, choreography, and build awesome sets. Like always, opening boxes of goodies makes our club members feel like it's the holidays!\r\n\r\nThe awesome educational potential of working on a musical production is the amount of problem solving students need to do. Our purchase of the inflatable ballerina suit is perfect to help shape our Ms. Violet Beauregarde but our next challenge is costuming around the inflating suit. We can't wait for the solutions our students design around this challenge!","fullyFundedDate":1759453704977,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-world-of-pure-imagination/9777136/","projectTitle":"Creating a World of Pure Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kajiwara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804793"},{"teacherId":9812848,"projectId":9775022,"letterContent":"Thank you for your kind contribution.\r\n\r\nOur drama club students dug into the new supplies to create many different things for upcoming production of Willy Wonka Jr. \r\n\r\nOne of the big innovations this year was our use of styrofoam as a new medium to build with. In addition to the many different styrofoam pieces funded int he project, we also purchased giant sheets of styrofoam insulation. Styrofoam has proved to be a light yet durable building material. \r\n\r\nSome applications include a candy cart and a giant boat.\r\n\r\nStudents were challenged to create the scene where several children are about a boat on a chocolate river. Students came up with a near scale sized boat to create immersion in that scene. They created drafts and eventually turned their idea to life. The styrofoam cutting tool from the campaign made things so easy as they were able to cut and mold the Styrofoam to their desired shape. We've tried scissors in the past and it makes such a mess. They used the pool noodles for the edge of the boat. \r\n\r\nOur students worked with the fashion club at our school to first design a candy cart shape and have the fashion club take care of the aesthetic design while the crotchet club helped to make crochet candy for the cart.","fullyFundedDate":1759424203854,"projectUrl":"project/the-sweetest-scenery-craft-supplies-to/9775022/","projectTitle":"The Sweetest Scenery: Craft Supplies to Make Theatre Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Esteban","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812848"},{"teacherId":9818126,"projectId":9773337,"letterContent":"The impact of new scientific calculators, white board markers, fans, and various classroom supplies has been tremendous. \r\n\r\nFirst off, students are learning how to use their tools and it closes previous achievement gaps (of not being proficient at fractions, decimals, and integers) and allows students to still work toward grade level standards like solving equations and systems of equations. \r\n\r\nThe white board markers allow more pair and group thinking. Students feel significantly more comfortable making mistakes on a whiteboard than on paper. More practice, mistakes, ahas happen on the board and thus, more learning.\r\n \r\nLastly the various supplies like kleenex and paper towels encourage students to practice good hygiene. The fans maintain a tolerable classroom temperature in a hot Hawaii classroom with no air condition.","fullyFundedDate":1759243017185,"projectUrl":"project/8th-grade-math-classroom/9773337/","projectTitle":"8th grade Math Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Takamori","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9818126"},{"teacherId":8978962,"projectId":9780212,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are already using our new resources in meaningful, hands-on ways every day. We've incorporated them into collaborative lessons and creative projects that weren't possible before, and the level of engagement has been incredible. When the materials first arrived, students were thrilled and eager to dive in right away, asking questions and exploring how they could use them. Several students even commented that it made learning feel more \"real,\" which was a powerful moment to witness.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we're able to continue building momentum through deeper, project-based learning. Students will use these resources to strengthen skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity as we move forward with upcoming lessons. Your contribution didn't just provide materials — it created opportunities, confidence, and excitement for learning in our classroom. Thank you for investing in my students and making this experience possible.\r\n\r\nThe Highlands Intermediate Student Council is a 2024 NatStuCo National Gold Council of Excellence operating out of Pearl City, Hawai'i! Our Vision is to make Highlands Intermediate an awesome place to learn through our exciting nationally recognized student activities program. With your donation of the several rolls of banner roll paper all 40 Student Council members were able to save time, be more efficient and get the job done faster! We can't thank you enough ; ). You can see the results of your donation via our blog (every single activity from the last 19 years via pics) and our YouTube Channel (every single activity from the last 5 years via video)....\r\n\r\nhttps://highlandsintermediate.blogspot.com/\r\nhttps://www.youtube.com/@HighlandsColts","fullyFundedDate":1759543402952,"projectUrl":"project/big-paper-big-impact-bringing-events/9780212/","projectTitle":"“Big Paper, Big Impact: Bringing Events to Life”","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8978962_orig.jpg?crop=1005,1005,x359,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1678168364894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/highlandscolts"},{"teacherId":8823471,"projectId":9785198,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous gifts. The supplies directly supported the students learning. We used the heat guns to represent the process of the rock cycle. The students were so excited to see the melting up close and to use candy to show all the specific features of the 3 different rock types. We then used the color pencils to further support their learning by making a visual drawing with captions of how the process happens in real life. \r\n\r\nThese items helps build foundational learning, and brings engagement to the classroom. Even the bins helped with organization of materials. A clean and friendly environment also helps foster a place for safe learning. Thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1759625895085,"projectUrl":"project/lab-and-demo-materials/9785198/","projectTitle":"Lab and Demo Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Baba","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8823471"},{"teacherId":9376240,"projectId":9772267,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our recent DonorsChoose project!! Because of your kindness our classroom now has ambient lighting and calming sensory items that make our space more comfortable and engaging for all students. \r\nThe new lighting and sensory items has already transformed our room into a calmer and more inviting learning environment. They enjoy that we are able to cut down using some of the fluorescent overhead lights by using the floor lamps around class.\r\nThe larger computer screen has made it easier for my student who is visually impaired participate in lessons and follow instructions.","fullyFundedDate":1759284610531,"projectUrl":"project/building-independence-one-skill-at-a-ti/9772267/","projectTitle":"Building Independence, One Skill at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chun","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/paige-chun"},{"teacherId":8927713,"projectId":9741343,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of the Ambassador Club! Your donation is an important investment in leadership, directly empowering our exceptional student Ambassadors to move their ambitious service projects from idea to action. Your gift provides the essential materials and logistics necessary for them to make a real, positive difference, whether they're running school-wide beautification efforts or organizing donation drives for the local community. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and for helping us fuel their passion for service, enabling them to become the effective change-makers our school and community need.","fullyFundedDate":1760718910376,"projectUrl":"project/empower-student-service-donate-to-the-a/9741343/","projectTitle":"Empower Student Service: Donate to the Ambassador Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shirafuji","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8927713_orig.png?crop=301,301,x193,y42&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759479501860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8927713"},{"teacherId":8825363,"projectId":9771975,"letterContent":"My graphic design students are having a blast turning their digital artwork into physical products with the new pin-making equipment. The classroom has turned into a busy little workshop, and it's been incredible to see the \"aha!\" moment when a student presses their first design and realizes they've made something professional. One of my quieter students was so proud of their first pin that they immediately put it on their lanyard and started showing their classmates how to use the press. It has really shifted the energy in the room from just \"doing an assignment\" to being actual creators.\r\n\r\nWhen we first unboxed the supplies, the kids were genuinely hyped. They were surprised by how high-quality the materials felt and immediately started brainstorming designs for their friends and school clubs. It made the career of a graphic designer feel much more \"real\" to them. Moving forward, we are starting a branding project where each student will design a three-pin collection to represent their own personal logo. Thanks to your support, they aren't just learning design theory; they are seeing their ideas come to life in a way they can actually wear and share.","fullyFundedDate":1759194112742,"projectUrl":"project/adding-some-flare/9771975/","projectTitle":"Adding Some Flare","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8825363"},{"teacherId":9970132,"projectId":9784152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of classroom materials. The individual whiteboards and dry-erase pens have become an important part of our class routine.\r\n\r\nThese boards have significantly increased student engagement. The students truly enjoy sharing their thinking and collaborating with their tablemates. For me, they also serve as a formative assessment tool, allowing me to monitor student understanding. We have also used them for whole-class discussions, where students analyze various students' work and turn mistakes into valuable learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nThe hanging file folders and file racks have allowed the students to be more organized. Each student now has a personal folder to store their assessments, providing them with quick access to their work. It also helps me remain organized and prepared for parent meetings by keeping student work readily available.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a tremendous difference this year and will continue to benefit our classroom for years to come. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1759759807718,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-active-learning-and-confidence/9784152/","projectTitle":"Tools for Active Learning and Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9970132"},{"teacherId":7596776,"projectId":9785774,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for your generous donation to my classroom library. As you can see in the pictures, my vibrant classroom library has been enhanced due to your generosity. \r\n\r\nThis donation has already been used and appreciated by my students. Adding relevant, engaging novels to my classroom library helps my students grow a love of reading, which builds not only their comprehension and vocabulary, but also their empathy and compassion. Students read daily, and having books that they love helps them to focus and build their skills. \r\n\r\nMahalo, mahalo, mahalo! Your support is appreciated beyond measure!","fullyFundedDate":1759628600612,"projectUrl":"project/read-more-learn-more-live-better/9785774/","projectTitle":"Read More, Learn More, Live Better!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Colmenares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7596776"},{"teacherId":9469229,"projectId":9774318,"letterContent":"Your contribution has given my students the vital, tangible tools (ping-pong balls, beads, clay, and glue guns) necessary to bring abstract concepts to life. They were thrilled when the materials arrived and are currently using them to build physical models of atoms and molecules, which fundamentally boosts their understanding and confidence. Next, they will apply this knowledge to model complex organic molecules like glucose, linking chemistry to biology. \r\nThe ping-pong balls, clay, and glue guns are currently being used to construct student-designed, scale models of different atomic isotopes and basic molecular structures, allowing them to visualize subatomic particles and chemical bonds.\r\nWhen the students saw the colorful balls, clay, and craft tools, they were excited and immediately began planning their designs, confirming that the hands-on materials made the abstract lesson feel creative and accessible.\r\nThe students' next step is to use their knowledge of atomic structure to model complex organic molecules, such as glucose or amino acids, showcasing how these smaller components build the structures of life.\r\nThank you for fueling their curiosity and helping us grow future scientists!","fullyFundedDate":1759442857971,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-building-atoms-and-mol/9774318/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science: Building Atoms and Molecules Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Medrano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9469229_orig.jpg?crop=1164,1164,x358,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759219893525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9469229"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50792","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":824,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":37,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":82.4,"schoolId":50792,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Highlands Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Highlands Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/highlands-intermediate-school/50792"}