{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kapolei Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":35.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8974230,"projectId":10110190,"letterContent":"My students and I are so grateful for your donation to our class. They were excited to open new learning materials just for them. The geography themed games and resources are so helpful! \r\n\r\nBecause we typically don't have funds to purchase new books very often, our atlases were so aged, published well before the students were born, with missing or torn pages. The new atlases enable students to find places around the world so easily without having to go online. It has really improved students' geography skills. \r\n\r\nThe Ticket to Ride game sets enabled students to learn together in small groups which fostered oral communication and problem solving. Needless to say, the classroom was louder with excitement and laughter and students expressed appreciation for having new games so they can have fun.","fullyFundedDate":1771776059529,"projectUrl":"project/where-in-the-world-am-i/10110190/","projectTitle":"Where in the World Am I?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ohai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974230"},{"teacherId":10438286,"projectId":10108015,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in bringing \"The Students' 'Chill Zone'\" to life. When the boxes arrived, the excitement in the room was electric. My students' faces lit up as they realized these resources—from the comfortable seating to the sensory tools—were specifically for their well-being.\r\nWe are currently using the Chill Zone as a multi-purpose \"reset\" space where students can learn social skills or simply take a well-deserved break after finishing their work. The fidget toys have been an absolute hit; the students love them so much they've already asked for more! Beyond individual regulation, we have used the new board games several times to practice essential social skills like turn-taking and sportsmanship. Seeing them engage with one another in such a positive, relaxed environment has been a highlight of our day.\r\nOur next steps involve teaching a series of social-emotional lessons on \"self-advocacy,\" where students learn to identify when they need a break before they hit a breaking point. Your support didn't just buy \"stuff\"; it provided a sanctuary that allows my students to be their best selves.","fullyFundedDate":1771683454813,"projectUrl":"project/the-students-chill-zone/10108015/","projectTitle":"The Students' \"Chill Zone\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ayala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10438286"},{"teacherId":8368406,"projectId":10105027,"letterContent":"Our students recently completed a woodworking project in which they planned and constructed a functional garden stools featuring a keyhole cutout in the legs. The replacement bandsaw blade funded through DonorsChoose enabled students to safely and accurately complete these detailed cuts with greater precision and consistency. Throughout the construction process, students utilized the donated sandpaper to remove layout markings, refine edges, and achieve a smooth, finished surface. To complete their projects, students applied a water-based polyurethane using foam brushes, learning the importance of applying a protective finish to enhance both the durability and appearance of their work.\r\n\r\nStudents were excited and highly motivated when the materials arrived. Many recognized that these were the same types of supplies and tools used in professional woodworking environments, which elevated their sense of responsibility and pride in their craftsmanship. The opportunity to use proper finishing materials and safety equipment helped students better understand industry practices while reinforcing the importance of precision, patience, and attention to detail. Applying the polyurethane finish was a particularly rewarding moment, as students were able to see their hardwork come together and observe the transformation of their projects from raw construction pieces into polished final products.\r\n\r\nThese resources will continue to support future hands-on and design experiences within our classroom. Students are currently preparing to expand their skills through more advanced woodworking and fabrication projects that emphasize measurement accuracy, structural design, problem-solving, and safe tool operation. The hands-on experiences made possible through these donations are helping students build confidence, develop technical skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the design and manufacturing process.","fullyFundedDate":1771706042234,"projectUrl":"project/from-raw-wood-to-finished-masterpiece/10105027/","projectTitle":"From Raw Wood to Finished Masterpiece","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kuroda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8368406"},{"teacherId":7938203,"projectId":10104792,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation. The students are enjoying the sensory items. They enjoy having the pillows throughout the day to rest. The padded cushions on the desk help them to relax. The pop-up tent and headphones has created a safe space for one student who enjoys the classroom with the lights off and not disturbing the others. The bouncy board is a fun time during recess and lunch since our school campus has no playground. The timers have been a great addition in the classroom with helping students transition between the different activities and understanding time. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping the students with their sensory needs.","fullyFundedDate":1771538764957,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-success/10104792/","projectTitle":"Sensory Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Robins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938203"},{"teacherId":8822827,"projectId":9774075,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made it possible for my students to read Fish in a Tree. Your kindness has had a meaningful impact on our classroom in ways that go far beyond books on a shelf.\r\n\r\nThis story opened powerful conversations about empathy, perseverance, and understanding others who may learn or experience the world differently. My students connected deeply with the characters and reflected on how their words and actions can affect those around them. We've seen thoughtful discussions, increased compassion, and a stronger sense of kindness in our classroom community as a result.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students were able to see themselves in the story, learn important life lessons, and grow not only as readers, but as caring individuals. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping make learning more meaningful and impactful.\r\n \r\nMahalo Nui Loa,\r\nJenny Kawakami\r\nKapolei Middle School","fullyFundedDate":1759375963515,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-empathy-and-kindness-through-no/9774075/","projectTitle":"Teaching Empathy and Kindness Through Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kawakami","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8822827"},{"teacherId":7940929,"projectId":9774711,"letterContent":"As our \"Stitch Together\" project comes to a close, I want to share the lasting impact your generosity has made.\r\n\r\nStudents didn't just learn how to sew — they learned patience, perseverance, and pride. They discovered that they are capable of creating, repairing, and completing something with their own hands.\r\n\r\nOur classroom became a space of calm focus and collaboration. Students encouraged one another, shared materials, and celebrated each finished piece.\r\n\r\nThrough every stitch, they built confidence. Through every project, they strengthened community.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us stitch together skills, sustainability, and belonging that will last far beyond this classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759424286193,"projectUrl":"project/stitching-together-building-community-t/9774711/","projectTitle":"Stitching Together: Building Community Through Sewing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7940929"},{"teacherId":9360285,"projectId":8016319,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in funding our project! The iPad we purchased has become the 'magic wand' of our math block. Instead of being stuck at the front of the room, I can now move around the classroom, working closely with my students while still projecting interactive, colorful math lessons onto the board.\r\n\r\nFor my students, seeing math problems turn into interactive games on the big screen has made the subject feel less like 'work' and more like a group challenge. It has sparked a level of engagement I haven't seen before—my students are now eager to participate and show off what they know! Your gift hasn't just provided a tool; it has provided a spark that makes learning accessible for every student in my room. We truly appreciate getting this opportunity!","fullyFundedDate":1704489790985,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-math-with-technology/8016319/","projectTitle":"Exploring Math with Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lama","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9360285"},{"teacherId":10294142,"projectId":9775545,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation for school supplies. It means so much for me as a teacher and for my students. Many of my students usually don't have school supplies available and when the students saw the school supplies, the students were grateful that the school supplies are readily available from class time to after school homework support. \r\n\r\nStudents are using new school supplies to color projects like ancient Egypt, China, Mesopotamia, and much more for social studies. Students are also using using new school supplies for afterschool homework support so that students can complete their schoolwork and homework when the students don't have access to school supplies at home. \r\n\r\nIn the future, students are going to make group projects of ancient China and Greece to show their demonstration of their understanding by making their group projective more decorative and with creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1759425246926,"projectUrl":"project/creative-understanding/9775545/","projectTitle":"Creative Understanding","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294142"},{"teacherId":8974230,"projectId":9782726,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our classroom. The students were elated to have brand new learning materials.\r\n\r\nAs a reward for staying on task and completing their work with quality, the students were able to open the boxes and carefully take out the pieces. I have a new student and when she saw the Ticket to Ride board game, she was excited because she played it at her previous school. She was able to build connections with the other students as she taught them how to play. \r\n\r\nOnce students understand how to use all of the learning materials, they will be able choose what they want to work on once they earn the extra time by being a quality producer and community contributor. I already have students planning what to build with the Legos. It definitely will produce learning through play experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1759608332006,"projectUrl":"project/enhance-learning-skills-through-games-an/9782726/","projectTitle":"Enhance Learning Skills Through Games and Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ohai","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8974230"},{"teacherId":8368406,"projectId":9775787,"letterContent":"I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support and the materials provided for my classroom. The scroll saw, wood, and paint pens had a meaningful and positive impact on my students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThrough this project, students were able to safely explore woodworking while actively applying shop safety rules, measurement and math skills, and design principles. They designed their projects on grid paper, transferred their ideas onto wood, and used the band saw to cut outer shapes and the scroll saw to complete more detailed cuts. The availability of the scroll saw allowed students to create intricate designs that would not have been possible otherwise. They then used paint pens to decorate and personalize their work, making each project uniquely their own.\r\n\r\nThese hands-on experiences strengthened students' problem-solving skills, perseverance, and attention to detail. Most importantly, students demonstrated a strong sense of pride and accomplishment as they transformed their ideas into finished wooden pieces. Many students expressed excitement and confidence in their abilities, especially those who thrive in hands-on learning environments.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made it possible to keep learning engaging, creative, and student-centered. The materials provided did more than support a single project — they helped foster creativity, build practical skills, and create lasting, meaningful learning experiences for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1759458201642,"projectUrl":"project/cutting-edge-creativity/9775787/","projectTitle":"Cutting Edge Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kuroda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8368406"},{"teacherId":9468858,"projectId":9778260,"letterContent":"Aloha e nā kākoʻo,\r\n\r\nSince receiving the LEGO Education sets, our middle-school students at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Kapolei have been using them to explore hands-on learning across science, math, and Hawaiian language. The LEGOs have quickly become one of the most engaging tools in our classroom. Each week, we design small-group challenges that blend STEM skills with ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, such as building simple machines, modeling geometric shapes, or creating scenes that represent concepts from traditional moʻolelo. Students explain their designs in Hawaiian, using new vocabulary to describe structure, function, and measurement. The connection between building and language has opened up new ways for them to communicate and problem-solve together.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments was when a group of students constructed a model of a Hawaiian sailing canoe. They worked collaboratively to design the hull, mast, and sail, and then labeled each part using Hawaiian terminology. During their presentation, they explained how the balance of the canoe related to mathematical symmetry and stability. Watching them move fluidly between English and Hawaiian while explaining their engineering choices reminded me why culturally grounded, bilingual learning tools are so powerful. For many of my students, this was the first time they saw a clear connection between their cultural heritage and modern STEM design.\r\n\r\nWhen the LEGO boxes first arrived, the students' excitement filled the room. Some immediately began sorting pieces by color and size, while others sketched ideas on whiteboards before they started building. Several students who are usually quiet or hesitant to speak became leaders in their groups—giving directions, testing ideas, and offering encouragement. One student said, \"This doesn't feel like work—it feels like we're building our stories.\" That comment perfectly captured how these materials are transforming our class from a traditional setting into a dynamic learning lab grounded in Hawaiian values of collaboration (laulima), creativity (ʻike hānai), and care for one another (aloha kekahi i kekahi).\r\n\r\nCurrently, our class is working on a project titled \"Kālaianiau: Building the Future.\" Students are using the LEGO sets to model ecosystems found in Hawaiʻi—rainforests, coral reefs, and volcano systems—integrating environmental science concepts with local vocabulary and measurement skills. Each model is paired with a short bilingual presentation that explains the science behind the design and its connection to Hawaiian place names and sustainability practices. The next step for our students will be to record short videos explaining their creations in both Hawaiian and English to share with families and the wider community. This will help strengthen both oral communication and cultural pride.\r\n\r\nMahalo nui loa to everyone who helped make this project possible. Your generosity has provided more than just supplies—it has sparked curiosity, strengthened bilingual confidence, and encouraged deeper connection between STEM education and Hawaiian identity. Every day, my students look forward to using these LEGOs not only to build objects, but to build understanding, teamwork, and self-belief. From our classroom to yours, mahalo for believing in our haumāna and for giving them the tools to imagine and create a brighter, more connected future.\r\n\r\nMe ke aloha,\r\nHemakana Yam-Lum\r\nHawaiian Immersion Teacher\r\nKe Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Kapolei","fullyFundedDate":1760544256006,"projectUrl":"project/star-wars-and-beyond/9778260/","projectTitle":"Star Wars and Beyond","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hema Yam-Lum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9468858_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759221441735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9468858"},{"teacherId":8368406,"projectId":9163623,"letterContent":"I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support and contribution of supplies to my classroom. The sound bar, miter saw blades, countersink drill bits, new safety glasses, and bandsaw blade made a noticeable difference in our learning environment.\r\nThe sound bar improved the clarity and volume of our Engineering DVDs, allowing all students to hear the dialog and engage more fully in discussions. The new miter saw blades and bandsaw blade provided cleaner, safer, and more precise cuts, which was especially important as students worked on building their folding stools. The table saw blade allowed me to prepare the material for their folding stools more efficiently and safely. The wheels and gears helped students to create their solar cars and allowed them to compete in the Solar Sprint Race, and the new safety glasses ensured that every student could work safely while having a clear line of sight, which boosted both their confidence and focus.\r\nThese tools not only enhanced the quality of student work but also made the classroom a safer, more engaging place for hands-on learning. Thank you again for your generosity and for supporting our students' growth and success","fullyFundedDate":1742062391022,"projectUrl":"project/project-classroom-makeover/9163623/","projectTitle":"Project Classroom Makeover","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kuroda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8368406"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68375","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":727,"numTeachers":92,"percentFrplEligible":42,"percentAsian":21,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":29,"percentMultiracialImputed":21,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"7.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.8,"schoolId":68375,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kapolei Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kapolei Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/kapolei-middle-school/68375"}