{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makaha Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":77.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5113040,"projectId":10241439,"letterContent":"Mahalo for the decodable books! These are game-changers for my first-grade keiki. Unlike standard books, these allow students to build skills through the Science of Reading. Your gift has replaced frustration with the \"lightbulb moment\" of success. \r\n\r\nI'm committed to doing my best for these students, and your support makes that possible. Thank you for helping my first graders say, \"I can read this!\" Thank you for your vision, your generosity, and your investment in these young lives. Because of you, the path to literacy is much clearer and more accessible for my students. We are so very grateful for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1778009685542,"projectUrl":"project/knowledge-is-power/10241439/","projectTitle":"Knowledge is Power","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calbero's Honeybees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5113040_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525122284830","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a10honeybees"},{"teacherId":8510124,"projectId":10103659,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity in supporting our kindergarten classroom. Your donation means more than words can express and will make a lasting difference for our young learners.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are able to restock essential classroom supplies that help learning continue smoothly each day. From crayons and glue sticks to pencils and paper, these materials are tools that spark creativity, build skills, and support hands-on learning experiences that kindergarten students need to thrive.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also helps us prepare for the ongoing sick season by providing important cleaning supplies such as disinfecting wipes, tissues, hand soap, and sanitizer. Maintaining a clean and healthy classroom environment allows students to feel safe and helps minimize interruptions to learning.\r\n\r\nIn addition, your support provides snacks that help fuel growing minds and bodies. For many students, a simple snack can make a big difference in helping them stay focused, energized, and ready to participate throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, cared for, and prepared to succeed. Your generosity is helping our kindergarten learners finish the school year strong, and we are deeply grateful for your investment in their education and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1771713164783,"projectUrl":"project/restocking-our-classroom-for-a-strong-fi/10103659/","projectTitle":"Restocking Our Classroom for a Strong Finish to the Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kamaka-Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8510124_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y336&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656475313442","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kamakaramos"},{"teacherId":8510124,"projectId":9773698,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your kindness, generosity, and support of our kindergarten classroom! Because of your help, our students will have access to the supplies, comfort items, and experiences they need to thrive each day at school.\r\n\r\nIn kindergarten, every moment is a chance to learn, grow, and build confidence. Your donation will make a meaningful difference by helping provide extra clothes for unexpected accidents, snacks to keep students focused and energized, and fine motor tools that strengthen little hands for writing and creating. These simple but important items help our students feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour support also brings joy into our classroom through fun projects, celebrations, presents, and awards that recognize student accomplishments. These moments help children feel proud of themselves and excited about coming to school each day. For many of our students, these experiences create lasting memories and remind them that they are valued, loved, and capable of success.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity goes far beyond supplies. You are helping create a classroom environment filled with aloha, encouragement, and care—where every child feels supported academically, socially, and emotionally. Because of you, our kindergarteners can focus on learning the ABCs and 123s while also experiencing the happiness and confidence that come from being celebrated and cared for.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our little learners and helping them shine bright every single day. Your kindness truly makes a difference in the lives of our students and classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1759459835041,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-care-comfort-creativity/9773698/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Care: Comfort, Creativity, and Celebrations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kamaka-Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8510124_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y336&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656475313442","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kamakaramos"},{"teacherId":7830110,"projectId":10106775,"letterContent":"The impact that your donation has made upon our classroom is incredible. We spend a lot of time trying to develop cognitive skills and meet sensory processing needs. Our students have been engaging in pretend and cooperative play so much because of the items that we received. The are having more conversations and labeling grocery items too. Their cognitive and language skills have improved. They love playing grocery mart. The spinning seats also helped in ways that were unexpected. We thought it would help our students by offering movement opportunities while seated during lessons, but they've used it to create stepping stones and stand and spins...helping them to meet sensory needs in creative ways. The items we received because of your kindness and generosity have made an incredibly impact on the happiness and enjoyment that our students experience in school. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1771637955539,"projectUrl":"project/check-out-these-wiggly-worms/10106775/","projectTitle":"Check Out These Wiggly Worms!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lenchanko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7830110"},{"teacherId":11950,"projectId":10196274,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom calming tools project! These materials have already made a huge difference for my kindergarten students as they learn how to manage big emotions while building important academic skills.\r\n\r\nWe created a calming corner in our classroom where many of the materials are placed in baskets so students can independently choose tools that help them regulate their feelings. The breathing stickers have been placed on many students' desks to help remind them to slow down, take deep breaths, and stay calm when their work feels tricky or frustrating. The gooey sensory mazes have quickly become a favorite for students who need a small break to relax their minds and bodies before getting back to learning.\r\n\r\nMany students are beginning to recognize when they need a calming break and are learning to make positive choices on their own. At times, we also guide students through calming strategies and help them practice using the tools appropriately.\r\n\r\nThese supports have helped create a more peaceful, focused, and welcoming classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you again for helping our young learners grow both emotionally and academically!","fullyFundedDate":1777571875147,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-self-regulation-in-young-lear/10196274/","projectTitle":"Supporting Self-Regulation in Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dennis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp11950_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524112795646","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sarah-dennis"},{"teacherId":5113040,"projectId":10106346,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant space for learning, creativity, and growth. Your support has provided more than just supplies, it has provided opportunities.\r\n\r\nThe new magnetic tiles have become an instant favorite. Watching the students collaborate to build intricate towers and structures has so much fun. They are learning spatial reasoning and engineering through pure, imaginative play.\r\n\r\nWe have already filled our new literacy binders with stories and reading passages. These organized resources are essential tools that help my students track their progress and build the confidence they need to become lifelong readers.\r\n\r\n You've even made snack time something to look forward to! The variety of snacks you provided has been a huge hit, giving the students the energy they need to stay focused and engaged (and they are very happy to have a break from the usual graham crackers!).","fullyFundedDate":1771683447811,"projectUrl":"project/refresh-our-supplies-a-little-of-this-a/10106346/","projectTitle":"Refresh Our Supplies: A Little of This and That","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calbero's Honeybees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5113040_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525122284830","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a10honeybees"},{"teacherId":9694382,"projectId":10108307,"letterContent":"Thank you, Hawaii State Department of Education, for the generous donation that provided SEL conversation cubes, carpet for our whole-class meetings, a color printer, emotional regulation cards, and printer ink. Your support has made a measurable difference in our classroom community, social-emotional learning routines, and daily interactions.\r\n\r\nWith the new carpet, we now gather as a whole class in a comfortable, consistent space each morning. Students sit together in a circle, which encourages eye contact, respectful turn-taking, and a sense of belonging. The carpet has helped reduce distractions and created a reliable cue that it is time to connect and focus. This shift has noticeably increased student participation and improved the tone of our classroom community at the start of each day.\r\n\r\nHaving a reliable color printer and new ink has allowed us to create engaging, student-centered materials on demand. We print visual anchors, emotion charts, personal reflection sheets, and group agreement posters in full color. These materials are more inviting and easier for students to use, especially for visual learners and multilingual learners who benefit from clear icons and color cues. The printer also supports quick preparation of role-play scripts and problem-solving scenarios that enrich SEL lessons.\r\n\r\nThe emotional regulation cards are displayed in a visible classroom area and used during moments of stress or transition. Students use the cards to identify their feelings and choose calming strategies, such as deep breathing, counting, or taking a quiet corner break. This common language for emotions has led to fewer escalations and quicker returns to learning. Students have begun to self-advocate using the cards, which builds independence and reduces the time teachers spend on redirection.\r\n\r\nWe are forever grateful for you and your support.","fullyFundedDate":1771695486760,"projectUrl":"project/gathering-our-thoughts-a-community-circ/10108307/","projectTitle":"Gathering our Thoughts: A Community Circle for Connection","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maria Wise","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9694382_orig.jpg?crop=1217,1217,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725003844181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9694382"},{"teacherId":5798797,"projectId":10055900,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your continued help and support. It is only with the support of Donors Chose and donors like you that we continue to provide our students with the school they deserve. With the lack of funding in our schools today, it is up to teachers to find new and creative ways to get students the supplies and incentives they need to encourage them to learn day in and day out. I do a fair share of supplying the classroom using my personal funds, but the cost of living in Hawaii is high and on the rise. Supplying my class using my personal funds is not sustainable. Therefore, your support helps immensely! Thank you very much!","fullyFundedDate":1771447590878,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-learning/10055900/","projectTitle":"Essentials for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. KAAI","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5798797_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535528271741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kanoelaniart"},{"teacherId":11950,"projectId":10128861,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our kindergarten classroom. The calming tools and organizational materials from our project have already become an important part of our daily routine.\r\n\r\nThe weighted sloth has been a huge hit with the kindergarteners. During difficult moments, students seek it out to help keep their bodies calm, centered, and safe. The gentle weight provides comfort and security, helping students regulate emotions so they can return to learning ready to participate.\r\n\r\nThe liquid motion bubbler timer has also become a favorite calming tool. Students are mesmerized by the slow movement of the colorful bubbles as they move up and down. Watching the colors and motion helps students focus their feelings, slow their breathing, and reset their minds during overwhelming moments.\r\n\r\nThe hanging folders have helped me tremendously with organizing differentiated activities, student work, and assessments throughout the year. Having materials organized and accessible allows me to better meet each student's individual academic and emotional needs.\r\n\r\nThe breathing koala, sensory fidgets, and calming visuals have given students concrete strategies to practice self-regulation and independence. These tools are helping my students learn that big feelings are okay and that there are safe, positive ways to calm their bodies and minds.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom is becoming a place where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you for investing in both the emotional well-being and academic success of our kindergarteners.","fullyFundedDate":1772647219740,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-feelings-skills-a-calming/10128861/","projectTitle":"Building Big Feelings Skills: A Calming Corner for Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dennis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp11950_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524112795646","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sarah-dennis"},{"teacherId":5366157,"projectId":10107303,"letterContent":"I wanted to share a heartfelt thank you for your incredible generosity. Because of your support, our after-school tutoring program has been transformed into a hands-on culinary lab where math and life skills truly come to life.\r\n\r\nFrom Paper to Plates\r\nThe excitement was electric when the students first saw the boxes of new materials. Seeing their eyes light up at the professional-grade cutting boards and colorful measuring tools was a highlight of my year. One student whispered, \"Are we actually allowed to use these?\" It was a powerful moment of realization for them—they weren't just reading about cooking anymore; they were becoming chefs.\r\n\r\nMath in Action\r\nWe recently put our new resources to work during a banana parfait project. It was fascinating to watch the students use their safety knives to carefully dice bananas and strawberries while navigating the world of fractions.\r\n\r\nPrecision: Students used measuring cups to ensure the ratios were perfect.\r\n\r\nCalculations: They used addition and multiplication to scale the recipes so there was enough for everyone in the group.\r\n\r\nCollaboration: Beyond the math, they learned the vital skill of communication, delegating tasks to follow the recipe steps in the correct order.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next for Our Chefs?\r\nOur journey is just beginning! Now that the students have mastered basic knife safety and simple measurements, our next step is to tackle complexity and cost. In our upcoming sessions, students will begin researching the cost of ingredients to create a \"Budget Brunch.\" They will apply their math skills to see how much a single serving costs versus the whole meal, all while continuing to build the confidence that comes with creating something delicious from scratch.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to succeed, both in the kitchen and in the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1771658245625,"projectUrl":"project/masterchef-makaha/10107303/","projectTitle":"MasterChef Makaha","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kodama","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5366157"},{"teacherId":2933139,"projectId":10025973,"letterContent":"The new phonics resources have made a huge difference for my 2nd and 3rd-grade students as they build confidence in reading. Every day, students use the phonics kits during small-group instruction to practice decoding words, building words with sound-spelling patterns, and reading connected text. One special moment happened when a struggling reader successfully read an entire decodable passage independently for the first time. The smile on his face and the cheers from his classmates reminded us all how powerful these tools are.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were excited and eager to participate. Many of my students learn best through hands-on activities, so having engaging phonics tools immediately increased motivation and participation during lessons. Students especially love building words, practicing spelling patterns, and using the materials during partner activities and games.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are focused on helping students become more fluent and confident readers. We are continuing to work on vowel teams, multisyllabic words, spelling patterns, and reading comprehension skills through structured literacy lessons. These resources are helping students strengthen the foundational reading skills they need to succeed across all subject areas. Thank you for helping make reading more accessible, engaging, and joyful for our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1775008519607,"projectUrl":"project/reading-chance/10025973/","projectTitle":"Reading Chance","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gumm","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2933139_orig.jpg?crop=1008,1008,x0,y73&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1624006146257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2933139"},{"teacherId":9966940,"projectId":10104802,"letterContent":"We sincerely appreciate your kind contributions of snacks and interactive activities, which are playing a vital role in enhancing student attendance. The donated snacks and activities are being utilized during \"lunch bunches\" to improve student attendance. Students earn lunch sessions with friends by demonstrating attendance progress, during which they engage in board games and discuss the importance of being at school. Additionally, snack incentives provided by donors serve as motivational check-in tools throughout the week to encourage consistent attendance progression.\r\n\r\nThe students focused on attendance improvement were excited by the new engagement activities, which offered more variety and promoted group participation with more classmates. They were also excited about the snack incentives provided by donors to motivate their efforts towards better school attendance.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for students will focus on establishing positive routines, such as maintaining consistent sleep schedules, reducing screen time before bed, and ensuring punctual arrival at school, to sustain their progress into the next academic year.\r\n\r\nI want to reiterate my deepest thanks for your kind support. Your contribution is playing a vital role as our students work toward better school attendance and overall academic achievement.","fullyFundedDate":1771765298688,"projectUrl":"project/amazing-attendance-apprentices/10104802/","projectTitle":"Amazing Attendance Apprentices!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966940"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50800","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":409,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":40,"percentMultiracialImputed":12,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"8.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":23.0,"schoolId":50800,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Makaha Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Makaha Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/makaha-elementary-school/50800"}