{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Makaha Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":77.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10087921,"projectId":9495366,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful difference in my students' speech and language sessions by creating a more structured, motivating, and emotionally supportive learning environment. The visual timers help students clearly understand how long they are expected to work and when it will be time to play or return to class. This has reduced anxiety, increased focus, and supported emotional regulation—especially for students who struggle with transitions or time concepts.\r\nThe stickers have been a powerful motivator and positive reinforcement for hard work and communication attempts, encouraging students to try, participate, and stay engaged. In addition, the organizers and storage bins have improved access to books and materials, allowing sessions to run more smoothly and helping students independently choose activities. Together, these tools have increased motivation, organization, and confidence, making speech therapy a more positive and successful experience for my Title I students.","fullyFundedDate":1756149348013,"projectUrl":"project/fill-in-speech-and-therapy-room/9495366/","projectTitle":"Fill in Speech and Therapy Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10087921_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753150174369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/playtalklearn"},{"teacherId":10087921,"projectId":9730166,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students now have meaningful access to communication in ways that were not possible before. The iPad is being used with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) apps that allow students who are non-speaking or minimally speaking to express their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas. In the classroom and during speech therapy sessions, students use the iPad to make choices, request items, answer questions, and participate in routines and learning activities alongside their peers. The low-tech voice output buttons are especially helpful for early communicators, allowing them to press a button to produce a recorded word or phrase such as \"help,\" \"my turn,\" or \"all done,\" giving them an immediate and empowering voice.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is that *their actions now produce real communication*. They are motivated by hearing a clear voice speak for them and seeing adults and peers respond right away. The technology is interactive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, which makes learning feel fun rather than frustrating. Even students who were hesitant to communicate before are now eager to participate, take turns, and explore language through play and daily classroom routines.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my preschool and lower elementary students have especially flourished with this technology. Students who previously relied on gestures, crying, or withdrawing are now independently requesting, commenting, and initiating interactions. One student who rarely engaged during group activities now presses a voice button to greet peers, while another confidently uses the iPad to make choices during lessons. These tools have not only supported language development, but have also increased confidence, independence, and social connection. Thank you for giving my students a voice and helping them feel heard every day.","fullyFundedDate":1759268566782,"projectUrl":"project/voices-for-keiki-ipads-for-communicatio/9730166/","projectTitle":"Voices for Keiki: iPads for Communication","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10087921_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753150174369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/playtalklearn"},{"teacherId":11950,"projectId":9424044,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that made our Balloons Across Broadway parade such a memorable experience for our students! Because of your support, our class was able to bring the story to life using balloons, balloon sticks, a balloon pump, and a speaker that allowed us to play music as we proudly paraded around the school.\r\n\r\nAfter reading Balloons Over Broadway, students designed and created their own balloon creations, just like the character in the book. The excitement on their faces as they walked through the school, sharing their work with other students and staff, was truly priceless. The music added an extra layer of joy and helped turn this learning experience into a celebration of creativity, confidence, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nYour donation helped make learning hands-on, engaging, and meaningful. Our students felt proud to showcase their work and loved seeing how a story can come alive beyond the classroom. Thank you for helping create such a joyful and unforgettable learning experience for our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1756337170342,"projectUrl":"project/bring-the-magic-of-balloons-over-broadwa/9424044/","projectTitle":"Bring the Magic of Balloons Over Broadway to Life!","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":8360368,"projectId":9776587,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of student incentives. Your support is already making a meaningful impact—our students are truly excited and motivated to earn enough HERO points to redeem some of the amazing prizes you've helped provide.\r\nBecause of you, positive behavior is being celebrated in a fun and engaging way. Your contribution not only rewards students for making great choices, but also encourages a culture of kindness, responsibility, and hard work throughout our school community.\r\nWe are sincerely grateful for your partnership and generosity. Thank you for helping our students shine!","fullyFundedDate":1759457510971,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-for-great-work-and-good-behav/9776587/","projectTitle":"Motivation for Great Work and Good Behavior","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8360368"},{"teacherId":5113040,"projectId":9773664,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our sincere gratitude for your donation of a child-sized couch through DonorsChoose!\r\n\r\nOpening the box was fun because the children couldn't figure out what could be so large. The children are so eager to use it. They love being chosen to sit on the \"special couch\" when they are working on quiet tasks like reading, writing, or on their ipad. It provides a cozy, comfortable space that makes their work feel like a privilege.\r\n\r\nWe truly want to thank you for helping us to create such a warm and engaging learning environment. Your generosity is appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1759607318908,"projectUrl":"project/just-one-comfy-couch/9773664/","projectTitle":"Just One Comfy Couch","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":6489788,"projectId":9784248,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations to my English Learner students. We had a successful multilingual family event where families came together and got to connect with teachers. They made a thankfulness craft with your donations, and started an at home reading program. Your snacks were a hit with the kids and helped make it an enjoyable event for everyone. \r\nFamilies worked together to make a paper mache mason jar. At home, they could write on strips of paper what they were thankful for and add it to the jar. This was especially appropriate, as the event was held in November. \r\nThank you for helping to make our multilingual families feel more welcomed on the school campus, which can feel especially daunting due to the language barrier.","fullyFundedDate":1759622728151,"projectUrl":"project/headsets-crafts-snacks-oh-my/9784248/","projectTitle":"Headsets, Crafts & Snacks, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sherick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6489788_orig.jpg?crop=435,435,x171,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1640841240331","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6489788"},{"teacherId":5113040,"projectId":9401040,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation of new art supplies and an organizing cart through DonorsChoose!\r\n\r\nThe children were so excited to see the materials arrive, and they have already put them to good use. They absolutely love doing arts and crafts and it has become one of their favorite activities! This new cart helps us keep everything neatly organized and easily accessible, which means less time searching and more time creating. The kids love to bring their creations home. \r\n\r\nWithout your help, I could not have afforded to bring these things to my classroom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.","fullyFundedDate":1755729799822,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-art/9401040/","projectTitle":"Organizing Art","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":11950,"projectId":9634747,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity is helping our kindergarten through second-grade students explore creativity, craftsmanship, and real-world problem-solving through hands-on art projects.\r\n\r\nThis year, our students have already enjoyed creating their own Christmas ornaments, learning to express themselves while developing fine motor skills, attention to detail, and design thinking. Soon, they will be moving on to an exciting new project: creating bobblehead animals using the pinch pot method. With your support, they will have access to essential materials like air-dry clay, paint, rollers, stamps, pens, sequins, and other decorative tools—everything they need to add detail, personalization, and creativity to their clay creations.\r\n\r\nThrough these activities, students are not only learning important art skills but also discovering how craftsmanship connects to real-world careers in industrial design, ceramics, product development, and architecture. They are practicing design thinking, following multi-step processes, and developing the precision and creativity that professionals in these fields value.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is making it possible for our students to create projects they can be proud of while building skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Thanks to your support, our young artists are gaining confidence, learning to problem-solve, and exploring pathways that could inspire their future careers.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for helping us bring the joy of hands-on learning and creativity to our students!","fullyFundedDate":1755974009094,"projectUrl":"project/creative-hands-bright-minds-pottery-pr/9634747/","projectTitle":"Creative Hands, Bright Minds: Pottery Projects for Young Artists","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":10205267,"projectId":9634286,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all these health and safety items for our class. Being in preschool it is very important that we maintain a healthy classroom as young keiki are being exposed to new germs and building their immune systems. All of these items have helped to keep my class functioning, for instance all the paper towels and soap have allowed keiki to learn proper hand washing procedures. As an educator, I am so grateful for all the help I can get to give my keiki the best educational experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1756174873369,"projectUrl":"project/basic-health-and-safety-preschool/9634286/","projectTitle":"Basic Health and Safety Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chloe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10205267_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755731313673","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10205267"},{"teacherId":6709949,"projectId":9646414,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support. Your contribution means more than you know. By providing paper towels and QuietSet tower fans, you are helping create a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable classroom for my students.\r\n\r\nIn a Title I school, even basic supplies can be hard to come by. Your kindness ensures that our students have what they need to stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn. The fans will bring much-needed relief on hot days, and the paper towels will help us keep our space clean and safe.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and giving them a learning environment where they can truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1756192672381,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-classroom-stay-clean-and-cool/9646414/","projectTitle":"Help Our Classroom Stay Clean and Cool!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Secretario-Klein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6709949_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689035569937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6709949"},{"teacherId":6709949,"projectId":9518472,"letterContent":"Here's a polished, heartfelt thank-you impact letter you can use:\r\n\r\n⸻\r\n\r\nDear Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom. Because of you, my 5th graders walk into a learning environment that feels more comfortable, more engaging, and more inspiring every single day.\r\n\r\nThe new wobble stools are already making a noticeable difference. Many of my students learn best when they can move, shift, or wiggle, and these stools give them the freedom to do that while still staying focused on their work. You've helped create a space where active learners can thrive rather than struggle.\r\n\r\nThe round floor cushions have quickly become a favorite addition. Whether students are participating in small-group discussions, joining a reading circle, or taking a quiet moment to reset, these cushions offer them choice and comfort. It's incredible how something as simple as flexible seating can empower students to take ownership of how they learn best.\r\n\r\nAnd the erasable gel pens—a huge hit! Writing suddenly feels less scary when mistakes can be fixed with a quick erase. These pens are boosting students' confidence, encouraging creativity, and making writing projects something they look forward to. The excitement on their faces as they use them says it all.","fullyFundedDate":1755765463361,"projectUrl":"project/a-more-engaging-classroom/9518472/","projectTitle":"A More Engaging Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Secretario-Klein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6709949_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689035569937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6709949"},{"teacherId":10050134,"projectId":9728139,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is feeling warmer, brighter, and more connected than ever. Because of your support, our students now have the resources they need to make our celebrations truly special and to transform our classroom into a welcoming community space.\r\n\r\nHow we're using the new resources\r\nThe holiday-themed supplies and classroom essentials you provided have already made a meaningful difference. During our first celebration with the new materials, students gathered on our refreshed carpet area to listen to a story and work on small crafts together. The decorations, supplies, and little surprises created an atmosphere filled with joy, belonging, and excitement.\r\n\r\nTheir first reaction\r\nWhen the items arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled. They pointed out colorful decorations, explored the new craft materials, and rushed to sit together in our updated carpet space. Their eyes lit up as they realized these special items were just for our class celebrations. For many of them, these little touches—treats, themed activities, and festive supplies—make school feel magical.\r\n\r\nWhat's next for us\r\nAs we continue moving through the school year, these materials will help us celebrate each holiday and milestone in ways that bring our class closer together. Our next project involves preparing for our upcoming seasonal celebration, where students will use the new supplies to create crafts, decorate our community space, and share special moments as a class family. These experiences support social-emotional learning, boost confidence, and give students the sense of being seen and valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create memories, joy, and a true sense of community in our classroom. Your generosity adds magic to our celebrations—and it means the world to my students and me.","fullyFundedDate":1759233656500,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-cheer-holiday-supplies-and-s/9728139/","projectTitle":"Classroom Cheer: Holiday Supplies and Surprises","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. V","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050134_orig.jpg?crop=1758,1758,x60,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749090252836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050134"}],"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","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"8.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":22.9,"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"}