{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Nanaikapono Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":51.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8837911,"projectId":9770817,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for supporting this project and helping create a learning space that honors Hawaiian culture, movement, and music. The new carpet squares are now part of our daily learning routines during hula noho, instrument playing, singing, and storytelling. Each student has a clear and respectful space to learn, which has made a noticeable difference in how focused and comfortable they feel. One special moment that stands out happened during a hula noho practice, when students were learning a mele connected to Hawaiʻi. With their own spaces, students were able to sit with intention, follow the motions, and use the instruments safely. The energy in the room felt calm, connected, and full of aloha, as students performed as one ʻohana.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the carpet squares, they were excited to find their spot and one student said, \"Ooh, colors like the rainbow, Kumu!\" They were respectful in finding their space and using instruments safely. It really made a difference with having their own comfortable carpet pieces! It was a simple but powerful moment that showed how much they appreciated this gift and they were ready to ENGAGE in learning!\r\n\r\nOur next steps build directly on this foundation as students continue learning new mele, hula noho, and stories connected to Hawaiian values and our unique place. Students will begin preparing for the end of the year performances at our schoolʻs May Day Program. We will continue to use these carpet pieces as part of our storytelling, as well. Because of your support, my students are learning in harmony—strengthening their focus, respect, build confidence and sense of ʻohana in our Papa ʻIke Hawaiʻi.","fullyFundedDate":1761139599804,"projectUrl":"project/seats-of-aloha-creating-space-for-hula/9770817/","projectTitle":"Seats of Aloha: Creating Space for Hula and Song","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Paogofie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8837911"},{"teacherId":8363576,"projectId":9777910,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom! Your thoughtful donations of snacks, sheet protectors, folders, magnetic neon lined sentence strips, magnet clips and other essential supplies have made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students. Every item you've given has helped create a more supportive, engaging, and nurturing learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you provided are especially appreciated, as many of my students come to school hungry. Having nutritious options readily available helps them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. The magnetic neon sentence strips have been a wonderful tool for helping to differentiate instruction for my students and making learning more accessible to them. The folders and other classroom supplies ensure that every student can participate fully, stay organized, and feel prepared each day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness reminds us that we are not alone—there are people who believe in the power of education and care deeply about our keiki. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making such a lasting impact on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1759503060974,"projectUrl":"project/clean-start-to-learning-ready-to-lead-t/9777910/","projectTitle":"Clean Start to Learning, Ready to Lead Tomorrow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8363576"},{"teacherId":8837911,"projectId":9778055,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for helping bring this project to life for my students. Because of you, our classroom now feels even more like a place where children are encouraged to explore, create, and learn together in joyful and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new building materials, science tools, and games in our Hawaiian Studies class. One moment that truly captured the impact of this project happened during our first building challenge using the Magna-Tiles and KEVA planks as Hale Builders. Students worked in small groups to design structure(s) to replicate hale building with focus on the purpose of their hale. I watched students pause, talk through their ideas, listen to one another, and adjust their designs together. During their work time, I walked around the classroom posing questions to the groups to explain their design and purpose. In one particular group, they added more to their design as they reflected on different parts of the ahupuaʻa system and wanted to capture that in their design. One student said, \"We canʻt forget about how the water gets to the loʻi,\" and they continued to fine tune the surrounding areas of their structure. That moment showed exactly what we are growing in our classroom—pilina, cooperation, and confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, I heard alot of the students say, \"Ooohhhh\" and they were smiling ear to ear. I set up the materials in stations and reminded students they would be able to use all the materials during the class block. Some were drawn right away to the Magna-Tiles and KEVA planks and began asking what kinds of structures they would be able to design. Others gathered around the Snap Circuits, while some went straight to the cooperative and strategy games! Students were ready to ENGAGE in learning. For the microscope station, students took turns and supported one another, reminding each other to be careful and patient. It was so awesome how using these materials encouraged curiosity, teamwork, and responsibility.\r\n\r\nOur next steps connect directly to our current classroom learning in Papa ʻIke Hawaiʻi. Students will be observing our school gardens and campus, sketch what they notice, and design small models that show how structures, plants, and people work together in a community. They will use the building sets to design models, the science kits to investigate materials and insects we find on campus, and the cooperative and strategy games to continue strengthening how we work and learn together.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are strengthening their relationships, practicing being kind, safe, and responsible, and growing as confident problem solvers and observers. Mahalo for giving our haumāna tools that support joy, curiosity, and aloha in their everyday learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759497236652,"projectUrl":"project/pani-pilina-building-connections-thro/9778055/","projectTitle":"Pāʻani Pilina: Building Connections Through Play and Discovery","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Paogofie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8837911"},{"teacherId":10296164,"projectId":9782280,"letterContent":"I sincerely apologize for the delay in sharing this update. Over winter break, I unexpectedly moved classrooms, and things have been a bit all over the place as I worked to get everything settled. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your generosity and support. Because of you, math has become something my students genuinely look forward to each day. With the Apple Pencil, Apple TV, drawing tablet, and height-adjustable standing desk, lessons are more interactive, visual, and exciting. Students love watching ideas come to life on the screen as problems are drawn and explained step by step, and many say it helps math finally make sense.\r\n\r\nThe joy and confidence this technology has brought into our classroom has been truly amazing to see. Students who were once hesitant to participate are now eager to ask questions, share their thinking, and celebrate their progress. Our classroom feels more inclusive, energized, and joyful—and that is all because of you. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping create learning experiences that they will remember and benefit from long after this year.","fullyFundedDate":1759609122299,"projectUrl":"project/math-in-motion-creating-a-cohesive-lear/9782280/","projectTitle":"Math in Motion: Creating a Cohesive Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gose","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10296164"},{"teacherId":3193686,"projectId":9772933,"letterContent":"Mahalo for your generous donation that helped provide fidget tools for our class. My students have been excited to select different tools daily to help them remain focused while doing independent work. \r\n\r\nIn addition to having fidget tools available in our class, we were able to share with the four other second-grade classes at the school and donate some to our iReady reward program. All of the students are appreciative of having these and use them throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWe have had to review how to use the tools appropriately, but all students are now enjoying using them and ask for one daily.","fullyFundedDate":1759425524108,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-free-class/9772933/","projectTitle":"Wiggle-Free Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hadley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3193686"},{"teacherId":4251186,"projectId":9774223,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, our classroom has become an even more engaging and motivating place for students. The Nintendo Switch 2 and Donkey Kong Banana Mania are being used intentionally as tools to support learning, teamwork, and positive behavior. While many donors may think of gaming as something used only at home, in our classroom this technology helps students practice problem-solving, persistence, and collaboration in a structured and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is that learning and effort are being celebrated. They are highly motivated by the opportunity to earn time with the game through completing assignments, demonstrating positive behavior, and showing growth. Donkey Kong Banana Mania challenges students to think strategically, try again after failure, and support one another — all skills that directly transfer to academics, especially reading and writing.\r\n\r\nSome students who typically struggle with motivation or confidence have especially warmed to this technology. Students who are often quiet or hesitant in class have found new ways to participate, encourage peers, and take leadership roles. Others who struggle to stay engaged are now more focused during lessons because they are working toward a shared goal. Attendance and effort have improved because students feel excited to be part of a positive classroom community.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project has helped students feel seen, valued, and successful. Your generosity has brought joy, motivation, and meaningful learning experiences into our classroom, and the impact will be felt long after the game is turned off. Thank you for making this possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1759410027553,"projectUrl":"project/switching-on-student-motivation/9774223/","projectTitle":"Switching On Student Motivation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4251186_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1485838000379","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msigesclass"},{"teacherId":9967059,"projectId":9777997,"letterContent":"Please accept my deepest and most sincere thanks for your truly extraordinary donation of an iPad, pencil, iPad Case and screen protector to our students in Grade 3 through 5. I am genuinely overwhelmed by your generosity and your belief in our students' potential.\r\n This donation represents a monumental expansion of student opportunity. For some of our learners, this was their very first time holding and using an iPad. The excitement in my learning group was palpable; seeing their faces light up as they engaged in hands-on learning was a moment I will never forget.\r\n Your support has had an immediate and profound impact on their daily education:\r\n - Closing the Digital Divide: By providing 1:1 access, you have ensured that no student is left behind. Every child now has a level playing field to develop the digital literacy required for their future.\r\n - Enhanced Online Learning: These devices allow students to dive deep into interactive programs where they receive personalized instruction tailored exactly to their level.\r\n - Hands-On Engagement: The iPad transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences. Whether they are on programs, creating digital art, or researching projects, they are no longer passive observers, they are active creators.\r\n Your support immediately closed the gap, ensuring our young learners have modern tools necessary to thrive. Thank you for being the bridge that connects our students to the world of possibility.","fullyFundedDate":1759500824083,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-tomorrows-learners-through-1/9777997/","projectTitle":"Empowering Tomorrow's Learners Through 1:1 iPad Integration Gr 3-5","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dacuycuy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967059"},{"teacherId":8824283,"projectId":9778307,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for providing these essential sensory and visual supports for my students. When the boxes arrived, my students were curious and excited to see the new materials. For medically fragile learners, having specific tactile and visual tools isn't just an \"extra\"—it's their primary way of connecting with the world around them.\r\n\r\nWe have already started using the new resources during our daily morning meeting. One student, who often struggles to stay engaged, was captivated by the new visual aids, reaching out to interact with them. These materials are helping my students find their voice and participate in lessons that were previously difficult for them to access. We are now moving into a new unit on environmental sounds, and these tools will be the bridge that helps them understand and communicate what they hear. Thank you for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1759549270938,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-visual-learning-supports-for-m/9778307/","projectTitle":"Sensory & Visual Learning Supports for Medically Fragile Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Souza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8824283"},{"teacherId":8819233,"projectId":9781947,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Snack Attack: Fuel for Learning!\" Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful impact in our classroom. We use the snacks not only to help students stay focused and energized during learning, but also as a positive incentive system. Students are encouraged to work toward our General Learner Outcomes, such as being responsible, respectful, and motivated learners, and to complete homework assignments in order to earn ʻIō Iki tickets. These tickets can then be used to purchase snacks during our Fun Fridays, which has been a powerful motivator for students to set goals and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the snacks, their reactions were full of excitement and gratitude. Many students were eager to learn how they could earn tickets and immediately began discussing ways they could improve their behavior, effort, and responsibility. One memorable moment was during a reading lesson when students pushed themselves to stay focused and engaged, knowing their hard work would pay off. The snacks quickly became a symbol of encouragement, support, and shared classroom responsibility.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, your support continues to fuel our next steps in learning. Students are currently working on strengthening reading comprehension, writing, and problem-solving skills across subjects. With the added motivation of our snack incentive system, students are more engaged in meeting learning goals, completing homework, and demonstrating positive behaviors aligned with our classroom expectations. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your generosity and for helping our students grow academically and personally.","fullyFundedDate":1759600929614,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack-fuel-for-learning/9781947/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack: Fuel for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Randolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8819233_orig.jpg?crop=2880,2880,x0,y268&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696440745231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8819233"},{"teacherId":7798313,"projectId":9780512,"letterContent":"Since receiving the new resources, they have become an essential part of our classroom, supporting students both academically and socially. Snacks and small incentives help students stay motivated and focused, especially during challenging parts of the day, while also reinforcing positive behavior and effort. The play equipment provides healthy opportunities for students to release energy, build friendships, and practice cooperation and problem-solving. One of the most meaningful parts of this project has been our school garden, where students take pride in caring for plants they helped grow. The garden edging has helped protect their hard work and strengthened their sense of ownership and responsibility. When the materials first arrived, students were excited, curious, and proud, knowing that others cared enough to support their learning and well-being. That excitement has carried over to increased engagement and a stronger sense of community. Moving forward, students will continue to tend the garden as a hands-on learning space, utilizing snacks, incentives, and play resources to support focus, motivation, and social growth. Thanks to our donors, students feel cared for, inspired, and proud of their school, setting them up for success both academically and socially.","fullyFundedDate":1759551906939,"projectUrl":"project/growing-healthy-minds-strong-bodies-an/9780512/","projectTitle":"Growing Healthy Minds, Strong Bodies, and a Beautiful School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rarallo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7798313_orig.jpg?crop=2152,2152,x933,y1480&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706665926617","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7798313"},{"teacherId":9804615,"projectId":9777945,"letterContent":"With your donation, you provided my students not only amazing books, but you have provided the opportunityfor my students to love reading!\r\nWith the books that we received, my students are able to enjoy books that are not only their reading level but are new which brings out the curiosity. \r\nStudents are able to pick a book that interest then when other work is finished. Every morning, part of our classroom routine is for students to complete morning independentreading time. \r\nAnd the best part is that my students are now talking to their peers about what they are reading about.","fullyFundedDate":1759459882095,"projectUrl":"project/reading-to-be-a-kinder-me/9777945/","projectTitle":"Reading to Be a Kinder Me!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. T","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9804615_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729039077806","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9804615"},{"teacherId":3251180,"projectId":9771951,"letterContent":"The resources provided by your generosity have turned our non-fiction reading sessions into the highlight of the day. We are currently using these treats to incentivize our \"Deep Dive\" sessions, where students tackle complex academic articles that help bridge the gap between 6th-grade reading and higher-level comprehension. A specific moment that stands out was during a recent lesson on technology; students who previously struggled to stay engaged were laser-focused, dissecting the text to earn their reward. These snacks aren't just treats—they are tangible rewards for the mental stamina required to improve their reading lexiles.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the abundance of snacks being delivered to our classroom, the atmosphere was electric. Their faces lit up with a mix of thrill and genuine gratitude. There were audible gasps as they realized the sheer volume of materials provided by people they haven't even met. One student mentioned how \"cool\" it was that people cared enough about their reading to send these gifts. Seeing that level of support from the community made them feel seen and valued, creating a sense of excitement that has completely shifted their attitude toward challenging academic texts.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to keep this incredible momentum going as we move into even more rigorous non-fiction units. Now that the students have experienced the satisfaction of pairing a difficult article with a delicious reward, we plan to track our lexile growth over the coming weeks to see how their focus translates into data-driven success. We will be diving into a series of articles focused on science-related topics, and I am confident that with these incentives in place, my students will continue to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. Your support has laid the groundwork for a semester of improved literacy and newfound confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1759194790130,"projectUrl":"project/snackies-for-success-round-2/9771951/","projectTitle":"Snackies for Success Round 2!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Inoue","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3251180_orig.png?crop=212,212,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729550644106","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-inoue"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50804","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":688,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":48.2,"schoolId":50804,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Nanaikapono Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Nanaikapono Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/nanaikapono-elementary-school/50804"}
Join the 197 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Nanaikapono Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Waianae, Hawaii that is part of Leeward Oahu School District.
It serves 688 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.5:1.
Its teachers have had 184 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
27%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Nanaikapono Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 12, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Nanaikapono Elementary School
$136,408
raised using DonorsChoose
184
projects
funded
60
teachers
funded
197
donors
7
projects
for
basic supplies
41
projects for
technology
15
projects for
books
16
projects
for
art supplies
Nanaikapono Elementary School has received support from
95 individuals from Hawaii and
102 individuals out-of-state.