{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pohakea Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9750780,"projectId":10110662,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of DonorsChoose supporters, my project \"Print to Learn\" was successfully funded. The toner cartridges have made a tremendous difference in our classroom by allowing me to consistently print instructional materials, visual supports, communication tools, and hands-on learning activities for my students.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher, many of my students rely on individualized materials such as visual schedules, token boards, adapted worksheets, and communication supports. Having reliable toner ensures that these essential resources are always available when students need them. The ability to print high-quality materials has helped increase student engagement, support independence, and provide meaningful access to learning opportunities throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping create a classroom where every child has the tools they need to succeed. Your support directly impacts their learning, growth, and daily educational experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1771772216421,"projectUrl":"project/print-to-learn-visuals-and-supports-for/10110662/","projectTitle":"Print to Learn: Visuals and Supports for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Balsley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9750780_orig.jpg?crop=1942,1942,x505,y514&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759798742592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9750780"},{"teacherId":7929618,"projectId":10105151,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your kindness, our students now have access to a color printer, electric pencil sharpener, and electric stapler that help make learning more efficient, engaging, and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nThe color printer allows us to create vibrant instructional materials that capture students' attention and support learning across all subjects. The electric pencil sharpener helps students stay focused on their work with less interruption, while the electric stapler makes organizing assignments and projects quick and easy.\r\n\r\nThese resources may seem simple, but they make a meaningful difference in our daily classroom routines and help create a positive learning environment where students can thrive. Your generosity directly supports our students' success, and we are truly grateful for your investment in their education.\r\n\r\nMahalo and thank you for making a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1771685876275,"projectUrl":"project/bright-tools-for-bright-minds/10105151/","projectTitle":"Bright Tools for Bright Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lakalo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7929618_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y69&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741972306447","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7929618"},{"teacherId":8821867,"projectId":8065278,"letterContent":"There is a profound difference between a classroom that is merely integrated and one that is truly inclusive. Inclusion means ensuring that every student, regardless of their communication style or learning profile, has immediate, equitable access to the curriculum. In our third-grade inclusion classroom—which is home to a beautiful, diverse group of students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and non-verbal learners—equity often comes down to the tangible resources we can put directly into their hands. Your incredibly generous donation of a classroom printer has not just added a piece of technology to our room; it has fundamentally transformed how my students access, process, and engage with their education every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1700856235365,"projectUrl":"project/learning-isnt-black-and-white/8065278/","projectTitle":"Learning Isn't Black and White!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cherae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821867"},{"teacherId":5506226,"projectId":10103418,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations. I have enough wobble cushions for each student in my small groups. They love grabbing them and it helps them move around without tipping in their chairs. The folders, dry erase markers, and sheet protectors will help provide ongoing handwriting practice. The grips will help my students hold the pencils correctly. We have used the timers to time fluency passages. We use the dry erase markers and erasers during dictation. These resources will help build foundational skills that are needed for my reading class.","fullyFundedDate":1771456809283,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-writing-foundational-skills/10103418/","projectTitle":"Reading and Writing Foundational Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nacapuy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5506226"},{"teacherId":7697488,"projectId":10067237,"letterContent":"The moment the donation boxes were opened, the classroom environment was instantly transformed by a collective wave of joy and gratitude. The excitement on my students' faces was truly unmistakable, characterized by wide eyes, bright smiles, and spontaneous cheers of appreciation. For many of these children, seeing such a substantial and thoughtful assortment of snacks brought an immediate sense of comfort and enthusiasm to the entire room. Since introducing these snacks, the positive shift in our learning environment. They are remaining deeply engaged in their lessons for longer durations, participating more actively in collaborative discussions, and approaching challenging tasks with a heightened level of confidence and resilience.\r\n\r\nThe reaction to the sensory fidget tools was equally positive and deeply impactful for our classroom dynamic. The students received these items with eager anticipation, carefully selecting the specific resources that best suited their individual preferences. Rather than serving as mere distractions, these items have functioned as vital, everyday tools for emotional and physical regulation.","fullyFundedDate":1774452955185,"projectUrl":"project/treasures-and-more/10067237/","projectTitle":"Treasures and More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ancheta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7697488"},{"teacherId":9967730,"projectId":10110331,"letterContent":"Building Confidence and Independence through Steeplecourse Games has been a huge success! The kids are engaged in the process of selecting the obstacles and designing the courses. The smiles and laughs shared as they set up the obstacles and cheer each other on while trying to negotiate the courses is a joyful reminder of how fun learning can and should be. \r\n\r\nAllowing the kids opportunities to build and change the courses also led to some heartwarming interactions. A teacher had set up a vertical hoop on the foundation brick, which required the kids to make a high, long step over the brick or to step up and over the brick to get through the hoop, but one kiddo was struggling to coordinate the movement. A friend walked over and tilted the brick and hoop to the side so it remained steadily upright which allowed the first student to step over the lip of the hoop to walk through successfully. Such a simple interaction that reflected the skills of observation, spatial awareness, problem solving, confidence, team work, and compassion and transformed a potential failure of one student into a success for the whole group.\r\n\r\nThis wonderful development is just one example of the learning and growth made possible because this project was brought to life by your generous donations. Children learn through movement and experience. We appreciate all that you have done to bring to life opportunities for our children to grow and develop.","fullyFundedDate":1771772782666,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-and-independence-thr/10110331/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence and Independence through Steeplecourse Games","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967730"},{"teacherId":7697488,"projectId":10104532,"letterContent":"Having these fresh supplies ready to go completely eliminated that daily morning rush of hunting for working tools, and they instantly took so much pride in claiming their own notebooks to map out projects and doodle their ideas. Their eyes totally lit up when they saw the treasure chest goodies—which they already know are for celebrating hard work and kindness—and a few students even proudly volunteered to be our daily \"safety captains\" with the new sanitizing wipes. It was such a beautiful moment that left everyone feeling motivated and cared for.\r\n\r\nThis boost came at the absolute perfect time, as keeping everyone focused during these final weeks of the school year is always a bit of a marathon. These supplies are giving us the exact energy we need to finish strong. On a daily basis, the pens, markers, and notebooks provide the physical tools necessary for them to document their growth and express their creativity without frustration. To keep our momentum high, those treasure chest rewards serve as vital positive reinforcement for their hard work and kindness. Finally, the sanitizing wipes are the unsung heroes that keep our workspace healthy and safe, reducing absences so we can stay together as a community. Your support ensures my students have the \"fuel\" and the \"tools\" they need to finish this school year stronger than they started. We appreciate you more than words can say!","fullyFundedDate":1771716353829,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-the-halfway-mark-gear-for-the-fi/10104532/","projectTitle":"Beyond the Halfway Mark: Gear for the Finish Line","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ancheta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7697488"},{"teacherId":8822325,"projectId":10107170,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donation of classroom supplies. All items have been utilized and have created a much more enjoyable experience when completing projects. Students were very excited to see all the items that were purchased. The affirmation stamps helped both students and parents know when work was completed and if it was checked. The corner cutters helped make projects more presentable and polished. Students were excited for those! Lastly the chart paper helps daily as we are able to display our learnings in a larger way. Students are able to see the charts from their desk and are able to refer back to it. We thank you again for you very generous donation and all items are greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1771640617718,"projectUrl":"project/foundational-classroom-supplies-to-be-su/10107170/","projectTitle":"Foundational Classroom Supplies to Be Successful!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cabebe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8822325"},{"teacherId":9974370,"projectId":10105208,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in providing additional volume of reading texts for our Arts & Letters ELA program. Your support has a direct and profound impact on our classroom library and, more importantly, on the hearts and minds of my third graders.\r\n\r\nWe are currently immersed in Grade 3, Module 3, focusing on the complex and moving experiences of immigrants. These supplemental books are essential tools that allow my students to build deeper knowledge beyond our core curriculum. They are helping our class explore the difficult \"why\" behind immigration—why families choose to leave their homes—while also discovering the beautiful ways objects and \"keepsakes\" hold onto memories and meaning.\r\n\r\nThe students have been particularly captivated by two titles that have sparked deep classroom discussions:\r\n\r\nThe Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border (Stephen Briseño & Magdalena Mora): Through the eyes of Noemi and her mama, my students are witnessing the reality of fleeing a home in Mexico. Following the \"notebook keeper\" has taught our class the invaluable roles that kindness and hope play in the face of uncertainty.\r\n\r\nLailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story (Reem Faruqi & Lea Lyon): This story has been a wonderful bridge for my students to understand the immigrant experience of balancing two worlds. Watching Lailah navigate her first Ramadan in the United States while missing her friends in Abu Dhabi has encouraged my students to think about how they can build connections and celebrate diverse cultures in our own school.\r\n\r\nBecause of these texts, we aren't just reading; we are growing as scholars. These books provide the perfect canvas for us to apply the skills we practice daily, including:\r\n\r\nAnalyzing Story Elements: Identifying characters, settings, and plot shifts.\r\n\r\nLanguage Use: Exploring how authors use specific words to evoke emotion.\r\n\r\nCentral Ideas: Synthesizing the bigger picture of the human experience.\r\n\r\nCommunication: Utilizing speaking and listening skills during peer discussions.\r\n\r\nNarrative Writing: Using these stories as mentor texts for our own writing pieces.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a vital part of our learning journey. By putting these books in my students' hands, you are helping them develop not just as readers, but as empathetic global citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1771595876011,"projectUrl":"project/turn-up-the-volume-building-stronger-pi/10105208/","projectTitle":"Turn Up the Volume: Building Stronger Pilina (Connection) Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Muraoka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9974370"},{"teacherId":3087879,"projectId":10104989,"letterContent":"This project was PACKED with essentials that my students needed to close out the year! From folders, to tape, to extra glue sticks (these are always used so fast), to highlighters and expo pens, this restock was so necessary. We have been hard at work to finish this year on a high note and these supplies have been helping us to reach for our highest potential. There's even a few supplies (like those red pens) that have been helping me out to make sure that I have the supplies I need to best teach each of my students. We are all so grateful for the contribution to our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1771537302378,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-finish-the-year-strong/10104989/","projectTitle":"Help Us Finish the Year STRONG!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stern","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3087879_orig.png?crop=452,452,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665011253596","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sdesilva"},{"teacherId":8821867,"projectId":9772929,"letterContent":"For many students in an inclusion setting—particularly those with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders—sitting still in a hard plastic chair is an exhausting cognitive task. When a student's body is uncomfortable, their brain spends its \"bandwidth\" on physical regulation rather than the lesson.\r\n\r\nProprioceptive Input: Items like wobble stools, standing desks, or therapy balls allow for \"micro-movements.\" This subtle physical engagement provides the brain with the sensory input it craves, actually increasing the student's ability to focus on the teacher.\r\n\r\nTactile Comfort: For students with high anxiety or emotional regulation needs, soft seating like bean bags or floor mats creates a \"low-pressure\" environment. A soft space can act as a de-escalation tool, allowing a student to remain in the room and engaged with the community even when they feel overwhelmed.","fullyFundedDate":1759199104993,"projectUrl":"project/seats-supplies-and-success/9772929/","projectTitle":"Seats, Supplies, and Success~","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cherae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821867"},{"teacherId":8821867,"projectId":8216212,"letterContent":"Many of our learners are \"visual thinkers.\" They struggle to process purely auditory instructions or dense blocks of text. With the ability to print in high-resolution color, we now create Visual Schedules and First-Then boards that provide a predictable structure for students with autism. We can print real-world photographs to build background knowledge for English Language Learners and vivid diagrams that help ADHD students anchor their focus. Seeing a complex scientific process in bright, clear color on their own desk—rather than squinting at a distant whiteboard—makes the difference between a student feeling \"lost\" and feeling \"included.\"","fullyFundedDate":1708135523336,"projectUrl":"project/seeing-is-believing/8216212/","projectTitle":"Seeing is Believing!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cherae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8821867"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50811","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":493,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":56,"percentAsian":33,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":19,"percentMultiracialImputed":25,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.9,"schoolId":50811,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pohakea Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pohakea Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/pohakea-elementary-school/50811"}