{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waianae Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":56.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8703224,"projectId":9852321,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui loa for your generous contributions to our classroom! Because of your support, our preschoolers have more opportunities to learn through hands-on exploration with our new light table, community helper costume set, and costume organizer—and the impact has been immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the light table to support our recent learning about the five senses—specifically, our sense of sight. During center time, students explored how light helps us see by placing translucent shapes, colored paddles, and layered materials on the table to observe how colors change, overlap, and shine through one another. In one memorable moment, a group of keiki began experimenting by stacking different colored tiles and excitedly noticing how new colors were created when the light passed through them. They called their discoveries \"magic colors\" and worked together to test different combinations, strengthening both their observation skills and their ability to make predictions.\r\n\r\nWhen we first introduced our new light table, many children gathered quietly around the light table and were completely engaged as they noticed the way the light made familiar objects look. This sparked thoughtful conversations about how our eyes help us notice details in the world around us, from the colors in nature to the people and places in our community.\r\n\r\nAlongside this, students have been using the community helper costumes during dramatic play to explore roles that rely on sight in their daily work, such as construction workers building construction sites, doctors checking patients, or police officers watching for danger. The costume organizer has helped students take responsibility for selecting and returning materials independently, encouraging mālama for our shared classroom resources.\r\n\r\nMahalo again for helping us bring meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities to our keiki!","fullyFundedDate":1765415473151,"projectUrl":"project/lets-imagine-create-and-shine/9852321/","projectTitle":"“Let’s Imagine, Create, and Shine!”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sunn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8703224_orig.png?crop=612,612,x54,y339&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700029982963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8703224"},{"teacherId":8703224,"projectId":9775525,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been able to deepen the ways we learn through creativity, language, and play. As an educator, it has always been important to create a learning environment that reflects who children are and inspires a love for learning. When the students first saw the new materials, they were so, so excited! There were wide eyes, big smiles, and an eagerness to jump right in and rip the packages open. \r\n\r\nWith these new resources, my students have been able to engage more intentionally in hands-on projects that explore our emotions, relationships, and sense of belonging. Most recently, we used the materials during a lesson focused on understanding aloha through our actions. Students worked together to role-play real-life scenarios where they could practice showing kindness, empathy, and care for one another—whether it was helping a friend clean up, taking turns, or using their words to express how they feel. These moments opened up meaningful conversations about what it means to care for ourselves, each other, and our classroom space.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to support our current focus on social-emotional learning and our ongoing exploration of what it means to live with aloha. Our next steps include incorporating the materials into small-group storytelling and cooperative play projects that allow students to practice emotional expression, conflict resolution, and teamwork. We are also beginning a classroom project centered on our five senses and how we experience the world around us—especially our connection to the land and ocean that sustain our Waiʻanae community.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact on how my students learn, grow, and connect. Mahalo for helping us create a classroom space where our keiki feel seen, valued, and inspired every day.","fullyFundedDate":1759430377833,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tiny-hands-to-explore-big-idea/9775525/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tiny Hands to Explore Big Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sunn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8703224_orig.png?crop=612,612,x54,y339&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700029982963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8703224"},{"teacherId":3685781,"projectId":9773163,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my students by providing funding for this project. Students were excited when they saw the new magnet tiles and lap desks. These materials are used daily to encourage students to participate in learning. \r\n\r\nStudents are using the magnet tiles and puzzles as breaks when they need it. The lap desks and school supplies are used daily to support small group learning. Students can sit more comfortably now on the carpet because of these materials. \r\n\r\nSnacks are always welcomed and helpful. Students are motivated by snacks and they enjoy them at recess. Without your generous support, these opportunities would not be possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759201442982,"projectUrl":"project/involved-in-your-learning/9773163/","projectTitle":"Involved in Your Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Medeiros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3685781_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687383811134","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hillstead"},{"teacherId":2576826,"projectId":9774112,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our project focused on the power of play. For our youngest learners, aged 3 to 5, the world is one big classroom, and your contributions are providing the essential tools they need to explore it. By funding everything from magnetic tiles and kinetic sand to sturdy board books for our social-emotional learning (SEL) circle times, you are directly supporting their physical, academic, and social-emotional development. These resources allow our children to build fine motor skills and curious minds in a way that feels natural and joyful to them.\r\n\r\nYour support also ensures our classroom remains a clean, organized, and inclusive environment. The addition of play space mats and storage containers helps our students learn to respect their boundaries and care for their shared space, while the class set of headphones allows for moments of focused, independent learning through audiobooks. Furthermore, providing daily essentials like snacks and sanitizing supplies ensures that our students' most basic needs are met so they can focus entirely on the important work of playing and growing together.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students are learning more than just their ABCs; they are learning how to work, play, and thrive alongside peers from all different backgrounds and needs. We are so grateful for your investment in these foundational years and for believing in the curiosity of our children.","fullyFundedDate":1759389042294,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play-in-prk/9774112/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play in PrK","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. C.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2576826_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1509471702409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/csensei"},{"teacherId":10091593,"projectId":9779425,"letterContent":"Your generosity provided materials that help my students with emotional regulation and helped create a calm, welcoming classroom environment. Fidgets, cozy corner supplies, and visual supports give children tools to manage big feelings so they can return to learning quickly and with greater confidence. These resources have reduced disruptions and made our classroom a safer, more focused place for everyone.\r\n\r\nI have also stocked our prize box with small rewards that motivate positive choices and celebrate growth. When students see their hard work recognized, they feel proud and are encouraged to keep trying. Thank you for helping me build a caring space where students feel supported emotionally and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1760281887631,"projectUrl":"project/my-calm-and-positive-classroom/9779425/","projectTitle":"My Calm and Positive Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Purcell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10091593"},{"teacherId":10091593,"projectId":9495986,"letterContent":"Your donations helped me set up my very first classroom and made an immediate, meaningful difference. Thanks to your support, we received snacks, basic supplies, and books that kept my students nourished and engaged throughout the year. Those everyday items removed barriers to learning so children could arrive ready to focus, participate, and grow.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our room became a calm, safe, and positive place where every student has the right materials and feels comfortable asking questions. Your gift fostered confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging — helping each child dive deeper into learning and build strong classroom community. Thank you for investing in these young learners; your impact will be felt for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1754511473272,"projectUrl":"project/my-first-ever-classroom/9495986/","projectTitle":"My FIRST EVER Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Purcell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10091593"},{"teacherId":8829490,"projectId":9782483,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for funding our project! It has been amazing to see the impact it has made in our classrooms!\r\n\r\nThe calming tools in Grades K-2 have been a wonderful addition to our cool down corners! The students were excited to see the new items. Teachers allow students to choose which calming tools they want to use and many of them have been using the caterpillars, mazes, liquid bubble timers and stretchy bands. The calming tools have helped students to relax, calm their bodies, and reset their minds when they are upset or when they need a quick break to help them regain focus.\r\n\r\nThank you for truly making a difference in our students emotional well being and learning throughout the day. We are very blessed and grateful for generous donors like you!","fullyFundedDate":1759608492614,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-and-bodies/9782483/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds and Bodies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hasegawa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8829490_orig.jpg?crop=763,764,x0,y68&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741683121476","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8829490"},{"teacherId":9912872,"projectId":9774339,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your very generous donations to my classroom! My students have enjoyed using the sensory items to help regulate their bodies and be ready for learning. The Dial soap makes sure we have clean hands and are not spreading yucky germs to one another. Students are enjoying using the puzzles, puppets and curtain in centers! Students are thrilled to have snacks available if needed and to earn for a reward! We all are so thankful to have tissues in our classroom to use as needed in the winter. \r\nMy students were so happy to see all the boxes that arrives after returning from fall break! The were ecstatic to see the new materials for our classroom! \r\n\r\nOur classroom is a healthier, happier and safer place to learn because of your donations. \r\n\r\nMahalo Nui Loa.","fullyFundedDate":1759446875807,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies-and-materials-needed/9774339/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies and Materials Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moynihan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9912872_orig.jpg?crop=320,320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749866943390","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9912872"},{"teacherId":8366534,"projectId":9780824,"letterContent":"Mahalo on behalf of myself and my students for your kindness to make this project possible. My students have gained access to meaningful materials to create their sensory kits and learn positive, effective, and meaningful ways to manage their emotions and practice self-regulation.\r\n\r\nUpon arrival, my students were in shock and excited for the materials we received and were instantly ready to begin using them and start building their kits. The excitement now continues daily and the gratitude and appreciation they've expressed has been amazing to see as well.","fullyFundedDate":1759586528172,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-tools-and-kits/9780824/","projectTitle":"Sensory Tools and Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mike Kukahiwa-Haruno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8366534"},{"teacherId":8496887,"projectId":9775055,"letterContent":"Myself and the students utilize the materials daily in the classroom. For example, lots of the old expo markers dried out so we had been replacing them with new markers. We also use the swiffer wipes every Friday to clean our floors. The snacks come in handy everyday. Its a great incentive for student to motivate participation and learning in my classroom. My students loved and are very grateful to see our station filled with yummy snacks and love to help keep our classroom clean! My next steps for my students is to use the materials donated daily. To stay organized, motivated that creates a welcoming learning environment for my students. Thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1759626246453,"projectUrl":"project/restock-of-incentives-essentials/9775055/","projectTitle":"Restock of Incentives & Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bingo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8496887"},{"teacherId":8828860,"projectId":9775442,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering sponsoring my classroom. Your willingness to support our students means a great deal and will have a lasting impact on their educational experiences. I am deeply grateful for the attention and care you are showing by exploring ways to partner with our classroom; your involvement signals a belief in the value of education and in the potential of each child we teach.\r\nSponsorship can take many forms—financial contributions, donations of materials, volunteer time, or sharing expertise—and each form makes a meaningful difference. Financial gifts allow us to purchase up-to-date supplies, classroom books, technology, and learning tools that directly enhance instruction. Physical donations, such as art supplies, manipulatives, and organizational materials, help create a well-resourced environment where students can focus on discovery and creativity. Volunteer time brings adults into the learning space who can support reading, lead small groups, help with projects, or assist in organizing events; these interactions enrich students' educational lives and broaden their horizons. Sharing expertise—whether through guest lessons, career talks, or workshops—exposes students to real-world connections and can inspire curiosity about future pathways.\r\nWhen a classroom receives sustained support, the effects ripple outward. Better materials and more varied experiences lead to stronger engagement, deeper learning, and higher confidence among students. For many children, enriched classroom activities can spark a lifelong love of learning. Small donations pooled with others' generosity can fund class-wide projects, field trips, or hands-on experiments that would otherwise be unattainable. These experiences not only teach academic content but also strengthen social skills, collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience. Students learn that their community believes in them, which positively influences motivation and behavior.\r\nYour support also helps the teacher be more effective. With adequate resources, the teacher can plan more creative and differentiated lessons, respond to diverse learning needs, and spend less time seeking or improvising materials. This leads to better use of instructional time and more meaningful feedback for students. When teachers feel supported by their community, it fosters professional satisfaction and sustainability in their work, benefiting current and future cohorts of students.\r\nTransparency and communication are important in any sponsorship relationship. I welcome questions and am happy to share how funds or materials are used, the impact on student learning, and any measurable outcomes we observe. Regular updates—through photos, student work samples, or brief reports—can keep sponsors connected to the classroom's progress and demonstrate the tangible benefits of their contributions. Of course, any form of support is respected and acknowledged in ways that align with school policies and sponsor preferences.\r\nUltimately, your generosity is deeply appreciated by both the students and myself. Whether you choose to contribute time, materials, expertise, or financial support, your involvement creates opportunities that help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we can create a learning environment where every student has the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. Thank you again for considering sponsorship of our classroom—your kindness and investment in education will leave a lasting and positive impression on the lives of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1759424514121,"projectUrl":"project/learn-earn/9775442/","projectTitle":"Learn & Earn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bernie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8828860_orig.jpg?crop=427,428,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689885823711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8828860"},{"teacherId":10080673,"projectId":9781872,"letterContent":"THe Nanakuli Waianae complex community homeless concerns liaisons send our greatest mahalo to you in funding and participating in blessing our homeless students. We had several ohana nights and ongoing incentive programs to ensure students experiencing unstable housing are able to remove barriers to their education. With the gifts you supplied our students faces were all smiling and gave them hope.\r\n\r\nMahalo again for being a part of these endeavors as we help our homeless students venture each days barriers and come closer to their goals of proper education.\r\n\r\nMany blessings,","fullyFundedDate":1759599230281,"projectUrl":"project/2025-academic-impact-inspiring-minds-p/9781872/","projectTitle":"2025 Academic IMPACT (Inspiring Minds, Promoting Achievement, Celebrating Together)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jeanna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10080673"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50812","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":407,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":43.9,"schoolId":50812,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waianae Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waianae Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/leeward-oahu-school-district/waianae-elementary-school/50812"}