{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Maui Waena Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10294650,"projectId":10109110,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our \"Lyrical Resilience\" project. While many of you use technology daily, its application in our classroom serves as a vital bridge between complex classical literature and modern engagement. By using these tools, students are able to analyze the rhythm and subtext of Shakespearean sonnets alongside contemporary lyrics, making the language feel accessible rather than intimidating. This technology allows them to visualize the \"blocking\" and movement of scenes, transforming a difficult text into a dynamic, multi-sensory learning experience that deepens their overall comprehension.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect of these new resources for my students is the ability to become \"creators\" rather than just consumers. They are thrilled to use these products to map out character transformations and produce their own lyrical responses to the themes of resilience found in Romeo and Juliet. Seeing their own work displayed and edited through this technology has given them a sense of professional pride. It has turned our study of \"Lyrical Resilience\" into a hands-on workshop where they can see their ideas come to life in real-time, which has significantly boosted their enthusiasm for the unit.\r\n\r\nWe have seen several students particularly flourish with this new technology, especially those who previously struggled with traditional \"paper and pencil\" analysis. For instance, a few of my students who are typically quiet or hesitant to participate have completely warmed to these digital tools; they are now leading peer discussions and showing great confidence in their ability to translate 16th-century dialogue into modern meaning. The technology has provided a \"safe space\" for them to experiment with their voices and build the resilience needed to tackle high-level academic challenges. We are so grateful for your partnership in making this transformation possible!","fullyFundedDate":1771714848092,"projectUrl":"project/the-project-the-lyrical-resilience-po/10109110/","projectTitle":"The Project: The \"Lyrical Resilience\" Pop-Up Lounge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Labadan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294650"},{"teacherId":9547790,"projectId":10103184,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, my classroom has transformed into a vibrant, high-energy (yet surprisingly calm!) hub for my English Learners. Your support didn't just provide \"stuff\"; it provided the tangible proof my students needed to feel seen, nourished, and truly valued.\r\n\r\nThe Emotional Impact....\r\nWhen the packages arrived, the atmosphere was electric. But among the excitement of unboxing, there was a moment that truly stopped me in my tracks. As we were organizing the testing snacks, I overheard a student whisper to a friend:\r\n\r\n\"At least one teacher cares.\"\r\n\r\nThat simple, honest sentence perfectly captures the heart of this project. For my EL students, especially with high-stakes statewide testing approaching, these snacks are more than just food—they are a message. They tell my students that they have a community behind them, rooting for their success and making sure they aren't facing these challenges on an empty stomach.\r\n\r\nCreating a Sanctuary for Learning\r\nThe light covers were an immediate hit. As soon as they were installed, the harsh, flickering fluorescent glare was replaced by a soft, soothing glow. It instantly shifted the room from a standard institutional space to a community sanctuary. One student mentioned that the room finally felt \"peaceful,\" which is essential for students who are often navigating the stress of learning a second language while keeping up with their core subjects.\r\n\r\nBringing Lessons to Life\r\nWe are currently using the whiteboard supplies to turn our writing lessons into interactive, collaborative workshops:\r\n\r\nActive Engagement: Instead of being tethered to their desks with paper and pencils—which can feel permanent and intimidating—students are now on their feet.\r\n\r\nLow-Stakes Risk-Taking: Using whiteboards allows them to brainstorm, \"mess up,\" erase, and try again. This freedom is vital for language learners. They are moving around the room, trading boards, and collaborating with their peers in a way that is both fun and academically rigorous.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Students\r\nNow that we have established a calm environment and have the tools to stay fueled and focused, our next step is our \"Collaborative Storytelling\" unit.\r\n\r\nStudents will use their whiteboard kits to map out complex narrative arcs in small groups. By drafting their ideas on these boards first, they can visually organize their thoughts and get immediate feedback from me and their peers before moving to their final written pieces.\r\n\r\nYour contribution helped build the foundation of confidence they need to find their voices. Thank you for being the reason my students know that people truly care about their future.","fullyFundedDate":1771605982011,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-and-collaboration/10103184/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds and Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alonzo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9547790_orig.jpg?crop=2304,2304,x0,y453&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723875652940","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9547790"},{"teacherId":5275971,"projectId":10103082,"letterContent":"The addition of individual graphing whiteboards has fundamentally changed how my students engage with complex mathematical concepts. By providing a low-stakes, erasable surface, these boards have removed the \"fear of the permanent mistake\" that often hinders students when they begin learning to graph ratios and ordered pairs. When working with coordinates, students can quickly plot (x, y)points and instantly visualize the relationships between numbers; if a point is misplaced, a simple swipe allows them to correct it and move forward without frustration. This hands-on tool has been equally impactful for geometry, as students use the grids to construct precise geometric shapes, allowing them to see the literal space that perimeter and area occupy. The magnetic version of these boards serves as a vital anchor for the classroom, allowing me to model these movements at the front of the room in a way that perfectly mirrors the students' individual work, ensuring no one gets lost during the transition from theory to practice.\r\n\r\nIn a busy middle school environment where we serve multiple different classes each day, the gift of organization has been just as transformative as the academic tools. The new folder bins have streamlined our transitions, providing a dedicated and reliable \"home\" for each period's work. Instead of losing valuable instructional minutes to the \"paper shuffle,\" students can independently retrieve and file their work, which fosters a sense of professional responsibility and ownership over their learning. Furthermore, the new calculators have empowered my fifth and sixth graders to tackle high-level problem solving and ratio analysis without being stalled by long-form arithmetic. Together, these donations have created a structured, high-functioning environment where my students can focus entirely on being the \"magnificent\" thinkers and engineers I know them to be.","fullyFundedDate":1771602305497,"projectUrl":"project/coordinated-organization/10103082/","projectTitle":"Coordinated Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5275971_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729121041099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5275971"},{"teacherId":2691308,"projectId":10103407,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! It is because of supporters like you that my classroom feels less like a chaotic workspace and more like a true home for learning. The items you provided—from organizational items to the rugged floor mats—have made a world of difference in our daily routine.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, my students were buzzing with excitement. To be honest, I think they were most surprised that people they hadn't even met cared enough to send us \"presents.\" One student looked at the new heavy-duty floor mats and asked, \"Wait, so we don't have to worry about the mud from rainy days?\" Seeing their faces light up over things as simple as staplers and a new pencil sharpener was a beautiful reminder that a well-cared-for environment makes students feel truly valued.","fullyFundedDate":1771608387998,"projectUrl":"project/molecules-mud-creating-a-scientific-s/10103407/","projectTitle":"Molecules & Mud: Creating a Scientific Sanctuary","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Higa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2691308_orig.jpg?crop=1991,1991,x61,y1096&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666945083799","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2691308"},{"teacherId":10294430,"projectId":10106186,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our band program through DonorsChoose. Your generosity is making a direct and meaningful impact on my students every single day.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom will be better organized with new storage drawers and a label maker, helping students take responsibility for their materials and learn in a structured, efficient environment. The instrument repair supplies will allow us to keep our instruments in great playing condition, ensuring students can practice and perform with confidence. The new percussion instruments will also expand opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity, and ensemble participation.\r\n\r\nYour support does more than provide supplies — it creates access, builds confidence, and strengthens our music community. My 6th, 7th, and 8th grade band students are incredibly grateful for your investment in their education.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our program and in the power of music.","fullyFundedDate":1771638523246,"projectUrl":"project/band-room-supplies/10106186/","projectTitle":"Band Room Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Conaway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294430"},{"teacherId":10253144,"projectId":10107100,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, \"Essential Supplies for Everyday Achievement.\" Because of your generosity, my students now have access to important classroom materials such as sanitation supplies and classroom materials. These may seem like simple supplies, but they make a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment. Your kindness helps ensure that my students are prepared, comfortable, and ready to focus on their academic success each day.\r\n\r\nYour support not only provides essential tools but also shows my students that there are caring individuals who believe in their potential. Having these supplies readily available allows us to spend more time learning and less time worrying about what we may be missing. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for helping create a safe, organized, and productive space where every student can achieve their best.","fullyFundedDate":1771640686937,"projectUrl":"project/essential-supplies-for-everyday-achievem/10107100/","projectTitle":"Essential Supplies for Everyday Achievement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Verano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10253144"},{"teacherId":9342543,"projectId":9776807,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing healthy snacks for our classroom. Your kindness has had an immediate and meaningful impact on our students.\r\n\r\nWe are using the snacks daily to help students stay focused and energized, especially during intensive learning blocks and testing periods. Recently, during a small-group reading and writing project, I noticed a remarkable difference. Students who would typically struggle to maintain attention were engaged, participating in thoughtful discussions, and completing their work with confidence. Having access to nutritious snacks has helped eliminate distractions caused by hunger and allowed students to concentrate fully on their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the healthy snacks, their faces lit up with excitement. Many expressed gratitude right away, and a few even shared that they sometimes do not have snacks available at home. They felt cared for and supported, knowing that someone beyond our classroom believes in their success.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are beginning a collaborative research and writing project where students will work in teams to investigate real-world topics and present their findings. With your continued support through these resources, they will be able to stay nourished, focused, and ready to do their very best work.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has created more than just snack breaks — it has created comfort, stability, and readiness to learn. Thank you for investing in our students and for being an important part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1759449397143,"projectUrl":"project/cheers-to-healthy-snack-and-meals-equals/9776807/","projectTitle":"Cheers to Healthy Snack and Meals Equals Healthy Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Evans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342543"},{"teacherId":4628643,"projectId":9772774,"letterContent":"Because of you, our classroom feels alive with possibility.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, my students immediately gathered around with huge smiles and endless questions. The paint sets were opened first — one student quietly said, \"We are gonna have some much fun\" That moment alone reminded me why this project mattered. For many of my students, access to high-quality materials makes them feel valued and capable.\r\n\r\nWe began by using the sketching and paint materials to create an art piece that they leave with me as part of my wall of memories. Students reflected on personal challenges they've overcome and expressed those stories through art. I watched students who normally struggle to stay focused sit for nearly an hour blending colors and adding detail. One student who rarely participates proudly held up his painting and explained the meaning behind it to the class. That confidence was powerful.\r\n\r\nOur fruit seeds are now planted in our classroom garden space, and students take turns checking soil moisture and tracking growth in journals. They are learning responsibility, patience, and the science behind food production. There's something special about watching them care for something that will eventually nourish them.\r\n\r\nThe pull-up station has become a daily goal-setting hub. Students track personal fitness progress and encourage one another. What started as \"I can't do one\" has turned into students celebrating when they accomplish their first pull-up. It's building not just physical strength, but resilience and mental toughness.\r\n\r\nNext, we are combining everything into a cross-curricular project called \"Growing Strong.\" Students will design and build 3D plant markers, create botanical sketches of our growing fruit plants, track growth data, and reflect on how growth in the garden mirrors personal growth. We are also incorporating health lessons on nutrition and goal setting tied to our fitness station.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students aren't just completing assignments; they are creating, growing, problem-solving, and building confidence every day. Your generosity is helping shape a classroom where creativity and strength truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1759280718409,"projectUrl":"project/restocking-creativity-and-strength/9772774/","projectTitle":"Restocking Creativity and Strength","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sewpaul","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4628643_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646701764192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4628643"},{"teacherId":7938962,"projectId":9776759,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our sewing project! Because of your generosity, we now have a sewing cart, rulers, and fabric pens that have transformed our classroom experience.\r\n\r\nStudents have used these supplies to design and create projects like pillows and tote bags. Along the way, they've learned valuable skills such as measuring accurately, planning designs, and sewing with confidence. Many of them had never sewn before, and now they are proudly completing their own handmade creations.\r\n\r\nYour support has sparked creativity, built confidence, and made hands-on learning possible. We are so grateful for your investment in our students!","fullyFundedDate":1759451775405,"projectUrl":"project/a-sew-good-time/9776759/","projectTitle":"A Sew Good Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Terawaki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938962"},{"teacherId":10294650,"projectId":9777736,"letterContent":"Your generous contribution to the Persuasive Policy Pitch: Text-to-Legislation project has profoundly enhanced our 8th-grade ELA curriculum, transitioning students from passive literacy to active academic synthesis. By providing the resources necessary for multi-modal expression, you have enabled these dynamic learners to bridge the gap between abstract literary concepts and concrete, actionable legislative ideas. The use of kinetic tools like the Super Sticky Easel Pads and specialized markers has transformed thematic analysis into a sophisticated, collaborative brainstorm, while the inclusion of tone-analysis stamps and real-time drafting whiteboards has fostered a high-engagement environment rooted in rigorous critical thinking.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your support is most visible in the professionalization of our classroom discourse. The integration of a digital timer has instilled a crucial sense of conciseness during \"Policy Pitches,\" while the acquisition of a printer and laminating machine has allowed students to transform their research into durable, high-quality Policy Briefs. These artifacts, now displayed as a permanent gallery of academic achievement, serve as a testament to their mastery of persuasive writing and public speaking. We are deeply grateful for your investment in fostering both the literary excellence and the civic responsibility of our future leaders.","fullyFundedDate":1759468846428,"projectUrl":"project/project-persuasive-policy-pitch-text-t/9777736/","projectTitle":"Project: Persuasive Policy Pitch: Text-to-Legislation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Labadan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294650"},{"teacherId":9968921,"projectId":9777733,"letterContent":"Mahalo to your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a hands-on engineering lab where students are currently using the new kits to design and test structural braces against simulated seismic waves. The students were absolutely thrilled when the materials arrived, with many shouting in excitement as they realized they could finally move their sketches from the page to real-life 3D models. Our next step is a \"Final Shake Challenge,\" where teams will compete to see whose tower can withstand the highest magnitude while supporting the most weight.","fullyFundedDate":1759458255852,"projectUrl":"project/earthquake-proofing-the-tower/9777733/","projectTitle":"Earthquake-Proofing the Tower","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carvajal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9968921_orig.jpg?crop=2883,2883,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741916701811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9968921"},{"teacherId":9338017,"projectId":9772121,"letterContent":"Aloha,\r\nI want to extend a heartfelt mahalo for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom! Thank you so much for your generosity and support in helping me achieve my goal of providing comfortable alternative seating in my classroom and all the other items that will help create a positive classroom environment. My students will be thrilled and I can't wait for them to use the new seating.\r\nI've found that offering students a more comfortable environment in which to work is often all they need to help them focus, so I decided to include a few alternate seating types in my class. I was able to add some, but found that a few more would help. Adding a new wiggle seat and one more beanbag gives us a little more variety and allows for everyone to choose their preferred seat. \r\n Your kindness will impact our classroom for many years to come, helping us to be fully prepared and focused on what truly matters—our students' learning.\r\nThank you once again for your support. You are making a meaningful impact, not just in our classroom but across our school. We're so grateful to have such caring friends in our community!","fullyFundedDate":1759312099804,"projectUrl":"project/making-it-positive/9772121/","projectTitle":"Making it Positive!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Heck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338017"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54829","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1015,"numTeachers":71,"percentFrplEligible":50,"percentAsian":44,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":54829,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Maui Waena Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Maui Waena Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/maui-waena-intermediate-school/54829"}