{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Puu Kukui Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9804484,"projectId":9776474,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share the incredible impact your generous donation of art supplies, especially the clay, pottery tools, and paint, has had on the students in our Arts and Crafts Club! Your contribution has not only provided materials but has ignited a genuine passion for collaborative creativity and hands-on learning. Our students are currently immersed in an exciting project: shaping Christmas ornaments using the donated clay! This isn't just a fun holiday activity; it's a powerful lesson in teamwork, patience, and fine motor skill development. For this specific project, the students are working in small groups, sharing tools and techniques as they roll, cut, and mold the clay into stars, snowmen, trees, and gifts. This moment embodies our club's mission—they are using their creativity to spark joy and love into art, working together to bring their festive visions to life. \r\nThe moment the students started molding the clay they were excited. Many of our second and third graders hadn't worked with real modeling clay before, only simple playdough. They were fascinated by the texture and the way the clay could be shaped and smoothed permanently. This moment was a powerful reminder that tangible, high-quality resources directly boost student engagement and confidence.\r\nThe Christmas ornament project is just the beginning! Since your donation has allowed us to explore 3D art with such success, our next steps will focus on connecting this creative joy to our Leadership Day Goal.\r\nProject Continuation: The students will finish painting and glazing their ornaments.\r\nService Action: Following our club goal, we will package these handmade ornaments as gifts to our family or friends to show thanks and appreciation. \r\nLeadership Development: This will teach the students that the joy and love they put into their art can be a meaningful gift to others, demonstrating Initiative and Service, which are essential leadership qualities.\r\nYour support has made a genuine, hands-on difference, transforming our club into a vibrant hub of learning and artistic leadership!","fullyFundedDate":1759450339871,"projectUrl":"project/creative-inspiration-through-art/9776474/","projectTitle":"Creative Inspiration Through Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Caltagirone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9804484"},{"teacherId":4435386,"projectId":8070330,"letterContent":"Thank you for this donation that helped to provide my students with a calming corner for their social emotional regulation. My students have a safe place to go to regulate their feelings.\r\n\r\nOur students have fidget toys, a calming corner area, and materials. We appreciate your assistance with helping our growing learners with their social emotional support. It is important for our students to be able to regulate their emotions when they are upset, sad, overexcited, and also if they are students with disabilities.","fullyFundedDate":1701804501150,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-materials-for-an-inclus/8070330/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Materials for an Inclusion Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Robson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4435386_orig.jpg?crop=340,340,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627892386402","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4435386"},{"teacherId":7939886,"projectId":8880127,"letterContent":"Mahalo nui for your support of this project! Students were excited to receive the materials and begin creating their projects. We were able to teach students the technique of stamping and printing through this project. The students based their designs off of plants that we have on our campus.\r\n\r\nAfter printing their designs on towels, the students gave these finished products as gifts to their families for the holidays. All students were happy to share their work with their families! Thank you for helping our students find the joy and fun in creating a piece of art.","fullyFundedDate":1729129073884,"projectUrl":"project/motivational-and-art-filled-learning/8880127/","projectTitle":"Motivational and Art Filled Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miyamoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7939886"},{"teacherId":8034623,"projectId":9154162,"letterContent":"I wanted to thank you so much for making this happen for my students. Because of your generous donation, my students have been able to use the science kits to have hands-on projects to connect them to their learning. They have been able to better understand chemical reactions on a whole new level. They can see and explain why things are happening now, instead of just reading about it or watching it happen. They were able to see firsthand the reactions from start to finish and try different things to see what other reactions they could get. \r\n\r\nThank you for bringing that connection to my students and opening up a whole new world to them. This would not have been possible without you.","fullyFundedDate":1741700804941,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-project-based-learning/9154162/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Project Based Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeNisi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8034623"},{"teacherId":9363260,"projectId":9167987,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support of my classroom project. Thanks to your sponsorship, I was able to purchase flexible seating chairs, oil pastels, watercolor paper, modeling clay, and blank tablets to create a dedicated mental health space for my students.\r\nThese supplies will be instrumental in fostering a calming and creative environment where students can de-stress and express themselves. The flexible seating chairs will provide a comfortable and welcoming space for students who need a quiet moment. The oil pastels, watercolor paper, modeling clay, and blank tablets will offer a variety of creative outlets for self-expression, allowing students to process their emotions and thoughts in a healthy way.\r\nYour commitment to supporting mental health initiatives in the classroom is truly appreciated. You have made a tangible difference in the lives of my students, and I am so excited to see the positive impact these new resources will have.","fullyFundedDate":1742091811024,"projectUrl":"project/artistic-mental-health/9167987/","projectTitle":"Artistic Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kuwahara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9363260"},{"teacherId":8975098,"projectId":9154834,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my gratitude for your generous donation of a laminator, laminating pouches, and chair and desk gliders. Your thoughtfulness and support mean so much to our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe supplies arrived before the school year started, so I was able to use them right away. The students were excited to see their work on the walls, knowing they would be able to take them home later on. The chair and desk gliders were also a huge hit—the students couldn't believe how quietly and smoothly their chairs now move.\r\n\r\nThese new resources have already made a positive impact on our daily activities. We have been using the laminator to protect student work. Additionally, the gliders have transformed our classroom environment. The absence of screeching chairs has created a much calmer and more focused atmosphere, which has been especially beneficial during our small group reading and assessment sessions.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve continued use of the laminator to preserve and showcase student work. Your donation has not only provided us with essential tools but has also empowered my students to take pride in their work and contribute to our shared classroom space.","fullyFundedDate":1741722782708,"projectUrl":"project/calm-classroom-environment-for-creative/9154834/","projectTitle":"Calm Classroom Environment for Creative Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hondo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8975098"},{"teacherId":7810795,"projectId":9082195,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom project. Your donations have provided my students with incredible new resources that have made a huge impact on our learning environment. The new Big Joe Milano beanbag chair, the six Leaf Floor Seats, and the various art supplies have completely transformed our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students' faces lit up when they saw the new seating options. The beanbag chair is a favorite for our reading corner, and the Leaf Floor Seats are perfect for group activities and quiet reflection. We've been using the new seating to create a more flexible and comfortable learning space. It was amazing to see how the new furniture gave students a comfortable, inviting place to let their creativity shine.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made our classroom a more engaging and welcoming space for everyone. The students are so proud of their new artwork and the comfortable corners we've created. Our next project is to use the new cardstock paper to make thank you cards for each of you. The students are excited to share their gratitude and show off their artistic skills. Thank you again for making a difference in the lives of my students and for helping us create a classroom where we can all thrive","fullyFundedDate":1746785435681,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-flexible-learning-space-for-m/9082195/","projectTitle":"Creating a Flexible Learning Space for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7810795_orig.jpg?crop=1254,1254,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739253804713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7810795"},{"teacherId":9547790,"projectId":9154247,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of my classroom project. I wanted to share with you the incredible impact your donation had on my fourth-grade students. Your choice to fund our project didn't just provide us with materials; it created a year full of unforgettable moments.\r\n\r\nAs state testing approached, the stress in the classroom was palpable. The many snacks we were able to provide kept my students energized and focused, helping them push through those long days. It was a simple thing, but it made a world of difference.\r\n\r\nOnce testing was over, the fun really began. The \"Decorate Your 4th Grade Hat Day\" was a huge hit! Students loved personalizing their hats, creating a special keepsake to remember their time in my class. This project not only sparked their creativity but also gave them a fun way to celebrate their accomplishments at the end of the year.\r\n\r\nFinally, the organizing bins you funded have been a game-changer. My students helped me sort and organize materials for the next school year, learning valuable lessons about teamwork and responsibility in the process. It's so rewarding to see them take pride in helping prepare for the next group of students.\r\n\r\nYour donation touched the lives of my students in so many ways. The snacks, the hats, and the organizing bins all contributed to a truly special and memorable year for them. Thank you for helping me make this past year so successful and so much fun.","fullyFundedDate":1741701278012,"projectUrl":"project/the-essentials/9154247/","projectTitle":"The Essentials!","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":2022261,"projectId":9152144,"letterContent":"My students had an amazing time exploring creativity and different textiles, thanks to your donation of socks. The students used them to make snowmen to go with our winter theme. They were extremely excited and had so much fun being kids and just \"going for it\" with the art supplies!\r\n\r\nIn addition, the students were highly motivated to learn about the different states of matter when we made volcanoes and made them explode. Everyone had so much time designing their unique volcanoes and learning about physical and chemical reactions. We really appreciate all youʻve done to support our class!","fullyFundedDate":1741637031931,"projectUrl":"project/phenomenal-5th-graders/9152144/","projectTitle":"Phenomenal 5th Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thielk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2022261"},{"teacherId":7942184,"projectId":9157250,"letterContent":"I will always be forever grateful for the continued support from donors like you. We can never thank you enough. Each opportunity provides new ways to engage students in learning that allows them to explore, wonder and discover what makes them stronger, smarter and ready to level up. We like to go slow to go fast, making each moment count even when it's challenging or even boring.\r\n\r\nHaving new seating was a hit this time around. Some of our learners needs that opportunity to regulate their bodies and these pod chairs give them a quiet space to do that. Our manipulatives also gave them occupational tools to strengthen their fine motor skills and cooperative learning challenges that they loved. Mahalo nui, for always making it happen for our keiki.","fullyFundedDate":1742068310638,"projectUrl":"project/every-day-stronger/9157250/","projectTitle":"Every Day Stronger","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Calaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7942184_orig.png?crop=272,272,x40,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646691733956","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7942184"},{"teacherId":7942184,"projectId":8882794,"letterContent":"Thank you forever, for your generous donation our classroom and supporting the needs of our students' learning. They were so happy to have new pouches and whiteboards. As many items nowadays seem to be more disposable than durable and it's hard to keep supplies and tools for longer than a couple of years. Our pouches had broken zippers and our whiteboards were stained despite carefully managing the zipper and wiping them with soft cloths. The children are always excited to have fresh new supplies and it was great to see the frustration lift when they could write neatly again. \r\n\r\nThey also were excited to do more art and gardening and having the tools that we needed made it that much more exciting.","fullyFundedDate":1729338593460,"projectUrl":"project/journey-of-becoming/8882794/","projectTitle":"Journey of Becoming","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Calaro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7942184_orig.png?crop=272,272,x40,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646691733956","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7942184"},{"teacherId":7942320,"projectId":9155162,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these amazing resources! Thanks to your generation donation, our classroom has been truly blessed. First, students are appreciating the beautifully decorated bulletin boards. The Beachwood Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Rolls and colored pencil border rolls have really brought our classroom to life! Both students and teachers have expressed admiration about the way our room looks. They said our classroom gives off a happy vibe and makes students want to be there learning. \r\n\r\nIn addition, the sheet protectors have been super helpful in helping us keep things organized in binders, as well as posting work around the classroom. We are also making great use of the classroom supplies - pencils, gel pens, cardstock, Post-its, and correction tape. Finally, students are loving our newly replenished prize bin that has slime, cute stickers, stress balls, and motivational wristbands!\r\n\r\nAs for next steps, I plan to use the remaining bulletin board rolls and colored pencil border rolls to decorate some of the bulletin boards in our hallway. Students are in the process of making inspirational quote posters, so we plan to post these masterpieces outside our classroom to promote positivity and inspire others!\r\n\r\nThank you so much again for everything! We are forever grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1741771932124,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-positive-behaviors-growth/9155162/","projectTitle":"Encouraging Positive Behaviors, Growth, and Achievement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Matsushima","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7942320"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_105299","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":750,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":37,"percentAsian":21,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":54.8,"schoolId":105299,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Puu Kukui Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Puu Kukui Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/maui-school-district/pu-u-kukui-elementary-school/105299"}
Join the 168 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Puu Kukui Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Wailuku, Hawaii that is part of Maui School District.
It serves 750 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.4:1.
Its teachers have had 241 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
40%
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.
Puu Kukui Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Puu Kukui Elementary School
$180,048
raised using DonorsChoose
241
projects
funded
58
teachers
funded
168
donors
20
projects
for
basic supplies
30
projects for
technology
29
projects for
books
36
projects
for
art supplies
Puu Kukui Elementary School has received support from
92 individuals from Hawaii and
76 individuals out-of-state.