{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ka'a'awa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9924792,"projectId":9507842,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a big mahalo for your donation of hands-on math materials, organization supplies, and the visual clock is having in my classroom. The new materials have boosted engagement in math; students are no longer just listening, they are problem solving and discovering concepts. Leaning with more senses really does make more sense. Those moments of discovery and confidence are happening because of your generosity.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academics, the classroom/ organizational supplies and the visual clock have created a calmer, more conducive environment for learning. A predictable and organized space helps my students stay focused, manage transitions, and feel secure in the classroom routine. Thank you so much for investing directly in their success and well-being. Your support truly empowers our students to be more confident and engaged learners every day.","fullyFundedDate":1756066596056,"projectUrl":"project/learning-with-more-senses-makes-more-sen/9507842/","projectTitle":"Learning with More Senses Makes More Sense!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Starr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-domingo"},{"teacherId":7936713,"projectId":9324913,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a huge thank you! Thanks to your amazing support, our classroom writing has totally changed for the better. You helped us get some awesome tools—like those cool Frixon pens, the Lakeshore Writing Center materials, and other great resources—and my students are already tackling writing in a whole new way. I know many of you use advanced tech, but in the classroom, the simpler tools often have the biggest impact. The Frixon pens are like a superpower! They let students erase mistakes without any mess, which immediately lowers the anxiety around editing. This freedom has been invaluable, especially for students who struggle or are still learning English. This confidence boost, along with the ability to create differentiated assignments, means every student is finally getting work that's just right for them and helping them feel truly successful.\r\nThe energy and excitement in the classroom is huge! When I ask the kids, they're obsessed with the new green pencil sharpener—seriously, they all want to sharpen their pencils now! But for me, the most exciting part is seeing even the most reluctant writers pick up a pen and get their ideas down. Because these tools make the writing process feel \"doable,\" they're finally overcoming their biggest hangups. We've also seen a boost in collaboration thanks to the jumbo cards, which make grouping up for activities less of a chore and more of a fun game. It's inspiring to see them actively engaging with the work.\r\nWe've seen some incredible personal growth, too, specifically with students who used to find writing stressful. Students who were always the last to start writing assignments are now diving right in. They especially rely on the structure provided by the Lakeshore Writing Center and the helpful, tailored differentiated writing resources bought from Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). These materials break down big writing tasks into clear, manageable steps, which has given them the confidence to tackle longer, more complex pieces. Thank you, thank you, for providing the resources that are helping my students find their voice and experience success every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1754419441725,"projectUrl":"project/the-write-tools-for-2nd-grade-pens-pro/9324913/","projectTitle":"The Write Tools for 2nd Grade: Pens, Prompts, and Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7936713_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x19,y41&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627854768531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936713"},{"teacherId":9924792,"projectId":9701216,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a huge, heartfelt thank you on behalf of all the students in our class! Your incredible generosity in supporting our project was absolutely amazing. Seriously, you didn't just send supplies; you transformed our learning space into a place that's way more fun, engaging, and welcoming for everyone. Seeing the graphic organizer sleeves, math manipulatives, wobble cushions, and chair bands arrive was a huge lift, and the kids are already putting them to work!\r\n\r\nThe new materials are making an impact in two simple, yet powerful ways: they help us focus better and understand hard stuff easier.\r\n\r\nMaking Focus Fun with Flexible Seating\r\n\r\nWe all know that kids can't learn sitting perfectly still; they learn by doing and by moving! The wobble cushions and chair bands are a total game-changer for focus, especially for our kinesthetic learners who need a little movement to concentrate.\r\n\r\nThe cushions let them subtly shift and engage their core, keeping their bodies busy so their minds can stay locked on the lesson. The chair bands are a quiet, handy outlet for extra energy in their legs. By meeting this basic physical need for movement, we're seeing less fidgeting, less anxiety, and fewer distractions. That extra-focused attention means they're learning better and remembering more—they're truly present and ready to go, and that's a huge win for learning retention.\r\n\r\nTools for Deeper Thinking and Organization\r\n\r\nThe second batch of materials is directly supporting how our students tackle abstract ideas and complex thinking.\r\n\r\nThe graphic organizer sleeves are super simple but absolutely brilliant! We actually repurposed clear menu covers to create these heavy-duty, reusable pockets. Students can use dry-erase markers to plan their essays, map out science experiments, or break down massive, multi-step problems over and over, wiping them clean when they're done. Inside these sleeves, we keep 6 different organizers, which includes visual math references, available, giving students a choice of framework whenever they need it. If a student struggles with organization or executive function, these sleeves reduce that scary 'blank page' feeling and give them a clear framework to follow. They're a fantastic scaffold that helps students internalize the process, turning them into much stronger, independent thinkers in the long run.\r\n\r\nAnd, of course, the math manipulatives! Math can be really tough when it's just symbols on a page, especially when we hit big ideas like number sense and mental math. Specifically, the 100-bead Rekenreks are brilliant! These hands-on tools let the kids actually hold the math. By sliding the beads, they can physically explore, test, and prove mathematical ideas like addition, subtraction, and making ten. This concrete interaction is vital because it prevents them from just memorizing rules and instead helps them build a strong, deep, conceptual understanding of why the math works, especially for building number fluency. That foundation is absolutely critical for all their future math success!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for believing in our students and the power of an inclusive, engaging, and hands-on learning environment. Your generosity is a direct, positive investment in their bright futures. We can't wait to show you all the amazing things they accomplish this year—all thanks to you!","fullyFundedDate":1757963258354,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-learning/9701216/","projectTitle":"Flexible Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Starr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-domingo"},{"teacherId":7938643,"projectId":9168238,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our sincerest gratitude for your generous contributions to our classroom project! Thanks to your support, students benefitted from a wealth of new supplies designed to foster a more organized, engaging, and supportive learning environment. The folders, pencil sharpener, reusable zipper bags, and chair pockets were instrumental in helping students keep their materials tidy and accessible, promoting independence and reducing classroom clutter. They were especially excited about the magnetic picture frames and doodle boards, which undoubtedly spark creativity and provide wonderful opportunities for students to showcase their hard work and express themselves without the waste of Expo pens.\r\nYour thoughtful donations extended beyond just tangible items; they directly contributed to a more positive and productive atmosphere for every student. The essential oils you've provided created a calming and focused space, truly making our classroom a haven for learning and growth. We are so grateful for your belief in our students and our mission to provide them with the best possible educational experience. Thank you for being such an vital part of their success and for making a tangible difference in their daily school lives.","fullyFundedDate":1742165391827,"projectUrl":"project/the-empowered-student/9168238/","projectTitle":"The Empowered Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rillamas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938643"},{"teacherId":7938636,"projectId":9208667,"letterContent":"Our hearts are full as we extend our heartfelt thanks for your incredibly generous donation to our classroom project! Your support made it possible for my students to embark on an engaging journey through American history and geography.\r\n\r\nThanks to the social studies worksheets you helped us acquire from Teachers Pay Teachers, my students were able to meet key academic standards by exploring the 50 states and gaining a deeper understanding of Native American cultures. We read about the diverse regions of the past and learned about the lives of the indigenous peoples who lived there. This foundational knowledge then allowed them to successfully identify these regions in present-day America, pinpointing the locations of current states.\r\n\r\nThese resources were invaluable in bridging the gap between historical context and contemporary understanding. My students now have a much stronger grasp of where current states are situated and the historical presence of Native American communities in those regions. Thank you again for empowering our students with these essential learning experiences. Your kindness has made a tangible difference!","fullyFundedDate":1747175062530,"projectUrl":"project/empower-my-5th-graders-bring-social-stu/9208667/","projectTitle":"Empower My 5th Graders: Bring Social Studies to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938636"},{"teacherId":7932825,"projectId":9161675,"letterContent":"My students and I appreciate all of the learning materials provided for our classroom that made learning exciting!\r\nThe corrugated cardboard box cutters are a game changer for creativity. We will be able to use them for so much going forward including science, art, and math. Such a simple tool can be used to create hands on learning experiences that make a much more profound impact than a hypothetical problem on a paper. \r\nThe students also loved getting new PE equipment. They even made up their own games with the supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1742136120951,"projectUrl":"project/bare-necessities/9161675/","projectTitle":"Bare Necessities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lurbe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7932825"},{"teacherId":7936713,"projectId":9167084,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your incredible generosity in supporting our \"Elevate Math: Building Number Ninjas!\" project. The arrival of the materials was a truly special occasion for my students. When the boxes arrived, their eyes widened with curiosity. I told them these were tools to help them become Math Ninjas, and their guesses about what was inside filled the room with excited chatter. The unveiling of the portable slant whiteboards, floor tables, homework folders, base ten blocks, hundreds chart, speaker, and chart paper sparked pure joy. They were absolutely ecstatic to see and touch everything, immediately understanding that these resources would make learning math more engaging and accessible. The flexibility of having different workspaces and individualized manipulatives has been a game-changer. They recognize that these items were a significant investment, fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging them to collaborate respectfully within their groups.\r\nWe've already put these wonderful resources to great use! Recently, we embarked on a project focused on building number sense using the base ten blocks and hundreds charts. I divided the students into small groups, and with their portable whiteboards and floor tables, they could spread out and work comfortably. One particularly heartwarming moment occurred when a student who often struggles with place value confidently explained to their group how to represent a three-digit number using the base ten blocks. The hands-on nature of the materials, combined with the ability to work collaboratively, allowed them to solidify their understanding in a way that traditional worksheets couldn't. The room buzzed with mathematical discussions as they helped each other, demonstrating the power of these tools in fostering both learning and connection.\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue to build upon this foundation of number sense. Our next step involves using the hundreds charts to explore patterns in addition and subtraction, and the whiteboards will be invaluable for students to visually represent their thinking and strategies. The speaker will allow us to incorporate math songs and rhymes to make learning even more interactive and fun. Your contribution has not only provided us with valuable tools but has also ignited a new level of enthusiasm and engagement in our math lessons. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making such a remarkable difference in the learning journey of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1742082114262,"projectUrl":"project/elevate-math-building-number-ninjas/9167084/","projectTitle":"Elevate Math: Building Number Ninjas!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7936713_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x19,y41&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627854768531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936713"},{"teacherId":9924792,"projectId":9115319,"letterContent":"Mahalo Nui for your incredible support of my DonorsChoose project! As a new teacher, establishing a stimulating and effective learning environment for my students felt like a significant hurdle. Thanks to your kindness, I now have some math manipulatives that will bring abstract concepts to life through hands-on exploration. The reading tools you provided will make literacy lessons more engaging and accessible for all learners, fostering a love for reading from the very beginning. The basic classroom supplies, which may seem small, are truly appreciated as they have contributed to creating a functional and organized classroom, allowing me to focus on what matters most: teaching.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has already begun to make a difference in our classroom. I've seen students' make better connections as they use the base ten blocks to understand place value and I see their excitement as they practice blending sounds with fun phonics card sets. These resources are not just materials; they are tools that empower my students to become active participants in their learning journey. They create opportunities for deeper understanding, collaboration, and a genuine enthusiasm for education.\r\n\r\nKnowing that there are people like you who believe in the power of education and the potential of young learners is truly inspiring. Your generosity has provided me with the essential resources to build a strong foundation for my teaching career and, more importantly, to create a vibrant and engaging learning space where my students can thrive. Thank you for investing in my classroom and in the future success of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1739751578529,"projectUrl":"project/new-sped-teacher/9115319/","projectTitle":"New SPED Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Starr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-domingo"},{"teacherId":7932825,"projectId":8955070,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations of magnetic algebra tiles, poster paper, and PE jerseys. These resources will make a significant difference in the learning experience for the students. The magnetic algebra tiles provided an effective hands-on, interactive way for students to explore and understand algebraic concepts, making abstract ideas more concrete and accessible. \r\nThe poster paper will be used in their upcoming family legacy projects where they will be able to showcase their research. \r\nThe new PE jerseys added an extra layer of excitement to our physical education activities. \r\nYour support in providing these essential materials is truly appreciated.\r\n\r\nYour contributions will directly impact our students' academic and physical development. The ability to manipulate algebra tiles, create visually engaging projects on poster paper, and participate in PE with appropriate attire fosters a more engaging and enriching learning environment. We are so thankful for your commitment to our students and your belief in the importance of providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Your generosity helps us create a more vibrant and supportive learning community, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in our mission.","fullyFundedDate":1732493116929,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulatives-and-posters/8955070/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulatives and Posters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lurbe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7932825"},{"teacherId":9808094,"projectId":8888990,"letterContent":"My class has loved the instruments you provided. We used them at Christmas time to keep the rythmn and the beat of some favorite Christmas tunes. \r\nRecently we had some bad weather and the power went out. With no electricity we were unable to do the.planned activity. We spend about an hour playing different instruments, singing different songs and of course sticking to the difference between rythmn and beat. \r\nMy students have so enjoyed using the instruments to express their joy of music.\r\nWe appreciate the chance you have given us by your generous gift.","fullyFundedDate":1729399982342,"projectUrl":"project/music-to-my-soul/8888990/","projectTitle":"Music to My Soul","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ana","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9808094"},{"teacherId":7938643,"projectId":8886550,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our book nook project! Your contributions have transformed a corner of our classroom into a cozy and inviting reading and collaboration space. My students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the new materials. Their faces lit up with excitement as they explored the comfortable seating, the soft rug, and the new, engaging books. They immediately gravitated towards the space, eager to curl up with a good book or work together on a project. It's truly made a difference in our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nWe're already putting the book nook to great use! Currently, my students are working on writing a book about kalo. They are preparing to share their learning with families and people in our community. They have been using the space to write and color posters for their presentation. It was wonderful to see them so engaged and enthusiastic about their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1729390016715,"projectUrl":"project/book-nook/8886550/","projectTitle":"Book Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rillamas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938643"},{"teacherId":7936713,"projectId":8884178,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my \"Beyond the Classroom\" project. My students absolutely love the supplies you generously provided: wobble chairs, independent workspace stations, and fidget chair bands. These items have become an integral part of our daily routine. We utilize them during small group instruction, independent work periods for reading, writing, and mathematics. My students particularly enjoy using the chair bands as they find them incredibly helpful in maintaining focus on the tasks at hand.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new equipment, their excitement was palpable. They were eager to try everything out and have since demonstrated a remarkable level of care for these valuable resources. They understand that these items were not inexpensive and recognize the privilege of using them. This awareness has instilled a sense of responsibility within them, encouraging them to work diligently and respectfully within their groups.\r\n\r\nRecently, we hosted a \"Kupuna Day\" where grandparents were invited to share their wisdom with the class. My students thoughtfully planned a special station where they could invite their grandparents to sit at the independent workspace stations and enjoy reading together. This heartwarming experience showcased the positive impact these resources have on fostering meaningful connections and creating a welcoming learning environment.\r\n\r\nWe will continue to utilize these flexible seating options to cultivate stronger relationships among students, encourage collaborative learning, and provide opportunities for focused independent work. I have already observed a significant improvement in student focus and on-task behavior since incorporating these new resources into our classroom.\r\n\r\nMahalo again for your generous support of the \"Beyond the Classroom\" project. Your contributions have made a truly remarkable difference in my students' learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1729352960348,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-the-traditional-classroom/8884178/","projectTitle":"Beyond the Traditional Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7936713_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x19,y41&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627854768531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936713"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50929","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":129,"numTeachers":9,"percentFrplEligible":38,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.0,"schoolId":50929,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ka'a'awa Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ka'a'awa Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/windward-school-district/ka-a-awa-elementary-school/50929"}