{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kailua Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10401358,"projectId":10255268,"letterContent":"Your generosity is directly transforming our classroom into a vibrant space where creativity and organization go hand in hand. With the essential daily tools you've provided—such as colored markers, pencils, and sturdy binders—our students are equipped to take true ownership of their learning. Having these basic supplies readily available means no child has to worry about coming to class unprepared, allowing them to focus entirely on building strong study habits, keeping their work organized, and actively participating in every lesson.\r\n\r\nBeyond the fundamentals, the addition of rich art supplies like paint and sketch paper has unlocked a whole new world of self-expression for our young learners. Art is an incredible bridge for critical thinking, emotional processing, and storytelling. With these new materials, students are bringing abstract concepts to life, illustrating stories, and discovering artistic talents they didn't know they had. Seeing their eyes light up as they put paintbrush to paper is a daily reminder of how powerful creative freedom can be in an educational setting.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our students' potential. Your support does far more than just stock our shelves—it sends a powerful message to these children that their ideas matter and that a community of people is cheering them on. Because of your kindness, our students walk into class every day inspired, prepared, and ready to create something amazing.","fullyFundedDate":1785163627352,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-basics/10255268/","projectTitle":"Classroom Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gerger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10401358_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768067103495","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10401358"},{"teacherId":2393990,"projectId":9777525,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support for our classroom library. Your book donations have completely transformed our learning environment and given our students access to stories that spark their curiosity, imagination, and joy. Creating a vibrant reading space has always been a goal of mine, and your thoughtful contributions have made that vision a reality.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your gift was immediate and truly wonderful to witness. Books that once sat on wish lists are now traveling everywhere with our students—in fact, it has become a daily trend for kids to grab their new favorite reads and bring them along to lunch at the cafeteria. Seeing them so eager to dive into chapters between bites and share exciting plot twists with their friends across the table has brought so much energy and community to our school day.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, reading is no longer just a classroom assignment; it has become a favorite pastime. Our students are now choosing to spend a huge portion of their free time lost in pages, discovering new worlds, and building a genuine, lifelong love for books. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our classroom and in the bright futures of these young readers.","fullyFundedDate":1759455655573,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-and-more-books/9777525/","projectTitle":"Books, Books, and More Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Doane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2393990_orig.jpg?crop=775,775,x468,y667&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741979726072","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-doane"},{"teacherId":10258585,"projectId":10110889,"letterContent":"When my students first walked in and saw our updated classroom—with its cozy flexible seating, refreshed reading nooks, and beautifully organized resource stations—their eyes lit up with pure joy. They immediately settled into the new seating, eager to dive into their books and projects in a space that felt entirely theirs. Your generosity has transformed our classroom into a safe, comforting, and structured sanctuary. Having an environment that feels this warm and predictable gives my students the peace of mind they need to focus, take creative risks, and truly thrive every single day.\r\n\r\nThese new resources directly powered our recent project inspired by our title, Literal Literacy: Where Science Facts Meet Story Acts. Using our organized supply hubs, students researched real-world scientific topics—like ecosystems and weather patterns—and worked in small groups to transform those facts into creative narrative scripts. Thanks to your support, transition times were seamless, and students could gather their materials independently and settle into comfortable spots to write, illustrate, and collaborate.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our students are taking the next step in this lesson by practicing and sharing their scientific stories through peer readings and group presentations. Having a well-equipped and comforting space has given them incredible confidence to speak up, share their ideas, and celebrate their learning with one another. Thank you so much for caring about our classroom, believing in my students, and giving them a space where science and literacy can truly come to life!","fullyFundedDate":1771772864020,"projectUrl":"project/literal-literacy-where-science-facts-me/10110889/","projectTitle":"Literal Literacy: Where Science Facts Meet Story Acts.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kohtala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10258585"},{"teacherId":10401358,"projectId":10251152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, our room is now stocked with essential classroom basics, vibrant watercolor paints and supplies, and sturdy binders to help my students organize their work.\r\n\r\nHaving reliable basic supplies removes daily hurdles and allows us to dive right into learning without missing a beat. The binders are already making a huge difference in helping students build independence and take pride in keeping their work neatly organized. Plus, the watercolor supplies have unlocked a wonderful creative outlet for them—they love having hands-on opportunities to express themselves, explore new concepts visually, and add color to their daily lessons.\r\n\r\nYour generosity does so much more than just provide materials; it shows my students that there is a whole community of people cheering them on in their education.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a direct, positive impact on our daily learning environment. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1778019246575,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-next-year/10251152/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Next Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gerger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10401358_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768067103495","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10401358"},{"teacherId":10084756,"projectId":10117574,"letterContent":"Words cannot fully express how grateful my students and I are for your generous support of our classroom. Thanks to your kindness, my students were able to enjoy a daily treat after finishing their testing, which provided a much-needed boost during a stressful time. Your donations also ensured that my students stayed well-fed and energized throughout the rest of the school year. Having these essential supplies on hand allowed us to keep our learning environment clean, healthy, and organized every single day.\r\n\r\nBeyond meeting our physical needs, your generosity had a profound emotional impact on our classroom community. Having access to these resources allowed me to create a meaningful reward system that kept my students motivated, focused, and excited to learn. Seeing the joy on their faces each time they were recognized for their hard work was truly priceless. Your belief in our classroom made my students feel valued and supported, leaving a positive, lasting mark on our entire school year.","fullyFundedDate":1778012328150,"projectUrl":"project/6th-grade-successful-living-classroom/10117574/","projectTitle":"6th Grade Successful Living Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKenzie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084756"},{"teacherId":2393990,"projectId":10110059,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. Being a Title 1 School donations like these mean the world. With budget cuts across the state, we canʻt even afford paper towels or any classroom budget. Teachers are having to get more and more creative with how they get the things that the students need.\r\n\r\nThe phonics books that I purchased with the funds you generously donated are such a wonderful addition to our focused instruction on Phonics. The students love the books and they truly help them to learn to read. \r\n\r\nAgain, I am so grateful for your commitment to helping students thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1771733728513,"projectUrl":"project/developing-decoders/10110059/","projectTitle":"Developing Decoders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Doane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2393990_orig.jpg?crop=775,775,x468,y667&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741979726072","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-doane"},{"teacherId":9165770,"projectId":10108342,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in funding our project. The arrival of these resources has completely transformed our classroom energy. Having a dedicated, organized space with our new wooden bookshelf has turned our reading corner into a buzzing hub of excitement. My students were absolutely thrilled to unpack everything, and the immediate engagement across the room has been nothing short of inspiring.\r\n\r\nThe carefully curated selection of books has had a profound impact on my readers. Because the items accommodate varied reading levels, every single student was able to find a book that felt accessible, challenging, and personal to them without feeling left out. Seeing students confidently dive into the class sets of Odder and The Westing Game with their new headphones has leveled the playing field for my diverse learners, allowing everyone to participate fully in our literary community.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project truly special is how perfectly the content and subjects of these books connect to what we are already learning in class. By pairing these stories with our new math and geography puzzles, the rocket STEM kits, and the kitchen cooking utensils, my students are seeing abstract concepts come to life. They aren't just reading text on a page; they are building spatial awareness, practicing functional math through cooking, and connecting story themes to real-world science. Thank you for giving my students the tools to see that learning has no boundaries!","fullyFundedDate":1771695854237,"projectUrl":"project/the-literacy-lounge-life-skills-lab/10108342/","projectTitle":"The Literacy Lounge & Life Skills Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Thacker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9165770_orig.png?crop=358,358,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724545049227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9165770"},{"teacherId":8820960,"projectId":10103448,"letterContent":"My students have truly enjoyed everything that our classroom received as a part of this Donor's Choose project. We are all very thankful for your contributions to our classroom. \r\nThe difference in their excitement for reading has been night and day. The comfy seating drew them into our library space and the new books hooked them and got them excited to stay. I have also seen improvements in other literacy skills like writing as a result of items like the whiteboards with primary lines. \r\nOnce again, thank you for your support of my classroom. My students are very appreciative of all their new learning materials.","fullyFundedDate":1771599792970,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-literacy-development/10103448/","projectTitle":"Supporting Literacy Development","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaiser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8820960_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y62&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667184098027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820960"},{"teacherId":10401358,"projectId":10108809,"letterContent":"Thank you again for bringing Fish in a Tree into our classroom. While many of us love a good story, using a text like this in a classroom setting is a strategic process designed to build specific academic and emotional muscles. I wanted to share exactly how your gift is being put to work.\r\n\r\nTeaching a novel like this allows me to introduce complex literacy skills that go far beyond basic plot summary. With these new texts, I am teaching my students:\r\n\r\nCharacter Analysis & Inference: We dive deep into \"reading between the lines\" to understand why characters act the way they do, helping students develop social-emotional intelligence.\r\n\r\nPerspective Taking: We use the protagonist's journey with dyslexia to discuss how everyone's brain is wired differently, turning a reading lesson into a masterclass in empathy.\r\n\r\nVocabulary in Context: Students are learning to decipher academic language through the lens of a compelling narrative, which helps the definitions \"stick\" much better than a standard list.\r\n\r\nWhat Reading Looks Like in Our Room\r\nBecause of your donation, reading time has shifted from a passive activity to a vibrant, active workshop. On any given day, you might see:\r\n\r\nLiterature Circles: Small groups of students huddled together, debating a character's choices.\r\n\r\nSocratic Seminars: A full-class discussion where students lead the conversation, using their individual copies of the book to cite evidence for their arguments.\r\n\r\nInclusive Literacy: Since every student has their own book, we can read together as a community, ensuring that no student feels left behind regardless of their reading level.\r\n\r\nThere are a few students in particular—those who have historically struggled with reading or felt \"different\" in a traditional academic sense—who have been completely captivated by this story.\r\n\r\nThank you for being such a vital part of our community and for helping my students discover the power of a great book.","fullyFundedDate":1771789164963,"projectUrl":"project/enhance-classroom-reading-and-stem-exper/10108809/","projectTitle":"Enhance Classroom Reading and STEM Experiences","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gerger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10401358_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768067103495","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10401358"},{"teacherId":10084756,"projectId":9956392,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donations to our classroom. I wanted to share with you the immediate and wonderful impact your kindness has already had on my students.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the items you provided, there has been a noticeable boost in morale across the board. The snacks, in particular, have been a total game-changer. Following recess, it can often be a challenge to keep energy levels high for the remainder of the afternoon, but these snacks are keeping my students well-fed and energized so they can focus on their learning for the rest of the day.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the toys and trinkets have become a highlight of our daily routine. They provide my students with a tangible goal to strive for during our lessons. Seeing their faces light up as they earn a reward for their hard work and participation is truly rewarding, and it has created a much more engaged and motivated learning environment.\r\n\r\nAs we approach the upcoming state testing, your contributions will continue to play a vital role. We plan to use the remaining prizes and snacks as incentives and morale boosters during this high-pressure time. We are all very hopeful for great success this year, and I want you to know that you have played a significant role in helping our classroom as a whole reach its full potential.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support and for investing in the success of my students. We are so lucky to have you in our corner!","fullyFundedDate":1775879634155,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-reward-box/9956392/","projectTitle":"Classroom Reward Box","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKenzie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084756"},{"teacherId":9804377,"projectId":10111090,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new resources has sparked a wave of engagement and curiosity in our classroom. We have been utilizing these tools daily to create a more immersive and interactive learning environment. Specifically, my students recently used the materials to dive into a hands-on project where they explored new ways to solve problems and collaborate in small groups. Seeing them work together, using high-quality resources that meet their unique needs, has been a highlight of our semester. These materials have truly bridged the gap between a lesson plan and a lived experience.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, the room was filled with pure joy and wonder. There were wide eyes, excited whispers, and a collective rush of energy as they realized these items were just for them. One student even asked if we were \"fancy now\" because the equipment was so nice! This moment of discovery did more than just introduce new tools; it showed my students that there are people out there who care deeply about their education and want them to have the very best. That boost in their confidence and sense of belonging is a gift that will last far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve integrating these resources into an upcoming unit focused on creative expression and skill-building. The students are already brainstorming ways to use the materials for our final projects, and I am excited to see how their newfound tools will elevate their work. Your contribution didn't just provide supplies—it opened a door to a new chapter of learning that we are just beginning to explore. Thank you for being such a vital part of our classroom's journey and for investing in the bright futures of these incredible children.","fullyFundedDate":1771777735890,"projectUrl":"project/the-nest-nurture-initiative/10111090/","projectTitle":"The Nest & Nurture Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Becky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9804377"},{"teacherId":10401358,"projectId":10025947,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your generous donation. Thanks to you, our classroom now has a beautiful, brand-new class set of Under the Blood Red Sun. Because our students live right here in Hawaii, this specific book holds incredible meaning for them, and having fresh, readable copies has completely revitalized our novel study.\r\n\r\nMany of you are readers yourselves, but you might wonder what teaching a novel like this actually entails. Beyond just following a plot, this text introduces my students to crucial historical fiction skills. We are using these books to practice analyzing shifting character dynamics, understanding the impact of setting on a story, and examining multiple perspectives during a time of war. More importantly, it teaches profound lessons about empathy, prejudice, and resilience. We are using this novel as our core preparation for an upcoming field trip to Pearl Harbor, and reading it gives them the emotional and historical context they need to truly appreciate that experience.\r\n\r\nReading this book in our classroom is a powerful, shared experience. Because we have a full class set, reading looks like a community event. We take turns reading aloud, pausing to have deep, guided discussions about the difficult choices the characters face. You will often hear students excitedly pointing out familiar street names, local foods, and cultural references that they recognize from their own daily lives. Having everyone physically holding the same book, on the same page, creates a wonderful sense of unity in the room.\r\n\r\nThe local connection has drawn in students who don't typically love to read. One student, who is usually hesitant to participate in English class, lit up when they recognized the local slang and specific locations around Oahu mentioned in the early chapters. Another student has been especially captivated by the history of the Japanese-American experience in Hawaii during WWII, constantly asking insightful questions about what it would have been like for their own family during that time.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools they need to connect with their local history and for making our upcoming trip to Pearl Harbor so much more meaningful. We are so incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1768674013324,"projectUrl":"project/help-replace-our-classroom-set-under-th/10025947/","projectTitle":"Help Replace Our Classroom Set: Under the Blood Red Sun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gerger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10401358_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768067103495","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10401358"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50934","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":223,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":51,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":21,"percentMultiracialImputed":34,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"9.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":71.1,"schoolId":50934,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kailua Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kailua Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/windward-school-district/kailua-elementary-school/50934"}