{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kailua Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":39.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1911700,"projectId":9772706,"letterContent":"My students are very grateful for the new digital scales we have received. \r\nWhen they first saw the new scales, they were delighted as they were having to using old balance scales that were not very accurate measurements and only measured to the nearest gram. The new scales are easier to use and way more accurate. \r\n\r\nWe were able to use them in a lab helping describe force and friction. Students were able to weigh their shoes to the nearest tenth of a gram and using a spring scale compare their force of friction of their shoe vs their neighbors on different surfaces. They were able to see that two factors affect the force of friction-mass and types of surfaces involved. Without the new scales they would not be able to find the mass of their shoes and compare them with the mass of their neighbor to see that the more mass, the more force of friction. \r\n\r\nWe were also able to use these for an egg drop lab, where students had to use the scales to measure the mass of their contraption to protect the egg as it would be dropped. This was used to compare data with other students to see if mass affects the force of gravity which is connecting Newton's Laws\r\n\r\nWithout the generous donation, we would not be able to do the experiments to teach us science concepts with hands on activities.","fullyFundedDate":1759194825251,"projectUrl":"project/weighing-in-on-science-experiments/9772706/","projectTitle":"Weighing in on Science Experiments","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kerkstra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1911700"},{"teacherId":10294354,"projectId":9776454,"letterContent":"The addition of the dedicated small group table has truly transformed how I connect with my students. During our recent essay unit, it served as a writing conference center, where I could provide individualized, tailored feedback that each student needed to succeed. My favorite moments are seeing the quietest students, those who might usually stay under the radar, find the confidence to come sit with me. It has turned asking for help from a scary task into a courageous, everyday choice.\r\n\r\nThe reveal of the new table was a highlight of our semester. My homeroom students were absolutely ecstatic to see a space dedicated specifically to their growth. It was fascinating to observe their first reactions: rather than the usual scramble to sit by friends, several students went straight to the small group table to set up their workspace. This new resource has provided them with a sense of pride in their classroom. By choosing the table over their usual seats, they are demonstrating a newfound readiness to engage with me and their assignments in a more focused, meaningful way.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead to the next quarter, I am excited to transition our classroom into a more dynamic, station based learning environment. The new table will serve as a dedicated teacher station, which will be the heart of our differentiated instruction. This setup will allow me to provide targeted interventions and conduct one-on-one oral reading fluency checks in a focused setting. By having this designated space, I can meet each student exactly where they are, ensuring that those who need extra support receive the specialized attention required to bridge achievement gaps.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful for your investment in our classroom. Watching my students' faces light up as they gathered around the table for the first time was a reminder of how much of an impact thoughtful resources can have. Your contribution is directly supporting our daily interventions and helping my most hesitant learners thrive. Thank you for believing in my students' potential and for helping me create an environment where every child can receive the personalized attention they deserve.","fullyFundedDate":1761403844976,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-instruction-table-for-keiki/9776454/","projectTitle":"Small Group Instruction Table for Keiki","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Krawczyk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10294354"},{"teacherId":4474482,"projectId":9777635,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing our classroom with whiteboards, dry erase markers, and precision measurement calipers. Kailua Intermediate School is a grade 7 and 8 middle school located on the island of Oahu. We serve a diverse population of students that includes about 30% military families. Your donation has made an immediate impact on how my students experience mathematics each day, transforming it from a subject focused on answers into one centered on thinking, communication, and genuine understanding.\r\n\r\nUsing these materials, I continue to implement the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) pedagogy, which emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and visible thinking. Students now work in random groups of three standing up at vertical whiteboards, where they are encouraged to explore problems, test ideas, revise strategies, and explain their reasoning aloud. The whiteboards and markers have become essential tools—students are no longer confined to paper, but instead actively stand, discuss, sketch, erase, and refine their thinking in real time.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful outcomes has been the growth of math communication. At the boards, students talk constantly, questioning one another's assumptions, justifying their choices, and negotiating meaning together. The rules of BTC are the three students work together with only ONE marker and the student using the marker can ONLY write others' ideas. If they have an idea, then they will need to pass the marker and explain to the new scribe what they are thinking. This makes communication a critical step in learning and increases true understanding. I regularly hear phrases like, \"Why does that work?\" or \"Can you explain that another way?\" These conversations are not prompted by me; they arise naturally because the environment invites collaboration. Students who were once hesitant to speak in class now contribute ideas freely, knowing that mistakes are part of the learning process and easily erased from the dry-erase boards. The shared space of the whiteboard removes fear and replaces it with curiosity.\r\n\r\nWhat excites me most is the authentic development of knowledge and understanding I now see daily. Instead of memorizing procedures, students construct their own reasoning. They try approaches that don't work, analyze why, and adjust. Learning happens publicly and collaboratively, allowing students to build on each other's thinking. I often step back and observe rather than direct, watching students take ownership of the mathematics in front of them.\r\n. \r\nWe, as adults, often forget how hard it is for kids to sit down for hours a day. My kids love getting up. I am created daily with the question \"Are we working at the boards today?\" \r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping me work towards a classroom culture where thinking is valued, communication is constant, and learning is meaningful. Thank you for believing in our students and for helping make mathematics an active, engaging, and human experience. The impact of your support will continue to shape how my students learn, collaborate, and think long after this project ends.\r\n\r\nMahalo nui loa-","fullyFundedDate":1759456545176,"projectUrl":"project/build-thinking-classrooms-at-our-interme/9777635/","projectTitle":"Build Thinking Classrooms at Our Intermediate School Maths","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Howe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4474482"},{"teacherId":9683859,"projectId":9782555,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible contribution to our \"8th Grade Science Classroom Revitalization\" project. Your generosity has provided us with a handheld vacuum, broom, and cleaning supplies, as well as a cozy rug, lap desks, and an engaging gravity well model. This blend of practical essentials and inspiring scientific tools has supported the positive atmosphere in our classroom space. \r\n\r\nIt has been so cool using the gravity well model. We used it to visualize how objects warp the fabric of spacetime. The hands-on aspect of this tool helped make our learning about this topic more inclusive. \r\n\r\nHaving cleaning supplies has instilled a great sense of pride and ownership in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759610955310,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-revitalization/9782555/","projectTitle":"Classroom Revitalization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reddy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9683859"},{"teacherId":9683859,"projectId":9730748,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous donation of dry erase whiteboard film, model tooth animal replicas, Expo markers, Cheez-It crackers, and whiteboard magnets. Your support has truly transformed our 8th-grade science classroom into a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboard film and markers have revolutionized our collaborative problem-solving. Instead of just watching me at the front of the room, students are now gathered in small groups around their own writing surfaces, solving problems together. This hands-on approach has made abstract concepts feel much more tangible. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the Cheez-It crackers have been much appreciated by the students throughout a long day. Having a nutritious snack available helps fuel their concentration, ensuring that hunger never stands in the way of a breakthrough during a challenging lesson.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next step is to use the animal tooth replicas to discuss real-world examples of the connection between morphological features and animal behavior!","fullyFundedDate":1759417554542,"projectUrl":"project/showing-our-thinking/9730748/","projectTitle":"Showing our Thinking","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reddy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9683859"},{"teacherId":8820947,"projectId":9777896,"letterContent":"Due to your generous donation, our students have been able to borrow the books that they've been requesting, play new games and put together new puzzles, and I've been able to better organize the space and materials for students.\r\n\r\nLeading up to the holidays, students used the origami paper to fold decorations for the Library, and many of them took it upon themselves to choose a few papers to create something for all to enjoy.\r\n\r\nThere's been so many positive comments from students and staff about our Library space and the joy that's felt by the students who use the space. Thanks to the donation, I was able to make small changes that have helped to make our Library more enjoyable for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1759495523709,"projectUrl":"project/read-create-think-a-library-for-all-m/9777896/","projectTitle":"Read, Create, Think: A Library for All Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Austria","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8820947"},{"teacherId":7159052,"projectId":9779974,"letterContent":"The impact of being able to have a strong and reliable cart has been so beneficial to my students and me (the teacher). To not have to worry about the students breaking the cart or worry about the cart getting rusty and not lasting, and not using more than one cart to rack all the balls has made class time more efficient. The cart is so much more sturdy (rolls better - easier to control and turn) and holds much more than the other cart. This allows the students to easily roll out the cart without wasting time or worrying about breaking the cart or the wheels. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for the donations! Sometimes it takes a few times to get the right equipment (depending on what is available) and finally, this is one of those times. We appreciate all the donators do for the teachers and students.","fullyFundedDate":1759545968026,"projectUrl":"project/keep-the-cart-rolling/9779974/","projectTitle":"Keep The Cart Rolling","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Yoshioka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7159052"},{"teacherId":10292813,"projectId":9770660,"letterContent":"I am writing to you today with a heart full of gratitude and a classroom full of possibilities. As I navigate the whirlwind of my very first year in the teaching profession, I have quickly learned that a classroom is more than just four walls and a chalkboard—it is a community. However, building that community requires more than just passion and lesson plans; it requires the physical tools that allow children to explore, create, and feel at home. Because of your incredible generosity, my students now have the supplies they need to thrive.\r\n\r\nWhen I first walked into my empty classroom this past August, the silence was a bit daunting. I had so many visions for how I wanted my students to learn, but as a new teacher, the financial reality of outfitting a room from scratch is a significant challenge. My first thought when I saw the bare cabinets was that I'd love enough art supplies to invite all my students to work together to create a beautiful mural for all of the students this year as well in the coming years to enjoy. Your donations turned those hopes into a reality.\r\n\r\nThe Impact of Your Gift\r\nIt is often the \"small\" things that make the biggest difference in a school day. Because of your support, my gen ed as well as special ed students have been working together to create something beautiful. They have been sharing ideas as well as working together when normally they may never cross paths during the school day.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical items, your donation has sent a powerful message to my students: The community believes in you. When I told my class that people they had never even met sent these items because they wanted them to succeed, their faces lit up. You have modeled for them what it means to be a global citizen and what it means to lead with kindness.\r\n\r\nAs a first-year teacher, there are days that feel overwhelming. There are late nights spent grading and early mornings spent prepping. However, seeing the box of supplies arrive and ensuring my students are prepared for the day because of the generosity that you provided serves as a beautiful reminder that I am not doing this alone. You are standing in the gap with me, supporting the next generation of thinkers, leaders, artists, and dreamers.\r\n\r\nWe are excited to show you all the amazing things we will accomplish this year!","fullyFundedDate":1759137995802,"projectUrl":"project/collaborative-mural/9770660/","projectTitle":"Collaborative Mural!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10292813"},{"teacherId":8974400,"projectId":9684375,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our new greenhouse has become a year-round sanctuary for learning. It allows our students to witness the process of plants growing. Our composting system is teaching them one of life's most important lessons: that nothing is ever truly wasted, and that we have the power to give back to the Earth.\r\n\r\nYour kindness ensures that our students don't just read about nature in a textbook—they get their hands dirty and experience it for themselves. We are so grateful to have you in our community. \r\n\r\nMy students have been so happy to garden and work outside. I truly appreciate your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1758179566594,"projectUrl":"project/integrating-stem-into-our-garden/9684375/","projectTitle":"Integrating STEM into our Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pierson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/asia-pierson"},{"teacherId":7061661,"projectId":9782205,"letterContent":"Your very generous gift has positively impacted Windward District's students with speech-language disabilities. Countless students now have more easy and appropriate access to the services and supports they need. \r\n\r\nThe laptop risers, headphones with microphones, headphone splitters, and child-friendly computer mice have been a game changer for us. \r\n\r\nAs you know, we are in a time where getting speech-language pathologists in person for our schools is at an all time low. Tapping into telepractice allows children to get their critical services online from highly qualified professionals.","fullyFundedDate":1759603883558,"projectUrl":"project/telepractice-services-create-access/9782205/","projectTitle":"Telepractice Services Create Access","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura Yee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7061661_orig.jpg?crop=6250,6250,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757544194467","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/speech808"},{"teacherId":2457696,"projectId":9775316,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous support of our classroom! While cutting-edge technology can be healful in some learning it is not always the best way. Your contribution of vibrant markers, large chart paper, and a laminator, provided some of the most critical visual learning tools in our classroom. This \"low-tech\" approach is essential because it facilitates powerful, whole-group collaboration that digital screens often cannot replicate. Instead of working on isolated devices, students use these supplies to map out arguments, visualize data, and brainstorm as a physical team. By making their thought processes large and visible for everyone to see, the supplies allow all students to collaborate equally, deepen their conceptual understanding, and actively engage in synthesizing complex ideas.\r\n\r\nThe excitement over these new products has been palpable, particularly the large-scale chart paper and the smelly markers. The students are thrilled to create anchor charts and learning displays, giving their ideas a sense of permanence and importance. We've especially noticed how this medium has empowered students who are typically hesitant to speak during whole-class discussions. For example, our kinesthetic and visual learners have fully embraced the markers and paper as a non-verbal way to lead. They are now confident presenters, proudly walking the class through their carefully designed posters. Your supplies didn't just provide materials; they fundamentally changed how quiet students participate, empowering new voices and leadership in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1759457142153,"projectUrl":"project/charting-our-ideas-sharing-our-voices/9775316/","projectTitle":"Charting Our Ideas, Sharing Our Voices","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2457696_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759181410724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2457696"},{"teacherId":9720157,"projectId":9717146,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity and for choosing to support our classroom. It is truly heartwarming to see the impact of your donation as these supplies arrive. Your contribution has provided us with a wide variety of essential tools, ranging from the printer ink we use daily for classwork to the tissues that keep our students comfortable and healthy. The addition of the digital clock has already made a significant difference, helping my students develop better time-management skills and stay focused on their daily goals.\r\n\r\nBeyond the basics, your gift has completely revitalized our learning environment and sparked so much creativity. The wood and dry erase contact paper have allowed us to transform our classroom surfaces into beautiful, interactive spaces where students can brainstorm and collaborate. Our art projects have also reached a new level thanks to the acrylic pens and glue gun. My students have been so excited to use these high-quality materials, and being able to preserve their hard work with the laminating sheets has given them a true sense of pride in their creations.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and showing them that their education and environment truly matter. These resources are doing so much more than filling shelves; they are creating a space where my students feel inspired to learn and create every single day. We are so grateful for your kindness and for the positive atmosphere you have helped build in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758838740047,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-safe-space/9717146/","projectTitle":"Interactive Safe Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaawaloa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9720157"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50936","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":749,"numTeachers":54,"percentFrplEligible":24,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":60.7,"schoolId":50936,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kailua Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kailua Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/windward-school-district/kailua-intermediate-school/50936"}