{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waiahole Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":50.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8401468,"projectId":10103330,"letterContent":"The new technology has become an important tool for supporting learning in our preschool classroom. While many people think of iPads as devices for entertainment, we used ours as a tool for documenting, reflecting, and deepening learning experiences. We used the iPad to record students during musical performances, movement activities, and group experiences. Watching these recordings gave students opportunities to reflect on their learning, remember experiences, and recognize their own growth over time. Revisiting videos strengthened memory skills, encouraged communication, and helped students make connections between past and current learning. The technology also allowed us to document learning in meaningful ways and share students' growth with families.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting to students is seeing themselves and their classmates on the screen. Keiki were always eager to watch recordings of their performances and loved recognizing themselves participating successfully in activities. There was so much excitement when students saw themselves following rhythms, playing instruments, singing, or performing with friends. Watching these moments created a sense of pride and built confidence as students celebrated their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nSome students especially warmed to this technology because it gave them another way to engage and participate. We observed quieter students and children who were sometimes hesitant during large group activities becoming more excited and involved when they knew their learning would be documented. Some students repeatedly requested to watch recordings and enjoyed pointing out their progress or sharing accomplishments with classmates. For these students, the technology became more than a device—it became a tool that helped build confidence, encouraged participation, and allowed them to see themselves as capable and successful learners.","fullyFundedDate":1771439123378,"projectUrl":"project/music-to-build-mighty-minds/10103330/","projectTitle":"Music to Build Mighty Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pimentel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8401468"},{"teacherId":7937547,"projectId":10104161,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our \"Learning Lab.\" The introduction of new technology and interactive tools has completely transformed our daily routine. While many of us use technology for entertainment at home, in our classroom, it has become a bridge to independence. For example, our new Bose speaker has allowed us to use auditory cues and focused music to manage classroom energy, helping my students transition between activities with much less anxiety.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting addition for the students has been the interactive puzzles and logic sets. My students are hands-on learners, and seeing their faces light up when they receive immediate, self-correcting feedback from the word-building puzzles is wonderful. It builds a level of confidence that traditional worksheets simply can't match.\r\n\r\nI've noticed a significant change in a few of my students who previously struggled with social-emotional regulation. The new sensory materials and collaborative games, like the paddle catch set, have given them a structured way to practice turn-taking. One student in particular, who often felt overwhelmed by group work, has blossomed into a leader during our \"Lab\" time, eagerly showing peers how to solve the new logic puzzles. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1771642772010,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-our-learning-lab/10104161/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Our Learning Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Badiyo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7937547"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":10105748,"letterContent":"The impact of these materials has been incredible in our classroom. The keiki were so excited when everything arrived, especially the rainbow table and scooter board! They immediately wanted to explore, and it truly brought a new energy into our space.\r\n\r\nWe use the rainbow table every day, and it has made a huge difference. Having two tables allows me to separate grade levels while still staying connected and easily moving between groups. The larger size also gives each student the space they need for their materials, which has helped reduce distractions and support focus. The under-desk organizers have been a game changer for keeping supplies within reach and maintaining a more organized environment, helping students become more independent during transitions. The dry erase dots are used daily for writing, drawing, and problem-solving. They give students a low-pressure way to practice, especially since they can easily erase and try again (which is important because we go through markers quickly!).\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments has been watching students choose to go back and try again on their work using the dry erase spots, showing more confidence and willingness to take risks. The scooter board has also been a huge hit, it provides much-needed sensory input, helping students regulate their bodies so they can return to learning more focused and ready.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue using these materials to support small group instruction, writing practice, and hands-on math activities. These resources have truly helped create a more flexible, engaging, and supportive learning environment for my students, and I am so grateful for the impact they've made.","fullyFundedDate":1771710594677,"projectUrl":"project/rainbow-learning-zone-flexible-seating/10105748/","projectTitle":"Rainbow Learning Zone: Flexible Seating and Tools for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":9734523,"letterContent":"Your generosity has completely transformed the feel of our classroom. The sensory canoe has quickly become a favorite space, when students feel overwhelmed, they independently choose to climb in, take a few deep breaths, and return ready to learn. The wobble seats have been perfect during story time; students who once struggled to sit for even a few minutes are now able to listen, engage, and participate while safely moving their bodies. One of my favorite moments was watching a student use the sensory tiles before a lesson, regulate their body, and then join the group smiling and ready.\r\n\r\nWhen the keiki first saw the soft canoe, they immediately asked to try it and called it the \"boat.\" Their excitement was pure joy. The wobble seats were just as exciting, they couldn't believe they were allowed to move while sitting! Meanwhile, the storage cabinets and rolling carts have been essential for keeping our special education curriculum organized and out of sight, reducing distractions and helping students stay focused.\r\n\r\nNext, we are using these tools intentionally during social-emotional lessons and small group instruction. Students are learning to recognize when their bodies need movement or compression and independently choose the right tool before frustration builds. With these supports, they are not only growing academically, but also developing the executive functioning and self-regulation skills that will help them succeed far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765415472006,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-that-calms-and-inspires/9734523/","projectTitle":"A Classroom That Calms and Inspires","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":9760239,"letterContent":"Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom. We are using the writable standing desk and dry erase table every single day for math fact practice, sentence writing, drawing story maps, and even practicing heart words. Because it wipes clean so easily, they are more willing to take risks and try again.\r\n\r\nWhen the keiki first saw the new materials, they were beyond excited. They immediately asked, \"Can we write on this?!\" and could not wait to grab the markers. Students who typically avoid paper-and-pencil tasks are now eager to participate, standing proudly at the desk or spreading out at the table to show their thinking.\r\n\r\nNext, we are using the dry erase spaces during our small group instruction to support hands-on learning. Students practice sounding out words by writing them large across the table and using their hands to slowly slide under each letter as they blend the sounds together. This has become more than just a surface to write on, it is a space where students can physically engage with their learning, build confidence, and experience reading in a way that feels interactive, supportive, and joyful.","fullyFundedDate":1765345498360,"projectUrl":"project/write-draw-learn-a-dry-erase-table-fo/9760239/","projectTitle":"Write, Draw, Learn: A Dry Erase Table for SpEd Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"},{"teacherId":2132718,"projectId":9778083,"letterContent":"Thank you so, so much for the materials for our cozy classroom library! The students were absolutely STOKED to receive these items! With the new books we received, we did a \"book tasting\" where students got to sample the different books (organized by genre) and expand their selection of reading materials. Every student walked away from this activity with at least one new book in their book containers, and I even had a few students who got so interested in some of the new books that they went home and asked their families to purchased other books in the same series!\r\n\r\nThe cozy lamp and the rocking chairs are also a huge hit! Students fill this space every day...they use it during reading time, writing time, math - any time they have independent work time. They truly enjoy the flexible and comfortable seating, and the warm light that makes the space so inviting to be in.","fullyFundedDate":1759607132359,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-classroom-library/9778083/","projectTitle":"Cozy Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morishige","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2132718_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x162,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677960058417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mori"},{"teacherId":9798446,"projectId":9808463,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the resources provided in this project. The dramatic play materials (phone, cash register, mailbox, and vet set) are used daily by the students. They were so surprised and overjoyed to see those added to our block/dramatic play center. \r\nThe math/ELA centers materials are also used daily and keep students engaged in independent work time. Students access centers that are at their just-right working level, and this has significantly impacted their ability to stay on task with minimal reminders.\r\nMy next step to continue to build my classroom is to support art and fine motor skills development as a creative outlet and choice time during the day. Mahalo for supporting my students and classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1763396779107,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-learning-alive-in-indoor-centers/9808463/","projectTitle":"Keeping Learning Alive in Indoor Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Colburn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9798446"},{"teacherId":9811227,"projectId":9777711,"letterContent":"The students were so excited to receive the materials they needed to practice executive functiong skills and social emotional skills. They are now able to have an additional time every week to interact with one another using games to help them problem solve and work together. Their favorites are the flags for flag football, the toss and catch, and the stilts. \r\n\r\nThe bouncy bands, bounce boards, sqiushy balls, and fidget tools have been used inside the class for students to self-manage. These tools have helped students to be able to focus better and complete their work in class without needing breaks. The students are better able to regulate their emotions and their bodies. \r\n\r\nWe will plan to conntinue use these materials for Social Emotional Learning lessons in the future. We really appreciate all of the supplies and they are being used every day. They have really helped all of the students at Waiahole Elementary.","fullyFundedDate":1759463119039,"projectUrl":"project/thinking-before-acting-practice-makes/9777711/","projectTitle":"Thinking Before Acting - Practice Makes Perfect","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lerro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811227"},{"teacherId":8977821,"projectId":9784520,"letterContent":"Mahalo for funding my project! The students at Waiāhole can now enjoy playing educational math games after finishing their lunches.\r\n\r\nThe games not only reinforce mathematical reasoning and problem solving, but students also practice executive function and social skills. The older students have helped the younger students learn new games by reading the rules and by explaining and demonstrating how to play.\r\n\r\nEach month, new games are introduced and rotated into the selection-reinforcing different skills. Students are disappointed when there's not enough time at lunch to bring out the games! Without your generosity and support, our students would not be able to practice the many skills needed to be successful. Mahalo nui loa!","fullyFundedDate":1759627590611,"projectUrl":"project/play-to-think-think-to-play/9784520/","projectTitle":"Play to Think, Think to Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kawasaki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8977821"},{"teacherId":8401468,"projectId":9774327,"letterContent":"This project has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my students. The new materials have strengthened collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity as students learn together through play. Children are more engaged during center time, showing increased focus, persistence, and confidence as they explore puzzles, math games, and open-ended building materials. The calming tools have supported social-emotional growth, helping students regulate their emotions and express themselves in positive ways. Overall, these resources have created a richer learning environment where every student feels excited, supported, and successful in their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1759424053324,"projectUrl":"project/materials-for-play/9774327/","projectTitle":"Materials for Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pimentel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8401468"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":9772729,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my K–2 special education students now have a classroom that truly helps them move, calm, and learn. The moment they saw the new materials, especially the mobile whiteboard and sensory tools, their faces lit up. Instead of staying stuck at their desks, they now love gathering around the whiteboard to practice writing, draw phonics patterns, and solve math problems together. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who usually hangs back walk up to the board with confidence to sort rhyming words during phonics. Having the board at their level, in their space, made the activity feel fun and inviting, and it drew in students who usually shy away from group work.\r\n\r\nThe new storage bins and laminated materials have also changed the way our classroom runs. Now that everything has a clear home, students can independently grab what they need for math, writing, or SEL practice, something that used to be much harder. The sensory items, like the bouncy board and putty, have become daily tools for students who need movement or something to ground their bodies so they can stay calm and focused. One student who often struggles during transitions now uses the visual countdown timer and sensory putty to get ready for the next activity, and it has made a real difference in his confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThese resources will continue to be at the heart of our instruction. The mobile whiteboard will support hands-on phonics, small-group math, and whole-class modeling as we move into new units. The sensory tools will help students build the self-regulation skills they need to grow both socially and academically, and the organizational materials will help us keep a classroom where students feel capable, supported, and ready to learn. Your generosity has given my students more than materials, it has opened up new ways for them to shine. Thank you for believing in them.","fullyFundedDate":1759199003583,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-that-moves-calms-and-inspi/9772729/","projectTitle":"A Classroom that Moves, Calms, and Inspires","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"},{"teacherId":9707667,"projectId":9705671,"letterContent":"The materials from this project have made an immediate, real difference in our classroom. The new TV has turned into a powerful teaching tool, especially for phonics and SEL. My students now join in interactive phonics lessons where they can clearly see sound-spelling patterns, how to form each sound with their mouths, and decodable videos that back up their early reading skills. During SEL, the stories and visuals on the screen help them better understand feelings, coping strategies, and positive choices. Many of my keiki who usually struggle with attention or frustration are more engaged when the lesson is on the TV, and several now ask for specific SEL videos when they need help calming their bodies.\r\n\r\nThe organizational bins have completely changed how we use manipulatives in math and literacy. Instead of wasting time digging through cluttered materials, students can now grab what they need on their own, place-value blocks, counters, or letter tiles, because everything has a clear, consistent home. This independence has been especially powerful for students who do best with structure and visual organization. They take pride in taking care of the materials and putting them back where they belong.\r\n\r\nThe table dots have become a daily favorite. Whether we're building words in phonics, writing sentences, or practicing math strategies, students love having a bright, designated spot to work in. The dots make transitions smoother, support small-group work, and help students stay focused during hands-on activities. \r\n\r\nAll of these resources together have helped create a more engaging, organized, and supportive learning space. Thank you for giving my students tools that not only build their academic skills but also bring them joy and confidence every day.","fullyFundedDate":1757867322522,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-learning-for-every-child/9705671/","projectTitle":"Interactive Learning for Every Child","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9707667"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50951","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":97,"numTeachers":9,"percentFrplEligible":58,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":48,"percentMultiracialImputed":19,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"10.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.0,"schoolId":50951,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waiahole Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waiahole Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/windward-school-district/waiahole-elementary-school/50951"}