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{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":51.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6740239,"projectId":9774173,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation! Your kind act has granted our classroom access to creating memories that we print to use in our memory books. We took pictures of science projects, ELA skits performed, excursions, holiday events, and much more. \r\nEach year, I am lucky to present individual memory books that students have been so appreciative of. Students have come back to my class and shared with me how they look back at their memories of 3rd grade. This is truly possible by your donations and kindness to support education.","fullyFundedDate":1759363222359,"projectUrl":"project/world-of-color/9774173/","projectTitle":"World of Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maikui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6740239_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704783807615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6740239"},{"teacherId":9372683,"projectId":9777618,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom Engineering Carnival Project. Because of your generosity, our students had the opportunity to see their ideas come to life. Many of them couldn't wait to use the ChompSaw and shared that they felt like real builders and engineers when designing and creating their own carnival games. At first, some students were nervous to use the tools and take on the challenge, but over time they gained confidence in themselves and their abilities. It has been incredible to watch them grow and take pride in their work.\r\n\r\nThroughout this experience, students have also learned important life skills like safety, patience, and teamwork. They are practicing slowing down, following procedures, and helping one another solve problems. Our next steps are to test their designs, make improvements, and then share their games with students from other classes during our classroom carnival. Thank you again for giving our students this special and memorable learning experience. We truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1759491434655,"projectUrl":"project/cardboard-carnival-build-solve-play/9777618/","projectTitle":"Cardboard Carnival: Build, Solve, Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sumitani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372683"},{"teacherId":5400109,"projectId":9772362,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, this project has already made a huge difference in our guitar program. Students began using the new gear right away during Edventure Guitar, plugging in through headphones to practice quietly, experiment with effects, and build confidence. One of the biggest moments came when our students used this setup to perform Christmas songs at our Quarter 2 Winter Assembly and later at our PTA Showcase in the evening. Being able to rehearse with the same equipment they would use on stage helped them feel prepared, focused, and proud of their work.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the pedals, they were excited — but what stood out most was how seriously they treated them. They knew they were using professional-quality tools, and it raised their expectations for themselves. Students took ownership of tuning, setting up their sound, and helping each other troubleshoot. Watching beginners and second-year students work side by side, sharing tips and encouraging each other, showed just how much confidence this equipment has helped build.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students are continuing to use this setup to prepare for future performances and small-group practice sessions. We are now working on ensemble playing, learning how to balance sound, and developing short performance pieces. Some students are beginning to explore songwriting and recording through our mixer and PA system. Thanks to your support, this isn't just a class anymore — it feels like a real music program. You've helped give my students skills, confidence, and a love for music that will stay with them long after this year.","fullyFundedDate":1759198901113,"projectUrl":"project/plug-in-and-play-quiet-practice-for-you/9772362/","projectTitle":"Plug In and Play: Quiet Practice for Young Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Curry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5400109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646413042476","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/christophercurry"},{"teacherId":7938207,"projectId":9773569,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of my project, my special education students are benefiting every day from resources that truly meet their individual needs. I use these materials during one-on-one instruction and small-group lessons, where students are able to work at their own pace and gain confidence in a supportive environment. The math manipulatives have been especially powerful during small-group fraction lessons, allowing students to physically build and compare fractions instead of just seeing them on paper. Tools like visual timers, sensory supports, and flexible seating help students stay regulated and focused, making learning more accessible and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were filled with excitement and curiosity. Several students eagerly asked to try the new tools right away, while others carefully explored them and shared how the seating or sensory items made them feel calmer and more comfortable. One student who often struggles to stay engaged during math was able to remain focused longer than usual while using the manipulatives, proudly completing problems they would have previously avoided. Moments like these remind me how powerful the right resources can be for learners who need extra support.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these materials will continue to be an essential part of our daily instruction. Students will use the math tools to deepen their understanding of fractions and problem-solving, while the social-emotional supports will help them practice identifying and managing their feelings. Because of you, my students have a classroom space where they feel supported, capable, and ready to grow, academically and emotionally. Thank you for helping make this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1759448044174,"projectUrl":"project/from-fractions-to-feelings-supporting-t/9773569/","projectTitle":"From Fractions to Feelings: Supporting the Whole Child","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7938207_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x690,y908&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627935299381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938207"},{"teacherId":1050016,"projectId":9774857,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of whiteboards and supplies, which have already transformed our classroom into a true \"thinking classroom.\" My students are using the boards to work collaboratively at vertical surfaces, share strategies, and explain their reasoning with one another. Students are able to excitedly compare their models, corrected misconceptions, and built deeper understanding together. The mobility and visibility of the boards allowed every student to be active, engaged, and proud of their thinking, and it has brought a new level of energy to our learning environment.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up. Their enthusiasm has only grown as they've realized how these boards help them communicate, collaborate, and take ownership of their ideas. Our next steps involve using the whiteboards to support small-group problem-solving routines as we continue exploring new concepts. Your support has empowered them to think boldly and work together, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759447051748,"projectUrl":"project/building-thinking-students-and-classroom/9774857/","projectTitle":"Building Thinking Students and Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Doolittle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1050016_orig.jpg?crop=242,242,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771474934818","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1050016"},{"teacherId":7938207,"projectId":9152965,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our school garden is now a vibrant learning space filled with flourishing taro, watermelons, and pumpkins! From the moment our students first saw the plants growing, their excitement was contagious. Many of them rushed to point out which seeds they had planted, amazed that their small efforts had turned into something so big and alive.\r\n\r\nThe garden has quickly become an extension of our school. Students are using it to explore plant life cycles, measure growth, and even write creative stories inspired by their plants. Recently, our class marveled at the first ripening watermelons, with one student proudly declaring, \"We grew this ourselves!\" Moments like these highlight how hands-on experiences spark joy and deepen learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our students are already planning a harvest celebration where they will share taro recipes and reflect on everything they've learned. None of this would have been possible without your kindness. Thank you for sowing seeds of knowledge that will continue to grow in both our garden and our students' hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1741661995871,"projectUrl":"project/sowing-seeds-of-knowledge-in-our-school/9152965/","projectTitle":"Sowing Seeds of Knowledge in Our School Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7938207_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x690,y908&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627935299381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7938207"},{"teacherId":9372683,"projectId":9168395,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping bring history to life in our classroom! Because of you, my students have had the chance to explore American history in meaningful, hands-on ways. They were especially excited to handle the replica compass and colonial toys—making real-world connections to what they're learning.\r\n\r\nThis project has truly transformed our classroom during social studies. Students are more engaged, focused, and excited. They look forward to our lessons, and their curiosity has grown as they interact with materials that make history feel real. The flexible seating has been a huge hit—students love having the choice of where to learn comfortably—and the mini pencils and fun erasers have turned notetaking into something they actually look forward to!","fullyFundedDate":1742169773575,"projectUrl":"project/real-artifacts-for-young-historians/9168395/","projectTitle":"Real Artifacts for Young Historians","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sumitani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9372683"},{"teacherId":1050016,"projectId":9163371,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all your support and helping to fund my project. With your donation I was able to provide my students with so many different classroom incentives to motivate students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. One of the biggest take aways was our ticket store where students could choose prizes in exchange for tickets they earn for completing work and meeting behavior expectations. \r\n\r\nYour donation also contributed to our classroom printer and ink. We were able to print so many resources that we used in instruction and to display our work on our class bulletin boards and around our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous support! You helped make our classroom a place the students love.","fullyFundedDate":1742089922973,"projectUrl":"project/student-incentives-and-classroom-ink/9163371/","projectTitle":"Student Incentives and Classroom Ink","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Doolittle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1050016_orig.jpg?crop=242,242,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771474934818","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1050016"},{"teacherId":6096587,"projectId":9161604,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a tremendous impact on our students. Our second grade class is working very hard on our annual Ho'olaulea dance to perform on May 20th at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium. All of our keikis parents and friends will be in attendance on that special day. Each grade level has benefitted from your generous donation as the speaker is used by all grades to support our practicing. This donation has allowed us to continue the traditions our for keiki and our community. It also supports our Hawaiian culture as well as our core values as we continue to strive for excellence.","fullyFundedDate":1742074891536,"projectUrl":"project/sharing-the-hawaiian-culture-through-son/9161604/","projectTitle":"Sharing the Hawaiian Culture Through Song and Dance","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kodama","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6096587_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543361643826","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6096587"},{"teacherId":5400109,"projectId":9141535,"letterContent":"When the accessories from our project arrived, they immediately made a difference in our classroom. Students were excited to finally have enough stands to safely store the guitars instead of laying them on the ground. The clip-on tuners have made tuning quicker and more accurate, allowing us to start class and practice sessions much faster.\r\n\r\nStudents now use the new picks, capos, and straps almost daily during our Guitar Edventure after-school class and during recess and prep periods. Having fresh sets of strings available has helped us maintain the guitars so they sound their best, and the guitar exercise book has given students new practice routines to strengthen their skills between lessons.\r\n\r\nThe extra resources have made it easier for students to focus on learning and playing, without the frustration of missing gear or worn-out strings. It's clear the students take pride in caring for the instruments now, and it's helping them build strong musical habits.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll continue preparing simple songs for students to play as a group, applying the skills they've built with the help of these materials. Thank you again for helping equip our growing program and giving more students the opportunity to succeed in music!","fullyFundedDate":1741644199420,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-our-guitar-classroom-for-growt/9141535/","projectTitle":"Equipping Our Guitar Classroom for Growth and Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Curry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5400109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646413042476","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/christophercurry"},{"teacherId":6740239,"projectId":9130537,"letterContent":"Thank you for choosing to donate to us. Our end of the year has been zesty and fresh by new and replenished supplies. \r\nWe just completed our science projects on finding a solution for a mosquito problem. \r\n Students created skits and puppets to present their solutions to our class community. \r\nWe also used the supplies provided by your donation to explore through a hands on experience using paper supplies as flowers and herbs as pollen. \r\nMy students take extra great care of the things they have and they are grateful for the opportunity you have provided us with. The look on their faces say it all when we add in hands on activities. We have been adding new projects to our memory books thanks to you.","fullyFundedDate":1741035103771,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-replacement-supplies/9130537/","projectTitle":"Fresh Replacement Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maikui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6740239_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704783807615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6740239"},{"teacherId":6740239,"projectId":9130731,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing the love of reading to our classroom. I am excited for our students to experience a heartwarming story based off a true story - even better! \r\n\r\nWe plan to use \"The One and Only Ivan,\" to read together as a class, to discuss and also give our perspective through the lens of animals. I am hopeful this will create strong emotions especially when the students read the chapter that Ivan depicts his thoughts and emotions through his paintings. \r\n\r\nAs we read the chapters, I plan to play the movie so students can compare and contrast between the movie and book. We also have a packet to keep track of the details and think deeper about our findings. I will also focus on using context clues for words that they may not understand. IÊ»m excited for the novel study to begin! ...THANKS TO YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1740987238577,"projectUrl":"project/experience-empathy-through-the-one-and/9130731/","projectTitle":"Experience Empathy Through \"The One and Only Ivan\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Maikui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6740239_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704783807615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6740239"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50758","usesÐǿմ«Ã½":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":423,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":28,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"16.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":48.6,"schoolId":50758,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School on @Ðǿմ«Ã½:","schoolName":"Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/ernest-b-desilva-elementary-school/50758"}
Join the 35 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School is
a town public school
in Hilo, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 423 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.9:1.
Its teachers have had 65 projects funded on Ðǿմ«Ã½.
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Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School Demographics
28%
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.
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
35%
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.
Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School Support on Ðǿմ«Ã½
Last updated Feb 24, 2026
Ðǿմ«Ã½ 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.
Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School
$48,322
raised using Ðǿմ«Ã½
65
projects
funded
18
teachers
funded
35
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
13
projects for
technology
6
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary School has received support from
17 individuals from Hawaii and
18 individuals out-of-state.