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{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hilo Union Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8165881,"projectId":9774795,"letterContent":"On behalf of my 5th-grade class at Hilo Union Elementary School, please accept our deepest Mahalo for your incredible generosity. Living and learning in the heart of Hilo, Hawaii, our students are learning and growing, and your support has provided them with the tools they need to channel that growth into academic excellence.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the clipboards and lap desks have completely transformed our classroom dynamic by turning every corner of the room into a functional workspace. In a 5th-grade environment where movement is key to engagement, the lap desks allow students to collaborate comfortably on the floor, while the clipboards provide them the freedom to take their learning \"on the go\"—whether they are conducting peer interviews or working on science observations. This newfound mobility has noticeably boosted student focus and agency, allowing our class to transition seamlessly between independent tasks and group projects. Because of your kindness, our students are no longer confined to traditional desks; they are thriving in a flexible, modern learning environment that honors their individual needs.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your investment in our keiki and their future. Your support reminds our students that there is a wide community of people cheering for their success.","fullyFundedDate":1759450078841,"projectUrl":"project/clipboards-lap-desks-for-flexible-seat/9774795/","projectTitle":"Clipboards & Lap Desks for Flexible Seating for 5th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8165881_orig.png?crop=367,367,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646542479806","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8165881"},{"teacherId":6526383,"projectId":9978452,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your kindness, generosity, and love for creativity. My students \r\ncan now see their imagination come alive through their active engagement and building with Legos. The LEGO bricks and LEGO table have helped my students to be creative and to showcase their LEGO masterpieces in the classroom for all to see and interact with. The cardstock paper has helped my students with painting, drawing, and a variety of other arts and crafts.\r\n\r\nMy students were in shock when they saw the Lego table. Their eyes were as huge as marbles, and their mouths were wide open. They clapped and cheered with joy. They were very thankful and happy.\r\n\r\nThese materials will help my students to be well-rounded and to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. It will also help increase their creativity in all academic areas. We are currently learning about space and the planets. My students will be using the Legos to create a space community. \r\n\r\nI am deeply humbled by your love and support. Mahalo!","fullyFundedDate":1767925371208,"projectUrl":"project/be-creative/9978452/","projectTitle":"Be Creative!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haleamau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6526383_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1562630677952","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6526383"},{"teacherId":7408216,"projectId":9776986,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our classroom has become a calmer and more flexible place to learn. We use the standing desk every day during independent work and small-group lessons. Students who need to move are now able to stand and stay focused while learning. The floor and table lamps help make the classroom feel warm and welcoming, especially during reading time. These changes have helped students stay focused for longer periods of time and feel more comfortable in class.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were very excited. They noticed right away how different the classroom felt. Some students shared that the softer lighting helped them feel calm, while others were eager to use the standing desk. Since using these resources, I have noticed a positive change in students' attitudes. Students are more relaxed, more motivated, and better able to stay on task during lessons.\r\n\r\nRight now, students are using this improved space to work on reading, writing, and problem-solving skills. The flexible seating helps students choose what works best for them, which has increased their confidence and independence. Because of your generosity, my students now have a classroom that supports both their learning and their well-being. Thank you for making such a positive difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759454731319,"projectUrl":"project/light-lift-and-learn/9776986/","projectTitle":"Light, Lift, and Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leite","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-leite"},{"teacherId":3285066,"projectId":9776901,"letterContent":"I am writing with a heart full of gratitude! Your generosity has officially transformed our classroom into a functioning media studio, and the energy in the room is electric.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of the PodTrak recorder, ergonomic office chairs, and memory cards has done more than just provide gear—it has validated my students' voices. The PodTrak makes them feel like pros, the comfortable seating allows for focused, relaxed interviews, and the extra storage ensures we never lose a great take.\r\n\r\nThe impact was immediate. Students are already busy honing their interviewing skills by capturing stories from teachers in our grade level. They are currently diving into the editing phase, learning how to polish their audio and sync video recordings into a finished product.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are no longer just consuming media—they are creating it. You've given them the tools to share their perspectives and develop technical skills that will serve them for years to come. Thank you for investing in the next generation of storytellers!","fullyFundedDate":1759464796637,"projectUrl":"project/mic-drop-unleashing-creativity-with-a-c/9776901/","projectTitle":"Mic Drop: Unleashing Creativity With a Classroom Podcast","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Okimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3285066_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452206687190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msokimoto"},{"teacherId":2794520,"projectId":9772597,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom. My students attend a high-poverty school where resources are often stretched thin, and many of them rarely have the opportunity to receive special treats or brand-new toys. Your donation provided more than just \"stuff\"; it provided a sense of belonging and a tangible reminder that there are people in the world rooting for their success.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the room was palpable when the boxes arrived. Because of you, our reward bin is now overflowing with Squishmallows, LEGO sets, slime kits, and high-interest books. These items have become powerful motivators for my students. I've seen a noticeable shift in engagement, as students are now working harder than ever to reach their academic and behavioral goals just for a chance to spend time building a LEGO masterpiece or choosing a new book to take home.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic gains, these rewards provide a much-needed emotional lift. For a child who may be facing significant challenges outside of school, receiving a soft Squishmallow to squeeze or a fun container of slime offers a moment of pure joy and sensory relief. You have helped create a positive, celebratory atmosphere in our classroom where hard work is recognized and rewarded. Thank you for investing in my students' happiness and for showing them that their efforts truly matter.\r\n\r\nWith sincere thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1759457784083,"projectUrl":"project/give-my-students-rewards/9772597/","projectTitle":"Give My Students Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2794520"},{"teacherId":3761005,"projectId":9774472,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! When the students opened the boxes full of graduation caps they couldn't contain their excitement. They were surprised that they would be able to decorate their own graduation caps for their upcoming graduation ceremony!\r\n\r\nAs stated in the project, this will be the only graduation that some of our students get to experience in their lives, so making it as special as possible for them really makes all the difference.\r\n\r\nThey did not get to sneak a peek at their graduation gifts, but I know that they will be excited to receive their school supplies, fidgets, and knick knacks in their custom graduation gift bags.\r\n\r\nThank you again for funding this experience for my students. This will be a graduation they will remember for the rest of their lives thanks to your generosity and thoughtfulness.","fullyFundedDate":1759437310920,"projectUrl":"project/caps-off-to-the-grads/9774472/","projectTitle":"Caps Off to the Grads!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morishita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3761005_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532385028451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/g-morishita"},{"teacherId":8075565,"projectId":9778252,"letterContent":"I am writing to you with a heart full of gratitude. Today, our classroom is a more vibrant, engaging, and inspiring place to learn, and that transformation is entirely thanks to your incredible generosity.\r\nWhen I shared with my third graders that a kind supporter had funded our LEGO table, art supplies and snacks, the room erupted in cheers. But the true impact goes far beyond that initial excitement. Because of your gift, I now see students who used to struggle with confidence standing tall as they show off a LEGO structure they engineered or a clay sculpture they spent hours perfecting.\r\nYour donation has provided more than just materials; you have provided opportunity. You have given my students the chance to work with their hands, to solve problems together, and to see their own imaginations take physical form. For many of them, knowing that someone like you believes in their potential is the greatest gift of all. It has fostered a sense of belonging and worth that will stay with them long after they leave the third grade.","fullyFundedDate":1759506720917,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-our-creative-side/9778252/","projectTitle":"Exploring Our Creative Side!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8075565_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632716405116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8075565"},{"teacherId":2100000,"projectId":9776990,"letterContent":"The entire class had a positive reaction just seeing the microphone system charging at the front of the class. Each of them asked what it was for or when will we use it. Once the system was charged, my students have been using the microphone and speaker system daily to lead our morning meeting. They enjoy being in charge of sharing information with their classmates using the microphones. We also used the system to host an authorÊ»s chair. The students took turns reading their narrative piece at the front of the room. We also used the second microphone to have the students answer questions from the audience. The addition of the microphone and speaker system has raised the engagement level and improved the overall confidence when students speak or share out during lessons. \r\n I also purchased activity scarves to use during physical education lessons. I taught the grade level how to juggle. We began practicing with one scarf and advanced to three scarves. The students were very supportive of one another as the amount of scarves increased. We also used them for exercises which build the left-right brain connection. The studentsÊ» pride and happiness at being able to juggle three scarves was so precious to me. \r\n Another favorite item in the project was the mac Ê»n cheese fidget. This item supports sensory regulation. For some students access to a fidget item allows them to more efficiently engage in instruction. For other students access to a fidget is a nice way to take a break for their hard work. The mac Ê»n cheese fidget brought many smiles and allowed lots of work to be done.","fullyFundedDate":1759538589910,"projectUrl":"project/broadcast-our-learning/9776990/","projectTitle":"Broadcast Our Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaimi-Morimoto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2100000"},{"teacherId":6396866,"projectId":9730028,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous support. Your donation made it possible for our students to explore coding and technology in a meaningful, hands-on way through the use of Microbits. These tiny devices opened up a world of creativity and problem-solving for them—far beyond what we could have imagined.\r\n\r\nWith the Microbits, students designed projects connected to real-world issues, including climate change and natural disaster awareness. They built model homes out of recycled materials and programmed the Microbits to light up their houses and even create warning signals when the structures were shaken. Watching their inventions come to life not only strengthened their understanding of coding but also empowered them to think about how technology can help keep communities safe.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has had a lasting impact. Many of my students do not always see themselves as scientists, engineers, or creators—but this project helped them realize that they can be all of those things. The confidence, curiosity, and teamwork they developed will carry over into future learning and open doors to opportunities they may not have known existed.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for giving them the chance to dream, build, and shine. Your generosity truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1762265312115,"projectUrl":"project/future-innovators-start-with-microbits/9730028/","projectTitle":"Future Innovators Start with Micro:bits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kohagura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6396866"},{"teacherId":6396866,"projectId":9773693,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous support. Your donation made it possible for our students to explore coding and technology in a meaningful, hands-on way through the use of Microbits. These tiny devices opened up a world of creativity and problem-solving for them—far beyond what we could have imagined.\r\n\r\nWith the Microbits, students designed projects connected to real-world issues, including climate change and natural disaster awareness. They built model homes out of recycled materials and programmed the Microbits to light up their houses and even create warning signals when the structures were shaken. Watching their inventions come to life not only strengthened their understanding of coding but also empowered them to think about how technology can help keep communities safe.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has had a lasting impact. Many of my students do not always see themselves as scientists, engineers, or creators—but this project helped them realize that they can be all of those things. The confidence, curiosity, and teamwork they developed will carry over into future learning and open doors to opportunities they may not have known existed.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for giving them the chance to dream, build, and shine. Your generosity truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1759377522905,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-learning-with-microbits/9773693/","projectTitle":"Lighting Up Learning with Micro:bits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kohagura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6396866"},{"teacherId":9966813,"projectId":9775621,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing autism-specific resources for our classroom. Your contribution has greatly strengthened the learning environment for my students at Hilo Union School, especially those in our third-grade inclusion setting who rely on consistent, predictable routines. Thanks to your generosity, I am better able to stay organized and provide clear supports that help all students feel safe and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nThe visual task analysis boards, visual cue cards, and visual countdown timers have made a remarkable difference—especially during transitions. Many of my autistic students struggle most when moving from one activity to another, and these tools give them the structure and reassurance they need. I have already seen smoother transitions, reduced anxiety, and increased independence as students understand what to expect and what comes next. These supports truly help them stay engaged and confident throughout the day.\r\n\r\nMahalo for investing in our keiki and for supporting the diverse needs of autistic students. Your kindness and commitment to inclusive education make a real, lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759494848514,"projectUrl":"project/inclusive-classroom/9775621/","projectTitle":"Inclusive Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ha'o","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966813"},{"teacherId":9966813,"projectId":9760283,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my new teacher project. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in my classroom, allowing me to create a more organized, supportive learning environment where I can stay on task and fully engaged with my students. Because of your help, daily instruction feels smoother, more intentional, and more joyful.\r\nThe new floor desk has already become a favorite during small-group time. Students love having a flexible, comfortable learning space, and it has helped them stay focused and more confident while working. The color images and visual materials you helped provide have also strengthened engagement and accessibility. These visuals support my learners who benefit from additional cues and make our classroom a more inclusive place for all students.\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and in me. Your generosity reaches far beyond supplies—you have supported curiosity, confidence, and learning in real and lasting ways.","fullyFundedDate":1758984091282,"projectUrl":"project/new-teacher/9760283/","projectTitle":"New Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ha'o","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966813"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_50762","usesÐǿմ«Ã½":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":449,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":63.2,"schoolId":50762,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hilo Union Elementary School on @Ðǿմ«Ã½:","schoolName":"Hilo Union Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/hawaii/hawaii-school-district/hilo-union-elementary-school/50762"}
Join the 193 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Hilo Union Elementary School is
a town public school
in Hilo, Hawaii that is part of Hawaii School District.
It serves 449 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.0:1.
Its teachers have had 214 projects funded on Ðǿմ«Ã½.
Share and help support Hilo Union Elementary School
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
38%
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.
Hilo Union Elementary School Support on Ðǿմ«Ã½
Last updated Feb 11, 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.
Hilo Union Elementary School
$159,924
raised using Ðǿմ«Ã½
214
projects
funded
46
teachers
funded
193
donors
12
projects
for
basic supplies
31
projects for
technology
23
projects for
books
14
projects
for
art supplies
Hilo Union Elementary School has received support from
122 individuals from Hawaii and
71 individuals out-of-state.