A Kapalama Elementary teacher on Oahu received a $1,000 classroom grant, good news for her third-grade students who will get new books and supplies.

• Teacher Leah Lee was surprised in front of her students and coworkers with a $1,000 DonorsChoose gift card.
• She is the first recipient of this year's Extra Yard for Teachers program, which funds classroom projects and supplies.
• The money will go toward books and other materials her class and the other third-grade classes need.
• Lee has taught at Kapalama Elementary for five years and started her career on Oahu's Leeward coast through Teach for America.

Outlook: More Hawaii teachers are expected to receive grants as the program continues through the year.