{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dr Thomas S O'Connell Elementary School - East","outOfStateSupporters":26.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7445199,"projectId":9958710,"letterContent":"When my kindergarten students walked into the classroom and saw the new materials for the first time, their faces absolutely lit up. The bright smiley face carpet immediately became the heart of our room. Students were so excited to find their spots and gather together for our morning meeting and story time. Many of them pointed at their smiley face spot and said it made our classroom feel \"happy.\" The small pink carpet transformed our kitchen nook into a cozy dramatic play space, and the children were eager to jump right in—pretending to cook meals, run a restaurant, and take care of their \"families.\" It has been wonderful to watch them use their imaginations while practicing communication and cooperation with their classmates.\r\n\r\nThe clipboards, watercolors, dramatic play stand, and STEM toys have brought so much excitement into our learning centers. Students love carrying clipboards around the room to draw, write, and observe like little scientists and explorers. The watercolor paints have been a huge hit during art time, with students proudly showing off their colorful creations. During play time, I've seen students working together to build, experiment, and problem-solve, often cheering when their ideas work or excitedly trying again when they don't.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom feels even more joyful, creative, and inviting. The carpet has become a special place where we laugh, learn, and share stories together each day. The new materials continue to inspire curiosity, imagination, and collaboration. As we move forward in our learning, these resources will support even more hands-on exploration and play-based projects that help my students grow as confident and excited learners. Thank you for helping create a classroom filled with smiles and excitement every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1765726293454,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rug/9958710/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aresco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7445199_orig.jpg?crop=349,349,x176,y278&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597430907117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7445199"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_122850","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":58,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":45,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":73.6,"schoolId":122850,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dr Thomas S O'Connell Elementary School - East on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dr Thomas S O'Connell Elementary School - East","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/east-hartford-public-schools/dr-thomas-s-o-connell-elementary-school-east/122850"}
Join the 121 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Dr Thomas S O'Connell Elementary School - East is
a public school
in East Hartford, Connecticut that is part of East Hartford Public Schools.
Its teachers have had 26 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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Dr Thomas S O'Connell Elementary School - East Demographics
58%
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. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
73%
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.
Dr Thomas S O'Connell Elementary School - East Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Mar 20, 2026
DonorsChoose 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.
Dr Thomas S O'Connell Elementary School - East
$17,188
raised using DonorsChoose
26
projects
funded
15
teachers
funded
121
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
1
project for
technology
1
project for
books
Dr Thomas S O'Connell Elementary School - East has received support from
89 individuals from Connecticut and
32 individuals out-of-state.
