{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"East End Community School","outOfStateSupporters":42.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8844995,"projectId":9819141,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of sensory bins and sand for our classroom. Your kindness has made a wonderful difference for our young learners with autism. Many of our students learn best through touch and hands-on-play. Since introducing the sensory bins and sand, we have seen our students feel calmer, happier, and more ready to learn. The materials help children explore safely, practice fine motor skills, and relax when they feel overwhelmed.\r\nFor some students, playing with the sand helps them settle during transitions and reduces frustration. Others are beginning to share, take turns, and communicate with peers while using the sensory bins together. These moments may seem small, but they are big steps in our students' growth and development. \r\nYour support has helped create a warm, welcoming classroom where our children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. We are truly grateful for the positive impact you have made in the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks!","fullyFundedDate":1760410902598,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-dig-up-some-fun-with-sand-tool/9819141/","projectTitle":"Help Us Dig Up Some Fun With Sand & Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844995_orig.jpg?crop=1412,1412,x0,y564&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760397818393","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844995"},{"teacherId":10082721,"projectId":9818381,"letterContent":"This popcorn machine has done much more than make a snack—it has created meaningful learning opportunities for my second-grade special education students. With the popcorn machine, kernels, oil, and bowls, students take on a rotating classroom job where they are responsible for preparing popcorn safely, following step-by-step directions, measuring ingredients, and serving their peers.\r\n\r\nMany of my students benefit from hands-on, real-life learning experiences. Operating the popcorn machine allows them to practice essential life skills such as sequencing, fine motor skills, communication, teamwork, and time management in a motivating and engaging way. It also helps build confidence and independence, as students see that they are trusted with real responsibilities that contribute to our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThis project encourages accountability and pride in their work. Students learn that when they follow rules, take turns, and care for shared materials, everyone benefits. The popcorn job also reinforces social skills such as waiting, asking politely, and helping others.\r\n\r\nThanks to donor support, this popcorn machine will become a powerful tool for teaching responsibility, independence, and practical life skills—while also bringing joy and a sense of accomplishment to students who thrive on hands-on success.","fullyFundedDate":1760410902752,"projectUrl":"project/poppin-with-purpose-building-skills-an/9818381/","projectTitle":"Poppin’ With Purpose: Building Skills and Joy in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Claire","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10082721_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760194516943","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10082721"},{"teacherId":5221251,"projectId":9895917,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations of classroom decorations and various teaching tools. They have helped make our classroom a fun, welcoming place where students feel comfortable and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThe decorations brighten our room, and the teaching tools help keep students engaged and support learning every day. Your kindness has made a big difference for my students and our classroom. \r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your support and generosity. Thank you for thinking of our students!!!!!!","fullyFundedDate":1764706675367,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-possibilities-bring-art-to-our/9895917/","projectTitle":"Colorful Possibilities: Bring Art to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5221251_orig.jpg?crop=2277,2277,x0,y270&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615565625397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hmclassroom"},{"teacherId":5221251,"projectId":9648905,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation toward our new classroom carpet. This carpet has already made a big difference in our classroom by giving students a comfortable, welcoming space to gather for lessons, discussions, and read-alouds.\r\n\r\nHaving a designated area to come together helps students stay focused, feel connected, and engage more actively in learning. Your kindness has truly helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for our students.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support and for investing in our classroom and our children's learning.","fullyFundedDate":1760036831872,"projectUrl":"project/a-carpet-to-gather-learn-and-grow/9648905/","projectTitle":"A Carpet to Gather, Learn, and Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5221251_orig.jpg?crop=2277,2277,x0,y270&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615565625397","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hmclassroom"},{"teacherId":6259675,"projectId":9659992,"letterContent":"Having prizes for rewards has been very motivating to my students. They are working harder and trying their best to earn. This means they are not only getting rewarded for their hard work, but they are also learning more. \r\n It is really challenging to get kids to memorize their multiplication facts. I did it, and you probably did too. I know I wasn't rewarded, but it sure would have helped to motivate me. The motivation to learn should come internally, but for many it doesn't. Like I said in my proposal for this project, \"School is a child's work, and the reward is like pay.\"\r\n Thank you so much for helping me to motivate my students. It really surprises me sometimes how much a tiny squishy toy means to a child. Working in a school with 80-85% of children who live in poverty has opened my eyes to providing rewards. They are exceptionally motivated and love choosing a prize for their earns. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1761944265887,"projectUrl":"project/keep-your-eye-on-the-prize/9659992/","projectTitle":"Keep Your Eye on the Prize","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniels","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6259675_orig.jpg?crop=4284,4284,x0,y714&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742901855937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6259675"},{"teacherId":8209036,"projectId":9814667,"letterContent":"I appreciate your support in getting new materials that help run our groups! The OT and I have been so excited to have a TV. It has allowed us to share SEL materials on a big screen, as well as movement breaks. The kids are enjoying the TV and are more actively engaged because of it. It really has helped shape our whole group learning.\r\n\r\nThe lap desks have also been a huge part of group! They have allowed students to have preferred and flexible seating. This allows us to meet students where they are at.","fullyFundedDate":1760722149414,"projectUrl":"project/technology-to-support-group-learning/9814667/","projectTitle":"Technology to Support Group Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mariah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8209036"},{"teacherId":8209036,"projectId":9814250,"letterContent":"WOW! What a difference your donation has made in my students engagement at recess. They are exploring and curious using the new materials. It has been a joy seeing them utilize the equipment and have access to materials they have not had before.\r\nI am excited to continue to grow their recess experience and thankful that your donation got this idea started. I look forward to providing more opportunities for our students to grow and explore. I am hopeful to build upon their recess materials and allow them further access to materials that meet them at their developmental level.","fullyFundedDate":1760722149892,"projectUrl":"project/recess-materials-for-all/9814250/","projectTitle":"Recess Materials for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mariah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8209036"},{"teacherId":8209036,"projectId":9725138,"letterContent":"I want to express my deep gratitude for funding this project! The \"odds and ends\" have taken coloring and the use of sensory bins to the next level. I was under the impression my younger students would enjoy the sensory materials more than my older, but I have been proven wrong. The creativity and fun is apparent at all ages!\r\nI am thankful for the other materials that allow my students with limited language to access communication in different ways. The timers are supporting and making transitions much smoother. And the hand sanitizer has been life saving as we enter the cold season.","fullyFundedDate":1760036833951,"projectUrl":"project/odds-and-ends-that-will-make-learning-mo/9725138/","projectTitle":"Odds and Ends That Will Make Learning More Accessible!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mariah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8209036"},{"teacherId":8956044,"projectId":9453992,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations toward our 3rd grade classroom books. Because of your kindness, our students now have access to books that are closely aligned with the curriculum we are learning in class.\r\n\r\nThese new books are helping our students better understand important topics, build their reading skills, and stay engaged in their learning. Having materials that connect directly to what we are studying makes lessons more meaningful and supports students as they grow as readers and learners.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and investment in our students' education. Your generosity is making a positive difference in our classroom every day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make learning more exciting and accessible for our 3rd graders.","fullyFundedDate":1760036833105,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-success/9453992/","projectTitle":"Books for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bergman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8956044"},{"teacherId":3637144,"projectId":9889456,"letterContent":"My students absolutely love our new STEM materials. The favorite right now is the amazing stand-up magnetic design center along with the create-a path magnetic center. My students have made some pretty amazing pathways at this center! The other most popular activity is building and creating with the squigz. Children and teachers are enjoying these! Squigz are such a great open ended activity. They have been used to stick and build on the magnetic design center, tables and foreheads! \r\n\r\nWe are looking forward to our small groups next week, when we will use the design and play STEAM boats kit. I know they are going to be amazing boats and that this will be a great chance for them to use their knowledge about and explore wind and water, and sink and float scientific concepts. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our classroom and providing them with engaging learning activities!","fullyFundedDate":1763561245576,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-stem-in-pre-k/9889456/","projectTitle":"Exploring STEM in Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Croce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3637144_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504992987165","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-croce"},{"teacherId":7054360,"projectId":9801557,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing the funds to complete this project. My students really appreciate your generosity. The end tables have already been put together. The looks on students faces was priceless when they saw them for the first time! The organizers have been a huge help for our classroom tidiness and performance. Our math notebooks have a tidy place to call home and the tops of tables are more clear to provide a better space to work on. Our fifth grade classroom is a better place to learn because of your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1760137641297,"projectUrl":"project/end-table-organizers-for-5th-grade/9801557/","projectTitle":"End Table Organizers for 5th Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carignan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7054360_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y645&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751207887929","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7054360"},{"teacherId":6259675,"projectId":9830092,"letterContent":"This was one of the best things I have done with my class regarding erosion. I have always done it woith a sugar cube, and we did this first, but having the rock tumbler made all the difference. They were able to apply what they learned from the sugar cubes to a new learning situation. \r\n \r\n When my students first saw the beatiful sharp rocks, they were very excited. When they saw the smooth polished rocks, they were amazed. It was so cool to speed up time and get the effect from erosion that would take hundreds of years.\r\n\r\n This activity lasted days. We put different grit in each time and tumbled the rocks over 4 weeks. It was so cool! This activity added greatly to my students' knowledge and discussion points. We also studied volcanoes and erupted them thanks to so many kind donors like you! Our next area of study is animal defenses and adaptations for survival. Thank you so much for making our learning fun!","fullyFundedDate":1760787427487,"projectUrl":"project/rock-and-roll/9830092/","projectTitle":"Rock and Roll","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniels","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6259675_orig.jpg?crop=4284,4284,x0,y714&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742901855937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6259675"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_55386","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":396,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":52,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":57.4,"schoolId":55386,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about East End Community School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"East End Community School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/portland-public-schools/east-end-community-school/55386"}
Join the 1,417 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
East End Community School is
an urban public school
in Portland, Maine that is part of Portland Public Schools.
It serves 396 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.3:1.
Its teachers have had 660 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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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. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
66%
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.
East End Community School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 15, 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.
East End Community School
$348,230
raised using DonorsChoose
660
projects
funded
95
teachers
funded
1,417
donors
61
projects
for
basic supplies
76
projects for
technology
141
projects for
books
31
projects
for
art supplies
East End Community School has received support from
813 individuals from Maine and
604 individuals out-of-state.