{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"East End Community School","outOfStateSupporters":42.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8844995,"projectId":9819120,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Your kindness has helped create a learning environment rooted in exploration, discovery, and play—an approach that is especially meaningful in our autism classroom. Because of your support, our students are able to engage in hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage communication and problem-solving. Learning through play allows each child to explore at their own pace, follow their interests, and make meaningful connections in ways that feel safe and joyful to them. Every day, we see students discovering new skills, experimenting with materials, and engaging more fully with their peers and their environment. These moments of growth—big and small—are made possible because of donors like you who believe in inclusive, experiential learning. Thank you for investing in our students and for helping us create a classroom where learning is active, engaging, and filled with discovery. \r\nYour support truly makes a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1760722149227,"projectUrl":"project/spark-a-love-of-learning-through-discove/9819120/","projectTitle":"Spark a Love of Learning Through Discovery, Exploration, and Play!","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":8844995,"projectId":9823282,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in helping us purchase new cubbies for our classroom. Because of you, each student now has a safe, consistent space to store their coat and school bag every day. In an autism classroom, structure, predictability, and clear routines are essential. The new cubbies have made a meaningful difference by creating a calm, organized start and end to each school day. Students know exactly where their belongings belong which helps reduce anxiety, supports independence, and makes transitions smoother throughout the day. This seemingly simple addition has had a powerful impact. Students are more confident managing their own space. The cubbies have created an environment that feels safe, welcoming, and supportive of each child's uniques needs.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has directly contributed to a learning space where the students can thrive. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and your commitment to supporting our autism classroom. Thank you for making a lasting difference in our students' daily school experience.","fullyFundedDate":1760722150002,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-to-hang-their-items/9823282/","projectTitle":"A Place to Hang Their Items!","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":8844995,"projectId":9831122,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing a new educational rug for our classroom. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the daily learning environment of ALL students. The rug is bright, welcoming, and filled with numbers, colors and the alphabet-- making it both engaging and functional. For our students, having a clear, visually stimulating space is incredibly important. The rug helps create structure, encourages group learning, and supports sensory engagement in a ay that feels safe and inviting. Each day, our students look forward to gathering on the rug to learn together. They enjoy pointing out letters and numbers, identifying colors, and participating in lessons in a space that feels exciting and comfortable. The rug has quickly become a favorite part of our classroom and plays a special role in making learning enjoyable and meaningful each day.\r\nBecause of you, our students now have a purposeful space that supports their unique learning needs and helps them build foundational skills in a joyful way. \r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our students. Your supports helps create an inclusive classroom where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1761944265687,"projectUrl":"project/a-rug-to-learn-grow-have-fun-on/9831122/","projectTitle":"A Rug to Learn, Grow & have FUN on!","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":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"}],"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 19, 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.