Make an
impact today

Support our mission by contributing to our Annual Appeal.

3% Cover the Fee

Where does your money go?

Funds raised through the PTO’s Annual Appeal fuel the heart of our school community. Your generosity brings engaging student programming that makes learning come alive, hosts meaningful community events that unite families and build school spirit, and supports our incredible teachers and staff with appreciation efforts, classroom resources, and professional development. Together, we create opportunities and experiences for our Explorers that go far beyond what the school budget can provide.

Every year, the PTO goes through a lengthy budgeting process, assessing previous years’ spend and estimating the upcoming school year’s expected expenses. The PTO has budgeted its annual spend for the 2025-26 school year at $170 per student which is in-line with prior years.

While we encourage you to use $170 per student as a giving guideline, contributions in any amount are needed and much appreciated - our goal is 100% participation!

PTO Funding Allocation

% of funds allocated

FAQs

  • The PTO is budgeted to spend approximately $170 per student during the 2025-26 school year on student programming, community-based events and staff support. While we encourage you to use $170 per student as a giving guideline, contributions in any amount are needed and much appreciated! Our goal is 100% participation.

  • YES! East School PTO is a 501(c)3 organization and is eligible to receive corporate matches to Annual Appeal donations. Please contact your employers to learn more about their matching gift program. East School PTO Tax ID: 27-0922510

  • The PTO Executive Committee sets the budget based on historical data and expected spend for the upcoming school year. The budget is then voted on at the first PTO meeting of the school year, which all are invited to attend.

  • The 5th Grade Committee sits under the PTO umbrella, but raises its own funds to support 5th grade culmination, the yearbook, and special social events geared specifically towards our soon-to-be East graduates.

Why give?

  • ✽

    Support PTO-funded Teacher Grants which have supplied everything from more flexible seating in classrooms, to the paint used on the new mural in the East stairwell.

  • ✽

    PTO-funded curriculum-based enrichment augments learning inside and outside the classroom with on-site programming and field trips.

  • ✽

    Beloved community-building events like the Back to School Bash, Halloween Carnival, Sweetheart Dance, and Field Day create memories that will last a lifetime.

  • ✽

    The Staff Appreciation Committee plans events throughout the year aimed at showing our gratitude to our amazing educators and administrators at East School.

  • ✽

    Help fund useful resources like Pick-Up Patrol, student agendas, and Time Magazine for Kids.

  • ✽

    PTO-funded programs like the East Garden and composting area, Kindness Crew, and Makerspace go beyond the core curriculum, broadening our Explorers’ horizons.

“There's no doubt that our students love seeing learning come to life within our enrichment opportunities- whether it's hearing from authors about their process to seeing live animals just inches away, they connect the learning from our classrooms to the experiences they gain from our programs.”

Jonathan Hawes, Principal

Portrait of a man with short dark hair and a light beard, wearing a light blue checkered shirt, sitting in an office with a window and a bulletin board in the background.

“The PTO provides wonderful events and learning opportunities for our students that enrich their elementary school experience. Whether its character building and helping to enhance our school culture through the Kindness Crew initiatives, engaging in the exploration of artists and their own creativity with the Get Smart about Art program, or connecting with peers and their families with evening activities such as the Back to School Bash, Nona's Night, and the Sweetheart Dance, there is something for everyone!”

Amanda Donovan, Asst. Principal

A woman with long dark hair, glasses, and gold earrings smiling in front of a brick wall.
Nicole Dunn, PTO President 2025-2025

I’ve seen first hand how the Annual Appeal truly fuels the heart of our school. Thanks to our East families’ generosity, we’ve been able to fund our Teacher Grants program that sparks creativity and hands-on learning - whether it’s flexible seating, murals brightening our halls, or special projects like Balloons Over Broadway.  We’ve also been able to celebrate and support our incredible staff throughout the year, reminding them how valued they are.

Nicole Dunn, East parent and past PTO President

Grade-Level Enrichment

Kindergarten

New England Wildlife Center Visit

Fundamental Forces, Mad Science

Fire Truck Visit 

Holly Hill Farm at East 

Police Officer Visit

Franklin Park Zoo Field Trip

1st Grade

Plimoth Patuxet Wompanoag Visitor

South Shore Conservatory Workshop 

Mad Scientist - Living in Space

Holly Hill Farm at East 

Wingmasters - Birds of Prey 

Weir River Farm Field Trip

Author Visit

2nd Grade

Colonial Visitor - Plimoth Patuxet

Brian Lies Writing Workshop

Holly Hill Farm at East

Sheryl Faye as Hellen Keller

Physical Changes of Matter

New England Aquarium

3rd Grade

Meteorologist Michael Page Visit

Lincoln House/Heritage Museum

David Coffin Musical Enrichment

Sheryl Faye as Abigal Adams

Holly Hill Farm at East

Plimoth Patuxet Field Trip

Harvard Jaws and Claws

Freedom Trail Walking Tour

4th Grade

Harvard Peabody Museum

Museum of Science

MIT Field Trip

Holly Hill Farm at East

World's End Geology Tour

5th Grade

State and House Representative Visit

Composting with Holly Hill Farm

Historic Hingham Walking Tour

5th Grade Play

Edward Kennedy Museum

Boston Tea Party Museum