Hello Students, Parents, and Guardians,

My name is Eileen O'Connell, and I'm thrilled to be your teacher this year. Most of my students call me "Mrs. O." This marks my 21st year of teaching, and I will be teaching both 7th and 8th-grade Science, as well as Resource Room. I feel very fortunate to work at Wappingers Junior High School alongside terrific students and dedicated faculty members.

Before joining Wappingers Junior High, I taught science for 11 years at Roy C. Ketcham High School. I have also taught at Van Wyck Junior High School and Copper Beech Middle School in Shrub Oak, NY.

I am passionate about nature and all things science-related. Yes, it's true—I’m a science nerd! I love the ocean and all types of marine life, with the octopus being my favorite "creepy" organism. My interests include traveling, swimming, hiking, and gardening. I enjoy all types of music and love attending live theater, especially on Broadway in New York City. I also like riding my bike and walking on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. I cherish spending time with my family and friends and adore winter and snow days! I enjoy winter sports like skiing, snow-tubing, and ice skating. I am a huge fan of Paris, France, and enjoy collecting Eiffel Tower memorabilia. Additionally, I am an avid animal lover and proud owner of two adorable cats, Bella and Fiona, who are sweet sisters.

I am also a very proud parent of two amazing boys who both attended schools in the Wappingers Central School District. Both of my boys went to Wappingers Junior High School and graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School. My youngest is currently a student at SUNY New Paltz, and my oldest has just become a nurse.

My goal this year is to see my students engaged, curious, happy, and successful both inside and outside the classroom. Throughout the year, we will expand our knowledge of science by studying the living environment and the physical world around us.

I hope to provide students with a positive junior high school experience while improving their reading and writing skills and boosting their confidence in the classroom. Additionally, I aim to enhance students' socialization skills and encourage them to participate in the interesting clubs that Wappingers Junior High offers, such as the Science Olympiad Club. Other goals include improving science vocabulary, increasing literacy skills, enhancing analytical and critical thinking abilities, developing organizational skills, refining test-taking strategies, making ongoing scientific observations and inferences, and practicing kindness.

Demonstrating kindness in the classroom is a priority throughout the school year. I believe that showing kindness and empathy toward others is key to making connections, building friendships, and achieving success both inside and outside the classroom.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing my students engaged in classroom lessons while having fun along the way. This is my goal as your teacher this year.

I am looking forward to meeting all my new 7th-grade students very soon and seeing all my returning 8th graders! It’s going to be a fantastic year!

Remember to always stay curious!

"WE ARE WAPPINGERS!!"

My other favorite animals are Manatees. 

Manatees are such gentle giants!