Hello Students, Parents & Guardians: 

My name is Eileen O'Connell and I'm very excited to be your teacher this year. Most of my students call me "Mrs. O". I'm starting my 20th year of teaching this year.  I will be teaching both 7th & 8th grade Science and Resource Room. I'm very fortunate to work in Wappingers Junior H.S. with terrific students and dedicated faculty members! Prior to working at Wappingers Junior H.S., I taught science for 11 years at Roy C. Ketcham H.S. I also taught at Van Wyck Junior H.S. and Copper Beech Middle School in Shrub Oak, NY.

My interests include nature and everything to do with science. Yes, its true- I'm a science nerd! I love the ocean and all types of marine life with the octopus being my favorite living organism of all. I love traveling, swimming, hiking and gardening. I enjoy all types of music and love attending live theater, especially on Broadway in New York City. I like riding my bike and walking on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and love spending time with my family and friends. I love winter, the snow, and of course snow days!! ⛷️I enjoy winter sports like skiing, snow-tubing and iceskating. I am a huge lover of Paris, France and enjoy collecting any Eiffel Tower memorabilia. I'm an avid animal lover and  own 2 adorable cats, Bella and Fiona, who are sweet sisters.

I'm also a very proud parent of 2 amazing boys who both came through the Wappingers Central School District. Both of my boys attended Wappingers Junior High School years ago, graduated from Roy C. Ketcham H.S. and are both attending local colleges.

My goal this year is to see my students engaged, curious, happy, and successful both inside and outside of the classroom. Throughout the year, we will be expanding our knowledge of science and will study the living environment and physical earth which surrounds us.

I hope to see students have a positive junior high school experience while improving their reading & writing skills and increasing their confidence in the classroom. In addition, it is my hope to see students increase socialization skills and take chances at getting involved in some of the interesting clubs that Wappingers Junior H.S. has to offer, like the Science Olympiad & Ski Club. Other goals this year include improving science vocabulary, increasing literacy skills, improving analytical and critical thinking skills, developing organizational skills, improving test taking strategies, making ongoing scientific observations & inferences and practicing kindness. 

Demonstrating KINDNESS in the classroom is something we work on throughout the school year. I believe demonstrating kindness and empathy towards others is the key to making connections, building friendships and achieving success both inside and outside of the classroom.

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

I am looking forward to meeting all of my new 7th grade students very soon! I'm also looking forward to seeing all of my returning 8th graders! 

It's going to be a great year! :)

Remember to always stay curious! 

"WE ARE WAPPINGERS!!"