Heatherwood Parent Teacher Organization

Join us the Heatherwood PTO in raising funds for our three valuable programs: Para-Educators (Teachers Assistants), Student Enrichment Program & Teacher Professional Development. All provide the valuable support our students need to become the innovators, contributors and leaders of tomorrow!

Testimonials

Before Hearherwood, I honestly didn't know what a para was or who a para was... my parents were life long educators and I know that I've always been drawn to people who care for others, particularly our youth, unconditionally... I've always admired characteristics of motivational forces who lift others up, who stay positive when things are tough, who lead by example, who take the time to ask questions and really listen and respond and can light up a hurting child's day with just one smile... and I can honestly say that because of our amazing Hearherwood paras, I now know exactly what a para is and who a para is.. and we can not be more thankful for all that unconditional love and support you bring to our children every day. Thank you awesome Heatherwood Paras!
❤The Laput Family

Thank you Heatherwood PTO for providing the funding for the Reading/Literacy program and specialist. My son in entering 1st grade could hardly read but after a few months in working with your literacy teacher he is now not only up to speed with his class but is starting to jump ahead. He is now in 3rd grade and is such a confident reader - please keep the para program going. I am not sure how I would have been able to provide this on my own. You have given my son the joy of being able to read! The Fower Family

"Kids need to be read with as much as possible. As educators we would love to read with every student every day. We would love to talk about vocabulary and our comprehension of what we have read. Other times we have small groups that also need to work on a particular skill - perhaps phonics or syllabication. Unfortunately, we don't have enough time in the day to do it all. With the help of support staff we are able to help all students grow and work on what our data says they need the most." -Jolie Evans (2nd Grade Teacher)

"The instructional paras are so important to my literacy rotations. They help me meet with kids 3-4 times a week on focused and targeted literacy skills. They run small groups, reading clubs, and work one-on-one with students, making it so that students are working on specific skills with an adult multiple times a week. The instructional paras are crucial to student successes and I could not meet with students nearly as frequently as they allow me to do!" -Nicole Savarese (2nd Grade Teacher)

"Suzanne is an incredibly valuable resource and basically serves as another teacher in the classroom. She's comfortable sharing many important responsibilities including leading small groups, assessing students, managing behavior positively, providing specific feedback, mediating conflict resolution, providing instructional support, helping students find just the right books, etc. She's excellent at building positive relationships with students and staff in the building!" -Jessica West (Technology, Library-Media Center, Specialist)

"Julie and Suzanne's presence during 3rd grade specials has been invaluable in creating a safe and challenging environment for all students in these large classes." -David Rivers (Art Teacher)