Monthly Newsletter - May 2021

President's Message

Dear Heartland Community,

It is hard to believe that the end of another school year is upon us. I can't wait to hear the splashing and laughter of the children in the neighborhood pool and enjoy the long summer days. My year as PTO President, and years as a Heartland Family, are at an end. It has been an honor to watch our children learn and grow over these past years. I have learned so much from them, it was truly an amazing experience. I have also learned so much from all the wonderful parents and staff at Heartland. I definitely could not have done it without you.

I would like to take this time to say Thank You! There really are no words big enough or long enough to explain how I feel. The PTO Board, Chairs, Coordinators and Room Parents are truly The BEST! They inspired me with the time and effort they gave, their creative ideas and advocacy, all to better the learning experience of children in our community. The amount of hours dedicated to our children and school is enormous. The planning of events, and then the execution of that said event is hard work. You ladies pull it all off so well, you make it look easy. Thank you to all the great and wonderful parents who volunteer their time to help run committees and events. Whether you donated a few hours of your time or donated items for an event, it does not go unnoticed. Without you, those events truly would not happen. Our children see what we do and truly appreciate it. You see their smiles and hear their cheers and you know, a job well done!

To our dear Principal, Dr. Sauceda, it has been a pleasure to be able to work with you. I thank you for allowing the PTO to do so much with and for our children. Your commitment and dedication to our children are greatly appreciated. The flexibility and support for Heartland Elementary staff is wonderful. I truly felt like one of the team!

When I initially volunteered to be part of the PTO, it was out of service to my family, my community and the school, not realizing that I was going to finish the school year with many new friendships and fun life-long memories forged out of the experience. I gained a new appreciation for public school and the amazing people we call teachers, staff, administrators and custodians. I have a newfound pride in the community and am humbled by the many selfless parents, grandparents and business owners in our neighborhood.

As I leave my term as President, I do so with peace of mind, knowing you will be in good hands. I had the opportunity to work closely with Karen Okerlund this year. It has been a great experience to work with her and to learn from one another. As incoming President, Karen has great ideas for next year, and I cannot wait to see what she brings to Heartland! I wish her and the rest of the PTO Board the best of luck.

Last but not least, CONGRATS CLASS OF 2021! I wish you all the best for an exciting and sun-filled summer. You have all grown so much at Heartland Elementary. I know you will continue to grow at your new home, Harmony Middle School. I wish you the best of luck and happiness as you start a new school. I know you all will be great Thunderbirds.

I will miss Heartland so much, but I leave with a grateful heart filled with beautiful memories! Stay together as the family you are, strong as the community you have built and be proud of everything you have accomplished! It has truly been a pleasure to have been a Heartland family for the last 10 years, thank you for the unforgettable ride!

Yours truly,

Nayelli Palazuelos-Bowers

Follett Book Fair is May 18th-21st!

Heartland Elementary is excited to be hosting an in-person and virtual Follett Book Fair next week. Students will have the opportunity to purchase new books for summer reading by shopping in the library, online, or during our first ever outdoor family book fair night complete with food trucks!

Your family will find exciting new titles, a wide range of reading levels, paperback and hardback options and also the chance to help support Heartland’s library at the same time. Follett is the book vendor our library purchases most of our books from, so we know their selection will be amazing. Here’s a sneak peek at some the titles. Check out the full list of books here. Books will be sent to Heartland for pick-up the week of June 1st.

For the Family Book Fair Night, please sign up for a time slot to shop HERE.

Order Your School Supplies for the 2021-22 School Year

Skip the store for school supplies this summer! Order your school supplies for the 2021-22 school year here! Use Heartland Elementary PTO's code: 85704 to select your kit(s). The sale runs 5/3-5/28 only. Don't miss out! Please contact Molly Olm-Shipman at molmshipman@gmail.com with any questions.

Last chance to bid on the front circle parking spot!

Want a front row parking spot for school pickup and school events? We have the perfect solution for you! Bid on the front circle parking spot HERE by May 28th. The winner of this auction will get their own parking spot at the front circle of the school for the 2021-2022 school year! Your name will be on the Reserved Spot sign, so people know not to park there. Once you try it, you will wonder why you took so long to bid on it! All proceeds from this auction will help Heartland Elementary PTO fund materials, programs and other school needs to support our kids education.

Join the PTO Board!

We’re continuing to build our PTO Board for the 2021-22 school year!

Currently we are looking for a VP of Fundraising, VP of Communications and President-Elect.

Please email PTO President-Elect Karen Okerlund: karenokerlund@gmail.com if you have interest or questions about either of the roles!

Birthdays Displayed on School Marquee

Would you like to have your child’s birthday displayed on the school’s marquee? Well, you are in luck! The time to reserve your child’s birthday month is here! We can only display 3 birthdays per month so don’t wait too long to reserve, spots go fast! Each birthday has a suggested donation of $25.

Please go to the sign up genius to make sure the month you want is available and sign up for it. After you have reserved the desired month, click HERE to make your donation. Thank you!

PTO Membership Dues & Take Stock 2021-22

Support your PTO by becoming a member. Membership is $25 per family. The simple act of joining the Heartland Elementary PTO provides instant financial support for our students! Your membership gives you the opportunity to vote on important PTO topics, helps support the educational goals of our community and gives you access to the student directory! It's also a great way to stay informed about what's happening at school and connect in meaningful ways with other parents. Parent participation is a big part of what makes Heartland Elementary such a great school.

Click HERE to register.

HRT Take Stock

As an alternative to having our students sell items to fundraise, we ask parents to "Take Stock" in the PTO. This year's one-time suggested donation is $75 for one child and $125 for 2 or more kids. Without this money, we would be forced to cut some of the programs that our students, teachers and parents have grown to appreciate and enjoy.

In past years, Take Stock fees have paid for: