Bienvenue, Jessica Hietala & ! – LNFI PTO Executive Committee Social Committee Co-Chairs

2. Why are you interested in running for this board position?

I enjoy organizing teacher appreciation events and am involved every year at my children’s schools. It’s important for me to show the teachers how much we parents appreciate them. I’d like to join as a committee chair member because the LNFI PTO is full of caring people. The president is positive, shows gratitude, and encourages other opinions which make for a pleasant environment to work in. This type of leadership is important and the reason I’m looking to do something more than just volunteering in a casual short-term way.

3. Briefly summarize what professional, leadership, and/or volunteer experience uniquely qualifies you to serve on the board.

I have always been involved in some capacity during parent-teacher conferences and teacher appreciation week. I have experience with teacher appreciation events for many years by planning and organizing thank-yous to teachers in the small school setting. At the preschool level, a few of us parents would get together to plan and implement events during teacher appreciation week and during graduation week. I helped to break down the events into small to-dos so all parents were able to be involved regardless of time constraints. During COVID-19, I organized an activity that the parents participated in at the end of the year to thank the teachers even though most students were not on site. And at the last preschool, they didn’t have a committee or any parent involvement. So, I organized a short event at the end of the year that was easy for parents to participate in thanking the teaching staff. I’ve also volunteered to help out during teacher conferences at the grade school level and do a small activity during teacher appreciation week at the middle school level. I have leadership experience in healthcare for many years which developed my communication and organization skills. I encouraged teamwork and sharing the workload resulting in ownership across the department.

4. Please describe how you would contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusivity of the board. (Diversity can include race, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, identity, ability, and under-represented perspectives.)

I live in the same neighborhood as LNFI. I have knowledge of the concerns and issues that this brings. When the school has to lock down most likely, I am at home too. With that said, I also personally know that most of us living here are involved parents trying to balance safety with the freedom of childhood.

5. In your opinion, what is the role of the PTO in LNFI and its community?

6. What is your vision for LNFI’s future?

To continue to support LNFI by organizing the intern program, spreading the word about the school’s great teachers, and supporting the teachers as they request.

1.  Can you commit to meeting the 2 years term and expected workload required by this role? Yes

 

Black America is often misrepresented and under represented. There are systemic inequities as well as racial. Allowing me to be part of the board allows me the chance to contribute on behalf of people of color.

The biggest role of the PTO in LNFI and its community is connection. We all have to find common ground and come together for the greater good of the school, teachers and parents. We all have to communicate effectively to build something great for our kids, students, and future leaders.