What/Who is HOPE?

HOPE (Hawthorn's Organization for Parents and Educators) is Hawthorn’s Parent Teacher Organization also known as PTO. HOPE is open to all parents and guardians of students at the school. There are no fees to join.

Our mission is to support a strong, collaborative learning environment by enhancing the student experience and raising funds to supplement state-provided resources. HOPE is entirely volunteer-run; no one receives payment for their time or efforts. We give what we can, when we can, to help create a positive and enriching school community for all students

How can I help?

The best ways to find out how you can help is to attend a HOPE parent meeting (information related to specific campus on home page). There are many things you can do to help at school, after school, or from home. 

Can I bring my kids with me to volunteer?

In a few cases children can come with you to help out. If you have an infant, and you are coming to volunteer in the classroom, they are welcome! However, you are not able to bring other kids if volunteering at a field trip. The school's policy if our student is present, they have to be with their classrooms, and cannot be checked out to help parents volunteer at a different event or classroom.

What does a Room Parent do?

Room Parents help the teacher coordinate the classroom events, such as the Halloween Party, Christmas Service Project, Valentine Party, and Field Day in May. They also help with Teacher Appreciation week in May. Planning and communicating will be the majority of what a Room Parent does. How much time a Room Parent spends in the classroom will vary on how much support the teacher receives from other parents, but it is typical to plan on attending the events. 

Where does the fundraising money go to?

Money that HOPE collects from our fundraisers goes back into the school. There are some basic costs in running a fundraiser that must be covered, but HOPE donates money directly to the school to be used at their discretion. Last school year, they bought new computers, increasing how many mobile computer labs they have, and this year they were able to pay for a replacement to the wood chips under the playground. If you haven't stood on it yet, you need to! It is so soft and comfortable for playing.

What are Donation Dress Downs?

Donation Dress Downs are a fun and ongoing fundraiser for our school. On these days, students can dress in their choice of school-appropriate clothing by bringing $1 to their teacher. Donation Dress Down Days fall on the last Wednesday of the month, unless notified in advance of a change in the date.