Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

      • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

        Who We Are

        The PTO is us! We are volunteers who work to build a strong sense of community at Giving Tree Early Learning and HHAI. We are committed to supporting the students, parents, teachers, staff and programming that make Giving Tree Early Learning and HHAI excellent.

        Why the PTO?

        In recent years, the PTO has provided:

        • New technology lab computer equipment/software
        • New early childhood playground equipment
        • Expansion of student library
        • Programming for Grandparents, Family and Friends Day
        • Gifts for Teacher Appreciation Day
        • Funding for Giving Tree Early Learning's Light Studio
        • And more!

        Membership

        CLICK HERE to fill out the digital membership application, and bring a check for $36 to the school's front office to cover the annual family membership. Membership is free for Giving Tree Early Learning and HHAI staff.

        Volunteer Opportunities

        We invite and encourage your participation in the PTO! Please email our co-presidents, Helen Shere and Amanda Vela. In your email, please describe your interests and desired level of involvement.

        PTO Board

        Co-presidents: Janine Shapiro and Tzirel Rutstein

        Treasurer: Lisa Vayl 

        Teacher Liaison: Shana Zelikovich

        Giving Tree Early Learning Parent Ambassador: Hannah Perklov 

        HHAI Parent Ambassador: Max Newman

         
         

        PTO Committees

        Fundraising

        Events

        Room Parents

        Spirit

        PTO Payment

        Click below to make a secure donation to the HHAI/GT PTO using your credit card. PayPal account not required.
        Please indicate how you would like your donation designated.
         
         

      Alumni

      • Alumni

        HHAI AlumniThe HHAI alumni group is a vast network of amazing HHAI graduates!

        From celebrated choreographers, musicians, filmmakers, and authors to physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, researchers, and so much more, our alumni are leaders in their respective communities and industries. 

        We are so proud to have their continued engagement and support.

        CLICK HERE to visit our FB Alumni Group

      Testimonials

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        Testimonials

        Photo of Mother Who Left a Testimonial for HHAIThese testimonials tell our story through the voices of students and parents capturing the essence of what led them to choose HHAI.  

        “As a graduate, I always dreamed of sending my child to HHAI but when it came time to enroll I was concerned our interfaith family may not be welcome. I was pleasantly surprised to learn there were all different types of families who had found their way to HHAI who were fully accepted and embraced as part of the HHAI family. “ 

        - Marisa Zukerman (read full testimonial)

        “We didn’t grow up with any Jewish traditions or practicing Judaism; all we knew was that we were Jewish. I’m hoping our kids have a stronger Jewish education than Leo and I and both sets of our parents. Both Leo and I also attended Hasten so now it’s full circle.”

        - Marina Grabovsky

        “We thought our youngest would attend preschool at HHAI then join his brothers at a secular school. However, we were so impressed with our experience in the HHAI early childhood that we decided to stay.”

        - Karen Rothbaum (read full testimonial)

        “We firmly believe that our Jewish education provided the scaffolding required for a modern Jewish identity. We specifically wanted to give our children the same opportunities but were unwilling to compromise on an outstanding secular curriculum. With HHAI being the only Jewish Day School in Indianapolis, we were pleased to discover that the secular program equaled or exceeded its other private counterparts.”

        - Jennifer Schwartz and Jonathan Fridell (read full testimonial)

        “I attended HHAI K-8th grade and attribute my life-long friendships, connection to Judaism, and my confidence to these formative years at the school.”

        - Nicole Potash (read full testimonial)

      Partnerships

      • Partnerships

        Partnership3HHAI is proud of the many partnership opportunities we have established to add dimension and texture to the education of our students. 

        Through the JFGI Partnership2gether program, HHAI has partnered with Akko, a city in Israel to collaborate on programming such as:

        • Joint technology program with Rambam, Sulam Tsur and Gvanim schools.
        • English/Hebrew language exchanges
        • In person hosts for our 8th grade students’ annual Israel trip
        • Jewish emissaries provided to Indianapolis Jewish community

        As the only Hebrew day school selected from the United States, HHAI works with the Anu Museum of the Jewish People in connection with a local school in Western Galilee in developing a Generation2Generation project. 

        Partnerships with MIT, Ball State, and the Legacy Heritage Institute in NY allow for enrichment and training in design thinking for teaching staff and students.  Our partnership with Purdue for STEM education for Middle Schoolers and teaching staff is an enrichment activity we are proud to offer. Our exchange with Sycamore School allows our HHAI 8th grade students to attend Sycamore  elective programming while sending Sycamore students to the HHAI  Holocaust Museum.