About GROD PTO
Supporting the Mission of the Kent ISD Oral Deaf Program
Who We Are
The Grand Rapids Oral Deaf PTO is a nonprofit organization of parents, teachers, and community members supporting the Kent ISD Oral Deaf Program. Our mission is to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing students have the tools, experiences, and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.
The PTO works in partnership with the Kent ISD Oral Deaf Program, which provides specialized instruction, therapy, and technology that help students build spoken language, listening skills, and confidence. While the program is funded through the school system, many of the opportunities that enrich students’ development rely on additional support from the PTO.
Through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement, we help provide classroom resources, family events, enrichment experiences, and individual supports that go beyond what traditional budgets can cover. Together, we strengthen learning, connection, and inclusion for every child and family in the program.
Your support helps provide the opportunities and resources that make a difference for our students.
Our Board Members
— Kate Lieto, President
— Claire Addis, Vice President
— Lindsey Johnson, Secretary
— Mary Kay Kolber, Treasurer
— Kelly Cleveland, Golf Outing Chair
— Vicki Vairet, Teacher Representative
What We Do
Here’s how we support the students, families, and staff of the Kent ISD Oral Deaf Program.
Support
We partner with the Kent ISD Oral Deaf Program to provide resources, advocacy, and encouragement for deaf and hard of hearing students and their families.
Fund
Through fundraisers and community donations, we help purchase classroom materials, technology, and experiences that enhance learning and communication.
Connect
We build a supportive community among families, teachers, and staff — creating opportunities to share experiences, celebrate successes, and grow together.
Enrich
We sponsor activities that promote language development, confidence, and social connection, helping each child thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Celebrate
From holiday events to graduation recognitions, we honor student achievements and the dedication of teachers and parents who make this program so special.
Advocate
We raise awareness about the importance of early intervention, specialized education, and inclusive opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing children.
Our Impact
Jacob was born with a profound hearing loss
Jacob was born with a profound hearing loss and at fifteen months old he received bilateral cochlear implants. After touring the school and learning more about the program, our family moved to Kent County so that Jacob could attend the GROD Program. Jacob began attending the school at age two and a half and at the time he was only putting two words together. Jacob completed three years of preschool at the program’s center and was able to make so much progress that he has caught up to his hearing peers. He loves to listen to books, tell stories, sing, and talk, talk, talk! The GROD staff played an instrumental role in Jacob’s development as a listener and as a verbal child. Jacob has now transitioned to his home district of Lowell Area Schools and greatly benefits from the support he receives from his GROD Teacher Consultant that works with him weekly to continue to support his education.
Brooke was born with a severe hearing loss
Brooke was born with a severe/profound hearing loss. She was aided at 7 months. We began our journey with the GROD family when Brooke was only 2. Ms. Judy took us under her wing and guided our family through a very tough time in our lives when we weren’t sure what the future held for our little girl. We will be forever grateful to her teachers, Ms. Jennie, Ms. Vicki and Ms. Karla. Also for Mr. Jack for all his patience, advice, and many tests and audiograms. Because of this program, Brooke is a very talkative, bright little girl! She is almost 7 and is in kindergarten at Rockford Public Schools. With the help of her consultant, Mrs. B, she is making gains each day. She received her first cochlear implant this summer and though it has been difficult, we know with the support from the GROD program that the sky is the limit!!