We, the undersigned, respectfully request that Heather Miller (Miss. Millie) be reinstated to her position at Jackie Watson Child Development Center (JWCDC) and that any plans for her termination be reconsidered.

Heather Miller has been a cherished mentor, advocate, and teacher at JWCDC, fostering the growth of students academically, emotionally, and socially. Beyond the classroom, Miss. Millie forms meaningful connections with parents, creating a collaborative relationship that strengthens the bridge between home and school. Her dedication goes far beyond the standard expectations in education—students in her care are consistently exceptionally prepared for Kindergarten, equipped with skills that set them up for long-term success.

In addition to providing exceptional academic preparation, Miss. Millie goes above and beyond to accommodate each child’s unique needs, taking into account not only required accommodations but also the realities of their home lives. This holistic and compassionate approach has built trust and respect among students, parents, and the broader school community, making Miss. Millie an irreplaceable asset to our school.

We believe her termination is not in the best interest of:

• The students, who benefit immensely from her exceptional preparation, individualized attention, and compassionate approach that sets them up for long-term success both academically and socially.
• The parents, who rely on Miss. Millie as a trusted partner in their children’s education, fostering strong home-school connections and addressing the unique needs of each family.
• The school, which risks losing an educator who consistently goes above and beyond, delivering results that surpass expectations and enhancing the reputation of the institution.
• The community, which values educators who are not only outstanding teachers but also advocates for holistic student development and well-being.

Key Points Supporting Miss. Millie:

• Exceptional Achievements:
  • Bachelor of Science in Early Intervention of Childhood Development - Southeastern Oklahoma State University 2024
  • Child Development Associate from the National Credentialing Program 2023
• Community Contributions:
  • Written notes from students to Featherstone Assisted Living
  • Educational and interesting field trips to Pawsitively Wild (Petting zoo), Fire Department, Library, a Beekeeper, and Lexi Rains (published author of “Harmony the Hippo”), building a bird feeder, etc.
• Student Support:
  • Used her own personal funds to purchase goods and supplies to ensure students had the resources they needed to succeed in and outside the classroom
  • Student test scores show significant improvement during the school year and are above benchmark for Kindergarten
  • Students and parents alike speak highly of Miss. Millie and share many fond memories of her care and teaching

Furthermore, we firmly believe that the allegations made against Miss. Millie are not true. Many parents have come forward who were present during the different events in question and can attest to her integrity and professionalism. Additionally, we are aware of other teachers who have engaged in similar actions without facing the same repercussions, highlighting inconsistencies in how these situations are handled.

We are aware of several incidents that raise questions about the fairness and accuracy of the investigation into Miss. Millie’s termination. There have been reports of a camera supposedly documenting certain incidents, yet we know there was no such camera in place. We have also heard of other teachers engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as spanking students, sleeping during nap time, and failing to properly secure medications. Furthermore, there have been concerns about falsified fire drills and inappropriate conduct by management, including speaking disrespectfully to employees and encouraging them to falsify information. There have even been instances where details about employee terminations were discussed with parents, which we believe to be a breach of confidentiality. Given these discrepancies and the lack of transparency in the investigation, we feel that the decision to terminate Miss. Millie was not conducted thoroughly or fairly.

The termination of Miss. Millie may have unintended consequences for student enrollment at JWCDC. Many families have expressed their appreciation for the exceptional care and dedication that Miss. Millie provides, which has been a significant factor in their decision to enroll their children at this school. Losing such a valued educator could lead some families to reconsider their continued enrollment, as they prioritize environments where their children feel supported and thrive academically and emotionally. Furthermore, the emotional impact of this decision on the students cannot be overlooked. Miss. Millie has built a foundation of trust and security for the children in her care. Losing such a trusted and nurturing presence could create feelings of confusion, sadness, and instability, which may affect their overall emotional well-being and academic confidence.

If our input and concerns are not properly addressed and investigated, we will be seeking legal advice and advocacy from the Oklahoma Education Association’s White & Weddle P.C. Personal Legal Services Program. We understand and respect the school’s processes and policies. However, we urge decision-makers to reconsider their stance, review the situation thoroughly, and acknowledge the overwhelming support for Miss. Millie within the school community.

By signing this petition, we stand united in our support for Heather Miller (Miss. Millie) and advocate for her rightful reinstatement, trusting that the best interests of the students and the school will prevail.