I’m new to the district. Where can I find answers to my questions, especially over the summer? Welcome! Some of your questions might be answered in this FAQ, or through the links on our “Where do I find...?” page. More great resources are your school office personnel, your principals and our P.T.A. President, who can help you find all the answers you need.
Do P.T.A. meetings apply to me? Whether you’re a member or not, every parent will learn something new about the schools at our meetings. Each school’s principal tells what’s going on that month at the schools, guest speakers enlighten us on a variety of subjects, and committees give updates on P.T.A. interests and activities. Meetings are open to everyone!
Where do the PTA dues go? Lyon and Pleasant Ridge PTA is part of the Illinois and National PTA chapters. So, in part, our dues support the creation of resources and advocacy efforts at the state and national levels. Locally, they go towards the directory as well as projects that our membership decides to do.
Why does the P.T.A. need to raise money? While state funds and the Glenview Education Foundation (GEF) do cover most of our schools’ needs, P.T.A. fills in many gaps and adds valuable programs. P.T.A. helps fund grants for teacher Wish List items, cultural enrichment programs like assemblies and Artists in Residence, and so much more.
How are the majority of the PTA funds generated? Instead of having many small fund raisers (although PTA does have many fun programs like Pumpkinfest and Book Fair), it is the consensus of most members that the funds for the operating budget be raised through one large social fundraiser that has been known as the Annual Benefit. The specific plans to raise funds at the benefit are at the discretion of the chairs of that event, but have historically included a silent auction, class gifts, and teacher gifts.
Why are most meetings held during the day? PTA meetings are scheduled at the discretion of the executive committee. Over the past two years, PTA has attempted to alternate Tuesday and Friday mornings for meeting days. Sometimes, school holidays and inservice days interrupt this schedule, and meetings end up being more frequently on one of the two days. We also strive to have at least one evening meeting. PTA meetings include both teacher and principal reports, and so we try to have the meetings at times when the teachers and principals are available. Our teachers and principals have a specific contractual day that they work, and most PTA meetings are within those hours to include their participation.
I’m a working parent and can’t volunteer. Should I still join the P.T.A.? While volunteers are essential to everything we do, we certainly understand time limitations. Please join us for meetings when you can, as you’ll learn so much about your child’s educational environment. Another way to stay connected is to join our e-list for updates. Perhaps you’ll discover an opportunity that’s manageable with your schedule.
My teacher doesn’t ask for volunteers often. How can I get involved in my child’s education? There are several P.T.A. opportunities that involve working with the kids. Click to learn about Room Parents, Art Enrichment, Health and Safety, and more.
Is there a calendar of ALL events? We do post a calendar of P.T.A. events here, but for school events, please check the district calendar.
How is the global language program publicized? At the end of each school year, flyers are sent home offering parents a chance to sign their students up early for the following year. We continue to send home flyers weekly. We also have information about registering on hand at the kindergarten registration. We also try to promote the program and have downloadable registration forms on our PTA website.
What is the “class gift?” Our annual Benefit in February raises the majority of the money used towards teacher Grant items. As part of that, we have a silent auction which includes Class Gifts. Class Gifts allow families to be part of the fun, by helping to create a unique auction item. These items vary from year to year and class to class, with lots of flexibility from organizers.
Is Spiritwear related to “Spirit Day?” Spiritwear is casual clothing with the school logo, sold by the PTA. When the school announces that a Spirit Day is coming up, sometimes Spiritwear is appropriate. Other times, the theme might be patriotic colors, etc.
Does the school offer Scouting programs? Scouting programs are not connected in any way to the schools, although meetings might sometimes take place there. To find your local group, contact www.NEIC.org for boys, or www.ilcrossroads.org for girls.
My child will soon start Middle School. Where is that information? Please check out the Springman-Attea PTA website at spatpta. If you don’t find what you need there, you will find links and phone numbers for both schools.
