There is No Wrong Way to PTA

With schools facing challenges like shrinking budgets and lack of educational equity, PTA is more important than ever.

The PTA provides programs on strengthening family-school partnerships, and free resources for members on issues and areas such as STEM and health & safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join PTA?

PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. Being a member of PTA means that you are part of a powerful association and action plan that is focused on programs and initiatives that strengthen your child’s education.

PTA membership and dues support your child by funding essential educational and curriculum needs; advocating on behalf of children and educators at the local, state and national levels; and building an inclusive school community for all families. Join PTA for your child because increasing our membership, even by one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community.
Where does my money go when I pay membership dues?

PTA dues directly support your child. PTA dues help fund essential school resources and curriculum needs. PTA dues support advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education. PTA dues support our work to strengthen connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families, and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.
Does PTA membership require volunteering and attending meetings?

The only thing required of you to be a member of PTA is to pay the annual membership dues. Beyond that, however you choose to PTA is up to you. PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. From volunteering at school events to participating in local, state and national advocacy efforts to holding PTA leadership roles – the level of involvement is up to you. There is no wrong way to PTA!
How much time do I have to commit to being a member of PTA?
Isn’t PTA a social club for stay-at-home moms?

First and foremost, PTA is for every family who has a child at the school. PTA is for moms, dads, caregivers, grandparents, teachers and the broader community!

While some of the work done by PTA may appear purely social – including family that are organized to strengthen the school community – much of PTA’s work focuses on funding essential school resources and curriculum needs, as well as advocating at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education.
How does PTA ensure it represents every child and family at the school?

We encourage every family in the school to become a PTA member to support the success of their child. We want a diverse membership base that reflects all of the families and needs of students at the school. PTA strengthens connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.
How does PTA impact my child?
PTA provides schools access to experts, resources, trainings and dozens of nationally recognized educational enrichment programs that impact a child’s education such as the Family Reading Experience, in partnership with the Reading is Fundamental.

PTA funds the nation’s largest and longest running student arts program, Reflections®, which provides students access to arts, music, literature, dance, drama and visual arts.

PTA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system and anti-child labor laws.
How do you advocate at the national, state and local levels and why is it important to my child?

PTA is active at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education. During the past 120 years, PTA’s national advocacy efforts have helped establish universal kindergarten and the National School Lunch Program, the juvenile justice system, and anti-child labor laws.

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See how PTA’s across Illinois bring families, schools, and communities together.

Frederick Douglass PTSA is proud to be recognized as a School of Excellence awardee.

Frederick Douglass PTSA is proud to be recognized as a School of Excellence awardee. Congrats Frederick Douglass PTSA of Chicago!

Franklin Elementary School PTA - Let's Taco-bout Internet Safety

The Franklin Elementary School PTA, led by rockstar President Christine Nelson, recently threw an awesome event called “Let’s Taco-bout Internet Safety!” The tacos from a local restaurant were on point and brought in around 30 amazing families who were eager to learn about online safety. The PTA and the principal teamed up to deliver a totally cool presentation on the five key points of being “Internet Awesome”: smart, strong, alert, kind, and brave. Attendees also got to participate in some wicked activities that sparked some great conversations and had everyone pumped up to share with the group. This event was a total win, bringing families together to learn and have some fun.

Jefferson Elementary PTA Winter Ball

Check out the Jefferson Winter Ball Family event that took place in January! The event was a huge success used to promote the school’s Reflections Program and bring families together.

Aldrin PTA, INC. Hot Dog Day

The students asked for mustard and PTA answered their request! Now they were able to see a hot dog, ketchup, and mustard PTA members volunteering.

Douglas Elementary School PTA

The Douglas Elementary School PTA hosted the first annual movie night on September 16th. This was a wonderful opportunity to get families together to kick off the new school year. The event was very well received and the PTA received many compliments for such a fun family night (and an awesome concession stand too). The PTA had just as much fun hosting this occasion, as the audience did watching the movie. This is an event they hope to continue for many years to come!

Chicago Region Hosts Cooking Demonstration

On Tuesday, October 18, Illinois PTA – Chicago Region hosted a cooking demonstration by Chef Gregory Johnson Sr, aka Chef Greg’O as part of the National PTA Education Nutrition program. Chef Greg’O prepared pasta primavera, demonstrating that cooking a nutritional low-cost meal for your whole family can be easy and accomplished in under 25 minutes.

Chef Greg’O prepares nutritional affordable meal

Lake Park PTA

Teachers and staff at Lake Park spent the last few weeks nominating students for the “Lake Park All-Stars” award, an award that recognizes just some of the amazing things our students do every day. During their PTA meeting last night, they invited families out to view the award ceremony!

Calvin Coolidge PTA

Calvin Coolidge PTA kicked off the new year by sponsoring an 8th Annual Back-to-school picnic. The students, families and staff enjoyed games, music, a magician, vendors, and community organizations.

Wehde ECC PTA

Wehde ECC PTA in Crystal Lake had a great start to the new school year. They decorated for the first day of school and chalked the walk! They also had a staff breakfast on the first day.

East Prairie PTA

East Prairie PTA (Skokie, IL) was thrilled to host a STEM+Families Math Night in conjunction with local Mathnasium outlets on April 28th. At their Math Night, the Mathnasium staff, with the help of some teacher volunteers, showed students that math can be fun by playing math-themed games and activities.

Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50 PTA, INC

Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50 PTA, INC hosted a successful International Night at their school. They had over 350 people that enjoyed the event. Families showcased their countries as well as some performances from students, dancers, and teachers.

Coal Valley PTA

Bicentennial Elementary School Clean-up

PTA

Taking

Action

Abe Lincoln PTA

Abe Lincoln PTA held an ice cream social alongside their book fair. Many families came out to enjoy personal ice cream cups and shopped for new books. They benefitted from IL State PTA President, Carolyn, lending a helping hand as she spoke with families about showing support for the PTA.

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