PTA/PTSA & PTOs

Visit your school's PTA/PTSA or PTO! Our PTAs & PTOs are child-focused organizations that have a strong voice for children.

Our PTAs & PTOs provide our schools with wonderful resources that greatly benefit our children. We understand that without the support of a strong parent community, our lofty goals and aspirations could not be met.

We are always looking for volunteers! If you would like more information about how to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact your local PTA/PTSA or PTO.

Please join as a new member, renew your membership, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation to your child's school.

NWSC of PTA/PTSA

The Northwest Suburban Council of PTA/PTSA (Parent/Teacher Student Association) consists of several local PTA and PTSA units affiliated with our elementary or middle schools in District 15. These units work in partnership with their school's principal and staff, as well as the community-at-large to provide programs and services that enhance the educational environment for all children. They also implement programs that create a sense of community for the families of children enrolled at that school.

The PTA/PTSA units work to keep parents informed of legislative activities pertaining to children and public education at both the state and federal levels. They keep parents and community involved and informed through PTA websites, calendars, newsletters, and emails.

The Northwest Suburban Council (NWSC) promotes communications and cooperation among the local units. The NWSC works with District 15 and the units to support parent involvement both at home and in the schools. The Council provides local units with State and National PTA programs and gives volunteers opportunities to develop as leaders in their schools and community.

PTA is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) service organization. The National PTA, of which all local units are members, is the largest volunteer organization advocating on behalf of children. All PTA/PTSA units in NWSC are committed to the Purposes of the National PTA:

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, places of worship, and throughout the community;
To advocate for laws that further the education, health, welfare and safety of children and youth;
To raise the standards of home life;
To advocate for fiscal responsibility regarding public tax dollars in public education funding;
To promote the collaboration and engagement of families and educators in the education of children and youth; and
To engage the public in united efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth.

For information on becoming involved, call your school office for the name of your school's PTA contact.

"every child, one voice"

PTA Vision, Mission, Charter Rules

PTA Vision

Every child's potential is a reality.

PTA Mission

To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering familities and communities to advocate for all children.

Charter Rules of the Illinois Congress of Parents & Teachers

To carry on constructive work for better parenthood, better homes, better schools, and better communities.
To refrain from all partisan and factional political activities.
To refuse consideration by the association of personal grievances.
To cooperate with the superintendent, principal, and teachers in promoting the best interests of the school and community.
To abstain from encroaching on the administrative functions.

everychild. onevoice.

History of PTA/PTSA

PTA/PTSA & School District 15—Partnering to provide quality education for all students

Since consolidation, the PTA/PTSA in District 15 has evolved from a hospitality-oriented, behind-the-scenes organization into a highly visible, integral partnership with the district, working in tandem with school administrators and teachers to strengthen and enhance the schools. The PTA/PTSA provides support and direct communication through its comprehensive network within the schools.

Although the date of the charter of the first PTA unit in District 15 is unknown, the Northwest Suburban Council of PTA/PTSAs was established in 1963. Patricia Oakley was the first president of this umbrella advisory council for all of the District 15 schools that began the process of linking the individual units together and to the state and national PTAs. Since that time, the Northwest Suburban Council PTA has become one of the most productive units in the state, drafting resolutions for the state and national PTA legislative platforms and guiding and encouraging individual units to do likewise.

Six District 15 schools have won the Illinois PTA’s top honor, the Advocates of Children Award, and one school, Winston Churchill (now Winston Campus), won at the state and national levels. All of the unit PTAs in District 15 have been involved in environmental awareness, health education, and child protection legislation.

The council-sponsored “Resolution to Ban the Sale of Fireworks” was passed at the state PTA convention in 1995. Council PTA established the very successful, ongoing coat closet in 1986, which provides outerwear for needy children in the area.

District 15 PTAs have initiated many art awareness programs in the schools. The annual Reflections contest encourages participation in the visual, musical, and literary arts. The PTA sponsors Junior Great Books and artist-in-residency programs in many of the district’s schools. The district estimates that during each school year, community residents, most of them PTA members, contribute more than 84,000 hours volunteering in district schools.

Although the PTA is not defined philosophically as a fund-raising organization, it has been able to raise money over the years to implement many enrichment programs, purchase equipment, and provide parent education programs. Over the years PTA volunteers have assisted in virtually every aspect of the education program, from kindergym to the Science Olympiad. PTA volunteers serve on curriculum committees, the district’s strategic planning and advisory council, and on principal selection committees.

In 1988, District 15 PTAs were instrumental in helping to pass the $64 million building referendum seen as critical to the district’s growth. PTA volunteers campaigned heavily, poll-watched, held phone-ins, and did mailings. Volunteers from PTAs then served on all of the facility and design committees for school remodeling and new construction.

More recently, PTA members have lobbied in Springfield for legislation affecting the district and have testified in Senate hearings on behalf of schools. The significant contributions of the PTA have been accomplished through much cooperation and encouragement from the district. Because of the district’s “open-door” policy to parents and volunteers, the PTA has achieved enormous growth and become a viable lobbying body and a driving force for excellence in education in District 15.