View Article  Supply Lists for 2009-2010

August 20th seems far away, but it will be here before you know it!  Back-to-school shopping is always exciting, and we want to make sure your lists are complete.

Attached are the school supply lists for Chesak and Martin.  If you ordered Wrap Pacs we thank you, but be sure to check these lists to see if there are any supplemental items not included in the Wrap Pacs.  We tried to include as much as possible, but there were a few items that were not available.

If you did not order Wrap Pacs you will be able to print out the supply lists for your shopping needs.  These lists are also available at www.district158.org.

The PTA hopes you are enjoying your summer!

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View Article  Let's Talk Plants on a Garden Walk
The Chesak/Martin PTA's Beautification Committee will sponsor a Garden Walk Friday, July 10th, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Chesak/Martin Butterfly Garden,  This is a great opportunity to see many of the summer flowering plants that will be starting to bloom, as well as Native Prairie plants.  Someone will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the butterfly garden and prairie plants growing in it, as well as some of the insects and animals that call it home.  The garden last year was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as Monarch Way Station for Monarch butterfly habitat by the University of Kansas.
View Article  And the Winner Is...Staff Appreciation Week!

Staff Appreciation Week ran from May 4 through May 8.  This year the PTA took a different approach towards recognizing and appreciating our much deserved staff members.  Instead of individually adopting classrooms a Staff Appreciation Committee was formed and led by Niki Burkey, and included a large number of parent volunteers.  The goal of this different approach was to ensure that every person who touches the lives of our children on a daily basis was honored for the wonderful jobs they do every day.  This year's theme -- The Academy Awards!

The response we have received has been overwhelming positive!  The Committee spent countless hours making gifts, autograph books, decorations, planning meals and snacks, gathering raffle prizes, and so much more.  Thank you to all of the volunteers who worked so tirelessly to make Staff Appreciation Week a very memorable occasion, and to those parents who were involved in any way.

What happened that week?  So much it's hard to explain it all!  Here is a brief overview:

The Chesak Martin PTA Production Co. requests the pleasure of your company to celebrate

Chesak's Staff Appreciation Week 2009.

 

Mon., May 4:  Star Treatment Day

Room Service Breakfast Delivery

Tues., May 5:  I'm a Fan Day

 

Wed., May 6:  VIP Luncheon

Lunch provided in Teacher’s Lounge

 

Thurs., May 7:  Academy Awards Day

**Dress as your favorite movie star or character and win prizes

 

Fri., May 8:  A Sweet Finish

 

As you can see, it was an eventful week.  The week started off with a bang Monday morning as the staff arrived to find the hallways and lounges transformed into a Red Carpet extravaganza, and every staff member had their name highlighted on the Walk of Fame.  Breakfast was served Monday, along with the above invitation to each staff member outlining the upcoming week, and new lanyards, each decorated with an Academy Award pin, were handed out.  Those lucky teachers who picked out a Chesak or Martin Star pin received VIP parking for a day!

Tuesday the Chesak staff received handmade Autograph Books for their students and friends to sign, bottles of water with handmade drink mix holders, and salty snacks of all kinds.  At Martin the staff enjoyed a catered lunch by Diced.

Wednesday the Martin staff received handmade Autograph Books for everyone to sign, bottles of water with handmade drink mix holders, and salty snacks.  The Chesak staff enjoyed a catered lunch from Diced.

Thursday was a fun, fun day!  The staff dressed up as their favorite movie star or character, and then were asked to vote amongst themselves for the best costumes in different categories.  The kids absolutely loved it!  A movie trivia contest was also underway for a chance to win prizes!

Friday was A Sweet Finish.  The day started with handmade treat boxes filled with Hershey kisses, and then all staff members enjoyed a fantastic array of sweets from the beautifully decorated sweet tables set up in both lounges.  The winners of the trivia contest and costume contest were announced, with prizes given to the winners.  A general prize raffle was also held.  A total of 50 prizes per school were distributed.

As you can see, it was a terrific week.  Thank you to everyone involved -- we made our staff feel appreciated and special for an entire week, and that's what it's all about!

View Article  A Great Event

Many thanks to all of our families who came out and enjoyed an evening of music and dancing on Friday, May 29th, at Ravinia Night.  Dave Rudolph and his band did a great job of keeping everyone entertained with hula hoops, bubbles, the limbo, and much more.  It turned out to be a beautiful evening, and a wonderful time was had by all.  We were even lucky enough to watch as the praying mantis was released into the Butterfly Garden!

A special thank you to Jennifer Troy for making this event happen.

View Article  Flower Sale A Huge Hit!

Thank you to all of the families who ordered flowers from the Beautification and Gardening Flower Sale this year!  The front lawn at Chesak is decked out in a brilliant array of colors today as the flower sale pick-up gets under way.

If you ordered flowers you received an e-mail from Bill Heiden that pick-up is today, Wednesday, May 6th, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. rain or shine.  If you do not pick up your order by 8:00 p.m. the merchandise will be sold, so don't forget!

A special thank you to our Chair, Bill Heiden, and our PTA volunteers who helped unload the flower truck and who will be there to help distribute the flowers.  We so appreciate your time and dedication!

View Article  The Community Sing

In an effort to promote reading and community relations Deb Webb's Sun City Prairie Voice will host a Community Sing-Along on the lawn between the Chesak and Martin school buildings at 6:30 p.m on Friday, May 15th.  All District 158 Kindergarten through 5th grade students will learn songs to sing along during their music classes.  The songs will not be memorized, but they will have a general knowledge of the song and will read the words during the Sing-Along.

Please take time to support this wonderful effort -- bring your children to the Sing-Along and enjoy the music as they make their voices heard in the best way possible!

If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Runyanwood at lrunyanwood@district158.org.

In the event of rain the Community Sing will take place in the gym at Martin.

View Article  Become a PTA Member for the Benefit of Your Children and Yourself!

The Chesak/Martin PTA formally invites you to become a member for the 2009/2010 school year.  Due to our updated bylaws our membership year will now run July 1 through June 30, so it's a great time to get your membership started. 

As a member of the PTA you are eligible to vote at all General Meetings and make your voice heard!  Your membership dollars also make it possible for the PTA to bring huge benefits to your children all year long.  Here are a few benefits your children receive directly:

Young Author Books ** DARE Graduation Luncheon ** Field Trips ** Assemblies  **  Award Winning Butterfly Garden ** Library Book Funds ** Family Events

Please take a few minutes to download the attached form, fill it out, and return it with your $5 membership fee to your child's school.  The PTA Executive Board and Committee Chairs have a lot of plans already working for the 2009/2010 school year, but we need your support!

If you have any questions please contact us at www.cmpta.org.

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View Article  Centegra Healthbridge Swim Night SOLD OUT!

Thank you to everyone who requested tickets for the Chesak/Martin PTA's Swim Night Event.  The Centegra Healthbridge Swim Night has been SOLD OUT!  We have had an overwhelming response and truly appreciate all of our Chesak/Martin Families who have shown an interest in this family night event!

Should you have any questions please send your email to pta@cmpta.org or leave a phone message at 847-669-5831.

View Article  Flower Sale Orders Due April 27th

If you would like to order flowers from the Beautification & Gardening's annual flower sale there is still time!  There are a number of planting flowers and hanging baskets available to purchase just in time for Mother's Day.

Orders and payment (checks only) should be returned to the school by Monday, April 27th.  All orders will be available for pick-up at Chesak on Wednesday, May 6th, between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  A form is attached to download if needed.

Thank you for your support of the Chesak/Martin PTA!

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View Article  2009/2010 Nominating Committee Report

Attached is the Nominating Committee's report, which lists their recommendation of Executive Board Officers for the 2009/2010 school year. 

Also please keep in mind we are still in need of two (2) Vice Presidents for next year.  If you are interested in learning more please contact us at pta@cmpta.org.

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View Article  General Membership Meeting Minutes For April 14, 2009

Attached are the meeting minutes from our last General Membership Meeting held Tuesday, April 14, 2009.  We had another great attendance, not only from our Chesak/Martin Parents, but from some of our terrific teachers as well!  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to participate in our General Membership Meeting!

Please be sure to mark your calendar for our next and last General Membership Meeting of this 2008/2009 school year.  Our final meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Chesak Elementary in the Multi-Purpose Room 311.  As always, there will be free childcare provided.  Thank you again for supporting the Chesak/Martin PTA!

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View Article  Wrap Pac Order Forms for 2009/2010

If you would like to order school supplies for your chid(ren) for the 2009/2010 school year consider a Wrap Pac!  School supplies are bundled in a box and delivered directly to your child's classroom by open house.  It couldn't be easier!

Attached are forms for each school -- Kindergarten through 2nd grade download the Chesak form and 3rd grade through 5th grade download the Martin form.  Check the item(s) you'd like to order, return your order form and check made payable to SchoolKidz to either school by May 1st, and then unpack your box at open house.

If you have any questions please contact us at pta@cmpta.org or give us a call at 847-659-5831.  All forms are also available at the school offices.  Thank you, as always, for your support!

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View Article  Looking For Some Kisses

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is May 4th thru May 8th.  We are just a little over two and a half weeks away in showing ...   more »

View Article  Kirk Martin's Seminar For Parents/Caregivers/Educators

Workshop for Parents/Grandparents/Caregivers

10 Keys to a Stress-Free Home & School

Faith Community Preschool / 10547 Faiths Way / Huntley, ...   more »

View Article  Upcoming Meeting for April 14, 2009

A reminder of meetings scheduled for April:

April 14          7:00 p.m.     PTA General Membership Meeting

                                          Bylaw Vote, 2009/2010 Budget Proposal, Wrap Pac, Family Events, and more!

April 14          8:00 p.m.     Staff Appreciation Week Meeting

                                          Please bring a bag of salty snacks to donate.

Both meetings will be held at Chesak in Multi Purpose Room 311.  As always, free childcare is available in Room 428.  We hope to see you all there!

View Article  Get Out And Vote!

A friendly reminder that the polls will be open Tuesday, April 7th, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  If you have not yet cast your vote for elections slated this spring this is your last chance.  If you don't know your precinct, call the McHenry County Clerk's office at 815-334-4242.

Addresses for the polling places below can be found at this link: 
http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/Common/CountyDpt/countyclerk/PDFDocs/POLLING04072009.pdf

Don't miss this chance to make your voice heard by voting!


 

View Article  Staff Appreciation Week Information

In the past during Teacher Appreciation Week a parent adopted each classroom and all PTA planned activities were coordinated through ...   more »

View Article  Swimming Anyone?

The Chesak/Martin PTA has teamed up with Centegra Healthbridge in Huntley to offer a fun filled evening to our families -- it's time to break out the bathing suits!  Come swim with us on Saturday, May 2nd, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Centegra's brand new indoor pool.  This is a private event and open only to Chesak/Martin family members and friends, so you will need to purchase tickets prior to the event to be admitted.  The cost is $10 per family -- a great bargain!

If you would like to attend this event please complete the bottom portion of the attached flyer and return the form and $10 (cash only) to school with your child in an envelope addressed to the PTA.  After your tickets have been issued they will be returned to you via your child's backpack.  Since this is a private event you will have to pay the $10 even if you are a member of Centegra Healthbridge.

There is a maximum number of attendees allowed into the pool, so reserve your space quickly.  We hope to see you there!

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View Article  Upcoming Elections - Meet the Candidates Night

Currently five (5) School Board seats are open for election on April 7, 2009. 

To give community members the opportunity to learn more about the candidates who are running for these positions the Huntley Education Association will host a “Meet the Candidates” night on Wednesday, March 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Conley Elementary School located at 750 Academic Drive, Algonquin.  The forum will take place in the gymnasium.

Please take this opportunity to meet the candidates and listen to their positions on issues affecting the school district.

And don't forget to make your voice heard on April 7th by casting your vote.

View Article  Revised Bylaws Posted

As decreed by the National PTA, every two years the bylaws of the Chesak/Martin PTA must be reviewed and approved by the General Membership.  As such, 30 days prior to the meeting in which the revised bylaws will be voted for approval the General Membership must be informed of any changes made to our existing bylaws.  Details of the changes made to the bylaws were given at our March 4, 2009, General Memebership meeting.

The 2008/2009 bylaws are also attached to this document for your reivew.  A hard copy may also be found posted at both Chesak and Martin on the PTA Bulletin Boards.

These bylaws will be up for vote at our next General Membership meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at Chesak.  Please make your voice heard -- attend the meeting and vote for your PTA's bylaws.

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View Article  Come Skate Away With Chesak/Martin PTA

Spring Break starts March 21st, and if you are planning a "Staycation" this year we know you are looking for things to do with the children during their time away from school.  Start the week out right by coming out to the LEAFS Ice Centre on Sunday, March 22!  From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. admission is $5 per person, and that includes skate rental when you show your "Come Skate Away" flyer that was sent home in backpacks.  If you are a PTA member show us your membership card and receive a $1 discount per family.

Can't find your flyer?  Print out a copy that is attached to this blog or pick one up at the school offices.

Children must be accompianied by an adult for the duration of the event, so strap on some ice skates and join your children for a few hours of fun on the ice!  We hope to see you there.

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View Article  Upcoming Meetings for March 4, 2009

The Chesak/Martin PTA invites you to join us on Wednesday, March 4, for our General Membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Multi-Purpose Room 311.  As always, certified childcare will be available to all attendees in Room 428.

Our agenda this month includes Family Events updates, Variety Show updates, Principal Reports, Bylaw Committee, Nomination Committee, Fundraiser 2009/2010 discussion, R.E.S.E.E.D, Membership Drive, Open Positions for 2009/2010, and much more!!  Please join us and make your voice heard.

After the General Membership meeting we will host a Teacher Appreciation Week kick-off meeting beginning at 8:00 p.m.  If you are interested in helping with Teacher Appreciation Week please plan to stay and hear the wonderful ideas we have in store for our teachers.  Find out how you can help to make this week one to remember!

View Article  2008/2009 Membership Form
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chesak/Martin PTA please fill out the attached form and send it back to the school with your membership fee to the attention of PTA Membership.  Come join us!
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View Article  Variety Show a Smashing Success!

The theme for this year's Variety Show was "We Rock" -- and boy did we!  Thanks to the superior efforts of Jenny Carlson and Katie Holmes, our Co-Chairs, the evening was filled with music, dancing, fun, and laughter for everyone in attendance. 

Jennifer and Paul Troy were our Master of Ceremonies for the evening, and they had a superior line up of talent to introduce.  All of the acts were fantastic -- especially the teachers performing to "Thriller"!  A big thanks to all of the children and teachers who spent so much time and energy putting their acts together, making costumes, practicing, and then entertaining us all evening.  Parents, your support of our entertainers means so much. 

To our volunteers, too many to mention, who spent the evening behind the scenes to make sure it all ran smoothly we just can't tell you how much your support means to our PTA!!  Without our volunteers there would be no showcase for all of the fantastic talent we have at Chesak/Martin. 

We can't say it enough -- THANK YOU PTA COMMUNITY for being an essential piece of our puzzle.

View Article  Bounce Away The Winter Blues

Bounce AWAY The Winter Blues

At

Pump It Up Crystal Lake

 

A special 90 Minute Jump N’ Pizza Social

for our Chesak & Martin students and their families.

 

Tue. February 24 -  5:00/ 6:00/ 7:00

Wed. February 25 -  5:00/ 6:00/ 7:00

Thur. February 26 -  5:00/ 6:00/ 7:00

 

$10/ per child includes one hour of jumping followed by

pizza & ice cream in the party room $5/ per adults for pizza and ice cream

 

 Online advance purchase is recommended by clicking here

www.eventbrite.com/org/136623718?s=1089688 Tickets will be available at the door, however each session is subject to capacity. Limited spaces are available, so sign up now!

 

(NOTE: children MUST be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event)

 

For all current CMPTA Members that show their membership card receive a $2.00 refund PER FAMILY at the end of the session.  Become a member that very evening and take advantage of Chesak/Martin's PTA February Membership Drive (50% OFF Membership FEE) and receive the $2.00 refund at end of session!    

View Article  General Meeting Minutes for January 28, 2009

Attached are the minutes from our General Membership meeting held Wednesday, January 28, 2009.  We had very good attendance at the meeting, with a large representation from the teachers.  Thank you for your ongoing support!

Mark your calendars for our next General Membership meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.  As always, free childcare is provided during each meeting. 

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View Article  Variety Show DVD Order Form and Release Form

If you have a child participating in the Variety Show and did not sign a release form please download the attached form, fill it out, sign it, and return it to the school to the attention of Variety Show.

The entire Variety Show will be filmed and will be available on DVD for the price of $6 on a prepaid, pre-order basis only.  If you would like to order a copy of the 2009 We Rock! Variety Show DVD please download the attached form, fill out the bottom portion, and return it to the school with your payment to the attention of Variety Show.  Orders must be received no later than February 19th!

Thank you, as always, for your support.

 

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View Article  VARIETY SHOW IS SOLD OUT!!

"We Rock!" is this year's theme, and our community is anxious to see it!  Thanks to everyone's participation and support the show is SOLD OUT!!

If you missed out on ordering tickets please send an e-mail to pta@cmpta.org.  Your name will be put on a waitlist; in the event tickets become available you will be notified.

Way to go Variety Show participants -- YOU Rock! 

View Article  Chesak/Martin PTA Variety Show "We Rock" Tickets

The Chesak/Martin PTA Variety Show "We Rock" takes place on Friday, February 20th at 7:00 pm (doors open 6:30 pm) in the Huntley High School Performing Arts Center located at 13719 Harmony Road in Huntley.  Tickets will be available Monday, February 9th via e-mail through the PTA mailbox (pta@cmpta.org) beginning at 10:00 am on a first come, first served basis with a maximum of 4 tickets per family.  Please be sure to provide your family name, your child's teacher name and grade, the number of tickets, along with a call back phone number when placing your request for the CMPTA Variety Show Tickets.  Thank you so much for all your support! 

View Article  Looking for a Few Good Men and Women for 2009/2010

Are you looking for an opportunity to be involved in your child's school?  Do you want to find a way to get out of the house and connect with adults who have the same goals that you do -- making our schools a better place for our children?  Do you have skills and talents that would be beneficial to our community?

If you answered yes to any of these questions please contact us!  We have a variety of Executive Board and Chair/Co-Chair positions available for the 2009/2010 school year within the PTA.  We are dedicated to making a difference in our schools, and we need your help to do it!  Please look at the attached documents and identify what areas you could bring your expertise to, and then contact us at pta@cmpta.org

Our puzzle is missing pieces -- are you the piece we're looking for?  We look forward to hearing from you!

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View Article  And The Winner Is...

Many thanks to all of the teachers at Chesak and Martin who participated in the PTA Pin Trading Contest!  We hope you enjoyed trading your Holiday pins with those around you, and that you ended up with one you love.   We had such a great response to our contest that we decided to recognize two winners instead of just one.

The winner of the Holiday Pin Trading Contest is Tonya Starkey from Martin, Speech Therapy!  Congratulations, Ms. Starkey, on winning a fun basket filled with lotions, candles, chocolates, and much more.

Cindy Botterman from Martin is our second winner!  Ms. Botterman, we hope you enjoy your bag full of candy.

Teachers, if you missed the opportunity to play this round don't worry.  Another chance to play the Pin Trading game is coming soon! 

View Article  General Membership Meeting Reminder - Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Join us for our next General Membership meeting on Wednesday, January 28th   more »
View Article  General Meeting Minutes for November 25, 2008

If you missed our November meeting you can read all about it in the attached meeting minutes.  If you have any questions or comments please contact us at pta@cmpta.org.

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View Article  District 158 Education Foundation's Second Annual Variety Showcase

Beat the winter blues and attend the District 158 Education Foundation’s Second Annual Variety Showcase!  Featuring over one ...   more »

View Article  SpiritWear Winter Orders Deadline
SpiritWear Winter Months Orders... 
Wishing you had a Chesak Cheetahs or Martin Huskies Hoodie to keep you warm during the cold months!  Here is your chance to show your school support and spread the spirit by ordering your SpiritWear!  The final days for placing orders are fast approaching!  So place your orders before winter break begins December 19th.
 
Any questions please send your email to pta@cmpta.org or  you can call the Chesak/Martin PTA @ 847-659-5831.   
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View Article  Variety Show 2009 - Auditions

SAVE THE DATE

Variety Show 09' Auditions

The PTA Variety Show auditions will take place on Saturday, January 10th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at Chesak Elementary School in the Muti purpose room.  Don't miss this chance to show us your talents for this years Variety show.

Please see link for Audition information and submission form.

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View Article  PTA Sponsors the Drive For Five Program

As the holiday season is in full swing, we reflect on the families in need in our school community.  Again this year, the Chesak/Martin PTA is proud to sponsor the Drive for Five Program.  This program helps families get through the holiday season by donating minimum $5 gift cards from the following stores.  The Social Workers at each school will distribute the cards to those families who can benefit from the generosity of our families.

 

Suggested stores but not limited to:

*Target   *Meijer     *Kmart     *Walmart    *Aldi   *Gas cards                                

 

Please return your gift cards by Friday, December 12th.  Thank you for your generous gift during this holiday season.

View Article  PTA General Meeting - November 25th

Our next General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at May Chesak School.  The meeting will be held in Room 311, the multi-purpose room at the end of the first grade hallway, at 7:00 p.m.

Please join us to find out what is happening, and give your input, on such topics as Family Events, Holiday Craft Fair, SpiritWear, Variety Show, Art to Remember, Reflections, and Drive for Five to name a few.  You're an Essential Piece of our puzzle, and we'd like to hear what you have to say!

As always, certified child care will be available during the meeting in the PTA room, Room  428. 

Please note that due to scheduling changes this year our next General Meeting was originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 9th.  Because this is only two weeks from our November meeting, and we realize December is a busy month for everyone, we are canceling the December 9th meeting.  Our next General Meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

We look forward to seeing you Tuesday, November 25th.  Thank you for your continued support of your PTA!

View Article  REFLECTIONS FINE ART DUE FRIDAY!

A reminder that all submissions for the Reflections Fine Art Program are due this Friday, November 21, 2008.  Submissions must be received by the end of the school day.  The theme for this year is "Wow!"

Thank you for your participation in this great program that allows students to express themselves in fine arts!

View Article  Bill Heiden Recognized for his Dedication!

Bill Heiden, Committee Chair of the Beautification and Gardening Committee, recently received recognition for his dedicated efforts to building our Butterfly Garden. 

The Butterfly Garden received an award over the summer from the National Wildlife Federation recognizing it as a Wild Life Habitat, one of 2,800 in the United States.  The University of Kansas has recognized the Butterfly Garden as a Monarch Way Station.  Due to these two recognitions, Bill was selected by his employer, Valspar Paint, as one of three people to receive Valspar’s Community Volunteer Award.  For Bill’s continuing work on Beautification projects at our schools to benefit the children and our community he will receive a $1,000 donation, which will be used by the Beautification and Gardening Committee. 

Read more about it at these links:  http://www.nwherald.com/blogs/huntleyblog/ and  http://www.midweeknews.com/articles/2008/10/22/local/huntley/huntley03.txt

Congratulations, Bill, on your well-deserved recognition!  The PTA thanks you for your continued dedication to our children and our community. 

View Article  General Meeting Minutes for October 14, 2008

If you missed our first General Meeting of the year on October 14th read all about what's happening with your PTA in the attached document!

Our next General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at Chesak.  Come join us!

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View Article  SpiritWear Exchange

SpiritWear exchanges will be honored through the end of the school day Thursday, October 23rd.  Sample sizes once again will ...   more »