It seems like we can’t dodge the bullets, these days. They’re coming at us from every direction: On top of depressing unemployment stats, if it’s not City Hall, trying to raise our property taxes, it’s the new governor, attempting to increase income taxes. And then there was Cook County last year, jacking up the sales tax. Public services? Out the door. Touhy Avenue (a major artery), stretching between Central Ave. in Niles and Park Ridge has potholes the size of craters. Oh, it’ll be fixed (temporarily), next fall. And, we all will pay for it. Like we’re asked to pay for so many things.

But when was the last time you read that the public school you’re sending your child(ren) to on the northwest side of Chicago, received a significant amount of money from (a) the City of Chicago, (b) Cook County, or (c) the State of Illinois for really necessary building repairs, modernization, or even structural additions, so you’re children don’t come back home from school thinking they’re sardines. Despite this lack of investment by government, our public elementary schools are still some of the best ones in Chicago (and in Illinois). Why? Because as parents, we’re involved. Mainly, in our schools’ PTA’s. We raise money, we donate our free time, we organize events, and we get involved in our childrens’ academic lives. Donating your free time to help your school’s PTA is very admirable. Helping your school’s PTA raise money in these trying times is extremely noble.

Case in point: Wildwood IB World Magnet School needed new flooring (so students can move around safely), and new lockers. The only way this could get financed was with the help of the PTA. And they came through. Wildwood students were greeted with brandnew hallway floors and lockers, on the first day of school, in the last school year. For this school year, Wildwood School was able to add 15 new Apple iMac computers to their library (sweet, I wish I had one of those) courtesy of the PTA’s efforts and a voluntary technology school fund that many parents contributed to. This does not even touch on all the after-school programs at subsidized rates that are offered to further our childrens’ minds and talents. All these advances have been made for the benefit of our children. Paid for, not by the City, not by the County, not by the State, but by us parents.

What is the point that I’m trying to make with this story? The point is that your (financial) help is needed again. Economic times are tough, but our childrens’ education is more important – at least, that’s what I believe in with regard to our kid. I don’t know about the PTA’s revenue sources in other 60646 elementary schools, but to the Wildwood School PTA, the most important fundraiser of the year is the annual spring fundraising event. It costs $65 per person at the door, but for that you’ll get a nice dinner, the opportunity to get acquainted with and to network with other parents, and have a good time. Should you feel generous, there is an all-evening auction of fantastic items. My wife and I look forward to seeing you there, next weekend.

Wildwood IB Magnet School Spring Fundraiser Event Info

Edgebrook Elementary School Spring Fundraiser Event Info (under PTA News and Events tab)

Sauganash Elementary School Spring Benefit Event Info

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