Welcome!

If you've recently walked into Thomas Jefferson for the first time, it is likely that you have not stepped foot into an elementary school since you were a child. You may have vague memories of your mother being a member of the PTA (Parent Teacher Association), but cannot remember exactly what she did, except that she baked cupcakes.

If you're new to the elementary school environment, new to Thomas Jefferson, or investigating PTA for the first time, we'd like to take this opportunity to extend our warmest welcome and answer any questions you may have about PTA at Thomas Jefferson.

6 Million Members!

When you join the PTA, you are joining an organization that is approximately 6 million members strong. The National PTA was founded over 100 years ago.

National PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States. A not-for-profit association of parents, educators, students, and other citizens active in their schools and communities, PTA is a leader in reminding our nation of its obligations to children.

The Thomas Jefferson PTA is also part of the Illinois PTA -- one of the first state branches to join the National PTA in 1900. We receive many support services from the Illinois PTA -- training workshops and legislative information. It is this valuable support that differentiates a PTA unit from an independently operated PTO (Parent Teacher Organization).

Thomas Jefferson, with all the schools in Palatine School District 15, is a also a member of the Northwest Suburban PTA Council.

Meetings

The Thomas Jefferson PTA holds business meetings each month. The specific dates are noted on the school calendar. Business meetings are open to EVERYONE and are conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order and the Thomas Jefferson PTA by-laws. These meetings are always attended by the Thomas Jefferson PTA Executive Committee Officers, Committee Chairpersons, Thomas Jefferson Principal, Building Assistant, and Teacher's Representative.

How to Get Involved

The first thing to do is join! Visit our Membership section for details.

You can also keep track of additional PTA news and events through the PTA Calendar, PTA Newsletter, and our newest information provider -- tjpta.org.

One additional and essential way to support the Thomas Jefferson PTA is to participate in our fundraisers -- Market Day, Kathryn Beich, and the Fun Fair are just of few of the activities that allow the PTA to continue to offer tremendous programs for the students at Thomas Jefferson.

The PTA Gives Back

We usually tend to focus on what the PTA provides for students, but the truth is, the PTA has a lot to offer parents as well.

As a PTA volunteer, you can get the chance to be in school with your child. Waving good-bye as your child heads into school can be a difficult thing -- becoming a PTA volunteer gets YOU through the doors as well.

Volunteering at school give you a chance to see how the school operates. You'll find yourself more at ease approaching the administrators and teaching staff. You'll get an inside view of how things work -- even how things are taught and what your child's teacher is like.

You'll be given the opportunity to meet a variety of talented and interesting people. Maybe you'll meet the parent of the child your child likes so much or the neighbor you only knew by sight. Many have made lifelong friends through the PTA.

Be sure to take your first step toward volunteering by checking out the complete list of Thomas Jefferson PTA Committees.