National PTA - Our History

For more than a century, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has provided support, information and resources to families focused on the health and education of children. The organization was founded in 1897 in Washington DC as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst. If not for these women and their vision and determination, there would not be a PTA—an organization that has been woven into the very fabric of American life.
   By whatever name it has been known, National PTA was created to meet a profound challenge: to better the lives of children. And today, it continues to flourish because PTA has never lost sight of its goal: to change the lives of children across our great nation for the better.

 Our Founders' Vision

Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst founded an organization—a nationwide movement—in a time when social activism was scorned and women did not have the vote. They knew there is no stronger bond than that between mother and child. Therefore, they felt it was up to mothers of this country to eliminate the threats that endangered children. They called for action in 1897 and more than 2,000 people responded—many were mothers, but fathers, teachers, laborers, and legislators also responded—all with a commitment to children. From that first meeting in Washington DC grew a groundswell of support. Problems were identified and strategies devised to resolve them. Through consistent hard work, sometimes after years of perseverance, the dreams became reality: the creation of kindergarten classes, child labor laws, a public health service, hot lunch programs, a juvenile justice system, and mandatory immunization were accepted as national norms.
                                                                         Source: www.pta.org

For more information on National PTA and its history, please click here.

 ILLINOIS PTA – OUR HISTORY

 The Illinois Congress of Mothers was founded in Evanston on May 30, 1900, just three years after the inception of the National Congress, to address what the members perceived as child related crises. In 1913 the name was changed to Illinois Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations, then in 1919 the name changed to Illinois Council of Parent-Teacher Associations. In 1928 our name changed for the final time to Illinois Congress of Parents and Teachers.
     The Illinois PTA is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding Section of any future Federal Tax Code.
     Our 103 year history is filled with many wonderful accomplishments and continuing battles. One of those continuing battles is adequate school funding.
     The Illinois PTA works with and serves on many committees on the Illinois State Board of Education; cooperating agencies in the fields of health, safety, environmental concerns, juvenile protection, cultural arts, community outreach; and other governmental bodies.
    With a membership of 200,000 members the Illinois PTA is a strong voice for the advocacy of children and youth.
 If you are interested in receiving additional information on PTA please click here or call the Illinois PTA at (800) 877-9617 today!
                                                Source: www.illinoispta.org

    HUNTING RIDGE PTA – OUR HISTORY

The Hunting Ridge PTA was incorporated and received its charter on October 29, 1969.  Since its inception 40 years ago, parents of the school community have worked tirelessly with the staff to provide the best services to the children of Hunting Ridge School. Over the years, our PTA has grown and expanded the committees offered to better serve the needs of our growing school community. The overwhelming success of Hunting Ridge PTA has always been dependent upon its parents and community members who donate more than 8,000 hours annually.  All of these volunteers are important and have helped to make Hunting Ridge a nationally recognized school of excellence.

As an Illinois PTA unit, Hunting Ridge receives support services from the Illinois PTA such as training workshops and legislative information.  It is this valuable support that differentiates a PTA unit from a PTO (Parent Teacher Organization).  As a PTA unit, we have state and national backing. Hunting Ridge has delegate rights, which means we are able to vote on resolutions at Illinois PTA conventions that often turn into legislation.

Hunting Ridge, with all the schools in District 15, is a member of District 37 PTA as well as the Northwest Suburban Council of PTAs (NWSC).  Illinois PTA is divided into regions in order to properly serve school units and establish a fair delegate voting system. NWSC serves our unit by providing leadership training, legislative advocacy and as a liaison between District 15 schools.

 If you would like to become involved and join our PTA please click here or email us at info@hrpta.org.

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