Family Engagement
Huntley 158 strives to meet the needs of all students always and values the diverse perspectives of the families we serve. There are a variety of ways for parents/guardians to learn more about and get involved in the district and schools and let all voices be heard! See below for information about these opportunities.
District Parent Teacher Advisory Committee (PTAC)
Huntley 158’s Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee (PTAC) is designed to enhance two-way communication among key stakeholders and is a required school board committee per school code. Spearheaded by Superintendent Jessica Lombard and Board President Andy Bittman, the committee is designed to provide an opportunity for staff and parents/guardians to review and discuss Board policies and provide feedback and perspective to district leadership and the Board of Education on important topics.
During the 2024-25 school year, PTAC will meet four times (see schedule below) and will focus on the following Board policies:
Policy 7:180 Policy 7:190 Policy 7:200 Policy 7:210
Policy 7:220 Policy 7:230 Policy 7:270
2024-25 PTAC Meetings
- Tuesday, October 22, 2024; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Location: Martin Elementary School, 10920 Reed Road, Lake in the Hills
- Location: Martin Elementary School, 10920 Reed Road, Lake in the Hills
- Tuesday, December 10, 2024; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Location: Heineman Middle School, 725 Dr. John Burkey Drive, Algonquin
- Location: Heineman Middle School, 725 Dr. John Burkey Drive, Algonquin
- Tuesday, March 11, 2025; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Location: Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley
- Location: Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Location: Chesak Elementary School, 10910 Reed Road, Lake in the Hills
While the group’s input and participation factors into district recommendations to the Board of Education, PTAC is not a decision-making body. Quarterly reports from the committee are brought to the Board and school parent-teacher groups for review and consideration.
To help ensure equity in both opportunity and voice, an application process is used in seeking a diverse group of individuals from across the district to serve on the PTAC committee. Watch for information about the 2024-25 application process in the district’s fall Stay Up-to-Date e-newsletters to staff and families.
School Parent Advisory Meetings
In addition to district-level parent engagement opportunities, parents/guardians also have an opportunity to engage in two-way dialog with school leadership via parent advisory meetings. These meetings, known by different names at each school, are hosted by the principal who sets an agenda to guide open and productive discussions. Topics align with the district’s strategic plan and school improvement plan and have included student attendance, student behavior, and academic performance in the past. Brief presentations may be offered and may include guest speakers. These meetings are open to all families. Stay tuned for more information about these meetings during the 2024-25 school year in weekly school e-newsletters.
School PTOs/PTAs/Boosters
All Huntley 158 schools are fortunate to have a dedicated group of parent and staff volunteers whose mission is to enhance home/school connections and the educational experience for all students through fundraising efforts, events, and more. Check your school’s website for how you can get involved!
Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)
The purpose of SEAC is to create a platform for families to come together, collaborate, learn, and build connections as a dedicated community focused on special education. If your child(ren) has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or if you're simply interested in learning more about the special education services provided, you are encouraged to attend one of our quarterly meetings. SEAC meeting dates are on the district calendar.
Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee (MPAC)
The Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee (MPAC) represents the interests of Huntley 158's multilingual students and families, including English Learners (ELs) and native speakers in languages other than English, such as Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, etc., who are in transitional bilingual education (TBE) programs.
MPAC's mission is to create an inclusive environment where:
- The academic success and well-being of English Language Learners is prioritized.
- We advocate for multilingual students and families, ensuring their voices are heard, their needs are met, and they receive an equitable education.
- We work to enhance access to resources, boost family engagement, and strengthen community investment for English Learner Student (ELs) outcomes.
- We strive to ensure that multilingual students feel accepted, included and celebrated for their diversity by all community members in our District.
MPAC meeting dates are on the district calendar. For more information about MPAC and how you can get involved, visit this LINK for information in multiple languages.