We are looking for one more parent volunteer to represent Harper on this important district-wide committee.The mission of the CRC is to research and advise the Board of Education on specific topics that will lead to improvements in teaching & learning. This year, the CRC will also participate in the strategic planning process for the district. The committee meets monthly from 7:00-8:30pm. If interested, contact Emily Primosch at ptopresident@harperpto.com.
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Room Parents
Volunteer to be a liaison for your child’s classroom teacher! Please email the Room Parent Chairs at roomparents@harperpto.com for more information.
Garden Committee
The Harper Garden committee could use some help with weeding and maintenance this fall. If you are interested in helping keep the garden beautiful, please email our team at garden@harperpto.com. Volunteer slots are 30 min – 1 hour in duration and may include some vegetables to take home.
Lunch Recess in the Garden

The Harper Garden was created in 2003 when Kathy Hofschield, then a first grade teacher, received grants from both the Chicago Botanic Garden and the District 39 Educational Foundation. Harper students, parents, and teachers worked side by side with the horticulturists of the Chicago Botanic Garden to conceptualize and build the new space. Currently, the garden features six raised beds for planting fruits and vegetables, a cozy tree stump reading nook, a relaxing bridge over a Mexican Pebble “river,” and a beautiful hand-painted rock path through a wild prairie garden. The space has stayed true to Ms. Hofschield’s original goal to provide a sanctuary that encourages children to rest, reflect, and care for the environment.
Parent volunteers are absolutely vital to the success of the garden and the quality of each child’s experience while in it! Students work in the garden planting, weeding, harvesting, and watering. Be prepared to get a little dirty while volunteering!
More information on volunteer sign ups coming soon!