The purpose of the PTA is to support our educational community and to enhance the opportunities offered to the students at Leal. The following is a list of many of the annual events and fundraisers the PTA currently sponsors at Leal.

Welcome Coffee August

A casual get-together the first couple days of school, with coffee and donuts to say "Welcome" and "Welcome Back" to school!

Ice Cream Social August

This fun annual evening event brings families together at the beginning of the year to get to know each other.

Walk-a-thon September

Kids walk around the school to get exercise, have fun, and raise money for every classroom at Leal.

Change Wars October

Students are asked to bring in spare change throughout the week prior to the Scholastic Book Fair to help raise funds for the Leal Library.

Scholastic Book Fair October

Raises money to provide a book to each Leal student, provide resources for the Leal Library, and to provide books for the D.E.A.R. reading program.

Teacher Appreciation Dinners October, February/March

Teacher Appreciation Week May

Parent volunteers provide food at evening parent-teacher conferences, as well as a week of treats at the end of the school year. Leal staff greatly appreciate this!

Diá de los Muertos November

Students prepare by making crafts, learning songs, etc. All Leal and district families are invited to attend and enjoy learning about this celebration.

Multicultural Arts Night Fall

USD116 families come from all areas of the globe, and on this night they share their cultures with other families. Booths representing various countries are presented by families and community groups. Dancing and music performances, art activities, etc. are included.

Science Night Spring

Amazing night of science education for families, in coordination with the University of Illinois.

International Children’s Day Spring

A celebration for the kids. Performers, food, educational booths for parents, etc. are included. (occasional event)

Leal Literary Journal Spring

A collection of writings and artwork by Leal students.

Leal Olympics May

All students run the UHS track and are times by volunteers, then participate in field activities at the school. Organized by Leal staff.

5th Grade Celebration May

4th-grade parents put together a fun day for the 5th-graders to say "Congratulations and Good Luck in Middle School!"

Fun Fair & Silent Auction May

This annual, community-wide carnival is one of the PTA's biggest fundraisers. Includes the ever-popular Taste of Leal. The Silent Auction includes donations from area businesses, Leal staff, and the community.

No upcoming events

Leal School T-shirts

Every couple of years, students submit a drawing for a new Leal t-shirt. The PTA works with Mr. Landsman and school staff to narrow down the choices, and the students have the final vote in the selection process. Leal t-shirts are available for purchase year-round.

eScrip

Schnucks grocery card users can easily register their cards to designate Leal School as the recipient of a percentage of each store purchase. Schnucks gas deals are not affected by this program.

Box Tops for Education

Students love collecting Box Tops! This is an incredibly easy fundraiser for the PTA. Each label is worth $0.10 for our school! The 5th grade Service Club works with the PTA to help promote and collect Box Tops.

Donors Choose

Contributions are matched through donorschoose.org. Leal teachers who have participated have acquired iPads, laptop, etc.

Winter Clothing Drive

Gently used winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves, and boots can be donated at the school to help keep Leal community members warm. Bins are located in the main school hallway.

Need One/Take One Book Bin

A free book exchange where children are encouraged to donate used books to the bin and may also select books they wish to take home. Bins are located in the main school hallway.

Childcare

Provided so parents can attend parent-teacher conferences and the Kindergarten parent meeting. Childcare is also provided at PTA monthly meetings.

D.E.A.R.

"Drop Everything And Read" is a program that rewards children with free books at the end of the year in return for reading and tracking their reading time each month. Teachers send home D.E.A.R. calendars each month in order for families to keep track of reading progress at home. Students who turn in a month's reading calendar are entered into a drawing to receive a bookstore gift card.

Minigrants

PTA funds are available for teachers via application. In the past, teachers have applied to purchase classroom supplies, iPads, books, projectors, Whisperphones, picnic tables, science lab supplies, photo printer, therapy ball chairs, OT/sensory items, compasses.

Library Lit Programs

Celebration for students who participate in "Battle of the Books."

Field Trip/Mary Hart Fund

Money is put into a school fund to help families to pay field-trip fees.

Cultural Enrichment/Assemblies

Assemblies for the whole school: storytellers, dance, and music performers.

Outdoor/Playground

play structure, sandbox, picnic tables, trees, garden.

Classroom Areas

Promethean Boards, Orff Instruments, computer tables, lockers, ipads.

Library

Technology and books for the library.