Harlem Middle School PTO
Welcome to the Harlem Middle School PTO Website
Bookmark this page and check back frequently to stay updated on the latest news, events and fundraising opportunities for HMS!
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Harlem Middle School PTO is to enhance the educational experience of our students by fostering a positive relationship between our school, home and community. Through fundraising and volunteer efforts, the PTO provides resources to students and staff that complement those provided by the school district.
WHAT IS A PTO?
A parent teacher organization (PTO) consists of parents, teachers and school administration working together to support and enrich all students. We organize fundraisers for our school, plan fun events for our students and families, and assist in efforts to enhance our school through volunteering. We foster communication between the school and parents. We share thoughts and ideas about programs and activities that benefit our children.
With today's tight budgets, a strong, a well-functioning PTO can be a school’s most important ally when it comes to achieving curricular and fundraising goals.
WHY JOIN THE PTO?
benefit your child
Research shows that the performance of your child increases with parent involvement both at home and at school.
benefit your school
The PTO works closely with and provides support to teachers and school administrators to provide a positive atmosphere for all.
make connections
The PTO is a great way to connect with other parents of the community and to get to know teachers and staff.
be in the know
There is no better way to stay informed about everything that is going on at school.
voice your ideas
PTO Meetings give you a platform to share your ideas and suggestions, helping to make positive changes at our school.
share your talents
Each of you have unique talents, passions and personal relationships that can be a great asset to our PTO.
Click here to Join the PTO!
Open house nights
Open Houses will occur over three nights, one for each grade. Dates are to the right. Visit our PTO table on your night to get information about joining the PTO and our upcoming meetings and events.
We will be selling spirit items on site, including a new husky blanket, so you can stock up on husky gear! Food trucks will be on site for a night off from cooking. All purchases, food and spirit items, will earn a % back to the PTO. You can also purchase raffle tickets to win a back to school prize package. Let’s get ready for another awesome school year!
Tue. 8/13 - 6th Grade
Wed. 8/14 - 7th Grade
Thu. 8/15 - 8th Grade
-Begin in the main gym at 6pm for a presentation-
THU. 8/15
6th & 7th GRADE
FRI. 8/16
8TH GRADE
8:55 AM START
first day of school
The First Day of School for 6th and 7th graders will be on THURSDAY, AUGUST 15TH and the first day for 8th graders will be FRIDAY, AUGUST 16TH. Start time is at 8:55am. Emotions will be high and low, but changes are exciting and this is the next step, whether we are ready or not. Our students are more resilient and adaptable than we know and will do great! This will be the first year at this school for over two-thirds of the student body, and with an increase in students AND staff there may be some challenges for the first few weeks, so please be patient and stay positive as everyone tries to find their place in this new school. We wish all the students and staff a smooth start to the school year!
PICTURE DAY
Picture Day for all students will be on AUGUST 16TH. We can’t wait to see everyone looking their best! Online orders can be made through Interstate Studios at https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/87158GF.
support our school
This year we are trying some different types of fundraisers. Local businesses will give us a % back when you purchase goods from their store or use their services. Just another way to give back to your school while completing your to-do list!
Need some items for the new school year? Get some new school gear while supporting your school. Five Below will give 10% of all HMS family purchases back to our school when you shop during the week of AUGUST 17TH - 23RD and bring in an HMS Five Below flyer. Journals, art supplies, headphones, snacks, and more! Five Below has a ton of items to help get you through your school day. You must present our flyer for us to receive a donation. Click here for the flyer
We love this convenient and speedy ‘Stay in Your Car 10 Minute Oil Change’ at Take 5. Take 5 offers a fast, friendly experience, getting you back on the road quickly. You don’t even have to leave your car, allowing you to sit back, relax or multi-task while keeping your vehicle maintained. Visit Take 5 for an oil change on SEPTEMBER 1ST OR SEPTEMBER 8TH and 25% will go back to our school when you mention Harlem Middle School. Such an easy way to support us!
sunday, september 1st
10am - 4pm
sunday, september 8th
first pto meeting
Our First PTO Meeting of the year is SEPTEMBER 10TH AT 6PM. With so many new parents this year, we hope you will all join us so we can connect and navigate through this new middle school year together! We have so many fun things planned already and are looking for more ideas and some wonderfully talented parents to pitch in and help us make it a success! Also, we know you have some questions about how things will be handled at this new school and here is the perfect opportunity to bring up those questions, so we can help you get answers. One of our goals is to help address parents’ questions and concerns so you can feel comfortable at HMS. We are super excited for this new year and hope you will join in our excitement at the first meeting. Can’t make this meeting, see below for our meeting dates this year and mark your calendar! Our hope is that each parent will attend at least one meeting this year. There is no pressure, you can choose to help a lot or a little. As our kids get older, we need a team of parents all watching out for each others’ kids and helping them get the most out of their middle school years!
DO YOU SCAN FOR OUR SCHOOL?
Are you a Box Tops Member? This is the easiest way to give back to our school! Our school gets a donation for things you are already buying. Everything is digital now --- download the app, review the participating products, and scan or link your digital receipts to the app. It is super fast and easy for HMS to get a portion donated to our school.
Our Family and Friends Fundraiser Nights are an easy way for you to help give back to our school! Enjoy a night free from cooking by attending a fundraiser night at local restaurants. Or participate in one of the fun activites scheduled. By attending these places on our fundraiser nights, these businesses give a portion of their sales to the PTO. Support our PTO while getting some food and fun in return!
volcano falls - august 28th
A $25 wristband gets you 3 hours of unlimited mini-golf, both go kart tracks and laser tag! (All other attractions and games are separate.) Mention HMS when ordering to get this special wristband rate. Join us for some family fun and support HMS. $5 of each wristband purchase will go back to the PTO!
8/28
6 - 9pm
ALL STUDENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN - NO DROP-OFFS
sam’s on harlem - september 17th, 18th & 19th
Enjoy a delicious meal, a night off cooking and support our school! 20% of your purchase goes back to Harlem MS PTO when you mention our name when ordering. Dine-in, carryout or delivery.
6TH GRADE
SEPT 17
7TH GRADE
SEPT 18
8TH GRADE
SEPT 19
5 PM
Meet the
pto board
Eric Loema
president
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE PTO
Being an active leader within my community and being able to give back to others who need our help.
travel
boating
attend events
hockey
cooking
favorite thing to do other than the pto
My name is Eric Loema, and my number one priority is being a dad and focusing on my daughter’s health, well-being, and growth. Professionally, I am a sales and business manager for a historic restoration company with a background in architecture, marketing, coordinating, logistics, and more. Over the past 25 yrs, I have ascended the company ladder to be as successful as I am today. I love to help others and be involved with the community, which is exactly why I decided to become the HMS president. I was president of Olson Park Elementary last year and feel that was a great learning and growth experience for me.
For the 24-25 school year, we have a wonderful PTO Board, all of whom are highly motivated, eager to put forth the time for the school, and great communicators. Together, our team aspires to accomplish several goals throughout this school year to better help our school and the Harlem School District. These goals include fun and unique events for students, parents, and staff as well as raise funds to better support the teachers and staff at HMS.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE PTO
Organizing new and creative ideas for students and staff, meeting staff and other parents.
Rebecca De La Luz
Vice president
volunteering
exploring new places
volleyball
sports events with family
spending quality time with family
favorite thing to do other than the pto
My name is Rebecca De La Luz and I am a mother of three, the most rewarding part of my life. As a family we like to travel, volunteer, and support each other in our many sports teams. My background is in childcare and community. I enjoy helping and have tried to make an impact within the Winnebago/Boone County community by being involved with organizations such as Carpenters Place, Hope Reaching Out, Rockford Crisis Nursery, and Golden Apple Foundation, to name a few.
I’m a very outgoing and determined person and when I set my mind on an idea or goal, I find it very hard to stop until I achieve it. This will be my oldest son’s first year in middle school, and I want to make sure I’m doing everything in my power to help the process. This year I am also President at Olson Park Elementary and I am very excited to make a difference within the Harlem District community.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE PTO
Meeting other parents and planning exciting events for the students
Tabatha Dixon
Secretary
cooking
baking
crafts
anything fall related
baseball
favorite thing to do other than the pto
My name is Tabatha Dixon, and I have been a part of the Harlem Community since 2008. My oldest son, Nicolas, graduated Harlem High School in 2018 and my youngest son, Dyllin, is beginning his middle school journey this year, entering the 6th grade. Dyllin has been a part of the Harlem Baseball Club since its inception and continues to be a dedicated player today.
My personal background is in customer service, training, compliancy and management with a large healthcare corporation. Recently, time has afforded me the opportunity to become more involved and I am looking forward to my role as secretary within the HMS PTO.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE PTO
Organizing and planning fun events and field trips for the students and meeting parents
Jennifer Shelby
TREASURER
gardening
kayaking
puzzles
walking my dog
playing Rummikub and Stardew Valley
favorite thing to do other than the pto
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE PTO
My name is Jennifer Shelby and I have enjoyed living in the Harlem community for my entire life and graduated from Harlem HS in 1993. I am a mom of four, with my youngest son entering 6th grade. Attending Harlem District as a student and now as a parent, I have a strong connection and commitment to our school and community. I look forward to returning to HMS to support our students and help enhance their middle school experience.
My professional background is in accounting and project management and last year I was the President of Loves Park Elementary’s PTO. I am excited to help raise funds for school enhancements and plan events and trips that bring joy to our students!
social
social
Media
Media
Do you enjoy Facebook? Or is Tiktok more your vibe? Or maybe your favorite is Instagram? Wherever you like to hang out, we are there, too! Follow our Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok accounts to see event photos and get announcements, event reminders, fundraising opportunities and community happenings! Watch for upcoming drawings for prize giveaways when you follow our page and share our posts. Social media not your jam? Bookmark our webpage for helpful links, announcements and upcoming events and check back frequently to stay up to date. Or join our email list so you can get everything right into your inbox. We have many ways to get your updates so you won’t miss a thing!
Click on any of the icons to connect with us.
PTO
Meetings
PTO Meetings are held in the HMS Library at 6:00 pm. Google Meet is available if you can’t make it. Your student may sit in the library to read or do homework if you need to bring them. Agendas and minutes for each meeting will be available below when they are ready.
Click on the button below for the Agenda.
2024-2025 meetings
Click on the button below for the Meeting Minutes.
AGENDA
September 10th
October 8th
November 12th
December 10th
January 14th
February 11th
March 11th
April 8th
May 13th
MINUTES