About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Murray Language Academy PTO is to build strong partnerships among students, families, teachers, staff, school leadership, and community partners to strengthen academic achievement, family engagement, student enrichment, and the overall school community. The PTO will provide opportunities, resources, programs, and experiences that help Murray students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively.
Our Vision
Our vision is an inclusive, welcoming and connected Murray Language Academy community where families are actively engaged, educators are supported, community partnerships are strengthened and every student is empowered and provided opportunities to succeed.
About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Murray Language Academy PTO is to build strong partnerships among students, families, teachers, staff, school leadership, and community partners to strengthen academic achievement, family engagement, student enrichment, and the overall school community. The PTO will provide opportunities, resources, programs, and experiences that help Murray students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and creatively.
Our Vision
Our vision is an inclusive, welcoming and connected Murray Language Academy community where families are actively engaged, educators are supported, community partnerships are strengthened and every student is empowered and provided opportunities to succeed.
Our Priorities
Family and caregiver engagement
Student-centered activities and enrichment
Responsible fundraising
Clear and early communication
Volunteer development
Community partnerships
Academic, creative and social-emotional support
Our Priorities
Family and caregiver engagement
Student-centered activities and enrichment
Family and caregiver engagement
Student-centered activities and enrichment
Academic, creative and social-emotional support
Clear and early communication
Volunteer development
Community partnerships
Responsible fundraising
Our Priorities
Family and caregiver engagement
Student-centered activities and enrichment
Academic, creative and social-emotional support
Clear and early communication
Volunteer development
Community partnerships
Responsible fundraising
PTO Executive Board
PTO Event Coordinators
PTO Executive Board
PTO Event Coordinators
Membership
Membership shall be open to parents, guardians, teachers, staff, and other eligible members of the Murray Language Academy community in accordance with school and PTO policies. The PTO shall promote an environment where families are welcomed and encouraged to participate regardless of whether they can contribute financially.
Membership does not give an individual authority to independently enter contracts, spend PTO funds, represent the PTO officially, or make commitments on behalf of the organization.
Teacher Leadership
& Advisory Team
Teachers should be able to serve as a voice and liaison for other teachers, bring recommendations to the PTO, identify classroom and student needs, help develop programs, and participate in planning.
Teacher representatives will be able to provide suggestions and leadership while PTO governance and financial decisions remain subject to our bylaws and Board structure.
Teachers should be able to serve as a voice and liaison for other teachers, bring recommendations to the PTO, identify classroom and student needs, help develop programs, and participate in planning.
Teacher representatives will be able to provide suggestions and leadership while PTO governance and financial decisions remain subject to our bylaws and Board structure.
Possible Teacher Leadership Roles:
Lead Teacher Representative
Event Lead Teacher
After-School Program Lead
Before-School Program Lead
Parent Mentor Teacher Liaison
Volunteer Liaison
Student Leadership Advisor
Garden Club Advisor
Family Engagement Lead
Academic Enrichment Lead
Possible Teacher Leadership Roles:
Teachers should be able to serve as a voice and liaison for other teachers, bring recommendations to the PTO, identify classroom and student needs, help develop programs, and participate in planning.
Teacher representatives will be able to provide suggestions and leadership while PTO governance and financial decisions remain subject to our bylaws and Board structure.
Lead Teacher Representative
Event Lead Teacher
After-School Program Lead
Before-School Program Lead
Parent Mentor Teacher Liaison
Volunteer Liaison
Student Leadership Advisor
Garden Club Advisor
Family Engagement Lead
Academic Enrichment Lead
Teachers are encouraged to bring new ideas.
If a teacher would like to create or serve in another leadership role, they may meet with the PTO Board of Directors to discuss the opportunity.
We want teachers to be involved beyond simply attending PTO meetings.
Teachers can help us:
Develop programs
Suggest academic enrichment activities
Identify student needs
Recommend after-school programs
Support family engagement
Assist with events
Help evaluate programs
Support student leadership
Help connect teachers with parent volunteers
Recommend partnerships and resources
Teachers are encouraged to bring new ideas.
If a teacher would like to create or serve in another leadership role, they may meet with the PTO Board of Directors to discuss the opportunity.
We want teachers to be involved beyond simply attending PTO meetings.
Teachers can help us:
Develop programs
Suggest academic enrichment activities
Identify student needs
Recommend after-school programs
Support family engagement
Assist with events
Help evaluate programs
Support student leadership
Help connect teachers with parent volunteers
Recommend partnerships and resources
Parent Engagement Leadership
This team will help coordinate:
Parent Mentors
Classroom helpers
After-school helpers
Volunteers
Family engagement
Communication
Parent participation
Training
Volunteer placement
Parent Engagement
Leadership
This team will help coordinate:
Parent Mentors
Classroom helpers
After-school helpers
Volunteers
Family engagement
Communication
Parent participation
Training
Volunteer placement
Parent Engagement Leadership
This team will help coordinate:
Parent Mentors
Classroom helpers
After-school helpers
Volunteers
Family engagement
Communication
Parent participation
Training
Volunteer placement
Parent Mentor Fellowship Program
The Murray Language Academy PTO Parent Mentor Fellowship Program is being developed to provide structured opportunities for parents and caregivers to support students, teachers, families, and school programs.
The program should reflect the culture and educational priorities of Murray Language Academy.
Program areas may include:
Reading and literacy
Mathematics
World languages
Academic enrichment
Classroom support
Student leadership
Family engagement
After-school programming
Garden activities
Wellness activities
Community service
Special school projects
Parent Mentors must follow all applicable school, CPS, Chicago Board of Education, volunteer, safety, confidentiality, supervision, and training requirements.
Initial Parent Mentor Pilot
For our first pilot, we are planning to open approximately:
Three Parent Mentor Fellowship Positions
Parents will not automatically receive a fellowship position.
Interested parents will be required to complete a selection process.
Parent Mentor Fellowship Program
The Murray Language Academy PTO Parent Mentor Fellowship Program is being developed to provide structured opportunities for parents and caregivers to support students, teachers, families, and school programs.
The program should reflect the culture and educational priorities of Murray Language Academy.
Program areas may include:
Reading and literacy
Mathematics
World languages
Academic enrichment
Classroom support
Student leadership
Family engagement
After-school programming
Garden activities
Wellness activities
Community service
Special school projects
Parent Mentors must follow all applicable school, CPS, Chicago Board of Education, volunteer, safety, confidentiality, supervision, and training requirements.
Initial Parent Mentor Pilot
For our first pilot, we are planning to open approximately:
Three Parent Mentor Fellowship Positions
Parents will not automatically receive a fellowship position.
Interested parents will be required to complete a selection process.
Parent Mentor Fellowship Program
The Murray Language Academy PTO Parent Mentor Fellowship Program is being developed to provide structured opportunities for parents and caregivers to support students, teachers, families, and school programs.
The program should reflect the culture and educational priorities of Murray Language Academy.
Program areas may include:
Reading and literacy
Mathematics
World languages
Academic enrichment
Classroom support
Student leadership
Family engagement
After-school programming
Garden activities
Wellness activities
Community service
Special school projects
Parent Mentors must follow all applicable school, CPS, Chicago Board of Education, volunteer, safety, confidentiality, supervision, and training requirements.
Initial Parent Mentor Pilot
For our first pilot, we are planning to open approximately:
Three Parent Mentor Fellowship Positions
Parents will not automatically receive a fellowship position.
Interested parents will be required to complete a selection process.
Parent Mentor Selection Process
Step 1 — Application
Parents complete the Parent Mentor Fellowship application.
Step 2 — Volunteer Requirements
Applicants must complete all applicable volunteer approval requirements.
Step 3 — Interview
Selected applicants will participate in an interview with designated members of the PTO and Parent Engagement leadership.
Step 4 — Review
Applicants may be reviewed based on:
Availability
Reliability
Communication
Relevant experience
Interest in supporting children
Ability to work collaboratively with teachers
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Program needs
Classroom needs
Volunteer eligibility
Step 5 — Selection
Three parents will be selected for the initial pilot.
Parents who are not selected should still be encouraged to volunteer and may remain on the
Parent Mentor interest list for future opportunities.
Parent Mentor Selection
Process
Parents complete the Parent Mentor Fellowship application.
Step 1 — Application
Add a Title Here
Add Subtext text. Click "Edit Text" to update the font, size and more.
To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Step 1 — Application
Parents complete the Parent Mentor Fellowship application.
Step 2 — Volunteer Requirements
Applicants must complete all applicable volunteer approval requirements.
Step 3 — Interview
Selected applicants will participate in an interview with designated members of the PTO and Parent Engagement leadership.
Step 4 — Review
Applicants may be reviewed based on:
Availability
Reliability
Communication
Relevant experience
Interest in supporting children
Ability to work collaboratively with teachers
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Program needs
Classroom needs
Volunteer eligibility
Step 5 — Selection
Three parents will be selected for the initial pilot.
Parents who are not selected should still be encouraged to volunteer and may remain on the
Parent Mentor interest list for future opportunities.
Parent Mentor Selection Process
Step 1 — Application
Parents complete the Parent Mentor Fellowship application.
Step 2 — Volunteer Requirements
Applicants must complete all applicable volunteer approval requirements.
Step 3 — Interview
Selected applicants will participate in an interview with designated members of the PTO and Parent Engagement leadership.
Step 4 — Review
Applicants may be reviewed based on:
Availability
Reliability
Communication
Relevant experience
Interest in supporting children
Ability to work collaboratively with teachers
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Program needs
Classroom needs
Volunteer eligibility
Step 5 — Selection
Three parents will be selected for the initial pilot.
Parents who are not selected should still be encouraged to volunteer and may remain on the
Parent Mentor interest list for future opportunities.
Parent Mentor Service Commitment
We are still finalizing program details, but our current working model is:
100 documented service hours
Parent Mentor Fellows may be required to:
Maintain an approved schedule
Sign in and out
Track service hours
Participate in training
Attend program check-ins
Follow school policies
Follow confidentiality requirements
Complete an end-of-program reflection
Participate in program evaluation
Parent Mentor Stipend
We are currently considering a maximum:
$1,000 Program Completion Stipend
for each of the three selected Parent Mentor Fellows.
Subject to final PTO Board approval, funding availability, successful completion of program requirements, and applicable financial requirements.
Please do not describe this as hourly employment. We are considering milestone payments such as:
50 Verified Hours — First Program Milestone
100 Verified Hours — Program Completion
The exact stipend schedule and requirements will be included in a written Parent Mentor Fellowship Agreement once finalized.
We are intentionally starting with a small number of parents so we can:
Build a strong program
Develop procedures
Evaluate effectiveness
Track participation
Collect impact data
Improve the program
Pursue grants
Seek sponsors
Expand the program responsibly
Parent Mentor Service Commitment
We are still finalizing program details, but our current working model is:
100 documented service hours
Parent Mentor Fellows may be required to:
Maintain an approved schedule
Sign in and out
Track service hours
Participate in training
Attend program check-ins
Follow school policies
Follow confidentiality requirements
Complete an end-of-program reflection
Participate in program evaluation
Parent Mentor Stipend
We are currently considering a maximum:
$1,000 Program Completion Stipend
for each of the three selected Parent Mentor Fellows.
Subject to final PTO Board approval, funding availability, successful completion of program requirements, and applicable financial requirements.
Please do not describe this as hourly employment. We are considering milestone payments such as:
50 Verified Hours — First Program Milestone
100 Verified Hours — Program Completion
The exact stipend schedule and requirements will be included in a written Parent Mentor Fellowship Agreement once finalized.
We are intentionally starting with a small number of parents so we can:
Build a strong program
Develop procedures
Evaluate effectiveness
Track participation
Collect impact data
Improve the program
Pursue grants
Seek sponsors
Expand the program responsibly
Parent Classroom Helpers
Positions Available — Apply Today
We initially plan to have approximately four classroom helper opportunities.
Parents may assist teachers with approved classroom activities and student support.
Parent Classroom Helpers
Positions Available — Apply Today
We initially plan to have approximately four classroom helper opportunities.
Parents may assist teachers with approved classroom activities and student support.
Parent After-School Helpers
Possible program areas include:
Reading
Literacy
Mathematics
World languages
Homework support
Art
STEM
Leadership
Garden Club
Wellness
Enrichment activities
We initially plan to have approximately four opportunities.
Parent After-School Helpers
Possible program areas include:
Reading
Literacy
Mathematics
World languages
Homework support
Art
STEM
Leadership
Garden Club
Wellness
Enrichment activities
We initially plan to have approximately four opportunities.
General Parent Volunteers
Volunteer Opportunities Available:
PTO events
Fundraisers
Book fairs
Family nights
Community Market
Decorations
Setup
Cleanup
Food and refreshments
Garden activities
Community service
Donations
Sponsorship outreach
Student activities
Special projects
General Parent Volunteers
Volunteer Opportunities Available:
PTO events
Fundraisers
Book fairs
Family nights
Community Market
Decorations
Setup
Cleanup
Food and refreshments
Food and refreshments
Garden activities
Community service
Donations
Sponsorship outreach
Student activities
Special projects
Student PTO Board
The Student PTO Board should help students develop:
Leadership
Communication
Teamwork
Responsibility
Community service
Event planning
School pride
Student PTO Board
The Student PTO Board should help students develop:
Leadership
Communication
Teamwork
Responsibility
Community service
Event planning
School pride
Garden Club
The Garden Club may include:
Students
Parents
Teachers
Volunteers
Community partners
Possible activities include:
Gardening
Healthy foods
Nutrition
Herbs
Fruits
Vegetables
Flowers
Pollinators
Sustainability
Composting
Environmental education
Community beautification
Garden Club
The Garden Club may include:
Students
Parents
Teachers
Volunteers
Community partners
Possible activities include:
Gardening
Healthy foods
Nutrition
Herbs
Fruits
Vegetables
Flowers
Pollinators
Sustainability
Composting
Environmental education
Community beautification
About Our Nonprofit
Murray Language Academy PTO is organized to support:
Educational enrichment
Family engagement
Student programs
Volunteerism
Community partnerships
School improvement
Student leadership
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Organization
About Our Nonprofit
Murray Language Academy PTO is organized to support:
Educational enrichment
Family engagement
Student programs
Volunteerism
Community partnerships
School improvement
Student leadership
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Organization
Murray Language Academy
Parent Teacher Organization
Connect • Volunteer • Support • Celebrate
MLAPTO.org
Murray Language Academy
Parent Teacher Organization
Quick links
Murray Language Academy
Parent Teacher Organization
Connect • Volunteer • Support • Celebrate
MLAPTO.org
Quick links
Services
Murray Language Academy
Parent Teacher Organization
Connect • Volunteer • Support • Celebrate
MLAPTO.org
Quick links
Services
© 2026 Murray Language Academy Parent Teacher Organization · MLAPTO.org
All Rights Reserved
© 2026 Murray Language Academy Parent Teacher Organization · MLAPTO.org
All Rights Reserved
© 2026 Murray Language Academy Parent Teacher Organization · MLAPTO.org ·
All Rights Reserved
The Murray PTO website is maintained by the Murray Language Academy Parent Teacher Organization and is not the official website of Chicago Public Schools.
The Murray PTO website is maintained by the Murray Language Academy Parent Teacher Organization and is not the official website of Chicago Public Schools.
The Murray PTO website is maintained by the Murray Language Academy Parent Teacher Organization and is not the official website of Chicago Public Schools.
The Murray PTO website is maintained by the Murray Language Academy Parent Teacher Organization and is not the official website of Chicago Public Schools.