New to Harper Frequently Asked Questions

Be sure to also check out the Harper Decoder which explains all things Harper PTO specific.

  1. Register! Check the district registration page for the entire process. You will need 2 proofs of address in order to register, such as a bill AND a closing or rental agreement, as well as birth certificates or passports for your children. As part of this process, you will be directed to an online form to complete registration. In order to be included in the Harper school directory (online and print), be sure to select that you want your information to be shared with other families.
  2. Connect with the welcoming committee to get looped into the community. Be sure you opt into the list of new families to be contacted by the welcoming committee (this is a field within the registration link). This will not make your information public, but will enable the welcoming committee and host families to know you have joined the school and include you in events and activities geared towards helping you and your child settle in and get connected.
  3. School Supplies Kits: In the Spring, the Harper PTO coordinates school supply kit sales before each new school year. If you were not enrolled in time, contact schoolkits@harperpto.com to enquire if any extra school supply boxes are still available for purchase.  You can also purchase supplies on your own.  Check the PTO website for the grade level school supplies list.
  4. Sync your Calendar: Check the school calendar for all important district and school dates. The first day is an abbreviated day for D39 elementary schools.  There is an opening day coffee for parents in our cafeteria where you can sign up for volunteer positions as well as pay PTO dues, buy tickets for our school events and purchase Harper Spirit Wear.  It is a great chance to start meeting other parents.
  5. Attend the New Families welcome night!  In August, the Welcoming Committee will connect with you about the New Families welcome night. This event will include brief introductions from the principal and PTO, as well as a tour of the school.  Please email welcoming@harperpto.com so we can add you to communications regarding new family events.
  6. Pay school fees:  These fees are for instructional materials such as workbooks, handwriting books and science materials used in the classroom. Instructional fees are paid through your online PowerSchool account and are due for each student every school year.
  7. Complete medical forms:  Every child needs a physical to start school, and ideally eye doctor forms and dentist forms completed. A doctor’s physical is a must. If you need a referral to a doctor don’t hesitate to ask your host family or the welcoming committee. If you can’t get an eye doctor and dentist visit in before school starts consult with the nurse to determine the deadlines for submitting those.
  8. Bus/Transportation: If applicable, you have the option of busing one way, both ways, or to the Wilmette Recreation Center.  Please reach out to Michelle McGregor, the bus transportation liaison at the District Office (MEC) at 847-512-6700
  9. Lunch Money:  For students who buy lunch at school, families may make deposits in their online PowerSchool account from which lunch fees are deducted directly. Visit the D39 food services website for more information about lunch at Harper. (All of your children’s lunch accounts are linked if they are in different schools across the district.) School lunch menus are posted online.

Get started with the Harper PTO...

  • PTO Dues. Membership to the Harper PTO is currently $25. Becoming a PTO member is the only way to gain access to the online Harper directory via Membership Toolkit. Paper copies can also be ordered for a $5 fee (limit one copy per family). PTO membership dues are per FAMILY, not per child.
  • iGNITE. This is the main fundraising effort for the Harper PTO. The PTO asks for an annual donation to iGNITE of $130 per child. These funds go toward all the special enrichment activities that our children experience throughout the school year - field trips, guest visits from authors and theater performances - in addition to paying crossing guards for school arrival/dismissal safety.
  • Welcome Coffee. All families are invited to attend the PTO Welcome Coffee held every year at Harper immediately after drop-off on the first day of school. It is a great opportunity to meet other parents, chat with PTO committee representatives, sign up to volunteer, and buy Harper spirit wear. Volunteer opportunities such as lunch duty, library, garden or classroom help are available year-round. Check the PTO website, the weekly Harper Happenings newsletter, and join the Facebook "Harper Parents Page" to stay up to date.
    Be sure to also check out the Harper Decoder which explains all things Harper PTO!