With a song in their hearts

Before school begins in Huntley Unit District 158 this year, the Chesak-Martin PTA is making sure families and community members have one last summer celebration together next week.

To kick off the 2007-08 school year, the PTA is hosting its own Ravinia-style outdoor music event Aug. 24, featuring Ac Rock, a group that performs familiar rock 'n' roll songs a cappella.

This is the first year for the "Ravinia night," which is open to the entire community.

PTA vice president Jennifer Troy said the volunteer parent group wanted to kick the school year off with a bang, and try something new that would be fun for the entire family.

"This is our family event for the year," Troy said. "We are looking to diversify our activities and do all we can to include the 2,200-plus students.

"Last year, we held separate Mother-Son and Father-Daughter dances. These were great, but now we want to do something for the whole family."

The family event will take place on the lawn between the District 158 elementary schools, on the Reed Road campus.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a picnic time. Families are invited to spread their blankets, unfold their lawn chairs, unpack their picnics and eat dinner and dessert outdoors in the waning days of summer. There will not be anything for sale at the event, Troy said, so be sure to bring enough to eat.

Ac Rock will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., following the picnic time.

Troy said the PTA chose Ac Rock after seeing how much students and staff enjoyed their in-school performances at assemblies at Chesak and Martin last year.

"I love what they bring to schools -- great music fun and some music education as well," Troy said. "Both the students and staff loved the assemblies, so we decided to move forward with this event.

"We want everyone to come and enjoy it with their neighbors, teachers and family."