Just For the Kids

Hello Brookside families and welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!

The Brookside PTA is excited for a new school year!  We are developing exciting programming for the 2023/24 school year, and continue to collaborate with our partner, the Oak Park Education Foundation OPEF, in enriching our children's education.

The PTA provides the support that makes Brookside exceptional by funding programs that directly benefit your student. We help support Brookside’s popular Art Trek program, field trips, student council, computer, science, garden, and library programs.  We fund programs such as Brookstriders Run Club, Science Fair, Reflections Art Contest, Staff Appreciation Week, and the beloved Jog-a-thon.  

In addition to contributing to our students’ educational experience, our PTA also promotes community engagement nights for Brookside families to foster connection and friendships. These events include Welcome Back Movie Night, Bingo Night, Restaurant Nights, Family Science Night and Family Carnival and Campout. We capture the school year and all the fun by creating the yearbook. We look forward to a great year ahead filled with fantastic events, community building activities and most importantly, supporting our kids and teachers so they can continue to achieve excellence. We ask you to join our Just for the Kids Campaign. This year’s ask is $250 per student.

We give because while a public school education is free, an enriched education is not. The PTA, together with OPEF, encourages you to participate in funding and supporting BOTH.  The PTA strives to enhance our children’s educational experience and to build community and connection to Brookside. Connection and community are keys to resilience. 

We feel the inclusion of a bit of “Brookside Swag” should be an added benefit of donating. All donations above $250 will include a Brookside beach towel. Also, all donation levels will include our BES car magnet. As always, the PTA appreciates your support at any level. 

Tiger Level - $250 per child ~ 1 Car Magnet, 1 Brookside Towel 

Cub Level - $375 per child ~ 2 Car Magnets, 1 Brookside Towel

Stripes Level - $500 per Family ~ 2 Car magnets, 1 Brookside Towel per Student 

Friends Level - $1 to $249, any amount appreciated - Brookside Car Magnet 

This year's voluntary giving campaign is our most important fundraiser. We hope you will see the value of investing in your child’s education for $25/month. Every contribution counts, so please give, give what you can. If you are able to contribute at a higher level, thank you in advance for your generosity! 

Please take advantage of our ten-month installment plan by using the subscribe link below or you may donate in one payment via ParentSquare. 

Voluntary donations are tax-deductible. Donations may also qualify for corporate matching funds so please consult your company's HR department or tax advisor. Brookside PTA tax ID #95–6203985

In order to deliver a high-quality education experience for students at Brookside, we depend on the voluntary donations for our Just for the Kids campaign. All our students will receive the same opportunities, experiences, and/or materials regardless of whether a contribution is made. In addition, if we do not raise the anticipated amount set aside for the budget this year, the PTA will have to cut back on extra opportunities that help make the experience special for our students.