JUST FOR THE KIDS
Hello Brookside Families — and welcome to the 2025–2026 school year!
The Brookside PTA is thrilled to kick off another amazing year! In partnership with the Oak Park Education Foundation (OPEF), we’re already hard at work planning exciting programs for our students to enrich every child’s educational journey.
Your PTA plays a big role in what makes Brookside so special. Thanks to your financial support, we’re able to fund programs that directly benefit your student(s)—like Art Trek, field trips, student council, recess supplies, and our library, computer, and science programs. We’re also proud to sponsor Brookstriders Run Club, the Science Fair, Reflections Art Contest, Staff Appreciation Week, and of course, the beloved Jog-a-thon.
But we’re not just about academics—we’re about building community, too. We love hosting events like Welcome Back Movie Night, Bingo Night, Family Science Night, Restaurant Nights, and the Family Carnival & Campout. We even put together the school yearbook to help capture all the fun memories.
To make all of this happen, we rely on the support of our incredible Brookside families through our annual Just for the Kids campaign. This year, we’re asking for a voluntary donation of $300 per student.
Why give? Because while state funding helps the district cover essential core services, it is your generous support that allows our school to offer the enhanced programs and enrichment opportunities that truly make a difference. These additional resources help us supplement the district’s efforts and provide the enriched, well-rounded education that sets OPUSD apart. (P.S. OPEF is also continuing to bring music instruction to all Oak Park elementary schools—how cool is that?)
To show our appreciation, every donation comes with a little Brookside swag:
Cub Level ($300–$599 per family)
• 1 Car Magnet
• 1 Belt Bag
Tiger Level: 2 students ($600–$899 per family)
• 2 Car Magnets
• 1 Belt Bag
• 2 Pairs of Socks
Stripes Level: 3+ students ($900+ per family)
• 2 Car Magnets
• 1 Belt Bag
• 4 Pairs of Socks
Friends Level: any amount appreciated ($10–$299)
• Brookside Car Magnet
Our Just for the Kids campaign is our most important annual fundraiser. We know every family is different, and we appreciate your support at any level. Do you like to budget and want to spread your donation into convenient monthly payments? You can sign up via PayPal on our easy 10-month installment plan. One time donations, as well as ten-month installment plan payments, will receive the appropriate Brookside swag.
Ready to give?
📲 Donate via ParentSquare to make a one-time, lump-sum payment
💻 Take advantage of our ten-month installment plan below:
Let’s make this year one to remember—for our students, our teachers, and our entire Brookside community.
With gratitude,
Your Brookside PTA
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 programs and events.