JUST FOR THE KIDS
Hello Brookside Families and welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
The Brookside PTA is excited to welcome both new and returning families for another incredible year! In partnership with the Oak Park Education Foundation (OPEF), we're already planning programs, events, and experiences that enrich every student's educational journey.
Your PTA plays a big role in what makes Brookside such a special place. Thanks to the generosity of our families, we're able to fund programs that directly benefit every student, including Art Trek, Student Council, Stripes Squad, and our library, computer, and science programs. Each year, the PTA also allocates $25,000 toward field trips, helping subsidize the cost for both families and the school so every student can enjoy meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
We're also proud to sponsor Brookstriders Run Club, the Science Fair, Reflections Art Contest, Staff Appreciation Week, and, of course, our beloved Jog-a-thon.
But we're not just about academics—we're about building community, too. Throughout the year, we bring Brookside families together through events like Welcome Back Movie Night, Bingo Night, Family Science Night, Restaurant Nights, and the Family Carnival & Campout. We also create the annual school yearbook to capture the memories that make each school year so special.
To make all of this possible, 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 public education is free, an enriched education—one that includes art, technology, science, field trips, extracurricular programs, and meaningful community experiences—depends on the generosity of families like yours. Every donation helps ensure Brookside students continue to have opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection. (P.S. OPEF continues to provide music instruction for every Oak Park elementary student—how amazing is that?)
As a thank you for your support, every donation includes a little Brookside swag!
Cub Level ($300–$599 per family)
• 1 Car Magnet
• 1 Backpack
Tiger Level: 2 students ($600–$899 per family)
• 2 Car Magnets
• 2 Backpacks
Stripes Level: 3+ students ($900+ per family)
• 2 Car Magnets
• 3 Backpacks
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.