At Brookside Elementary School in Baldwin, NY, the phrase “Brookside Brings Out the Best” is more than just a catchy alliterative motto; it’s a call to action that its PTA strives to answer in the most thoughtful ways. This unit, a recipient of numerous NYS PTA awards over the past few years, is consistently working to not only increase membership numbers but also build a school culture focused on meaningful engagement and continuous improvement.
Brookside School PTA’s monthly newsletter, “Brookside Brings the News,” features an entire page dedicated to membership, including QR codes and current progress toward the yearly goal. Available in print and digital versions for ease of access, the newsletter provides information about the various events and activities taking place at the school, keeping families up to date and in the know. At the kindergarten orientation in April, incoming families were given copies of the most recent newsletter, as well as goodie bags containing books, sensory play items, and a QR code to join printed on packages of popcorn (a nod to the unit’s theme of “Brookside School PTA is Poppin!”). A one-night-only raffle of a free session at a local play cafe, one of Brookside’s business sponsors, yielded more than 10 new memberships and helped them get a great head start on their goal for the 2026-2027 school year.
For the past two years, Brookside has focused on increasing the visibility of male figures as active participants in the school and local community. In addition to their highly anticipated 3-on-3 Male Role Model basketball game, the PTA hosted National Dads Take Your Kids to School Day in September and coordinated two events with the Baldwin Public Library for their “Reading is an Adventure” PARP program in January. Brookside’s father figures, affectionately referred to as DADvocates, were also integral in community service initiatives through the PTA, including an afternoon where several students helped distribute goods at a food pantry, and their annual FUNDrive clothing drive. These targeted efforts have resulted in more opportunities for connection, relationship-building, and inclusive engagement for families. As a group, the DADvocates received the NYS PTA Community Service Award at this year’s Founders’ Day celebration and have provided a more comprehensive, balanced view of the role all caregivers play in student achievement.
The Brookside School PTA offers service hours to students in the National Honor Society at Baldwin High School, located a mere few steps from its well-maintained campus. In addition to Kiddie Corner, initially piloted to entertain and occupy children whose parents attended monthly meetings, the scholars have also served as volunteers for the STEM+ Families Festival, the Someone Special Dance, the 5th Grade Dance, and the Brookside Pep Squad. Looking toward the future, this unit hopes to continue engaging volunteers from all walks of the community, united under a commitment to representing every child with one strong, resilient voice.
Givebacks: https://brooksideschoolpta.givebacks.com
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