Local unit PTAs like Brookside work within their own schools to enrich the educational experience for students, support families, and build community. We raise monies for materials, after-school programs, field trips, assemblies and more, and organize hundreds of volunteers every year to help make Brookside the great school it is. In addition, we are connected to the Washington State PTA and the National PTA, both of which provide powerful lobbying efforts on behalf of all children. For more than 100 years, PTA has been at the forefront of issues affecting children, parents and public schools. PTA is credited with lobbying for establishing Kindergarten in public schools, hot lunch programs, juvenile justice and child-labor laws, school bus safety and TV ratings efforts, to name a few. 

This year, we have the opportunity to sign up and become PTA members online! It's $15 per person for the 2024-2025 school year and must be renewed every year to remain active. Multiple family members can sign up, including your kids' grandparents! There is no time commitment when you join - you can be as active as your life allows!

Here’s why you should join:

Membership is good for the kids. The PTA connects with and supports community members sharing a common goal of improving Brookside for all students. We have use fundraising money towards school improvements such as recess equipment, new safety patrol uniforms, student reset areas, social emotional learning curriculum, field trips, library books, scholarships, district lunch angel funds, and other important school needs.

Membership is important to the school. Brookside Elementary is dependent on the PTA.  In addition to being the sole source of fundraising revenue for the school, the PTA works diligently to provide support to teachers and staff and create a supportive school atmosphere. We support our teachers and staff by putting on appreciation events such as luncheons and appreciation week. We also provide classroom grants.

Membership helps keep everyone connected. The PTA produces a newsletter, coordinates room parent emails, and works closely with school staff to ensure that parents receive information about events and decisions affecting our kids.

Membership supports FUN! PTA funds support events like Back to school Ice Cream Social, Kindergarten playdates, Family Movie Nights, Blue Jay Boogie, Talent Show, Science Fair and group rates to professional sporting events. These events are not only fun for kids, but fun for the whole family. They help create a supportive and engaged parent community.

Membership is affordable. Brookside PTA membership is $15 per adult.

Membership supports local and state advocacy for kids. The Washington State PTA is constantly advocating with the state legislature and governor’s office for increased education funding and a fully inclusive education system. A portion of every membership directly supports this work.

Membership provides discounts. PTA membership comes with a list of discounts including car rentals, Great Wolf Lodge, and the Washington State Fair. See Member Discounts (wastatepta.org) for current discounts.

Membership is for all. The voice and opinion of every Brookside Community member matters. Your voice and experience can help improve the quality of education for your children and their peers. There are a variety of ways parents can help and be involved in the PTA, and becoming a member is just one of many flexible opportunities to support the work of the PTA.