Bobcat Bulletin
Week of August 26th
Dear Bobcat Families,
Happy Diwali!
Happy Diwali to all in our community celebrating! Our staff (pictured) shared a piece of their rich traditions with us through a celebration of light, happiness, and delicious food. May light always triumph over darkness.
Honoring Our Veterans
This week, we proudly honor our Veterans and their families. New this year, we are holding a special flag ceremony featuring Cub Scout Pack 125. We will record the ceremony and share the video with our entire school community. To all the Veterans and military families in our Brookdale community: thank you for your service and sacrifice. We honor you this week and every day!
Family Learning Night
We hope to see you at our Family Learning Night this week! This is a casual drop-in event, so come for the entire hour or stop in for a bit. All students will take home some fun new learning goodies! We hope to see you there!
Gratefully,
Dr. Keeley Schmid
Proud Principal, Brookdale Elementary
Bobcats showing the Bobcat Way beyond the walls of Brookdale Elementary...and they had a cheer squad of teachers cheering them on!
Dream Team making learning FUN! 5th Grade learning how to be field researchers and sharing their learning!
Mrs. Rosenblum, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary and Dr. Mumm, Director of Research and Assessment for D204, Being Guest Announcers on the Morning Announcements Friday!
Welcome, Avery, to the Bobcat Family! We are glad you are a Bobcat!
Math learning fun in action in 1R!
Paw Pull Winner Alert: Morning Announcement Host!
Our amazing Dedicated Building Subs, Mr. Springer and Mrs. Molnar, do so much to ensure learning always continues for our Bobcats! Thanks for all you do!
Book Check Out is a Favorite at the Bobcat Den! Mrs. Walsh helping students select that "Just Right" book!
Mrs. Rosenblum, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary, Learns about Busy Bobcat Store
What: Math Kangaroo is a worldwide math competition consisting of challenging multiple-choice word problems. Math Kangaroo focuses on learning how to use deductive reasoning, problem-solving, and creative thinking to solve challenging math problems.
Who: Grades 2nd-5th.
Cost: The cost of the competition is $20 through December 31st. Late registration is accepted from January 1st to February 1st for $35. You will have the opportunity to order a Math Kangaroo T-shirt at a later date for an additional cost.
Competition Date: Thursday, March 18, 2027 from 3:35-5:35.
Practices: Once students have registered, we will offer practice dates starting mid-January by grade level on Wednesday afternoons from 3:35-4:30. Dates will be announced once we have the number of students participating. Practices are not required to participate in the final competition. Students who register after December 31st are not guaranteed a spot in the club practices.
Our arrival and dismissal procedures are designed to keep all 500 of our Brookdale students safe as they travel to and from school each day. Please take a moment to review these important reminders:
Respect Our Neighbors: Please be courteous to our surrounding community and stay on sidewalks. Avoid cutting through private yards, as some properties have pets guarded by invisible fences, and we want to keep everyone safe.
Circle Drive Usage: The circle drive is intended solely for turning around onto Redfield without using private driveways. It is not a student drop-off zone. If you are dropping off your child by car, please use the designated carline.
Punctual Pick-Up & After-School Care: The carline closes at 3:45 PM, and staff supervision concludes at 3:50 PM. Please ensure your child is picked up on time. If your family requires extended care, consider registering for Right at School, which offers on-site care until 6:00 PM every school night.
**Paper forms will no longer be required after Thanksgiving Break as all applications move fully online. Applications remain valid for one year, with an automated renewal reminder sent 8 days before expiration. Looking ahead: All applications will expire at the end of the 2026–2027 school year and will require renewal at the start of the 2027–2028 school year.
Become a school volunteer!
You can make a significant impact by volunteering in our schools. Your unique skills and experiences will help our students succeed. Whether you prefer a set schedule or occasional opportunities, there’s a role for you.
How to help:
There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities in the district with options available at each school, including Boosters, fine arts, LMC (library), PTA, and IPPC (Indian Prairie Parents’ Council). No matter your interest, there's a way for you to make a difference in our schools.
How to get started:
Complete a consent form and application: Visit the district’s volunteer program webpage to fill out two forms: a consent form, then an online application. First, complete the consent form, then upload it within the online application.
Approval: After submitting your application for review, you will receive an email informing you of your approval status or if additional information is needed.
Placement: Once your application is approved, you will work with the building or school organization on any volunteer opportunities that are available.
For more information, please contact:
Matt Hanley
Assistant director, community engagement
(630) 375-3017
**If slots are filled, and you are still interested in joining, contact Ben Kalnicky (contact information below).
Calling all enthusiastic and caring male role models (dads, grandfathers, uncles, etc)! Ignite a positive impact in your child’s educational journey through our remarkable Men of Brookdale (MOB) program. Join in on the playground and in the lunchroom and help play games, open containers, and have fun with your child and peers.
There are two sessions each day:
🐾 10:45am-12:25pm (Grades 5/3/4)
🐾 12:15pm-1:50pm (Grades 2/1/K)
Volunteers can sign up for one or both sessions at this link: Men of Brookdale - Sign up. Dates are available for a couple of Fridays each month. It’s fun, simple, and rewarding! If you have any questions, email Ben Kalnicky at bkalnicky@uwalumni.com.
