Bobcat Bulletin
Week of August 26th
Week of November 2nd
From the Desk of Principal Schmid
Dear Bobcat Families,
Thank you to everyone who helped make our Fall Party on Friday such a success! It was wonderful to see so many smiles, hear so much laughter, and watch our students enjoy time together. Events like this are only possible because of our amazing community, and these are memories our Bobcats will cherish for years to come.
A huge thank-you as well to everyone who joined us for Friday evening’s PTA Monster Bash! A special shout-out goes to Emily Cropper for coordinating such a fantastic event. From the escape room and face painting to the delicious treats and dancing in the gym, our Bobcats had an unforgettable night!
This week marks our Midpoint Data Review. Every six weeks, our team checks in on student progress to evaluate how children are responding to current academic supports and determine if adjustments are needed. If your child’s intervention plan changes, their teacher will reach out directly or send a letter home in your child's backpack.
As we turn the calendar to November, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you do for Brookdale Elementary. It was wonderful connecting with so many families during Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences. Ongoing communication and partnership are vital throughout the entire school year, so please never hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. It truly takes a village, and we are so grateful to be part of yours!
Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate starting Friday! May the lights fill your life with warmth and happiness!
Gratefully,
Dr. Keeley Schmid
Proud Principal, Brookdale Elementary
BOBCATS in ACTION
Celebrating Fall, Bobcat Style!
It was a Bash...It was a Monster Bash!
UPDATES
Spirit Day Friday!
New This Year: Veterans Day Flag Ceremony!
We are honored to invite our Veterans and their families to a special Veterans Day Flag Ceremony on Monday, November 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., hosted with the help of Cub Scout Pack 125.
If you are a Veteran or have a Veteran in your family who would like to be included in our ceremony, please contact Mrs. Oliver at liz_oliver@ipsd.org.
The ceremony will be recorded and shared with our students and community. In addition, our Bobcats will have the opportunity to make thank-you cards for active-duty military members, which will be delivered directly to our troops by our very own Nurse Jen through the West Point Parents' Club.
Thank you to all of our Veterans and military families for your service and dedication!
📚 Brookdale LMC Happenings
Friday is the Last Day to Purchase a Ron Keres Autographed Book!
Digital Citzenship: Learn More About How to Support These Conversations at Home!
Family Learning Night: Back by Popular Demand!
Brookdale is WILD about Learning!
Join us for Family Learning Night on Thursday, November 12, from 5:00–6:00 PM. Stop by for a little or stay for the whole hour!
Bring the entire family for an evening packed with interactive learning games, creative crafts, and hands-on activities designed for kids and adults to explore together!
We hope to see you there!
REMINDERS
Required Volunteer Application for D204
**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
BROOKDALE PTA
Busy Bobcat Store this Week!
Sports Night In Friday!
Join us for Men of Brookdale
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.
Next PTA Meeting
CALENDAR SNAPSHOT
This Week
Monday, November 2nd
- Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, November 3rd
No School: Election Day
Wednesday, November 4th
- No Scheduled School Events
Thursday, November 5th
- No Scheduled School Events
Friday, November 6th
Bobcat Spirit Day! Wear your blue yellow/gold to show that Bobcat Pride!
Robotics Club @8:00am in Dr. C.’s Room
Yoga Club @8:00am in the Music Room
Busy Bobcat Store @8:30am
Men of Brookdale
Sports Night in Open Gym @6:30-8:00pm