Brookdale PTA News / May, 2011

New fundraiser urges kids to be healthy & have a Blast Mark your calendar
I am thrilled to announce a new event for own pace, there is no competition involved. 6 Buzy Bobcat Store open
Brookdale School next fall: our first Bobcat Blast! The kick-off will take place two to three weeks prior
This school-wide activity, including every student, is to the day of the Blast, and students will be given an 8:30 to 9 am for all
a fun run that will take place during a opportunity to seek sponsors who will grades
school day in September or October. Message from make a pledge for their participation in 10 Market Day
We are planning to invite The Get the President the event. pickup 9:45
Movin' Crew, an organization that plans ~ Barb Peterson Our cost for using The Get Movin' Crew to 10:15 am
and implements this type of activity for is $6 per student participant. Anything
groups such as ours, to do just that for our brought in over and above that amount goes to the 12 Dine-out
school. We intend to use this event as our largest PTA to fund programs for our students. We strongly Fundraiser 4 to 9 pm at
fundraiser for the 2011-12 school year. encourage all students to find sponsors for this Chick-Fil-A
We are very excited about making the change from event, even a minimum amount to cover our costs. 16-20 Teacher Apprecia-
a fall product sale to this type of event for a number There is even opportunity to pledge support online tion Week
of reasons including the opportunity to increase using a credit card (especially handy for out-of-town 19 Fifth-Grade Farewell
school spirit, encourage healthy choices for our kids, sponsors). Every student will participate in the event,
Party 7 to 9 pm
and involve every student in the activity. regardless of their ability to find sponsors. Many
The activity involves setting up a course outside, schools have been very successful at raising their 20 No school
weather permitting, and groups of students having needed funds for the year using this type of program. 27 PTA meeting 1:30 pm
an arranged time to come with their class to move As coordinator of the Blast, I am particularly excit- • Volunteer Apprecia-
for a set amount of time. Many kids will choose to ed about this activity because of the benefits to the tion Tea 2:30 pm
run, but they may also choose to walk, skip or move kids. Because every student participates, it becomes 30 Memorial Day
in some other way in which their feet stay on the not just another fundraiser, but something of which • No school
ground. the students can take ownership. Not only will there 31 Field Day
Each participant will receive a number to wear be a sense of the students doing something them-
(similar to a race tag), a pedometer (theirs to keep), selves to raise funds for their activities, but it will al- — June —
and a certificate of completion after the event. The so enhance school spirit by allowing every child to be 7 Last Day of School 9:05
activity also includes warm-up exercises before they part of this exciting event at their own pace. to 10:10 am
set out for the course. A second benefit is that it promotes healthy choic- • Market Day pickup
Because students are encouraged to move at their (See BLAST on Page 6) 9:45 to 10:15 am
May, 2011 Page 2

The Principal’s Corner A few words from Principal Brian LeCrone

Time to prepare for summer … and the start of 2011-12

It is hard to believe another successful Please contact the main office if you have Please contact Sue Lambert at (630) 428-
school year is rapidly coming to a close! any questions. 6800 if you have any questions.
Following is a list of pertinent information The last day of student attendance for all • We will miss having the services of Mrs.
that, hopefully, will assist you with the end of students is Tuesday, June 7. Dismissal is at Michelli next year. She has been an invalua-
the 2010-11 school year as well as transition 10:10 a.m. ble resource to our entire school community.
you into to 2011-12. • The “Lost and Found” is overflowing with Fortunately the Brookdale community still will
• All returning students should articles of clothing! Please look have contact with her as she moves to her
have received their registration Message from through the items located under new position as the Student Services Coordi-
packets via backpack the week the Principal the stairwell by Door 9 if your nator at Hill Middle School. Thank you for
of April 18. Please contact the ~Brian LeCrone child is missing something. your many years of excellent service at
office if you did not receive your • The school once again will be Brookdale and good luck at Hill!
child’s packet or if you will be moving out closed on Fridays over the summer due to I am, once again, grateful for having the
of the Brookdale attendance area before the the implementation of the four-day work opportunity to work with all the stakeholders
start of the 2011-12 school year. week. Building hours for Monday through in the Brookdale school community. We are
If you are aware of a new family in the Thursday are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. blessed to have hard-working students, ex-
Brookdale area, please direct them to call • We are always looking for a few more cellent staff members and supportive par-
the school office at (630) 428-6800 and we “recruits” for the Positive Behavior Interven- ents.
will be happy to help them. tion and Supports (PBIS) Parent Committee I hope our students enjoy all the exciting
Please return the registration materials to as well as the newly implemented New Fami- year-end activities and are looking forward to
the office by May 18. ly Welcome Committee. Please contact Kelly all the rewarding experiences that await
• A parent survey is included in your regis- Urbon for PBIS or Melissa Winchester for the them in the 2011-12 school year.
tration materials. Please take a moment to welcome committee if you are interested in I also would like to extend my thanks to
complete it and return it to the drop box in serving the school community on either of all the fifth-grade students and their parents
the main entrance foyer or simply return it these committees. for their efforts while at Brookdale. Good luck
with your child’s registration information. • The first Brookdale BRIDGES meeting to all of you as you transition to middle
Your input is invaluable in our efforts to con- will be from 4 to 5 pm Tuesday, May 17, in school.
tinuously improve and meet your needs. the gymnasium. An invitation was sent home Have a wonderful summer and remember
• Dates and times for end-of-the-year activ- with your child. We look forward to collaborat- to always Be Respectful, Be Responsible and
ities can be found on the school’s website. ing with our families and the community. Be Safe.
May, 2011
Staff News
Farewell, until we meet again at Hill
Dear Brookdale Families,
I want to personally take a moment to
thank you for being a wonderful community
and entrusting your children’s lives in our
hands each day.
It is for that very reason that it is bitter-
sweet to tell you I have accepted an oppor-
tunity to be the Student Services Coordina-
tor at Hill Middle School.
I am so fortunate to have the chance to
reconnect with families who have moved on
to the middle school in years past.
I have cherished every moment I have
had at Brookdale, and appreciate the les-
(Musical) Note of gratitude
Dear PTA,
I wanted to thank you for fund-
ing the purchase of our
beautiful new Yamaha Dig-
ital Piano!
This instrument is a won-
derful addition to the music
room and music program. Those
of you who attended the Variety
Show heard its fantastic sound first hand.
I am very fortunate to work for parents
who value music so much. I work with mu-
Page 3
Notes and announcements from the faculty
Something borrowed,
sons I have learned. It is a very difficult de- Something Bobcat blue
cision to leave what I consider my second Hello Brookdale families! I'm getting married
family and home, but it is time for me to on Friday, June 24, and would like nothing bet-
broaden my skill set. I will be assisting Mr. ter than to pack
LeCrone and the Brookdale staff in the the church with You’re invited!
transition as we move into the 2011-12 your smiling fac-
Miss Erickson’s Wedding
es.
school year. 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 24
Because Pat
Thank you for all your support over the Community United
and I are both
years. I will certainly miss everyone, espe- teachers, it is Methodist Church,
cially our Bobcats, and will look forward to important to us 20 Center St., Naperville
seeing you again at Hill Middle School. to include chil- Bubbles to follow
~Candy Michelli dren in our spe- the ceremony
Student Services Coordinator cial day. ALL are welcome!
The service will
be kid-friendly. We will have a children's book
reading, when all kids can walk to the steps at
the end of the aisle to listen to a story. In addi-
sic teachers from all over
tion, the Brookdale kids will be invited to sing
the United States in my
“Kindness” (from last year's K-2 music program)
position at Vander Cook as part of the ceremony. I would be honored to
College of Music. I hear so have as many Bobcats as are comfortable par-
many sad stories of pro- ticipate. If your child would like to sing, feel free
grams falling apart from a lack to review the words and song recording at mis-
of support. I'm grateful for all you do sericksonswedding.blogspot.com. Please re-
to support me as I work to bring the best member all children must be accompanied by
possible music education I can to your chil- an adult. Thank you so much for helping us cele-
dren. brate our special day!
Warmest Regards, ~ Miss Betsy Erickson
Ron Korbitz (soon to be Mrs. Cunningham)
May, 2011
Your PTA at Work
PTA earmarks money to help families with costs in 2011-12
In the next school year, the PTA may spend
more money to help finance field trips and
social activities for students.
A proposed budget, on display at the
school and on the blog, calls for the PTA to
put $10 per student toward field trips for the
2011-12 school year.
The amount represents an increase over
the current year’s budget, in which the PTA is
putting $6 per student toward defraying field
trip costs. The PTA originally had budgeted
$3 per student this year, but in October
bumped up the contribution to help families
after closing out the prior budget year with
an unexpected surplus.
The field trip contribution is $5,400 of the
$69,045 in expenses planned for next
school year. Of that total, the spending plan
outlines $42,450 in costs associated with
running fundraisers. The remaining $26,595
is earmarked for student-oriented programs
such as Art Awareness, Brainiacs, and Re-
flections; for events such as family fun
nights; and for operating and other costs.
Building on another change enacted in Oc-
tober, the proposed budget sets aside $2
per student to help finance classroom par-
ties in 2011-12. The PTA added the party
News and notes from our committees
contribution last
fall to help par-
The next meeting
ents, who are hit When: 1:30 p.m. Friday,
with a number of May 27
expenses early in On the agenda: Vote on
the school year. 2011-12 budget; the
The item ac- Volunteer Appreciation
counts f o r Tea follows at 2:30 p.m.
$1,080.
All told, the budget projects revenue of
$64,250 in the coming school year to fund
the $69,045 in anticipated expenses, creat-
ing a one-year spending deficit of $4,975.
The PTA would make up the difference us-
ing its savings, which is expected to be about
$16,500 at the close of the current budget.
Financial advisers have said our PTA should
maintain reserves of about $10,000, and
the PTA leadership recommends spending
down the reserves to that amount.
“We’re recommending increasing the
amount for field trips because it is a good
way to spend the (reserve) money,” PTA
President Barb Peterson said. “It benefits
every child and their parents.”
The projected revenue of $64,250 repre-
sents an increase of 3.5 percent over last
year’s budget of $62,065, but a decrease
Page 4
from the $67,428 anticipated based on ac-
tual revenues this year. The amount budget-
ed for 2011-12 reflects past experience with
the fall fundraiser and a cautious approach
to the new fall fun run that’s replacing the
product sale. The budget projects $9,000 in
revenue from the fun run, in line with prod-
uct sales from prior years; this year’s product
sale netted $11,885.
Other proposed changes include:
 Increasing the budget for the Art Aware-
ness program to $300 from $100 to up-
date supplies and pay for attendance at Art
Institute of Chicago seminars .
 Reducing the donation to the LMC to
$1,900. The current budget included
$2,550 to buy three sets of SMART Re-
sponders. With that purchase complete,
LMC Director Carrie Ory recommended re-
turning to the previous budget level.
 Adding $500, for a total of $2,500, to pay
for assemblies.
The budget will be discussed and voted on
in the PTA meeting at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May
27. Committee chairs and coordinators are
encouraged to review the line items for their
programs and share comments or concerns
with Treasurer Ron Heger.
May, 2011 Page 5

Your PTA at Work News and notes from our committees

A fond farewell: Party celebrates our fifth-grade ‘stars’

In just a few short weeks, our glimpse of the DVD created in The party runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday,
fifth-graders will say goodbye their honor, with photos and May 19, at school. During that time students
to Brookdale and become videos of the kids through- can enjoy each other while talking, eating and
middle schoolers. out their time at Brookdale. dancing. Teachers and support staff are invit-
We’ll send them off in The students will see about ed to attend and reminisce with the students.
style — movie star style, 15 minutes of the DVD, An invitation will come home soon with fifth-
that is. which usually runs about 45 graders and they’ll be asked to RSVP.
With a “Brookdale Stars” theme, minutes. Contact party chairs Barb Marshall, rmar-
the Fifth-Grade Farewell will welcome stu- Before the soon-to-be-sixth-graders leave shall8804@wowway.com, or Reuben Lerma,
dents to their own version of the Academy the party, they’ll be given goodie bags and a diet8926880@aol.com, with questions.
Awards, scenery and all. Hill Middle School T-shirt that will start build- La Shandra Moore and Anne Staskon com-
The evening will even include a preview of a ing their school spirit and will serve them in piled the DVD with photos and videos contrib-
movie staring the fifth-graders. They’ll get a their PE classes. uted by parents.
In rhythm
Muntu Dancers to share African culture
Some storytellers use their interpretations of contemporary
words, their voices to share histo- and ancient African and African-
ry, legend, tradition. American dance, music and folk-
In an assembly this month, our lore.
children will see a different kind of The troupe draws its name from
storytelling. the Bantu word "muntu," meaning
The Muntu Dance Theatre of Chi- "the essence of humanity." Danc-
cago, the largest African dance ers aim to appreciate differences
theater in the U.S., uses music and among people while emphasizing
movement to pass along culture. similarities.
The dancers who visit Brookdale The assembly will be a celebra-
COURTESY OF MUNTU DANCE THEATRE OF CHICAGO
students on Thursday, May 12, will tion for all with their unique combi- The Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago visits Brookdale this
perform authentic and progressive nation of dance, rhythm and song. month to share African culture through music and dance.
May, 2011 Page 6

Your PTA at Work News and notes from our committees

BMX champ to show tricks, share inspiration Art Awareness

Matt Willhelm does things few of us would raise $11,885 for the PTA in the fall product
We heartily thank all the parents and
even think to try. sale.
He uses his BMX bike like playground First-grader Jake N. from Mrs. grandparents who were part of Art Aware-
equipment, twisting, jump- Iwinski’s class will see the show ness this year! We gave more than 115
ing, hopping and spinning. from the front row for being the top presentations, introducing your children to
He’s reached the top of his seller. Jake also will have his photo artists from Picasso to Rembrandt.
sport, earning national titles, X Games taken with Wilhelm at the assembly. Thank you to all the classroom coordina-
medals and a silver medal in the world He’ll be joined in the front row of the VIP tors who worked to find presenters, and to
championships. section by Maddie D. (2C); Alex F. (4O); the teachers who welcomed us into their
But as he’ll tell our students this Bryce J. (2B); Lindsay M. (3B); and Cam- classrooms.
month, it wasn’t easy. It took a lot eron M. (4O). Many changes are in store for Art Aware-
of hard work. A lot of practice. A The VIP section’s second row has
ness. Co-chair, Beth Siwicki, is stepping
lot of belief in himself even seats for Lourdes C. (1I); Brady M.
when others told him he didn’t (2C); Sean R. (1B); Ryann R. (KT); down due to her recent election as PTA
have what it takes. and Timmy S. (3G). Treasurer but will remain part of the com-
Wilhelm will inspire students Hope for sunny skies! If the weath- mittee. Theresa Hus will continue as chair-
with his story during an assembly May 23. er’s good, Wilhelm will perform out- woman, joined by six committee members
His visit is a reward for students, who helped side. who each will oversee one grade level:
Kindergarten: Laura Falk
BLAST: Fun run embraces universal goal of health 1st Grade: Carey Peterson
(Continued from page 1) of age, gender, race or background. There- 2nd Grade: Beth Siwicki
fore, we hope this event is something every 3rd Grade: Susan Reid
es. We have all heard how important it is for single student and family in our school will 4th Grade: Chris Frantzen
kids to move more, particularly in today’s vid- embrace. 5th Grade: Danielle Baker
eo game culture. This event allows the kids to I encourage you to look at The Get Movin'
Thank you to everyone who has stepped up
get out and see how much fun doing some- Crew website, thegetmovincrew.com, to see
thing healthy can be. what they’re about. Keep your eyes open for to make this program run more smoothly.
Finally, being healthy is something that is more information about this exciting new Please check out the new grade-level web-
important for every human being, regardless event coming to Brookdale in the fall! sites, accessible through the blog or at
sites.google.com/site/
Like us on Facebook Get the latest on our blog
Brookdale Elementary PTA brookdaleschoolpta.blogspot.com
brookdaleartawareness/.
May, 2011
Your PTA at Work
You have made a difference for our kids
As the school year speeds to a close, we
can look back and see how much we’ve ac-
complished together for our children and our
school.
We’ve nurtured
our children’s
minds with Re-
flections, Art
Awareness, Brainiacs and After-School Enrich-
ment. We’ve encouraged healthy habits and
good choices with Walk to School Day and
Red Ribbon Week. And we’ve fostered their
social development with classroom parties
and family activities.
And we’ve supported our teachers with con-
tributions to their classrooms, meals during
parent conferences and gestures of apprecia-
tion.
Everything we’ve accomplished has come
through the generosity of our members, who
number about 250, and those who’ve helped
out this year in ways big and small.
Maybe you stopped in for a few minutes to
be a Mystery Reader or to talk about your pro-
fession. Maybe you made a regular commit-
ment to work with a group of children, to help
in the library or lend a hand in your child’s
class.
However you were involved, know that your
children noticed that you felt it was important
to make time for school … and they were glad
to see you.
Page 7
News and notes from our committees
Teacher Appreciation
We noticed, too, and we thank you.
Others of you helped out with programs and All year, our Brookdale teachers and staff
events, serving on committees or providing have helped our children learn, grow and
needed hands. Your develop. They’ve engaged our kids, chal-
PTA elects involvement makes it lenged them, supported them and prepared
possible for the PTA to them for the future.
new officers offer everything from This year, we decided to thank each teach-
Congratulations to classroom parties to er in a more personal way by asking our stu-
our newly elected Spring Fling. dents to write a note or share a favorite
Executive Commit- Your involvement
memory from the school year to be included
tee: Judy Nagel- matters, and we thank
you. in books for each teacher or staff member.
Conley, president; Your children’s letters and pictures are
Susan Corrigan- Our committee chairs
wonderful, and the books surely will be
DeLucio, vice presi- and program coordina-
dent; Beth Siwicki, tors are the backbone treasured. Thank you for talking with your
treasurer; and Chris- of the PTA. Without children about their teachers and encourag-
tie Willhite, secre- you, we truly could not ing them to show their appreciation. Extra
tary. accomplish anything thanks to those who wrote notes to teachers
The officers were on behalf of our chil- and staff who don't have a homeroom as
recommended by dren’s education. they are often overlooked.
the Nominating We’re amazed by your
We also will celebrate our teachers by con-
Committee and will enthusiasm, and we
thank you. tinuing to improve the Teachers Lounge. A
serve for the 2011- new Keurig coffee maker will be delivered
12 school year. And to our outgoing
Executive Committee — during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 16
President Barb Peterson, Vice President Judy to 20. The machine brews individual cups in
Nagel-Conley, Treasurer Ron Heger and Sec- just moments, and we’ll give teachers a
retary Jan Mallak: Your sincerity and dedica- small supply of coffees and flavors to get
tion have been evident throughout your ser- them started.
vice. Thanks also go to Susan Corrigan-DeLucio
Your leadership has made it possible, and for coordinating our staff appreciation effort.
we thank you!
May, 2011 Page 8

Your PTA at Work News and notes from our committees

Want to get involved? Just raise your hand School Supplies

Would you like to be Teacher Conferences? The PTA is again offering parents the
chance to buy school supplies in a pre-
more involved with Do you want to be a
packaged kit.
your children’s educa- part of our Welcome The cost is comparable to buying the items
tion at Brookdale? Committee, reaching at a store, and your purchase bene-
The first step is as out to new families at fits the PTA (and, therefore, your
simple as joining the our school? The op- children). Order forms were
PTA. tions are endless! distributed with school
A membership form Volunteering at registration packets and
are posted on the blog.
came home recently as school not only helps
Our supplier, EPI, pro-
part of your school reg- the Brookdale commu- vides quality products
istration packet, along nity and all of our stu- in a sturdy memory box;
with a listing of oppor- dents, it emphasizes preprinted name labels;
tunities to volunteer at for your children that and replacement if you’re dissatisfied.
Brookdale and brief you value their educa- The kits contain all supplies itemized on
descriptions of each. You also can find a tion enough to become an active part of their the Brookdale School Supply Lists except
backpacks, gym shoes, art smocks, comput-
membership form on the blog, along with the schooling.
er headphones and assignment notebooks.
volunteer descriptons. If you would like to volunteer for any PTA Orders are due Wednesday, May 18.
Volunteers help us provide the various stu- activities or events, please indicate your inter- Please send your order form in a separate
dent activities and school events throughout est on the membership form. envelope marked “School Supplies” with a
the year. If you’re interested in something not listed check to the Brookdale PTA.
Are you interested in doing an Art Aware- on the form, feel free to write it in! Families can pick up their supplies at
ness presentation in your child's class? Would And please remember you can get involved school from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday,
Aug. 17, and Saturday, Aug. 20. If you are
you like to be a Classroom Coordinator? Do at any time during the year. We will be listing
unable to pick up your kits, please ask a
you want to help the PTA raise money to pro- activities needing volunteers on the PTA blog, friend to pick them up for you.
vide more programs? Do you want to help out in the PTA newsletter, at meetings and via If you have any questions, please contact
in the LMC? Would you like to make a special school-wide emails. Please be sure to look to Sarah Williams at (630) 717-9979 or sa-
dish to share with the teachers during Parent- those sources of information frequently! rahdave@wowway.com.
May, 2011 Page 9

Your PTA at Work News and notes from our committees

Spring Fling games and prizes put smiles on Bobcat faces

It’s nearly im- Spring Fling together.
possible for our Most feedback from
Bobcats to leave parents was positive
Spring Fling with- about the teen volun-
out smiles on teers, and Mr. LeCrone
their faces. also thought the event
They’ve spent a ran well with the high
whole evening schoolers lending a
running around hand. We thank Linda
with their friends. Watkins, who pioneered
They’ve played the idea at the fall family
games galore, PHOTOS BY CHRISTIE WILLHITE fun night and who orga-
and they’re leav- Spring Fling featured favorite nized and oversaw the
ing with prizes. hand-eye coordination games as teens.
Most kids well as new additions like the We save our biggest
headed home sledgehammer strength test and words of gratitude for
from Spring Fling balloon pumping race. Silent Auction Chair-
2011 with little treats — a top, a  Jack K., Tech Deck Meanwhile, the Silent Auction woman Laura Schlicher Heger
headband with bobbing stars, a  Avery McCann, Girls Wanna featured 57 fabulous prize bas- and for Spring Fling Chairwoman
plush snake. Have Fun kets, ranging from sports memo- Cherie Quarles, who headed the
A few lucky students won much  Connor Plos, Mini Golf rabilia to experiences to Disney committee and oversaw the
more. These Bobcats won baskets  Korey Griffen, Laser Tag passes. Through the auction, we event.
in the Kids Raffle:  Megan Johns, Games raised about $2,900 for the PTA. Traditionally, the Fling has been
 Kenny Siwicki, Boy Basket  Mrs. Brigman, Teacher Raffle For the first time, student volun- managed by at least two co-chairs,
 Amaya Figueroa, Princess The raffle packages were possi- teers from the Metea Valley High but Cherie handled the job solo. If
Bucket ble because of donations from School Key Club and a few Girl you’d like to serve as a co-chair for
 Casey Pitman, Fun in the Sun Borders, Costco, Ulta, Target, Scouts helped run the games. 2012, email Cherie at
 Makenna Grezlik, Art & Draw- Learning Express, Tech Deck and They worked super hard while cheriequarles@yahoo.com, incom-
ing Bogies Golf Club. We thank the earning community service credit. ing President Judy Nagel-Conley at
 Michelle Barta, Vertical En- companies and Beth Siwicki, who They took many volunteer slots jln0522@aol.com or incoming Vice
deavors collected and put together most usually filled by parents, allowing President Susan Corrigan-DeLucio
 The Surmas, Science & Thrills of the baskets. many more families to enjoy at svcorrigan@hotmail.com.
May, 2011 Page 10

Your PTA at Work News and notes from our committees

Brookdale’s Brainiacs put creativity and talent on display

If your child is of hand-crafted pi-
telling you how ñatas.
tornadoes form, Fifth-graders shared
looking for sup- portraits, sewing pro-
plies to build a jects, a roller coaster
catapult or ex- and dioramas.
pressing a desire In between were origi-
to fold up an nal stories, Lego crea-
aquarium full of tions, research pro-
origami fish, jects, science experi-
thank the ments, a colorful duct
Brookdale tape skirt, a Brookdale
Brainiacs. version of Monopoly
For a week in and football field with
April, 85 Bobcats individual players.
shared their tal- The PTA sponsors Brainiacs each year to
ent, hobbies and encourage students’ self-expression and give
interests through children a chance to show how they learn and
the Brainiacs create at home.
program. Thanks to all the students who shared
Their creations their interests, and to the parents who helped
filled the tops of take in and display the projects, then return
the bookshelves them to students.
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIE WILLHITE
in the library April Thanks to Mrs. Ory and Mrs. Perna for sup-
Brainiacs projects reflecting students’ inter-
18 to 21. During porting the program, allowing us to rearrange
ests were on display April 18-21.
the week, each the LMC and keeping an eye on the projects
class had the opportunity to tour the display, balanced meals, all week.
and students were invited tell their class- home-grown crys- And thanks to program coordinator Ann Lut-
mates about their projects. tals, a hand-painted trell for her work to organize and oversee the
Kindergarteners showed their classmates castle, a view of the solar system and a pair program.
May, 2011
Your PTA at Work
LifeSavers cap year with collection for Haiti
The LifeSavers Service Club
will collect leftover school
supplies from Brookdale stu-
dents to donate to school-
children in Duchity, Haiti.
During the last few days of
school, students may deposit
supplies they would like to
donate into the box marked
“Haiti School Supplies” in the
LMC. Items could include crayons, markers,
pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.
The supplies will go to the Haiti Education Pro-
gram, part of a partnership between St. Thom-
as the Apostle in Naperville and Ste. Marie-
Madeleine in Duchity. The nondenominational
program supports education in the entire vil-
lage, not just for Catholics.
The project is the latest in LifeSavers’ record
of service this year.
With Family Bingo Night in April, LifeSavers
raised $420 for Feed My Starving Children and
Make-A-Wish Foundation, the charities club
members chose to help this year.
Thank you to the families who participated, as
well as to Mr. Tabisz, our awesome caller!
Thanks to the LifeSavers' parents and kids who
helped out and to Mr. Baldridge and Mr. Korbitz
for set up, Mrs. Ory for the books donated as
prizes, and Mr. LeCrone for his support. Finally,
thanks to the businesses that donated prizes:
News and notes from our committees
Adamo's, Dunkin Donuts,
Great American Bagel and
McDonald's on River Road.
Through Family Bingo Night
and the Bake Sale during the
Open House in February, the
LifeSavers raised a total of
$1,012 for their two charities
this year.
The club also collected
$320 during the Variety Show in March to ben-
efit the Red Cross’ Japan relief fund. The total
was matched by McCain Foods, a Brookdale
parent’s employer, making the total donation
$640 .
The LifeSavers helped many community or-
ganizations as well:
 Games/puzzles collection for People's Re-
source Center and Wayside Cross Ministry;
 Holiday Toy Drive for Toys for Tots and Way-
side Cross Ministry;
 Visit to Tabor Hills Nursing Home;
 Food Drive for Loaves and Fishes;
 End of year School Supply collection for Hai-
tian children
Thanks to LifeSavers Service Club Coordina-
tors Beth Reiman and Rose Baranyk for demon-
strating how children can help others.
Thanks to the Brookdale community for sup-
porting the LifeSavers. Kids can make a differ-
ence!
Page 11
Buzy Bobcat
Store
Bobcats of all ages have one more
chance to take home puzzle erasers,
colorful calculators and more.
The final sale of the year for the Buzy
Bobcat Store is 8:30 to 9 a.m. Friday,
May 6,
when the
store will
be open
for all
grades.
We've
had a
very suc-
cessful year selling a variety of items —
from cheese-shaped, mice-filled pencil
sharpeners to calculators, from lipstick
erasers to Velcro-close wallets!
Our most expensive items sell for just
$1.50, but with the May 6 sale we
should realize nearly $1,000 in profit.
Thanks to the fifth-graders who have
helped our shoppers at the sales this
year and to the parent and teacher vol-
unteers who’ve assisted.
Thanks also to Ms. Parks for coordi-
nating bi-monthly sales; and to Jean-
nette Curtis and Barb Nicodimus, who
served as chairwomen for the store this
year..
May, 2011 Page 12

Fundraisers Providing learning opportunities and fun for our children

Market Day has deals on grilling meat — and a breakfast bonus

Those April showers won’t last forever, and
once the skies clear you’ll want to be outside
enjoying the May flowers and all the flavors
your grill has to offer.
To be ready, check out the May Market Day
specials. You’ll find deals on barbecue ba-
sics, from the $1 off the Mixed Grill, Teriyaki
Steak Kabobs or Ranch Steaks to 50 cents
off a slab of ribs.
A Market Day order also can earn you a
free — and easy to prepare — breakfast. This
month, any $50 order will receive a free one-
pound bag of French Toast Sticks.
Place a $90 order online and receive a free
four-pack of Teriyaki ChicNSteakes. Just en-
ter the promo code MAYBONUS when you
order online.
May’s sale also features deals on frozen
Cookie Dough. Buy two packages and save
$1; buy three packages and save $3; buy
four or more and save $5.
Paper order forms are due Thursday, May
5, and you can order online at market-
day.com until 11 p.m. Friday, May 6.
April was a fantastic month for Brookdale.
Market Day sales generat- Pick-up
ed $196.03 for the school, dates
bringing our total for the May 10
year to $1,438.55. June 7
After this month, we have
For ordering
one more sale with a pick- online, our
up date of June 7. Please school code
consider trying Market Day. is 2092.
All items are guaranteed;
just return the unused portion to the coordi-
nator, who will arrange a refund.
Market Day accepts LINK card payments.
Contact Tricia with questions at tricia-
greg98@wowwawy.com or (630) 416-3255.
She is happy to deliver pre-paid orders.

Dine-out night at Chick-fil-A Pop quiz

Be on the lookout for a cow urging you
to “Eat Mor Chikin.”
He has an ulterior motive: to get
you and your family to take part in
the Dine-Out Night fundraiser
Thursday, May 12, at Chick-fil-A.
The restaurant’s mascot will visit
school that afternoon and will be at
the restaurant during the event,
which runs 4 to 9 p.m. at the Fox Val-
ley Center franchise. Chick-fil-A will
donate 20 percent of your tab to the PTA
when you put your receipt in a marked con-
tainer or give a flier to the drive-thru cash-
ier.
Students are encouraged to sign in by
classroom; the class with the greatest par-
ticipation will be treated to a nugget party
and their teacher will get a free lunch.
The flier will come home soon in your
child’s backpack, or you can download it on
the blog..
Congratulations to alert reader The-
resa Hus, who won the April newslet-
ter trivia contest.
Her name was drawn from among
all readers who correctly noted that
Dominick’s gave the PTA $948.59 in
2010 through the eScrip program.
She’ll receive a $10 gift certificate
to Caribou Coffee.
Thanks to everyone who entered,
and watch for more quizzes next year!
May, 2011 Page 13

Free Money for the PTA

It’s easy to help the PTA earn money for assemblies, contributions to the classroom and more just
by doing what you’re already doing. Here’s how:
Tyson labels:
Find the Project A+ logo on the Tyson package, clip it
out and send it to school with your child to drop in
the bin just inside the library. Each label earns us 24
cents. For a list of qualifying products, visit projecta-
plus.tyson.com. Contact Barb Marshall with comments or ques-
tions, rmarshall8804@wowway.com or (630) 357-7761.
Box tops:
Box Tops for Education labels are on
many, many products. Just clip the logo
and send it to school with your child to
drop in the bin just inside the library. The
extensive list of qualifying products is at
www.ipsd.org/Uploads/brookdale_box%20Tops.pdf. If you have
questions, contact Stacey Ramsey at
srams66@wideopenwest.com or (630) 778-1849.
GoodSearch and GoodShop:
Brookdale PTA earns a penny every
time you search the Internet with
GoodSearch.com, a Yahoo-powered
engine that donates half its advertising revenue to user-
designated charities. Enter “Brookdale School” in the “Who do
you GoodSearch for?” box and select our school, then search
like usual. The site’s GoodShop.com offers discounts from partic-
ipating merchants, who donate a portion of sales to the charity.
Dominick’s eScrip:
Using your Fresh Values Card at
Dominick’s can save you money and
generate a donation to the Brookdale
PTA. If you register your card, the store
will contribute up to 4 percent of your bill
from each shopping trip when you use
your card. Registration takes just a few
minutes at escrip.com. After that, all you
need to do is shop. Contact Stacey Ramsey
with questions at srams66@wideopenwest.com or (630) 778-
1849.
Best Buy Reward Zone:
The Reward Zone program lets
Best Buy customers build up
points to use toward future
purchases at the store. Through
the Reward Zone Program for
Schools, you can put your points
to work for Brookdale. Enroll as a Reward Zone member and
each time you check out, tell the cashier you’d like to donate
your points to Brookdale Elementary. The store will give us
reward certificates for 2 percent of your total that will buy
more technology for our school.
May, 2011 Page 14

Brookdale PTA Executive Board

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer
Barb Peterson Judy Nagel-Conley Jan Mallak Ron Heger
(630) 416-4565 (630) 428-9717 (630) 717-0953 (630) 983-7189
afamily@petersonlink.name jln0522@aol.com janmallak@comcast.net rgheger@aol.com
Committee Chairperson Telephone E-mail Committee Chairperson Telephone E-mail
Danielle Baker (630) 357-6137 danilbaker@aol.com Market Day Tricia Smith (630) 416-3255 triciagreg98@wowway.com
After-School
Laura Falk (630) 718-1088 glmnfalk@wowway.com
Enrichment Newsletter/Publicity Christie Willhite (630) 579-9423 christiewillhite@gmail.com
Sarah Williams (630) 717-9979 sarahdave@wowway.com
Theresa Hus (630) 961-5348 theresahus@gmail.com Parent Diversity Saily Joshi-Moorthy (630) 527-9536 saily@aol.com
Art Awareness Advisory Council Bernadette Young (708) 870-5175 bernadetteannyoung@gmail.com
Beth Siwicki (630) 942-0516 siwickifamily@wowway.com
Positive Behavior
Assemblies Beth Reiman (630) 416-7976 bethoreiman@gmail.com Interventions & Supports Melissa Winchester (630) 717-0375 melnme1997@yahoo.com
Basketball Nights Amy Elston (630) 637-9709 amyelston@hotmail.com Project Arrow PTA Bernadette Young (708) 870-5175 bernadetteannyoung@gmail.com
Book Fair Dawn Yorke (630) 330-7703 dyorke8708@wowway.com Red Ribbon Week Krista McCann (630) 364-2630 kmccannrn@yahoo.com
Box Tops Stacey Ramsey (630) 778-1849 srams66@wideopenwest.com Reflections Kelly Urbon (630) 718-0384 tkurbon@sbcglobal.net
Brookdale Brainiacs Ann Luttrell (630) 416-2581 anneluttrell@gmail.com School Directory Janet LaRocque (630) 527-8473 janetlarocque@yahoo.com
Jeanette Curtis (630) 579-6207 jeanettecurtis@mac.com Jennifer Sanchez (630) 753-9423 jlsanchez@wideopenwest.com
Buzy Bobcat Store School Supplies
Barb Nicodemus (630) 848-0148 nicknbarb@wideopenwest.com Sarah Williams (630) 717-9979 sarahdave@wowway.com
Classroom Sheila Fleming (630) 548-1494 sjsjfleming@wowway.com Rose Baranyk (630) 355-8786 rosalie_baranyk@yahoo.com
Service Projects
Coordinators Melissa Winchester (630) 717-0375 melnme1997@yahoo.com Beth Reiman (630) 416-7976 bethoreiman@gmail.com
Cultural Arts Francesca Giacobbe (630) 946-6285 Silent Auction Laura Heger (630) 983-7189 rgheger@aol.com
eScrip Stacey Ramsey (630) 778-1849 srams66@wideopenwest.com Special Needs PTA Judy Nagel-Conley (630) 428-9717 jln0522@aol.com
Fall Family Social Linda Watkins (630) 357-5724 ljrwatkins@wideopenwest.com Spirit Wear Sale Lisa Howard (630) 548-4804 thehowards@wowway.com
Family Dinners Out Heather Lang (630) 717-1204 heather.lang@eicoff.com Spring Fling Cherie Quarles (630) 579-0679 cheriequarles@yahoo.com
Rueben Lerma (630) 768-6394 diet8926880@aol.com Staff Appreciation Susan Corrigan-DeLucio (630) 399-4690 svcorrigan@hotmail.com
Fifth-Grade Social Barb Marshall (630) 357-7761 rmarshall8804@wowway.com Robyn Rathe (815) 514-0529 robynrathe@yahoo.com
Title One Parent Rep Bernadette Young (708) 870-5175 bernadetteannyoung@gmail.com
La Shandra Moore (630) 857-9110 lmlmblue@yahoo.com
Fifth-Grade DVD Anne Staskon (630) 357-3445 estaskon@sbcglobal.net Tyson Food Labels Barb Marshall (630) 357-7761 rmarshall8804@wowway.com
Health and Safety Beth Siwicki (630) 942-0516 siwickifamily@wowway.com Cathy Collins (630) 961-1080 ckc1021@sbcglobal.net
Variety Show
Helping Hand Lisa Burke (630) 416-9430 lisaburke8@yahoo.com Mary Hensley (630) 428-9963 jhensley0378@wowway.com
Dina Bradshaw (630) 717-6916 dinabradshaw@att.net Walk to School Day Beth Siwicki (630) 717-0375 siwickifamily@wowway.com
Hospitality
Beth Martinson (630) 717-7902 abmartinson@yahoo.com Welcome Committee Linda Watkins (630) 357-5724 ljrwatkins@wideopenwest.com
IPPC Representative Saily Joshi-Moorthy (630) 527-9536 saily@aol.com Amy Hausman (630) 961-1210 khausman@wideopenwest.com
Wrapping Paper Sale
Kids Art Note Cards Tricia Smith (630) 416-3255 triciagreg98@wowway.com Deb Snyder (630) 428-3089 dsnydermjt@wideopenwest.com
LMC Coordinator Cathy Collins (630) 961-1080 ckc1021@sbcglobal.net Yearbook Janet LaRocque (630) 527-8473 janetlarocque@yahoo.com

Brookdale Elementary School

1200 Redfield Road Principal This publication is produced and funded
Naperville, IL 60563 Brian LeCrone by the Brookdale Elementary School PTA.
(630) 428-6800 brian_lecrone@ipsd.org