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Originally delivered on 7/1/2024 7:00 pm

SUBJECT: Briarlake PTA 2023-2024 Recap and Summer Updates

2023 -2024 WAS A GREAT YEAR!

We hope everyone is enjoying summer! As we gear up for the new school year, PTA is reaching its fiscal year end and closing out the 2023-2024 school year. 


On behalf of the PTA Board, THANK YOU to the entire Briarlake community for another amazing school year! Thanks to our teachers, staff, and administration who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of our students. Sincerest thanks to Principal Jones, who has been instrumental in creating a positive culture at Briarlake. The true embodiment of her "BE KIND" theme, Ms. Jones has fostered a safe and loving environment where all of our learners can achieve, not just academically, but also develop strong social emotional skills to last throughout their lives. Thank you to our Assistant Principal, Ms. Milliron, for joining us midway through the year, and completing the team in the best way possible. 


Thank you parents and families for sharing your time, talents, financial support, and enthusiasm with our special little school. What you put into Briarlake is palpable to both the students and staff. Our entire community thrives because of you. 


And a special thank you to our PTA Board, committee chairs, and all of our members for being the driving force behind all of our volunteer efforts. Together, with Foundation and PAC members, our parent leadership was able to accomplish so much this year. Special thank you to our outgoing Co-President, Megan Cayes, and outgoing VP of Programs, Kate Michalak, for their unwavering commitment to our school this year!

Here's A Recap of What We're Most Proud of!


PTA Events

  • Summer PTA BBQ Social
  • Friendship Day at the Forest for Incoming Students
  • Popsicles on the Playground for new PK/K
  • Open House
  • Cheers and Tears (Donuts and Coffee)
  • Ice Cream Social
  • Ceiling Tile Painting Event/Fundraiser
  • Fall Festival
  • Scholastic Book Fair
  • Chili Chomp
  • Winter break/end of year class parties
  • Winter Glow Dance
  • Share the Love Event - Charity Event
  • International Night
  • Earth Day Event at the Briarlake Forest 
  • BES 5K/Fun Run and Roll
  • Field Day
  • Campus Cleanups x 3
  • Family Luncheons
  • Walk and Roll to School Days

PTA Fundraising

  • School Box School Supply Kits ($571)
  • PTA Membership Dues ($3,317)
  • Classroom Dues ($3,629)
  • Beaver Builder Fund ($3,500)
  • Ceiling Tile Fundraiser ($1,717)
  • Fall Festival ($2,446)
  • Read-A-Thon ($19,663)
  • Spirit Nights
    • Napoleons ($523)
    • Salaryman ($150)
    • Andy’s Frozen Custard ($256)
    • Chipotle ($218.87)
    • Marlow's Tavern ($300)
    • Donato's Pizza (donated 25 pizzas)
    • Blue Ribbon Grill ($50)
  • Business Outreach ($5,500)
  • Spirit Wear ($793)
  • Scholastic Book Fair ($3,980)
  • BES 5K/Fun Run and Roll ($1,411)
  • Bi-annual Staff Appreciation fundraising ($7,291)
  • Yearbook ($473)

PTA Support of Clubs, Projects, and Programs

  • Brought outside vendor for afterschool dance (Expressions in Motion After School Dance Program)
  • STEM Program supplies ($2,657)
  • Art Progarm supplies: Bloxels and Makers Empire ($4,235)
  • Music Program supplies ($175)
  • PE Program supplies ($1,039)
  • Drama Club support ($1,439)
  • PTA Reflections ($125)
  • Girls Who Game ($60)
  • Sagamore Hills Math Tournament ($60)
  • New commercial vacuum for custodians ($183)
  • New wheelie coolers for nutrition staff for field trips ($123)
  • Counselor Fund ($1000)
  • Child in need ($259)
  • Principal's Discretionary Fund ($882)
  • Fine Arts Showcase Revenue for Art Program ($1,730)
  • Provided pizza parties for Beaver of the Month program and ASL Day Celebration (Donato's donation)
  • DHH Program ($692)
  • Science for Everyone STEM programs ($1400)
  • Supported 5th Grade Committee ($250)

PTA Support of Buildings & Grounds

  • Added a Buddy Bench to the playground
  • Installed shade sails in the courtyard
  • Repainted crosswalk and traffic lines in carpool
  • Revitalized BES Free Library 
  • Installed first ever BES Sponsorship Banner 
  • Pressure washed: picnic tables, portables, sidewalks, art tables, and courtyard
  • Pressure washed and painted the pollinator fence
  • Added, divided, maintained plants/flowers/shrubs around campus
  • Replaced landscaping timbers and one bed in the Teacher's Garden
  • Arranged to have cafeteria and media windows professionally cleaned
  • Purchased a storage shed for PTA Fall Festival items
  • Purchased materials for new split rail fence

PTA Teacher & Staff Appreciation

  • Back to School Breakfast for the teachers
  • Lunch from Fellinis for teachers during orientation
  • Welcome gifts for all new teachers and staff
  • Our Teachers Are SOUP-er November Luncheon 
  • Holiday Staff Gift Campaign ($5,480)
  • Cookie swap at holidays for teachers 
  • Fantastic Fridays
  • New classroom flexible seating for students ($3,249)
  • Gifting for Staff appreciation days
    • National Principals Month 
    • National School Counseling Week 
    • Nurse's Week 
    • Assistant Principal Day 
    • Media Specialists 
    • Custodians 
    • Bus drivers
    • Administrative Assistants
    • School Lunch Hero Day
  • National Teacher Appreciation Week
    • Ira lane coffee truck
    • Massages by Megan Simmons
    • Tropical Smoothie Cafe drinks
    • Tote bags and snacks
    • Taqueria El Vecino (all staff) luncheon
  • End of Year Giving Campaign ($1,811)

PTA Green Team/Composting


  • A parent-led effort organized and implemented a school-wide composting program
  • Styrofoam trays were elminated at BES and replaced with compostable ones
  • Students were educated about composting as part of their STEM curriculum
  • Students partnered with parent volunteers to work composting shifts during lunchtime
  • Composting supplies were purchased
  • Compostable products were purchased and used for PTA events
  • An additional CompostNow bin was purchased 
  • Between August 2023 - April 2024 Briarlake's composting efforts resulted in:
    • 9, 019 lbs of waste diverted
    • 902 lbs of compost created

PTA Business Sponsorship Packages

  • Installed first ever sponsorship banner
  • Partnered with over 20 local businesses over the school year
  • Received $5,500 in sponsorship funds
  • Received food, plants, seasonal decorations, and services for the school

PTA Support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Family Engagement

  • WhatsApp Group created
    • “Padres de Briarlake” 
    • Services 27 Spanish-speaking families at Briarlake 
  • School communication - planners, newsletters, Friday Folders, flyers, social media
  • School dismissal software for administration
PTA NEWS
School Supply Kits

We've partnered with School Box again this year to pre-purchase school supply kits. Make back-to-school super convenient and help Briarlake at the same time! Your student will receive a box containing school supplies customized for his/her grade level and a percentage of every sale will go to Briarlake PTA! The lists were generated by our BES teachers, so rest assured, you'll get exactly what is needed! Kits will be available for pick-up at Open House. Get a head start and order HERE today! DEADLINE is 7/14!!


https://schoolboxkits.com/241-briarlake-elementary

Interested in Helping the PTA?

Thank you to our new board and committee members. There are many supporting roles that still need to be filled. If you are looking for a way to get more involved, but aren't sure how you may be able to contribute, please email briarlakepta@gmail.com to learn more.

SCHOOL NEWS
Annual Verification

Don't forget to complete your annual verification! Not only is this step required by DCSD, it also helps our registrar and school administration plan for the upcoming year! Have your photo ID and proof of residency (apartment/house lease or mortgage deed, current utility bill- must be gas, electric, or water-in the name of the owner/lessee) handy to quickly complete the process on Infinite Campus.  

Click Here for Annual Verification
LOOKING AHEAD


7/27 - CAMPUS CLEANUP

7/31 - OPEN HOUSE

8/5 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!


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