Get a closer look at the Bridlemile PTA and Foundation—
who we are, how we support our school, and the vital role our community plays in enriching every Bridlemile student's experience.
OUR MISSION
One community. One purpose.
Supporting Bridlemile students today,
and shaping their future tomorrow.
What is the PTA?
The Bridlemile PTA is made up of devoted parents and caregivers that work with our amazing teachers and staff to sponsor and facilitate events and coordinate volunteer support for our school.
The PTA organizes the Grow Portland school-wide curriculum, classroom supplies for Bridlemile teachers, community outreach support, and signature community events and programs including Freaky Friday and Family Night. The PTA also hosts a free online Parent/Student School Directory (also known as Membership Toolkit) to help more families connect.
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the majority of the budget for the Bridlemile PTA programs and events comes directly from the funds raised from the Foundation. Other funds are generated through our Access Pass/PTA Membership and Freaky Friday.
Contact us at pta@bridlemileschool.org if you have any questions.
PTA Membership
We encourage EVERY adult with children at Bridlemile Elementary to join the PTA. It is through your memberships, volunteer hours, and overall participation in your student’s education that we achieve success together.
Membership is good for one school year. Remember to renew your membership annually. Your membership fee provides:
Financial support to our statewide PTA organization, who facilitates our nonprofit status
Voting rights at PTA meetings, which include critical spending and budget allocation decisions
The ability to be a Bridlemile PTA board member or activity chair (note: you don’t need to be an official PTA member to volunteer for PTA or school events)
100% tax deductible donation
PTA Executive Board 2026-27
Alex Stephens
President
Jeffrey Schmidt
Treasurer
Kaleen Anderson
Vice President
Christy Irvine
Member At Large
Robert Schaefer
Secretary
Tom Nichols
Technology
What is the Foundation?
The Bridlemile Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports Bridlemile through fundraising for school needs beyond district-funding. The Foundation works behind the scenes to raise and steward funds that enhance the student experience and strengthen our school community.
Recent district changes have shifted how fundraising dollars can be used, but they have also created new opportunities for the Foundation to direct 100% of funds raised toward meaningful priorities that support Bridlemile—now and in the future.
The Foundation leads several community fundraising efforts throughout the year and relies on parent volunteers to make them successful. If you’re interested in supporting fundraising events or learning more about Foundation involvement, we’d love to hear from you.
Foundation Board 25'-26'
Kathryn Evenson
President
Jennifer Kaplan
Co-Vice President
Michelle Johnson
Secretary
Alex Stephens
Treasurer
Madeline Cois
Co-Vice President
Heidi Trenholme
Member At Large
Where does the money go?
Fundraising
1. Sponsorships $1K 2. Directory Ads $400
1. Garden Committee $1.2K 2. Winter Bazaar $1K 3. Family Night $1K 4. Staff Appreciation $700 5. Library Support $800 6. Special Requests $800 7. OBOB $800 8. Monster Mash $650 9. Movie Night $800 10. STEAM Night $1K 11. Bike Fest $800 12. KinderConnect $500 13. Kinder T-Shirts $700 14. 5th Grade T-Shirts $560
Expenditures
How the Bridlemile
Foundation Prioritizes Funding?
Funds raised by the Bridlemile Foundation are pooled to support all Bridlemile students, with a focus on school-wide needs and shared experiences that most directly strengthen learning and educational outcomes.
Priorities include both essential academic and operational needs, as well as programs that enrich the broader student experience. This framework is not a fixed funding list; school needs evolve, district resources change, and new opportunities arise throughout the year.
The Foundation adapts accordingly, using this framework to guide thoughtful, high-impact funding decisions. Examples reflect past or potential future support as needs and fundraising goals align.
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Funding that directly supports how students learn. This category includes programs and resources that expand educational opportunities, strengthen foundational skills, and enrich the academic experience for Bridlemile students.
Examples:
Academic support such as reading or learning specialists
GROW Portland garden education program
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Funding that supports the day-to-day learning environment and the teachers and staff who make it possible. This category focuses on practical classroom and school needs—shared supports that help teachers and staff create meaningful educational experiences and a well-equipped, welcoming environment for all students. If it directly impacts student learning and access to education, it belongs here. These investments help ensure classrooms are well-equipped and teachers and staff feel supported.
Examples:
Educational supply funds for teachers and staff
Classroom and grade-level funds for student events
Field trips that extend learning beyond the classroom
Beginning-of-year school supplies for students
Showing appreciation for our teachers and school staff, such as meals and small gestures that support morale and community
Student technology, including Chromebooks
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Funding that addresses immediate, school-wide needs that affect students’ daily experience.
While some of these needs are traditionally the responsibility of the school district, gaps can occur. When those gaps affect student safety, access, or readiness to learn, the Foundation works in partnership with school leadership to support the school while pursuing long-term solutions.
Examples:
Safety equipment, such as walkie-talkies, so that every classroom can communicate
School improvements like repainting the playground and parking lot lines
Operational or infrastructure needs identified by school leadership
Aspirational: larger projects such as playground upgrades
These investments help keep the school safe, functional, and ready for learning.
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Funding that builds connection, belonging, and school spirit.
This category includes inclusive, school-wide events that bring students, families, and staff together and are organized by the PTA. These shared experiences help strengthen the community that surrounds and supports our students.
Examples
Community movie nights
Monster Mash
Other shared events open to the entire school community
Strong community supports student success.