BAS PTA History

The mission history of the Brooklyn Avenue School PTA (operating within Valley Stream Union Free School District 24) is rooted in a century-long tradition of civic advocacy, community bridging, and grassroots action.

While individual school PTAs routinely update their seasonal goals, theme statements, and local bylaws, the foundational mission of the Brooklyn Avenue School PTA has remained structurally aligned with the National and New York State PTA frameworks, tailored specifically to the unique history of Valley Stream.

Foundational Core: The Triple Mission

Historically, the overarching, official mission guiding the Brooklyn Avenue School PTA since its early configurations in the 20th century focuses on three main pillars:

• Advocacy: To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the local community, and before government bodies or school boards making decisions affecting children.

• Parental Development: To assist parents and caregivers in developing the skills and resources they need to raise, protect, and nurture their children.

• Community Engagement: To encourage active parent and public involvement in the public schools, fostering a close-knit partnership between families, educators, and the neighborhood.

A Century of Advocacy & Milestones

The "mission in action" for the Brooklyn Avenue PTA has evolved alongside the school’s physical and academic growth. Rather than just acting as a fundraising entity, the PTA’s historical mission has consistently leaned into active community preservation and student welfare.

The Early Era (1910s–1920s)

Before Valley Stream Central High School District formally existed, high school classes in Valley Stream actually began inside the Brooklyn Avenue School building (starting around 1914 and formalizing in 1923). During this era, parent groups and early iterations of the PTA focused heavily on basic student welfare, establishing school infrastructure, and partnering with early schoolmasters to handle rapid population growth driven by suburban development.

Mid-Century Evolution & Community Protection

As District 24 expanded, the PTA’s mission shifted heavily toward protecting neighborhood identities and fostering local pride. A prominent historical example of the PTA’s advocacy mission occurred when plans were proposed to alter or move the school’s historic belfry bell (which had hung above Brooklyn Avenue School for over 80 years). The PTA—claiming the unified support of over 400 neighborhood parents—organized massive petition drives to protect the school's historical tokens, viewing architectural preservation as an essential component of fostering student pride and community continuity.

The Modern Mission: Holistic Growth & Inclusion

In recent decades, matching the shifting vision of Valley Stream District 24, the Brooklyn Avenue PTA has modernized its focus to emphasize:

• Active Advocacy: Continuing our 1957 mandate to be a dedicated, independent voice focused entirely on the unique spirit and needs of the Brooklyn Avenue building.

• The 21st-Century Mindset: Aligning with the district’s goal to empower a diverse student body with resilience, independence, and a global perspective.

• Holistic Growth & Community Action: Moving beyond strictly academic support to embrace experiential learning and character building. This is reflected in the PTA's leadership of modern initiatives like kindness-based fundraisers (e.g., the "Raise Craze" program), which prioritize community service, daily acts of goodwill, and direct neighborhood engagement over commercial sales.