Dear Bridlemile Community,

Welcome back! Below is a reminder of all the upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and important PTA and Foundation updates. Thank you for being such an active part of our school community — your time, enthusiasm, and support make all the difference.

• Kids Coat Drive
  now through Dec 6th

• Giving Tuesday
  Dec 2

• Winter Bazaar
  Dec 6, 9–11 AM

• Columbia Employee Store Shopping Event
  Dec 1-28

• PTA December Meeting
  Dec 16, 6–8 PM

Read below for more details on each event!

This season, Bridlemile is collecting new coats for kids in need throughout the Portland community. Use the Kids’ Coat Drive form to select a coat to purchase, then drop it off in the school office anytime or bring it to the Winter Bazaar on Friday, December 6, between 9–11 AM.

Thank you for helping keep local kids warm this winter!

Additionally, gently used coats of any size can be brought to the Winter Bazaar for the Neighborhood House Coat Drive!

Join us for a new Bridlemile tradition — the Winter Bazaar, complete with a free pancake breakfast and festive holiday market for the whole family!

Saturday, December 6, 9–11 AM in the Bridlemile Cafeteria

Enjoy:

• A delicious pancake breakfast

• Local small businesses and makers selling holiday gifts

• Wreaths, greenery, Bridlemile ornaments, and apparel for sale

• Card-making table for staff appreciation

• Kids’ craft and gift-making activities

• Community coat drive for kids in need

This event replaces our traditional Foundation Tree Sale — no trees will be sold this year. Please see the Ida B. Wells tree sale instead. 

Volunteers needed!

We rely on parent volunteers to make the Winter Bazaar possible and to keep things running smoothly. If you’re able to lend a hand with setup, serving, or cleanup, we’d love to have you. Thank you for helping bring this special event to life!

Sign up here!

On Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, your generosity can go even further — and directly strengthen our Bridlemile community. Many employers offer corporate matching opportunities that can double the impact of your donation. If you’re not sure whether your workplace participates, check with your HR department or benefits portal. A quick inquiry can turn one gift into two!

Your support helps fund:

• Hands-on garden classes through Grow Portland

• Community events that bring our school together

• Holiday gift cards for families in need

• Classroom party funds

• Teacher supplies and enrichment materials

• And so much more

This year, the Foundation has already provided $3,000 in gift card support for our school counselor to distribute to families who may need extra help during the holiday season. This is in addition to the $575 in grocery gift cards our community generously contributed in response to the temporary cut to SNAP benefits. Every contribution, big or small, truly makes a difference.

Make a plan to donate this Giving Tuesday — and don’t forget to check for employer matching!

Bridlemile Foundation is proud to partner with Columbia Sportswear! From December 1–28, you are exclusively invited to shop at the Columbia Employee Store — and 10% of your purchase will be donated back to the Bridlemile Foundation.

The newly expanded store is fully stocked with the latest apparel, outerwear, footwear, and equipment from the Columbia family of brands: Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna — all at 40% off retail pricing.

Passes are going home in student backpacks this week, and additional passes are available in the school office to share with friends, family, neighbors, or anyone who wants to shop and support Bridlemile.

How It Works

• Show your exclusive pass for entry and again at checkout (mobile display is fine)

• Bring up to 4 guests (children under 18 do not count toward the limit)

• Entire store is 40% off retail pricing

• 10% of each purchase will be donated back to the Bridlemile Foundation

• Pass is valid only at the Employee Store (not online or other retail locations)

Download and share the digital pass with family and friends here.

With winter on the way, it’s the perfect time to stock up on jackets, boots, and cold-weather gear — all while giving back to Bridlemile!

This year’s gold Bridlemile ornament and a selection of sweatshirts will be available in person at the Winter Bazaar taking place on Saturday December 6, 9-11 AM! 

We are expecting a new shipment of Bridlemile sweatshirts: 

• NEW limited run of Adult crewnecks in wintery cream with navy lettering

• NEW Youth navy crewnecks with yellow lettering

• Restock: Youth navy hoodies with pink lettering

• Restock: Youth gray hoodies with blue lettering

• Restock: Adult navy crewnecks with yellow lettering

This year’s gold shatterproof ornament will be priced at $10 each. Sweatshirts will be priced at $25-$30 each. In-person payments will be taken on your mobile device via CheddarUp. See you there!

So much of what makes Bridlemile a vibrant, supportive school community is made possible through the generosity of our families. Donations and volunteer time fund a wide range of essential programs and experiences, including:

• Teacher supplies and classroom party funds

• Additional school supplies and technology updates

• Community-wide events

• Holiday support for families

• Hands-on garden education through Grow Portland

• And many other enrichment opportunities for students

Our annual Bridlemile Auction is the largest fundraiser of the year — the event that makes all of this possible. It’s one of our largest community celebrations, where we come together, have fun, and raise the funds needed to ensure every student has access to the best educational experience possible.

The 2026 in-person auction is set for Saturday, March 14, and planning is already underway. To make this year’s event a success, we’re seeking volunteers to help with everything from event planning and logistics to hosting Beagle Socials, securing auction items, decorating, and more.

If you’re interested in joining the auction team or want to learn how you can help, reach out to Cadence Stephens at cadence.stephens@gmail.com.

Upcoming PTA Meeting

PTA Board Meeting – Tuesday, December 16, 6:00–8:00 PM
Join via Google Meet

At the meeting, we’ll discuss upcoming projects, budget updates, and volunteer opportunities. All community members are welcome!

Why Join the PTA?
Your membership helps shape how funds are spent and gives you a voice in decisions that directly affect our students. Members can vote on budget changes and program priorities. 

Sign up via our Membership Toolkit today!

Your support helps fund Grow Portland’s garden classes, community events, holiday gift cards for families, classroom party funds, teacher supplies, and more. Every contribution, big or small, strengthens our Bridlemile community and helps it thrive!

Fred Meyer Community Rewards

Link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Bridlemile and earn donations for our school every time you shop — at no extra cost to you!

Join or check your enrollment here.

Blue Bag BottleDrop

Pick up a Blue Bag from the school office, fill it with cans and bottles, and drop it at any BottleDrop location. Funds go directly to Bridlemile!

Learn more here.

Box Tops for Education

Scan your grocery receipts with the Box Tops app and earn money for Bridlemile with participating products — it’s quick and easy!

Get the app and start earning!

Thank you for continuing to show what makes Bridlemile so special — a community full of care, creativity, and connection. We’re grateful for your support!

Warmly,

The Bridlemile PTA & Foundation