NA

AC

P P

ar

en

ts’ C

ou

nc

il /M

CPS

An

nu

al K

ick

Off

NAACP Parents’ Council– Monthly Newsletter

October/November 2013

A Wider Circle

Benjamin Banneker Honors Math and Science Socie-ty

Boy Scouts of America

College Savings Plan

Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County, MD

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc - Montgomery County, MD Alumnae Chapter Gapbuster Learning Center George B. Thomas Learning Academy: The Saturday School Girl Scouts of America

Heart of Tabitha

2 Pi Productions

Kappa League- Silver Spring, MD

M Street Outreach

MCPS - Office of Community Engagement Partner MCPS-Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services

MCPS-Division of Title 1 Programs

NAACP - ACT SO program

National Council of Negro Women

Rites of Passage- Boys (The People’s Community Baptist Church) Rites of Passage- Girls (The People’s Community Baptist Church) United Negro College Fund

University System of Maryland

YMCA

The Community Resource Fair

The brainchild of Byron Johns, the fair was a hit of the evening. Parents were able to meet and greet representa-

tives from over 25 community organizations. The NAACP Parents’ Council embraces the partnerships created over

the years. Participating organization included:

The Annual Kick Off The 2013 NAACP Parents' Council/MCPS Annual Kick-off event was held on September 30th and based on the feedback was one of the best!

Over 500 attendees came together to celebrate civil rights progress in Montgomery County Education. 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the

signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th an-niversary of the March on Washington and “I Have A Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and 2014 will be the 60th anniversary of the NAACP lawsuit vic-

tory in Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision leading to the desegregation of public schools. The program included MCPS and outside experts hold-

ing panel discussions on 1) Innovation & Intervention Networks, 2)New State Discipline Regulations - Effec-tive Discipline Practices, 3) Social/Emotional Learning Approaches with Minority Students, and 4) HBCUs/

HSIs - What's Working for Our Children in

Higher Education. The highlight however was the key-

note address from Dr. Mona Mourshed, McKinsey &

Company Partner and Leader of their Global Education

Practice, and a Springbrook High School graduate.

Here are links for videos from the Kick-Off event and Dr. Mourshed’s speech.

Link to MCPS News http://bulletin.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/

staff-bulletin/in-the-news/naacp-parents-council-holds-kick-off-meeting/

Link to Mona Mourshed Keynote Speech

http://youtu.be/VyfbtVSQoVI

By Byron Johns, Chair

In this issue:

Scenes from The Annual Kick Off

The Annual Kick Off

At Last Month’s Meeting

MCPS Announcements

NAACP –PC Committee notes

Yearly Calendar

What’s Happening in our Schools?

ACT-SO

Our September meeting featured a

discussion by Dr. Kimberly Statham,

MCPS, deputy superintendent for the

Office of Teaching, Learning and Pro-

grams on the topic of Interventions,

Interventions, Community Engage-

ment, and the Strategic Planning Framework. She

focused on several intervention programs in MCPS

schools this year.

Committee Meetings

We were able to spend some time in

our newly formed committees for

Community Partnerships, Advertising/Publicity,

Math, Fundraising, Outreach/Mentoring and Politi-

cal Action. Please see notes from the Community

Action, Advertising/Communications, Mathematics

committees on the next page.

Our November Meeting “College

Conversations”

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013

8:45-11:00 am

850 Hungerford Drive

Rockville, MD

Hear from several experts regarding this continu-

ously changing topic.

From the MCPS wrbstie: From the MCPS wrbstie: From the MCPS wrbstie:

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/belltimesworkgroup/index.aspxhttp://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/belltimesworkgroup/index.aspxhttp://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/belltimesworkgroup/index.aspx

Upcoming Community ForumsUpcoming Community ForumsUpcoming Community Forums

MMMontgomery County Public Schools will offer the community multiple opportunities over ontgomery County Public Schools will offer the community multiple opportunities over ontgomery County Public Schools will offer the community multiple opportunities over

the next several months to provide feedback on proposed changes to school starting the next several months to provide feedback on proposed changes to school starting the next several months to provide feedback on proposed changes to school starting

and ending times, also known as bell times. This will include four community forums, focus and ending times, also known as bell times. This will include four community forums, focus and ending times, also known as bell times. This will include four community forums, focus

groups, surveys, and self guided discussions called 'Neighbor to Neighbor Conversations'. The four community groups, surveys, and self guided discussions called 'Neighbor to Neighbor Conversations'. The four community groups, surveys, and self guided discussions called 'Neighbor to Neighbor Conversations'. The four community

forums will take place on:forums will take place on:forums will take place on:

Monday, December 16: Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive in RockvilleMonday, December 16: Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive in RockvilleMonday, December 16: Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville

Monday, January 6: Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in GermantownMonday, January 6: Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in GermantownMonday, January 6: Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown

Monday, February 10: Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd., East, in Silver SpringMonday, February 10: Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd., East, in Silver SpringMonday, February 10: Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd., East, in Silver Spring

Parents’ Council Parents’ Council Parents’ Council

Committee Meeting Notes ….Committee Meeting Notes ….Committee Meeting Notes ….

Fundraising: Denise Wray/Odette Brown Outreach/Mentoring: Vann Wilkins/Erica Boone Advertising/Publications: Kim Lawson/Sharon Mosley Ramsey Political Action: Lorry Saunders/Sabrina McMillan Community Partnerships: Linda Akli/Soffie Ceesay

Community Partnership Committee

This committee meeting was held on September

21st, 2013 as a break off section of the main

NAACP MCPS monthly meeting.

In attendance were Mary Amorjay-Ogar, Amy

Brown, Jennifer Boston, Sidi N. Bojang, Kendra

Wymes, Preeti Bone and Sharon Jones.

This committee was originally scheduled for To-

nya and Preeti Bone to facilitate but in their ab-

sence we continued until Ms Bone joined us lat-

er.

However some of what we identified as essen-

tials for effective community partnership in-

clude the following;

Visibility: It was agreed that we must make our-

selves visible in our various communities while

identifying who our targeted audience are, what

their needs are, where they are and when they

need intervention in any area in their academic

pursuit for Higher Education.

Engagement: We must look for efficient ways to

engage our families through resourceful parent

involvement as they are our primary constituen-

cy. We should always look for creative ways to

keep our families informed regularly about

school events and resources.

At school morning announcement include

NAACP events when needed so parents can

know of your various activities.

Resources should be passed on to parents be-

cause information is a powerful tool for success

of our students.

Submitted by Mary Amorjay-Ogar

Advertising/Communications Committee

We had a great meeting on Saturday! Our Ad-vertising Committee is very ambitious about get-ting the word out about the Parents' Council. We have plans to create a Facebook page, start a tex-ting campaign and more.

Submitted by Sharon Mosley-Ramsey

Mathematics

The Committee spent the meeting time identify-ing concerns and possible initiatives. The Com-mittee principally focused on 2 areas: 1) empow-ering parents to help their students excel, and 2) preparing a cadre of students for the math and science magnet programs and SAT.

Submitted by Sabrina McMillian

Committees featured next Month: Fundraising Outreach/ Mentoring Committee Political actions

“Realizing the Dream- Moving Forward!”

NAACP Parents’ Council Montgomery County, Maryland

Meeting Schedule and Agendas 2013-2014 Mark your calendars for our monthly Parents’ Council meetings. Our meetings are

on the third Saturday of every month at 8:45-11:00 am. We meet at CESC (Carver Educational Services Center) located at 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD

August 17, 2013 “Let’s Get Organized!”

A welcome back and planning session for new and returning school

representatives.

September 21, 2013 “Interventions, Community Engagement, and the Strategic

Planning Framework.”

September 30, 2013

NAACP Parents’ Council Annual Kick Off Richard Montgomery High School

Rockville, MD 5pm

October 19, 2013 Meeting canceled

November 16, 2013 “College Conversations”

December 21, 2013 “Technology Talk”

January 18, 2014

Holiday Weekend

“Sharing Showcase” Program Showcase and Best Practices

MCPS Special Programs

February 15, 2014

Holiday Weekend

“Males in the Mix!” Men’s Program

March 15, 2014 "Board of Education Meet and Greet"

April 19, 2014

Spring Break and Easter

weekend Open Meeting

May 17, 2014 "The Best and the Brightest!"

Meeting topics are subject to change.

James Hubert Blake High School

Silver Spring, MD

Blake High School

NAACP Parents' Council

Closing the Achievement Gap

There was a good turnout for our meeting on Closing the Achievement Gap. The guest speaker, Mr. Timothy B. Warner, MCPS Chief Engagement and Partnership Officer, shared OCEP�s strategy for engagement which is based around shifting our focus from providing information and services from central office to catalyzing transformation within MCPS and in communities to enhance our shared capacity to engage on behalf our students. The elements are as follows: BUILD CAPACITY: To build the systemic capacity of MCPS staff and the parents and families of our students to sup-

port and engage with one another in the academic achievement of our students. ENHANCE/EXPAND PARTNERSHIPS: To increase MCPS� ability to create new and leverage Existing partnerships with government agencies, businesses and communi-ty institutions to support and enhance learning. ENGAGE WITH PURPOSE: To ensure that engagement efforts are targeted to the academic achievement of all students at local schools.

We will also heard greetings from Principal Berry, and updates on the new Mentoring Programs from Ms. Monica Abuliak, Academic Intervention Coordinator and Mr. Rudolph Tyrell Jr, Assistant Principal, pictured to the left.

James Hubert Blake High School Silver Spring, MD

Donuts for Dads This event was held on Columbus Day, traditionally a day that MCPS holds Open House at all schools. Mr. Tyrell, Assistant Principal, led the discussion with Dads (and Moms) who took a break from the classrooms to share ideas and refreshments. Sheila Holmes sheilaholmes@alumni.princeton.edu<mailto:sheilaholmes@alumni.princeton.edu> Crystal Lee cryslee@comcast.net<mailto:cryslee@comcast.net>

Mr. Berry, Blake Principal and

Guest Speaker, Mr. Tine Warner.

What’s Happening in Our Schools?

What’s Happening in Our Schools?

Sligo Middle School

Silver Spring, M D

Sligo Middle School ReportSligo Middle School Report The Sligo MS Parents’ Council hosted Advocate! Learn Advocacy for Your Student and Help Student to Learn Self-Advocacy on Septem-

ber 18th from 7:00 to 8:15 PM.

Speakers: Ms. Anne Fletcher, Counselor at Sligo MS, Ms. Kateri Cor-dova-Orellana, Parent Coordinator at Office of Community En-gagements and Partnerships, and our own Ms. Wanda Brown, Senior

Advisor to the Parents’ Council. The meeting provided good information to parents. Wanda Brown’s outstanding presentation provided practical steps on advocating for students. Her handout and presentation and Ms. Fletcher’s presentation are currently on the Sligo PTSA, NAACP Parents’ Council Page. The link to the site is http://sligoptsa.wordpress.com/

membership/parent-council/

The Parents’ Council Page on the PTSA website includes the calendar of planned events for the 2013-2014 school year. We are trying to build our Parents’ Council at Sligo and encouraging parents to become more

active in the educational lives of the students.

Submitted by Pat Price, Sligo MS Parents’ Council Rep

Want to be a part of our Monthly newsletter? Send Par-

ents’ Council school news and activities to Sharon by the

10th of every month at alljazz105@aol.com.

ACT-SO (The Afro-Academic, Cultural Technological and, Scientific Olympics) of the Mont-gomery County, MD Branch of the NAACP shared information at the Parents’ Council Kick-Off on September 30th. Brochures were available and Pat Price spoke to people about the pro-

gram and its benefits.

“I am looking to engage high school reps with ACT-SO. This program will benefit the students and families at your school. I am happy to provide handout information for your next Parents’ Council meeting and/or to give to parents/students at your school. I will e-mail you soon with the names and contact information for all the high school liaisons. Let me know how I can support ACT-SO at your school,” says Pat Price. “I want students to know they can dream big and shoot for the stars! ACT-SO can provide the opportunity and stage for them to begin to re-

alize their dreams.”

The ACT-SO program highlights students’ achievements via a competition that will be held on Saturday, April 5th at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus. There are 27 different catego-ries (grouped by sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts, and business) where high school students may compete. Each high school has a liaison to help the students with applica-tions and preparation for the competition. New this year is a culinary arts category. More in-

formation is available on the website www.montgomerycollege.edu/actso

ACT-SO is also on twitter @actsommocobranch and Facebook ACT-SO MOCO. You can re-

ceive applications and brochures digitally via email at actsomc@gmail.com

Look for upcoming meetings for parents and students. Please e-mail actsomc@gmail.com for more information and/or if you have interest to work with the ACT-SO committee of the Mont-

gomery Country, MD Branch.

Submitted by Pat Price, ACT-SO, Chair Denize Stanton-Williams, ACT-SO, Co-chair

Elementary Schools Andrea Johnson Germantown ES Ronnie McGaskey Sligo Creek ES

Bernard Murira Seven Locks ES Preeti Bone Stonegate ES Barbara Bowie Diamond

Ghiante Sesay Dufief ES Lisa Hubbard Wheaton Woods ES Sidi N. Bojan Brookhaven ES

Shawna Benjamin Sparks Matsunga ES Jennifer Boston Cloverly ES Tanisha Thomas South Lake ES

Elizabeth Nanugeyi College Gardens ES Phillip Moise S. Christa McAuliffe ES Ayanna Reeves Ritchie Park ES

Shannon Jones Great Seneca Creek ES Ken Venable Belmont ES Carla Cartwright Rosemary Hills ES

Gwen Fortune-Blakely Westover ES Victoria Kelly Watkins Mill ES

Middle Schools Deidra Starnes Silver Spring International MS

Karen Jones Roberto Clemente MS Cheryl Harris Ridgeview MS Barbara Bowie Lakelands Park MS

Ghiante Sesay Robert Frost MS Amy Brown Thomas Pyle MS Kim Alfonso Westland MS

Victoria Kelly Argyle MS

Robyn L. Kennedy Neesville MS

High Schools

Tanya Rowe Sherwood High School

Kim Brown Wootton High School Keir Lewis Kennedy High School Warren Atkinson Winston Churchill HS

Janette Henry-AtkinsonWinston Churchill HS Shawna Benjamin Longview Valerie Chatfield Smith R.I.C.A.

Sharon Anthony Rockville HS Odette Brown Bethesda Chevy Chase HS Mary Amorjay-Ogar Damascus HS

Crystal Lee Blake HS Kendra D. Wymes Einstein HS Evette R. Moore Springbrook HS

School Representatives at our

September meeting

Please make sure to sign in at

every meeting. Thank you