Mission – building a more diversity, equitable and inclusive school community
The Potomac Elementary School community represents over 100 countries and cultures. With this rich composition, we desire to instill the values of appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion across a number of parameters. We want to ensure staff, children and parents have every tool necessary to ensure that each PES student reaches their full potential.
The resources on this page can help you learn about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues, discuss these topics in your community and take action to more effectively serve ALL children and families, with a focus on historically marginalized and underrepresented populations.
DEI Committee at PES
The DEI Committee at Potomac ES
will build upon and expand the traditional NAACP role to address and advance the unique diversity, equity and inclusion work needs of the PES community. We will accomplish this through:
- Providing DEI-centered resources and support events for PES parents
- Cultivating, Sharing and Communicating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opportunities and resources with all community members
- Critically reflecting on areas where the PES community has had successes and where it has had challenges when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Cultivating and exploring best practices for incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into PES policies and programs
- Collaborating with PES administration and staff to integrate multiple perspectives and resources into the design of a culturally responsive educational environment that embraces and supports equity and inclusivity
DEI Committee Leadership
- TBD, DEI Committee Chair
- Maritza Mendoza, Heritage Month Celebrations
- Kate Sizemore, Communications
- TBD, NAACP Parent Representative
NAACP Parents Council: Monthly Meetings
The NAACP Parents’ Council is one of the vehicles created to empower African American and other minority parents to take a more pro-active role in the education of their children. The Council is made up of parents, guardians and grandparents of minority children enrolled in the Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS) and residents who may not have children in school but who share the goal of equal education for all children, particularly minority children. We are partners with MCPS.
NAACP Parents’ Council monthly meeting schedule with topics can be found HERE. RSVP HERE. All are welcome to attend.
MCPS Process to Report Incidents of Hate/Bias
Complete this form if you are a student victim, the parent/guardian of a student victim, a close adult relative of a student victim, bystander, or a school staff member and wish to report an incident of alleged hate bias. Return the completed form to the principal at the alleged student victim’s school. Contact the school for additional information or assistance at any time. Incidents involving hate and discrimination in any form are serious and will not be tolerated.
MCPS Hate Bias Reporting Process:
1. Complete the MCPS Incident Form
2. Engage School Principal
3. MCPS reports all incidents through an emergency communications center
4. School conducts investigation
5. Parent(s) and school collaborate on supportive measures
6. School and MCPS Central Office collaborate on next steps, which may include: (a) behavior threat assessment, (b) community letter
PES PTA 