News from the Superintendent
Chilo Bonilla got involved with Montgomery County Public Schools seven years ago and has been going strong ever since. She’s volunteered at Quince Orchard High School and is now very active in the PTA at Jones Lane Elementary School, where she serves as the Hispanic Family Liaison. She understands parents’ fears about not fitting in; she’s walked in their shoes. “The first step is the biggest,” she tells them, “but you’ll find it’s worth it.”
As a parent volunteer, Chilo helps these families feel comfortable enough to come to school and get involved. She’s one of thousands of parents across the county who play an important role in their school’s success by working in the PTA, serving as room parents, chaperoning field trips, organizing workshops and participating on school improvement teams. Chilo and other parents know how important it is to get involved in their child’s education and there are countless ways for that engagement to occur—even over the summer.
Parents can check with their child’s school about activities and committees that need support. Systemwide, there are numerous workgroups and advisory committees where parent participation is key. Chilo serves on one of those—the MCPS ESOL/Bilingual Advisory Committee—and gets great satisfaction from making an impact on a larger scale.
If you want to know more about the kinds of committees that exist at the district level, check the MCPS web at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/involvement. It’s not too late to take that first step!
Jerry D. Weast, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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