Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I’m so excited to introduce myself; my name is Andria Wilkerson, and I am thrilled to continue serving as one of the NAACP Parents’ Council Representatives for Rock Creek Forest Elementary School! I’m also joined by the amazing Ramata Diop, a former RCF parent and current staff member. She will continue to support planning and communication. Together, we look forward to connecting with you!
The Montgomery County NAACP Parents’ Council (PC) is part of the NAACP’s Education Committee and is here to empower African American/Black and parents/caregivers from historically marginalized communities to take an active role in their children’s education. The Council is made up of families across MCPS and community members who share one powerful goal: equal educational opportunities for every child.
At Rock Creek Forest, our Parent Council is working hand-in-hand with Principal Carrillo, Dr. Raikes and the broader MCPS network to build stronger relationships among African American/Black and families from historically marginalized communities and with the entire school community. Together, we want to create an even more inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive. This year, we invite you to join us and live our theme: “The Fierce Urgency of NOW!”
NAACP Parent Council Priorities at Rock Creek Forest (2025–2026)
To increase engagement and support for our African American/Black families as well as families from historically marginalized communities; the Parent Council focuses on four core strategies:
- Engagement: Boost attendance at NAACP, PTA, and School Improvement meetings.
- Advocacy: Partner with teachers and school leaders to support families.
- Access: Expand enrollment across historically marginalized student groups in advanced programs (Enrichment, GT, Magnet, Honors/AP) and reduce overrepresentation in Special Education.
- Visibility: Ensure families’ voices are seen, heard, and shared with MCPS leadership
This Year’s Goals & Activities
Experiences & Learning:
- Continue the 3rd & 4th grade trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture
- Support and Co-Plan: Student-Led Living History Museum at Rock Creek Forest (February 26, 2026)
- Share countywide NAACP student and family opportunities
Community & Connection
- Participate at Multicultural Night (September 25, 2025)
- Continue the #ForTheCulture apparel campaign: SHOP HERE
- Host the 2nd Annual Black Family Breakfast (December 12, 2025)
- Launch our “Building Community” campaign—join our first meeting on October 1, 2025 to learn more!
- Close the year with our “Family, Freedom, and Fellowship” Cookout
Advocacy & Voice
- Hold RCF NAACP meetings: Oct 1, Nov 5, Jan 7, April 8
- Share updates at Back to School Night and PTA meetings
- Increase parent leadership on the PTA (Goal: +2 Black parents on the Executive Board)
Instructional Support
- Share tutoring, enrichment, and scholarship opportunities
- Connect families with Tier 2–3 academic supports
- Help students maintain and advance academic achievement
We’re excited to continue strengthening our connections and collaboration with African American/Black families at Rock Creek Forest! Please visit the NAACP table at Back to School Night, join us at PTA and RCF Parents Council NAACP meetings, and connect with us throughout the school and community.
Find resources and updates on the NAACP Parent Council website (http://naacppc-md.org/), in the Principal Newsletter (monthly), in the WhatsApp Chat (join here) and soon on the Rock Creek Forest website.
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to me at wilkersoneducation@gmail.com and share your interests HERE – we’d love to hear from you! Let’s make this a year of connection, advocacy, and impact—for our children and our community!
Warmly,
Andria Caruthers
NAACP Parents’ Council Representative, Rock Creek Forest Elementary