About Us

Rock Creek Forest Elementary hosts enrichment programs throughout the school year. The RCF PTA sponsors many of these programs to ensure parents can provide their children with opportunities to further develop academic, artistic, language, and athletic skills. Learn more at: rcfpta.org/what-we-do/enrichment-programs/.

Every year, the PTA brings several assemblies and grade-based workshops (including artists-in-residence, science, drama, writing, and music) to RCF as part of our “Cultural Arts Program”.

Sample/Past PTA funded programs by grade:

• Kindergarten: Maryland Zoo of Baltimore – Critter Visit, including a penguin
• 1st Grade: Mad Science – “Lights, Color…Action”
• 2nd Grade: Paper MOLAS – Discovering the Complexity/Beauty of an Indigenous Panamanian Textile
• 3rd Grade: NOAA – Learning and Experiencing what NOAA does
• 4th Grade: Journey into Native American Territory – Plains/Tipi Program
• 5th Grade: STEM Song – Writing Residency with Mary Amato

Here are some of the inspiring all-school assemblies we’ve shared with our kids:

• Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater – “Cuentos¡” for Pre-K to 2nd grades
• Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater – “Retratos: My People, Myself” for 3rd to 5th grades
• Joe Romano (magician/illusionist) – “Books! The Magic is Real!” for all grades
• STEAM Assembly – Mad Science: “Spectacular Science” for Pre-K to 2nd grades
• STEAM Assembly – Mad Science: “Spin Pop Boom” for 3rd to 5th grades
• Mobile Science Center – Aquatics: “Who Lives in the Wetlands?” for Pre-K to 2nd grades
• Mobile Science Center – Aquatics: “Wetlands in a Pan” for 3rd to 5th grades

*Cultural Arts Program – this is the term used by MCPS to describe the special theater, dance, music, fine arts and science programs that a PTA can bring to a school.)

If you’d like to help bring great Cultural Arts Programs to RCF, contact us!

Join us for C.A.F.E. – small, welcoming gatherings where parents can connect with staff, ask questions, and share ideas. These bi-monthly, hour-long sessions are a chance to build community in a relaxed setting with light refreshments and supportive conversation. Each session will include a short, guided topic—led by a school counselor, specialist, or administrator—and time for open dialogue.

C.A.F.E. is for every parent, especially those who prefer smaller, more personal spaces to learn, share, and feel heard. Let’s work together to support our children emotionally and academically.

• Extra classroom instructional materials and technology
• New books and resources for the media center
• Community events for families (such as the Fall Festival, Spring Fair, Multicultural Night, the Art and Talent Showcase, Read-a-thon, and Book Fair)
• The RCF Nature Trail
• Grants to teachers for special academic programs and initiatives
• Staff appreciation events and gifts (click here to learn more and volunteer!)
• Public advocacy for school modernization
• Publication of the school directory

Rock Creek Forest partners with Bar-T to provide child care before and after school located at RCF. For more information, contact Bar-T at Rock Creek Forest: 240-805-4568 or RockCreekForest@bar-t.com.

1. Leadership
   • Preside over meetings and provide overall direction for the PTA.
   • Ensure alignment with goals and bylaws.
2. Event Oversight
   • Oversee the planning and execution of 15+ events annually.
   • Ensure sufficient resources, volunteers, and support.
   • Time commitment: 8-10 hours/month, peaking at 12-15 hours during major events.
3. Meetings
   • Set agendas and lead PTA board and general meetings.
   • Track action items.
   • Time commitment:
     • PTA Meetings: 4 hours/year (1 hour per meeting).
     • Biweekly Principal Meetings: 3 hours/month (1.5 hours each).
     • Monthly Executive Committee Meetings: 1-2 hours/month.
     • National/State PTA Meetings: 2-3 hours/month.
4. Communication & Coordination
   • Maintain ongoing communication with administration, parents, staff, and committees.
   • Time commitment: 6-8 hours/month.
5. Committee Involvement
   • Serve as an ex officio member of all committees (except nominating).
   • Offer guidance and attend meetings as needed.
6. Delegation
   • Assign tasks to officers, committees, and volunteers.
   • Recruit and manage volunteers.
7. Budget Oversight
   • Collaborate with the treasurer to review/approve the annual budget.
   • Track expenditures and financial targets.
8. Fundraising
   • Support and promote fundraising efforts.
   • Time commitment: 2-4 hours/month.
9. Problem-Solving
   • Address conflicts and maintain a positive environment.
   • Time commitment: 3-4 hours/month.
10. Overall Time Commitment
    • Approximately 25-30 hours/month, with potential spikes to 30-35+ hours during peak periods.

1. Support the President: Assist in coordinating officers and committees to promote PTA goals.
2. Committee Involvement: Serve as an ex officio member of all committees (except nominating), providing guidance and support.
3. Meeting Attendance:
   • Attend bi-weekly meetings with the principal.
   • Participate in national and state PTA meetings as needed.
   • Represent the PTA at council meetings.
4. Contract Authority: Sign contracts on behalf of the PTA as delegated by the President.
5. Time Commitment: Approximately 20-25 hours per month, with potential increases during busy event periods (15+ events throughout the year).

1. Oversee Fundraising: Manage all PTA fundraising activities, coordinating with volunteers, parents, staff, and the community.
2. Event Management: Lead large events (e.g., walk-a-thons, auctions, book fairs) and ongoing efforts (e.g., Money for Nothing, Dine-outs,).
3. Sub-Committees: Oversee sub-committees and manage a sponsorship team.
   • Dine Outs/Restaurant Sponsorships (Kelly Habig)
   • Money for Nothing (Cassandra Berman)
   • Corporate sponsorships / End of Year Giving (around Read-a-thon)
   • School Supplies fundraiser (Boss Kits)
4. Collaboration: Work with the EC team to plan fundraising dates and delegate tasks.
5. Board Participation: Attend and participate in monthly board meetings.
6. Time Commitment: Typically 1-2 hours per week, with variations during peak fundraising events.

1. Collect Dues: Collect membership dues and maintain an updated membership list.
2. Report to Treasurer: Timely reporting of membership income and lists to the Treasurer.
3. Encourage Participation: Promote broad membership among parents, families, faculty, and the school community.
4. Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the PTA or executive committee.
5. Time Commitment: Typically 5-8 hours per month, with additional time during peak membership drives or special events. The workload is heaviest at the beginning and end of the school year.

1. Support Outreach & Engagement: Focus on outreach and engagement activities for diverse and non-English-speaking families:
2. Promote Inclusivity: Foster inclusivity within the school community. Be aware of each event and request from RCF Admin, Parents, and PTA.
3. Collaborate: Work with the First Vice President to support the President, Executive Vice President, and the committees for Teacher Appreciation, Holiday Drive, 5th Grade Promotion Committee, Spring Fair, etc.
4. Develop Programs: Assist in creating PTA events and programs.
5. Resource Generation: Help generate resources and funding for the PTA and committee needs.
6. Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the PTA or executive committee.
7. Time Commitment: Typically 20-25 hours per month, with additional time during peak event planning or outreach initiatives.

1. Custody of Funds: Maintain custody of all PTA/PTSA funds.
2. Accurate Record-Keeping: Keep full and accurate accounts of receipts, expenditures, and monthly bank reconciliations.
3. Authorize Disbursements: Make payments as authorized by the president or board, following the approved budget.
4. Signatures on Checks: Ensure checks or vouchers are signed by two authorized individuals (the treasurer and one other officer).
5. Bank Statement Review: Review, sign, and date monthly bank statements, also obtaining signatures from the president and a non-signatory board member.
6. Financial Reports: Present written financial statements at all general, board, and executive committee meetings, or when requested.
7. Maintain Books & Records: Keep financial records that comply with bylaws requirements.
8. File Tax Forms: Prepare and file all required tax forms and submit copies to Free State PTA within 30 days of filing.
9. Transition Report: Provide a full financial report before newly elected officers take over.
10. Annual Financial Report: Present the annual financial condition report to the membership.
11. Propose Annual Budget: Submit a proposed annual budget for board and general membership approval.
12. Financial Review: Arrange for an audit or financial review by an auditor or a committee of at least three people at the fiscal year’s close or upon a treasurer change.
13. Report Findings: Report annual financial review findings to the board and submit a copy to Free State PTA as per the Local Standards of Affiliation.
14. Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the bylaws, the PTA/PTSA, or the board of directors.

1. Record Minutes: Document minutes for all PTA meetings, including general meetings, board of directors meetings, and executive committee meetings.
2. Prepare for Meetings: Be ready to read minutes from previous meetings when requested.
3. File Records: Organize and maintain all PTA records and documentation.
4. Maintain Bylaws: Keep an up-to-date copy of the PTA bylaws and ensure they are accessible during meetings.
5. Additional Duties: Perform other tasks as assigned by the PTA or the executive committee in accordance with the bylaws.
6. Time Commitment: Typically 4-6 hours per month, with potential increases during months with frequent meetings or special events.

1. Support Communication: Assist with communication and administrative tasks.
   • Post weekly listserv & WhatsApp updates in collaboration with president
   • Collaborate with Social Media lead
   • Moderate PTA listserv on Groups.io including verifying new member requests, moderating and approving messages.
   • Respond to email inquiries from parents or community members from general PTA email account (hello@).
   • Forward correspondence received from the community to the appropriate person (president, vice president, etc).
   • Collaborate with webmaster to get content on RCF PTA website
2. Event Coordination: Submit all necessary reservations and permits through the CUPF system for PTA meetings and events. Coordinate with PTA Treasurer to ensure payment for event reservations. Manage reservations throughout the year and make any necessary changes or revisions as needed.
3. Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the PTA or executive committee.
4. Time Commitment: This position requires 2-3 hours of dedicated time over the summer before the county reservation system opens to the general public. This time is used to submit event reservations/permits for PTA events for the school year and must be submitted during the “bulk reservation” priority window. During the school year, typically 4-6 hours a month (1-2 hours a week), with variations based on event schedules.

1. Representation: Represent the RCF PTA at Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA) meetings and activities.
2. Time Commitment: Typically 1-2 hours per month.

1. Representation: Represent the RCF PTA at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Cluster PTA (BCC Cluster) meetings and activities.
2. Time Commitment: Typically 1-2 hours per month.

1. Facilitate Communication: Act as a bridge between the PTA and school staff to ensure open and effective communication.
2. Coordinate Needs: Work with staff to identify needs and relay them to the PTA for support.
3. Event Collaboration: Coordinate staff involvement in PTA events and initiatives, ensuring their input and participation.
4. Support Staff Recognition: Assist in organizing staff appreciation efforts, including events and recognition programs.
5. Attend Meetings: Participate in PTA board meetings to represent staff perspectives and relay updates back to school staff.
6. Time Commitment: Typically 3-5 hours per month, with potential increases during staff-focused events or initiatives.

1. Advocate for Equity: Represent the interests and concerns of the school’s diverse community, with a focus on promoting racial equity and inclusion within the school environment.
2. Facilitate Communication: Serve as the primary liaison between the school community, parents, and the local NAACP chapter, ensuring open communication on key issues affecting students of color.
3. Collaborate with Administration: Work closely with school leadership to address equity concerns and implement initiatives that support minority students and families.
4. Engage the Community: Actively involve and inform parents and families about NAACP events, resources, and opportunities for advocacy at the school and district levels.
5. Attend Meetings: Participate in local NAACP chapter meetings, school meetings, and relevant district-wide equity initiatives to represent the school’s perspective and report back to the community. (MCPS monthly meetings are the third Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 PM virtual)
6. Raise Money: Key Events include Black Family Breakfast (Welcome Back and Black History Month, Black Family Juneteenth Cookout
7. Year at a Glance: 
   • July: Meet w/ Principal to outline key dates and activities for the year. Add to Back to School Communication and School Calendar
   • August: NAACP table at Open House, Welcome Back letter, Ensure families are in WhatsApp group and have email access to receive newsletter
   • September:  NAACP table at Back to School Night, Black Family Welcome Back Breakfast, Black Family Collaboration for Multi-Cultural Night, Presentation at First PTA meeting
   • October: NAACP table at Open House, First NAACP Parents’ Council Meeting 
   • November: RCF Parents’ Council Meeting (start planning BHM)
   • December: Secure tickets to NMAAHC, Share key dates and Happenings at PTA meeting
   • January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Service Project in conjunction w/ SGA
   • February: Black History Month Activities: NMAAHC Field Trip (2nd and 4th grade), Living History Museum Program, Black Family Breakfast, Collaborate on school based activities. See Project Plan HERE.
   • March: NAACP Parents’ Council Meeting (planning for Fair
   • April: Black Professionals Career Fair (Project Plan HERE)
   • May: Attend Montgomery County Local NAACP Gala (as the school rep) 
   • June: Draft end of year summary and share impact w/ community, Black Family Juneteeth Cookout 
   • *This trip is in conjunction with the MCPS NAACP goal
8. Time Commitment: Typically 3-6 hours per month, with potential increases during key advocacy events or initiatives.

1. Program Launch and Recruitment:  materials, sign up process, and [still working on this, will come back]
2. Lead Grade-Level Coordinators (GLCs): Oversee GLCs, who in turn manage room parents for each grade. Ensure GLCs are equipped to guide room parents in their respective grades.
3. Policy & Documentation: Develop and maintain clear documentation on room party policies, classroom supplies, and other guidelines for the program. Update and publish Room Parent Orientation Document each year and hold orientation for room parents to present document and answer questions. Update document as needed throughout the year. Ensure GLCs and room parents are informed of all policies on an ongoing basis.
4. Communication & Coordination: Act as the primary liaison between the school administration, PTA, and GLCs. Facilitate communication on any updates, policies, or school needs.
5. Program Oversight: Interface with the school and PTA to establish the overall direction for the room parent program. Provide policy guidance, but delegate execution to GLCs.
6. Support & Guidance: Provide GLCs with resources and support to ensure smooth coordination across all grades. Address any issues or questions regarding policies.
7. Time Commitment: Typically 5-10 hours per month, with potential increases during the start of the school year and major events.
8. See the Room Parent Program for more details.

1. Oversee Room Parents: Serve as the main point of contact for room parents within your assigned grade, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to organize class activities and communications. Ensure the Room Parent Coordinator has an accurate and up-to-date list of room parents for each class. Attend the room parent orientation at the beginning of the school year.
2. Facilitate Communication: Act as a liaison between the PTA, school administration, and room parents. Ensure room parents receive and distribute important information, and escalate any issues or concerns.
3. Coordinate Events: Help organize grade-wide events and activities, supporting room parents in their efforts to plan class parties, teacher appreciation efforts, and other classroom initiatives. Ensure classrooms across the grade are receiving equitable parties and support.
4. Coordinate Teacher Support: Serve as point person between grade-level teachers and parents to coordinate teacher requests for support and parent-provided supplies.
5. Policy Implementation: Ensure that room parents follow school and PTA policies on room parties, classroom supplies, and other grade-level activities, as outlined by the Room Parent Program Orientation Document.
6. Provide Feedback: Attend meetings with the Room Parent Coordinator to provide updates on grade-level activities and discuss any needs or improvements for the room parent program.
7. Time Commitment: Typically 4-6 hours per month, with potential increases during major school events or grade-specific activities.
8. See the Room Parent Program for more details.