GUIDE FOR DES CAREGIVERS
As the Darnestown Elementary PTA, we believe that informed and respectful engagement helps ensure every Mustang family has a voice in shaping our community’s future. The purpose of these guidelines is to help caregivers understand how to participate constructively in the ongoing MCPS Boundary Study process, whether you wish to share support, raise concerns, or simply ask questions.
The goal of advocacy is to share your personal perspective clearly and respectfully.
Please remember:
- Be courteous and factual when communicating with MCPS staff, the Board of Education, and other community members.
- Focus on solutions and impacts, not blame.
- Speak from your own family’s experience - personal stories often resonate.
The PTA’s role is to empower you with information and tools to express your views.
Before sharing your thoughts, take time to review:
- The MCPS Boundary Study website (with maps, data, and proposed options).
- The study timeline — noting public comment windows, survey deadlines, and Board of Education meetings.
- Community information sessions where MCPS staff will answer questions.
Being familiar with the process helps ensure that your feedback is informed and constructive.
- Discuss the study with neighbors, classmates’ families, and staff to understand different perspectives.
- Remember that all families share a common goal: strong schools, stable communities, and equitable opportunities for every student.
- Approach conversations with empathy and curiosity.
When communicating with MCPS, elected officials, or others:
- Be factual. Reference official MCPS data (enrollment numbers, distances, or capacity figures) when possible.
- Be concise. Two or three focused paragraphs are usually best.
- Be specific. State which option(s) you support or have concerns about, and why.
- Be personal. Explain how the proposed options might affect your student, your family’s commute, your community involvement, or your connection to Darnestown ES.
- Be respectful. Remember that decision-makers are balancing many perspectives across Montgomery County in MCPS.
Here’s a simple way to structure an email or comment:
- Introduction: Who you are and your connection to Darnestown ES.
- Main Point: Which option(s) you are writing about and why.
- Supporting Details: Facts or personal impacts that help explain your perspective.
- Closing: Appreciation for their service and consideration.
Contact MCPS Board of Education Members:
District 2 Representative – Natalie Zimmerman
Natalie_Zimmerman@mcpsmd.org
Board Member At-Large – Karla Silvestre
Karla_Silvestre@mcpsmd.org
Board Member At-Large – Rita Montoya
Rita_M_Montoya@mcpsmd.org
Click Here to View All MCPS Board of Education Members
Stay Informed
Watch, attend or testify at upcoming final
MCPS Board of Education public hearings and work sessions.
UPDATE: All boundary study public hearings and work sessions have now concluded for the MCPS Board of Education.
Monday, March 23 at 5:30 PM
- Fiscal Management Committee
Watch Board of Education Meetings
Live and Previously Recorded: Click Here
FINAL BOARD ACTION
Thursday, March 26 at 4:00 PM
Board Business Meeting with
Spring Facilities and Boundaries Decisions
(this agenda item includes final MCPS Board of Education action on the Superintendent’s boundary recommendation)
The Darnestown PTA:
- Will continue to share factual updates and official MCPS resources with our community.
- Will not endorse or oppose any specific boundary option unless formally approved by membership.
- Encourages every caregiver to learn, listen, and lend their voice in a respectful and informed way.
MCPS Boundary Study Website: Click Here
MCPS Academic Programs Analysis: Click Here
Watch Live and Past Board of Education Meetings & Hearings: Click Here
Board of Education Contacts:
Ask a Question or Provide Feedback on MCPS Academic Programs Analysis Study: Click Here
Darnestown PTA Boundary Study Updates: Click Here
Together, our voices, shared respectfully and grounded in care for our community, can help ensure the best outcomes for all Mustang families.
