Welcome To Panther Tracks
News, updates, and reminders for the coming week and more going forward. La traducción al español está en la parte inferior. የአማርኛ ትርጉም ከታች ነው።
Community Resources
This is a new, recurring portion of Panther Tracks and we will update this section weekly with relevant information as needed. This week:
- A message from BOE Superintendent Dr. Taylor: All our children deserve a high-quality education that fosters both academic excellence and well-being regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, disability, religion, or any other identifying characteristic. Read the full statement here.
- MCPS is committed to ensuring that all students feel safe and welcome in our schools, regardless of immigration status. Click here to read the statement.
- MCPS offers support to our Immigrant students and families. Click here for resources.
- How does MCPS handle immigration enforcement visits to schools? Click here for more information.
- How can I ensure my child's personal information is not shared? Under FERPA, schools may disclose directory information without consent unless the family completed an Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy form at the start of the year. If you would like to update your family's preference, please contact the main office.
- One of the children in our PBES community is currently facing the incredibly difficult journey of fighting cancer. For those looking for a way to support Nate, his family has shared that donating blood—specifically at Children’s National Hospital—would be especially meaningful and helpful.
- There is a critical blood shortage nationwide. Donating directly at Children’s National helps ensure that life-saving blood products are available not only for Nate but also for other children receiving care. Nate’s treatment will last at least 12 months and will include chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation. Throughout this time, he will require regular transfusions of both whole blood and platelets. If you are able, we encourage you to consider donating. You can find more information about how to give blood at Children’s National Hospital here: https://www.childrensnational.org/get-care/departments/blood-donor-center
Blood Drive July 11 Supporting Nate
As you may know, one of the children in our PBES community is currently facing the incredibly difficult journey of fighting cancer. For those looking for a way to support Nate, his family has shared that donating blood—specifically at Children’s National Hospital—would be especially meaningful and helpful.
In honor of his family's request, the PBES PTA has organized a blood drive with Children's National that will take place at PBES on July 11. In order to participate, you must register to donate in advance by using this link: Click Here.
If you would like to volunteer to staff the PTA table and assist the Children's National Staff, please use this link to sign up: Click here. If you'd like to leave a card, note, or gift for Nate you can do so at the PTA table during the drive.
Needed: New PBES PTA Executive Vice President for 2025-26 School Year
Thank you so much to those who have stepped up and assumed roles on the PTA board for the next school year. We have just one key position that needs to be filled and that is the role of Executive Vice President. If you are open to considering this role, please reach out to board@pbespta.groups.io.
- President: Mari Quenemoen
- Executive Vice President: Open, Seeking a Volunteer
- Secretary: Christine Smith
- Treasurer: Dan Proudfoot
- Vice President of Membership: Lesley Perry
- Vice President of Communications: Charlotte Noss
- Vice President of Fundraising: April Cockerham and Ingrid Gardiner
- Vice President of Equity: Erin Mohan
- Advocacy Representatives (MCCPTA Delegates): Paul Donowitz + Kuna Tavalin
Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም
