Community Engagement

Office of Student and Family Support
and Engagement

Promoting the educational experience and well-being of every student

Student, Family, and School Services

Congratulations Deneen Gordon!

Ms. Gordon is the recipient of the Maryland PTA Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the PTA and given to only those who have demonstrated outstanding service in support of our students, schools, and communities. As a Parent Community Coordinator at Burnt Mills, Oakview and New Hampshire Estates Elementary Schools, Ms. Gordon is responsible for helping to build and strengthen positive relationships with families, guiding them through the school system, and increasing their confidence and skills to advocate for their children. Her commitment to the education and well-being of our students deserves acknowledgement. "Do the job with passion or not at all," is her guiding philosophy and it shows!

Deneen Gordon award

What We Do

The Division of Student, Family, and School Services, working with schools, families and the community, is dedicated to promoting the shared responsibility and mutual process of engaging families in meaningful and culturally appropriate ways to foster student learning and development.

We work to ensure families have the tools and opportunities to be active and effective partners in their children's school experience; and support schools and community partners in building family-school partnerships to support learning opportunities in the classroom, community, and at home.

Our Vision

We believe that all families, schools, and the community can work together to help students achieve academic proficiency and college and career readiness by:

Welcoming all families into the school community — families are active participants in the school and feel welcomed, respected and connected to what students are learning and doing in the classroom.
Communicating effectively — families and school staff regularly engage in two-way communication.
Advocating for every student — all students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities and supports.
Sharing responsibility — families share ideas and concerns for school improvement.
Collaborating with the community — families and students are connected to extended learning opportunities and community services.

MCPS Parent and Family Involvement Policy