About the College Gardens PTA (Parent Teacher Association)

Why Join the CGES PTA?

  • Stay Informed | Receive updates on school events and activities, including volunteer opportunities.
  • Build Connections | Meet other parents and teachers at PTA sponsored functions, build relationships, and share your ideas and concerns.
  • Advocate | Your opinions and ideas matter. Use your voice to speak up on behalf of our children and effectively impact change at CGES.
  • Enhance Education | Your PTA dues help fund school supplies such as media center books, and activities such as field trips and teacher/staff appreciation events.
  • Teacher and Staff Benefit | CGES teachers and staff who sign-up as PTA members can receive up to $150 to reimburse classroom supplies for the year!

How to Join the CGES PTA

There are 2 easy ways to become a member of the CGES PTA:

  1. Join online through the PTA website: Click on Forms & Payments on the left menu, select the membership option that works best for you, and complete the online form. You will receive a confirmation email of your order.
  2. Join in person at Back to School Night or the Back to School Bash.

CGES PTA Board Members 2025-2026

Tina Gicale - President / president@cgespta.org

Cary Parker - General Vice President / generalvp@cgespta.org

Brittany Pitonzo - VP of Fundraising / fundraising@cgespta.org

Ashley Cornell - VP of Communications / communication@cgespta.org

Jennifer Ulloa - VP of Membership / membership@cgespta.org   

Brent Parker - Treasurer / treasurer@cgespta.org    

Beth Ryan - Secretary / secretary@cgespta.org

Becca Silverman - MCCPTA Representative / mccpta@cgespta.org

Kim Francisco - NAACP Representative/ NAACPrep@cgespta.org

Meet Your CGES PTA Board

Click here to view this information in document form.

Introducing the NAACP Parents’ Council to College Gardens Elementary School

What is the NAACP Parents’ Council?

- A partnership between families and schools that works to ensure all students—especially African American and minority students—have the support, opportunities, and resources they need to succeed.
- A countywide network of parent representatives across MCPS.
- A forum for parents to share concerns, exchange ideas, and advocate for equity and achievement.

What Does the Council Do?

- Empowers parents with information, workshops, and resources.
- Connects families with programs that support academic success.
- Collaborates with PTA, school staff, and MCPS leadership to help close achievement gaps.
- Advocates for equity, fair discipline, college/career readiness, and promotes inclusive parental engagement.

Why Does It Matter for College Gardens?

- Ensures every family has a voice in shaping a fair and supportive school environment.
- Provides direct access to MCPS-wide programs, mentors, and events.
- Builds community connections with other parents across Montgomery County.

How Can Parents Get Involved?

- Share your ideas, questions, or concerns with your Parents’ Council representative.
- Attend NAACP Parents’ Council meetings (virtual meetings held monthly - Click HERE to access meeting information).
- Join upcoming school-based events and meetings.

How Can I Learn More?

- Documents and resources will be added to the NAACP Parents’ Council Resources page throughout the year.

Your College Gardens Rep

Kim Francisco
Email: naacprep@cgespta.org
“I’m here to represent our College Gardens families and make sure your voices are heard.”

 

“When parents are informed and involved, students thrive.”

MCCPTA

The MCCPTA (Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations) is the umbrella organization for local PTAs and PTSAs in Montgomery County, MD. It serves as a vital link to MCPS to advocate for children's education, welfare, and family engagement, representing over 50,000 members across the County.

Resources can be found in the attachments below.