Susan Burkinshaw
Working with school administration at Kingsview Middle School in Germantown, MD, Susan helped to create an Anti-Bullying Task Force, which includes participants from the State’s Attorney’s office, PTA leaders, parents, staff and students. Led by Principal, Beth Thomas, the taskforce is working on an ongoing basis to break down the barriers and hopefully be a model for anti-bullying programs for other schools in our county. Susan represented MCCPTA and advocated for inclusion of bullying incidents on the MCPS Safety-At-A-Glance report. Susan coordinated the multi-school event co-sponsored by four local PTAs where bullying prevention expert Jodee Blanco called “It’s NOT Just Joking Around,” came and talked to parents about bullying, warning signs and prevention. This Northwest Cluster event was sponsored by Great Seneca Creek Elementary School PTA, Matsunaga Elementary School PTA, Kingsview Middle School PTA and Roberto Clemente Middle School PTA. The PTAs in the Northwest Cluster of Montgomery County Public Schools are also looking to pilot a curriculum on bullying prevention through the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. Susan has been involved in PTA for 10 years. She is married and has two boys, ages 13 and 15, and a daughter, age 9.
About Parents Involved in Education
Our nation’s economic competitiveness and the path to the American Dream depend on providing every child with an education that will enable them to succeed in a global economy that is predicated on knowledge and innovation. President Obama is committed to providing every child access to a complete and competitive education, from cradle through career.
The responsibility to do what is necessary to give every child a chance to succeed is shared by schools and family. As President Obama said in his State of the Union address, “It's family that first instills the love of learning in a child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework gets done.” The partnership between parents, teachers, and schools will help us win the race to educate our kids.
Learn more about the PTA and how to get involved in education in your community.
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