Five Questions for Rani Parker, Takoma Park Middle School's New PTA President

Takoma Park Middle School has a new PTA President and we thought you might like to get to know her. So here are our questions for Rani Parker as she prepares for the school year. 

1. How did you come to the position of PTA President at Takoma Park Middle School this year? What experience do you have that will help you in the position?

The PTA has a nominating committee and they asked me. At that time, I asked why me and was told it had to do with my business background -- I am founder and owner of an international consulting firm. Prior to that, I worked with many non-profits. I also direct a small foundation that supports girls’ education on a voluntary basis. Last year was my first exposure to the public school system as my daughter was in a private school through fifth grade. I’ve had to learn a lot quickly, and I have the support of others who are more knowledgeable about Montgomery County Public Schools.

One of the factors that helped me decide to take this on is the extensive involvement of many parents in various activities of the PTA. Our active leadership, including Committee Chairs and Coordinators, includes over 30 individuals. Then there are all the parents who work with these leaders on various activities. It is a privilege to be part of such an active and committed group of volunteers.

2. What do you see as some of the recent successes at TPMS?

The school’s academic record is well-established. TPMS is an amazing school with rich cultural and economic diversity. The achievement of high standards in such a diverse context is certainly one of the successes.

3. What would you like to see change at TPMS?

There are outstanding teachers and students at TPMS, so lots I would not want to change. The presence of a magnet program can and does pose some challenges in socialization in such a highly diverse context. I think more could be done to recognize the other ways (other than Math and Science) in which students at the school may be exceptional so that all students are given the opportunities and guidance to find their strengths, build on those strengths and develop self-confidence that is grounded in reality. Everyone needs to believe this for it to become real. I would like to see a shift in mind-set among more adults associated with the school, a shift toward recognizing the potential in every child.

4. What are your immediate and long term goals as TPMS PTA President?

The leadership team is voted in each year, so we are able to plan only for one year. However, we planned with a view to building on some of the work that was started last year. The Study Circle is one thing that many people found to be very powerful and we definitely plan to follow-up on that. 

Soon after the new leadership was voted in we held a planning meeting and came up with three goals. The first is to enhance outreach and this is closest to my heart. In part because of the diverse student body, we need to think creatively about how we operate so that more families can benefit from the PTA. Our second goal has to do with collaboration with teachers. This is to support equal access to the best practices in teaching for all students. Third, we would like to promote the values of respect, kindness, creativity, diversity, conflict resolution and helping others.

5. How do you plan to work with the new principal at TPMS?

Over the summer we have met several times, a number of parents participated in the school’s strategic planning activities last month, and Ms. Charley-Greene has been begun her tenure by listening to parents and other stakeholders. I believe this is a good sign. I am impressed by her professionalism and expect that she and I will work very well together over the next year.