Volunteer at Brent
Brent runs on families who show up. There are ways to help, large and small.
Before you start
DCPS requires a fingerprint-based background check for volunteers who spend time with students. Clearance lasts two years and can take a few weeks, so apply early. Check the DCPS policy for covered activities.
Read the DCPS clearance policyStart your clearance application
Ways to help
Start with one of these roles, or join a group below.
You can also volunteer at the bus depot. Ask the front office about openings.
Parent Teacher Association
The Brent PTA helps families stay connected during Brent’s final year at the Meyer swing space. Our roots run deep, and Bears Build Together.
The PTA brings families together at least once a month through events such as the Fall Welcome Picnic, Family Heritage Night, Game Night, and Spring Fling. Find upcoming dates on the school calendar.
Families can volunteer throughout the year using the interest form above. The PTA also runs its shop and shares uniform-swap details.
The PTA raises more than $300,000 a year, covering nearly all of Brent’s non-personnel expenses. The Holiday Sale, Annual Fund, Spring Gala & Auction, and smaller efforts fund classroom enrichment, field trips, supplies, events, and staff development and appreciation. Give, volunteer, or email brentschoolpta@gmail.com with questions.
Meetings
Meet Brent caregivers and hear from school and PTA leaders at quarterly, in-person meetings. Ask questions and explore topics such as children's technology use. Childcare and pizza are free. Monthly Principal/PTA Coffees offer another chance to connect. Find dates on the school calendar.
PTA meeting minutes are available in Google Drive.
PTA Expense Reimbursement
To request PTA reimbursement or payment, email natalie.franz@gmail.com for the form. Return it with invoices, receipts, proof of payment, or other documentation showing the amount requested.
PTA Board Members
PTA organization and records
Robert Brent Parent Teacher Association (Brent PTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 16-1713470) registered at 301 North Carolina Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003. This page is the PTA's official website and uses the brentelementary.org domain for its Google Workspace email. Read the PTA bylaws (effective May 23, 2018).
Equity & Inclusion Group
Join the Equity & Inclusion Group
Our mission and membership
The Equity & Inclusion Group brings caregivers and staff together to build a school where everyone belongs. Through dialogue and work with the PTA, LSAT, and school leadership, it addresses barriers tied to race, class, gender, disability, and other identities. All Brent caregivers and staff are welcome.
Current priorities
This year, the group is building relationships, exploring equity issues at Brent, supporting Brent Buddies and new families, and helping with the transition to Gardner Bishop Elementary. It works with the PTA and LSAT toward adoption of the new name in the 2027–28 school year.
Monthly dialogue sessions run September through May, in person or hybrid. Topics include intersectional identities, power and politics, white supremacy culture, oppression and privilege, the history of schooling, and opportunity in the school community. Find the next meeting on the school calendar.
Local School Advisory Team
About the LSAT
Brent’s Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) advises the principal on budget, staffing, school-wide goals, and school culture. Elected and appointed members bring staff, caregiver, and community perspectives to those decisions. See the DCPS LSAT Guidelines.
Meetings and participation
Meetings are usually virtual on the first Wednesday of each month. Most are open to the Brent community; find the next one on the school calendar. Families may observe, send agenda topics or feedback to an LSAT member, or recommend a community representative.
Brent’s 2026–27 team includes seven staff and faculty members and four caregiver representatives, with participation from the PTA, Equity & Inclusion Group, and School Improvement Team. The community seat is open to someone who lives or works near Brent and has no child enrolled at the school. Ask about the seat using the link below.