Principal's Message

Hello Panther Families!

As we head into the holiday weekend, our team at Peabody and Watkins wants to share our excitement for the next school year! We've planned a number of events to stay connected with you and provide some relationship building opportunities to make friends before school starts. We've been working hard (and enjoying some time off too) to make next year the best year yet.

Below you will find our flier of summer engagement events. Below the flier, you'll find details for some of what you can expect this summer and into the beginning of the year.

Also, be sure to also sign up for before and aftercare now and see below for the new, discounted rate.

I hope your summers are off to a great start and inclusive of loved ones, fun, and great books to read!

We were able to negotiate a reduced rate of $110/month for aftercare next year with our partners, FLEX, for both Peabody and Watkins families that qualify for free and reduced lunch.

All families must register at flexacademies.com and pay the $30 registration fee. Upon completion, families should notify FLEX of the completed registration using info@flexacademies.com indicating that they qualify for the lower rate. FLEX will confirm with the school and the account will be updated with the discounted rate. FLEX will confirm with the school that the paperwork is in order and then apply the lower rate.

This discount applied to Peabody and Watkins aftercare only. Before care will only be offered at full price.

For Watkins students, lunch will continue to be free for all students in SY24-25, like it was during 2023-24. Peabody students either pay full price or qualify for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs). Any family may to apply for Free or Reduced Meals via the DCPS website. This may take some time, so families should act soon if they believe they may qualify. Ms. Montgomery or Ms. Roy can support you in this process throughout the summer.

Many in our community know how important after care is for students and families and we are both grateful and proud to take a step closer to a more affordable solution for our families that need one. We also recognize that this may not close the gap for some families.

Sign ups have been open our our website for FLEX and Joe's Den (Peabody only).

July 30th - Peabody Playdate at Watkins 4-5pm.

Peabody families, returning and new, please join us on the Watkins playground to see both old and new friends. This is an unstructured playdate for students and a time for adults to connect. AP James and I will be there! 4pm.

Why Watkins? The Peabody playground is currently under construction! Before school opens, we will have a new play structure in the back, new fencing that separates play areas from parking, and other important enhancements that support safety, play, and outdoor learning. When school opens the playground will be even better than it was!

July 31st and August 1st - Watkins Panther Academy for new and returning Watkins students and caregivers. 3:30 - 5pm. Informal play date on the playground to follow the in-building event. Join us for one day, either July 31st or August 1st.

Please join me, AP Edmonds, and our Culture Team to welcome (back) our families and students for the next great year at Watkins. We will do some team building as a whole group and then hold separate sessions for students and caregivers to explain and review expectations, communication norms, the schedule, a building tour, PTA involvement, Q & A, and more. Think of it as an orientation for students and caregivers. Families are welcome at either session.

August 19 - Teachers email families to welcome them to the classroom community. This is how we communicate teacher-student assignments.

August 22 - "Sneak a Peek" At Watkins, 2:30 - 3:30, and supply drop off.

August 23 - "Sneak a Peek" At Peabody 9am - 10am and supply drop off.

Students and families can “Sneak a Peek” in their classrooms and meet their teachers. Supplies can also be brought directly to classrooms at this time. Be sure to label everything with your child’s name and teacher’s name.

August 26 - Grades K-5: The first day of school! We can’t wait to see you!

August 26-28 - Pre-K3 and Pre-K 4 home visits - Teachers will reach out to families to schedule time to establish relationships and ensure a smooth start to the school year.

August 29 - PreK3 and PreK4 - The first day of school! We can’t wait to see you!

And a look ahead:

September 11 - 6-7:30 - Back to School Night for Peabody

September 12 - 6-7:30 – Back to School Night for Watkins