Welcome

August 3, 2026 

Dear Families of Our Eagle Scholars, 

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! On behalf of the entire Barack Obama Elementary School staff, it is my pleasure to welcome you to another exciting year of learning, growth, and opportunity. Whether you are returning to our Eagle family or joining us for the very first time, we are thrilled that you are here. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure that every scholar experiences a successful, engaging, and joyful school year. 

“Every Scholar. Every Classroom. Every Day. Yes We Can... Together We Will.” 

Our theme for the 2026–2027 school year reflects our shared belief that every child deserves exceptional teaching, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to thrive each and every day.  At Barack Obama Elementary School, we know that when educators, families, scholars, and our community work together with a shared purpose, there is no limit to what our children can accomplish. 

 Important Reminders & Expectations 

To help your child start strong and stay on the path to success, please note the following: 

• Prompt Attendance Matters: NEW THIS YEAR - An additional five minutes will be added to the end of the student school day. Our school hours are 7:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Instruction begins daily at 7:30 a.m. Students are considered tardy at 7:36 a.m. For those who wish to participate, breakfast will be served from 7:15 until 7:35. Students who are brought to school should not arrive before 7:20 a.m. Students may enter the building for breakfast at 7:15 a.m. Please make prompt and daily attendance a family priority. 
• Homework & Practice: Expect regular homework and projects. Daily reading and math fact practice are strongly encouraged. 
• Communication Folders/Agenda Books: Grades 1–5 scholars will use agenda books to support communication between school and home. 
• Forms & Immunizations: Please return all required forms promptly and ensure your child’s immunizations are current. 
• Uniforms: BOES is a mandatory uniform school. Details are available on our website.

 Mark Your Calendar 

• Pre-K & Kindergarten Orientation/NEW Scholars to BOES: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
• Sneak-a-Peek for Grades 1–5: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. (bring those school supplies in early to avoid bringing them in on the first day of school 
• First Day of School: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 

Class assignments for all students in Grades K–5 are available via ParentVue on August 12, 2026. Families of our new Kindergarten and Pre-K students can also view teacher assignments in ParentVue. If needed, this information will also be available during orientation. 

 Technology & Communication 

School-wide communication will continue through Class Dojo (www.classdojo.com ), our school website (www.pgcps.org/barackobama), and automated call-outs. Please stay connected! 

• Online Meal Application
• PGCPS School Calendar:
• Online Payments: My School Bucks
• Transportation Info
• Afternoon Car Rider TAG Pick Up for NEW and Returning Families: Thursday, August 20th during Sneak-A-Peek. NOTE: You must have a car tag in order to pick up your scholar in the afternoon. Students will not be released without a parent car tag that matches the student tag. BUS Riders DO NOT need an afternoon car tag.
• View Example HERE: 
• PTO School Supply Drive/Fundraiser: 
• ParentVue: Your scholars schedule will be posted in ParentVue on August 12th.

 Celebrations & Safety 

• Birthday celebrations may occur in the cafeteria only (store-bought cupcakes and juice only—no peanuts). A responsible adult must attend and serve during your child’s lunch or a time that is convenient for the classroom teacher. Please communicate and collaborate with the classroom teacher regarding the date/time. 
• No outside restaurant food may be brought or delivered to students or the cafeteria.
• Fingerprinting and Background Check Information: (get them done early) 
• Traffic Pattern Update: Arrival & Dismissal 

To ensure student safety, parking on Brooke Lane is NOT permitted during arrival or dismissal. 

• Morning Drop-Off: Use the Kiss and Ride lot, park on Tudor Lane, or at Wise High School. ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID THE LINES. 
• Afternoon Pick-Up: Only park on Tudor Lane—no parking on Brooke Lane. 

Please note: 

• Violators may receive a ticket. We appreciate your cooperation as we implement these safer traffic procedures. More details to come 

Thank You 

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children. We recognize that a strong partnership between home and school is one of the greatest predictors of student success. Your encouragement, involvement, and support make an incredible difference. As you prepare for the new school year, we invite you to review the enclosed 2026–2027 BOES At-a-Glance overview, which showcases our commitment to "Every Scholar. Every Classroom. Every Day ~ Yes We Can... Together We Will." 

BOES At A Glance

We invite you to become an active member of our Barack Obama Elementary School community by joining the PTO, volunteering, attending school events, and celebrating the many accomplishments of our Eagle Scholars throughout the year. Get those fingerprints and background checks done as soon as possible.

Together, we will continue building a school community where Every Scholar. Every Classroom. Every Day truly comes to life. 

Yes We Can... Together We Will! 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via email: 

• Dr. Megan Ashworth, Principal | megan.ashworth@pgcps.org
• Mrs. Brittany Pace Walker, Assistant Principal | brittany.pace@pgcps.org (Mrs. Walker will be transitioning to Maternity Leave in August 2026) 
• Mrs. JoAn Lawson, Assistant Principal | joan.lawson@pgcps.org

We can't wait to see you soon! 

In partnership, 

Dr. Megan Ashworth 

Proud Principal 

Barack Obama Elementary School 

Important Dates for First Quarter