Welcome

August 11, 2025

Dear Families of Our Eagle Scholars,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We are thrilled to embark on another exciting journey of learning, growth, and excellence at Barack Obama Elementary School. Whether you are a returning family or new to our school community, we send you a heartfelt WELCOME and look forward to partnering with you to ensure your scholar has a joyful and successful school year.

Our Commitment to Elevating Excellence

This year’s theme, “Elevating Excellence: Advancing Instruction, Inspiring Growth” reflects our commitment to moving instruction to the next level by meeting the diverse needs of every learner through high-quality, differentiated teaching practices. We are proud of the progress our students made last year, and we are energized to build on that success.

Our focus will remain on literacy and mathematics across content areas, purposeful differentiation, data-informed instruction, and student ownership of learning. We are equally committed to fostering a warm, inclusive, and safe environment where each scholar feels valued, heard, and supported.

��Important Reminders & Expectations

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

• Prompt Attendance Matters: Our school hours are 7:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. Instruction begins daily at 7:30 a.m. For those who wish to participate, breakfast will be served from 7:15 until 7:35. Students who walk or 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 21, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. ● Sneak-a-Peek for Grades 1–5: Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
• First Day of School: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Class assignments for all students in Grades K–5 are available via ParentVue. 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: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/food-and-nutrition
• PGCPS School Calendar:

https://www.pgcps.org/about-pgcps/school-calendar/2025-2026-school-year-calendar-as-a-grid/ ● Online Payments: My School Bucks

• Transportation Info: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/transportation/stopfinder
• Afternoon Car Rider Registration: https://forms.gle/PBnJkBQvHXBaE96N6
• PTA School Supply Drive: https://schooltoolbox.com/school-supplies/school/list-boxes/?schoolId=110950 �� 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.
• No outside restaurant food may be brought or delivered to students or the cafeteria.
• Fingerprinting and Background Check Information:

https://www.pgcps.org/offices/humanresources/employee-and-labor-relations/fingerprinting-and-background ● Traffic Pattern Update: “NEW” Arrival & Dismissal

○ To ensure student safety, parking on Brooke Lane is no longer permitted during arrival or dismissal. ● Morning Drop-Off: Use the Kiss and Ride lot, park on Tudor Lane, or at Wise High School. ● 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 your children. Our dedicated educators are ready to provide a year filled with challenge, joy, and academic growth. Your involvement makes a powerful difference, and we invite you to stay engaged—join the PTA, volunteer, and attend school events. Together, we are elevating excellence at Barack Obama Elementary.

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. Jo’An 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

11:00 a.m.

Friday, September 12th Teacher Planning Day - Early Dismissal