The Panther Parent Den

Panther Families,

As we head into the month of September, I’ve been thinking a lot about commitment. Part of that comes from competing in my first HYROX race on Monday. It was extremely difficult, and there were moments when stopping would have been the easier choice. But I didn’t give up. I kept moving and crossed the finish line because I made a promise to myself to follow through.

That feeling of finishing strong even when the path is tough stays with you. It reminds you that

growth doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from showing up, trying again, and discovering that you’re capable of more than you realized. That’s the kind of confidence I want our students to build here at Suitland Elementary. Not perfection … just the steady belief that they can do hard things and that every step forward matters.

My grandkids visited me this weekend, and I’ve included a picture of them. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of why I do this work. What I want for them is exactly what I want for your children: courage, resilience, and the sense of pride that comes from giving their very best.

In future newsletters, Assistant Principal Simms and I will be launching a short monthly podcast where we’ll share school updates and introduce you to some of the incredible staff who make Suitland Elementary such a special place.

I appreciate you.

Dr. Eric Davis

Greetings Panther families!

As your Community Schools Coordinator, I work to connect students and families with helpful programs, resources, and community partners. Our work is guided by six pillars: Expanded and Culturally Relevant Curriculum, Effective Teaching Practices, Inclusive Leadership, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Family and Community Partnerships, and Community Support Services. Together, we can remove barriers and create more opportunities for every Panther to succeed. Please reach out if your family needs support or would like to get involved!

🐾💙Ms. Liburd

Community Schools Coordinator

Dear Panther Parents and Guardians!

Principal Eric Davis Ed.D. has tasked our Parent Engagement Assistant, Mr. Perry-King, and our Student Advocate, Mr. Josey, with developing a parent and staff collaboration group called the Suitland Elementary Panther Partnership (SEPP). Along with our administrative team and Community Schools Coordinator, Ms. Liburd, we hope to strengthen the connection between our school and SES families by creating meaningful opportunities for parents and guardians to engage with and support our students and staff both during and after the school day.

From helping teachers decorate classroom doors to participating in school beautification projects, events, and other activities, we want our Panther families to know that you are an important part of our Flight Team as we take off this school year!

As your PEA, I have set a goal of having 50 Panther Parents fully cleared as PGCPS volunteers by the end of the school year. Please stay connected for information about opportunities for expedited fingerprinting and background checks at the school to help make the volunteer clearance process easier for our families.

In the meantime, if you are interested in potentially joining SEPP, please reach out to Mr. Perry-King or Mr. Josey through ClassDojo or email us at ryan.perry@pgcps.org or roderick.josey@pgcps.org.

Thank you, Panther Parents and Guardians! We look forward to partnering with you and building an even stronger Suitland Elementary community.

Partnering Families, Staff, and Community for Every Panther. 🐾

Ryan Perry-King
Parent Engagement Assistant

Building a habit of good attendance early in the school year sets your child up for success in school and in life. Missing just 2 days a month—whether excused or unexcused—can cause a student to fall behind.

Why Attendance Matters

• Academic Growth: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read on grade level by 3rd grade.

• Social Connections: Daily attendance helps children build lasting friendships, learn teamwork, and feel a sense of belonging in their school community.

• Future Readiness: Developing the habit of showing up on time every day prepares students for high school graduation and future careers.

Everyday Strategies for Success

• Set Routine Bedtimes: Establish consistent evening routines so your child gets a full night's sleep and is ready for the morning.

• Prepare the Night Before: Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and prepare lunches before going to bed to reduce morning stress.

• Schedule Around School Hours: Try to schedule doctor, dentist, and personal appointments after school or during school breaks whenever possible.

• Build a Back-Up Plan: Identify a trusted family member, neighbor, or parent who can help with transportation if an emergency arises.

When to Stay Home While daily attendance is critical, keep your child home if they have a fever, contagious illness, or severe symptoms. Always contact the school to report an absence so teachers can help your child catch up smoothly.

Need help overcoming barriers like transportation, sleep routines, or health concerns? Reach out to Ms. Tyler, School Counselor—we are here to support your family!

Welcome Back Pre-K Parents and Scholars!

Welcome back to another exciting year of learning, growth, and excellence in PreK! We hope you are energized and ready for an amazing school year at Suitland Elementary.

Students are currently working hard on classroom rules, routines, and rituals. Students are also participating in daily learning opportunities in Science, Math, Music, Reading and Dramatic Play inside the classroom, and during outdoor play. We are excited to continue supporting you as we work together to provide engaging, intentional, and high-quality learning experiences for every PreK student.

Here’s to an incredible year of Excellence everywhere. Every child. Every day.

PreK Team

💙Ms. Williams, Ms. Outlaw, Ms. Wells. 💛Ms. Brown, Ms. Simms

Welcome to 1st Grade!

We are so excited to welcome your child to 1st grade! The beginning of the school year is a special time as we adjust to being back in school all day. We will begin learning how to follow classroom rules and routines. Over the next few weeks, we will focus on building a strong, positive classroom community that will support us all year long. Students will be learning routines and expectations in all subject areas-math, reading, social studies, science and health.

We truly appreciate your support! If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime through Class Dojo. We’re looking forward to a great year together!

🐾🐾The First Grade Team

Welcome to second grade!

ELD stands for English Language Development. Our ELD team supports Multilingual Learners (MLs)—students who use or are learning more than one language. Students receive support in four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This helps them communicate confidently, participate in class, and succeed with grade-level learning while honoring the strengths of their home language. Please make sure to check out ELD Family resource page: Explore ELD resources for families

Suitland Elementary School is excited to establish our Student Government Association (SGA)! This program will give students opportunities to develop leadership skills, represent their classmates, promote Panther Pride, and help improve our school community. Fourth- and fifth-grade students may run for Executive Board positions, with the office of President reserved for fifth-grade students. One Student Senator from each grade level, Pre-K through fifth grade, will also be appointed. Additional information about applications, appointments, elections, and family permission will be shared soon!

September 16-Schools Closed for Students

September 21-Schools Closed for Students

September 23 -Back to School Night (PreK-2nd grade)

September 24-Hungry Harvest Produce Boxes distribution

September 30-Back to School Night (3rd-5th grade)