Principal's Welcome Letter

August 13, 2026

Welcome Back, Kenilworth Cougar Families!

As we welcome the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to begin a new chapter grounded in purpose, possibility, and a shared commitment to every scholar’s success.

I hope your summer was filled with rest, joy, and memorable moments with family and friends. We have missed our scholars and are excited to welcome everyone back to the Kenilworth family!

This year, our work will align with PGCPS’s Forward by Design: Acceleration 2029 and its focus on Student Success, Staff and Leader Development, Expanding Access to Programs, Family Partnerships, and Organizational Culture.

At Kenilworth, we will bring these priorities to life through purposeful instruction, strong relationships, meaningful family partnerships, and by focusing on one important question: What do our scholars need from us next?

We will use student data, classroom evidence, and family and teacher voice to strengthen instruction, provide meaningful support, and ensure every scholar feels seen, valued, supported, included, and challenged. Our commitment to equity means ensuring that each child receives the support and opportunities needed to thrive. Our commitment to inclusion means creating a community where every scholar knows they belong. 

At Kenilworth:Transparency builds trust. Equity creates opportunity. Inclusion creates belonging. Collective action accelerates achievement.

Families, you are our most important partners in this work. Together, we will strengthen the connection between home, school, and community. Throughout the year, we will provide opportunities for families to connect, share ideas, celebrate successes, and support student growth. We believe that when schools and families work together, scholars are better positioned to succeed. 

We will continue to communicate through SchoolMessenger, ClassDojo, email, text alerts, phone calls, the KES website, and notices sent home. Please make sure your contact information is current so you do not miss important updates.

We also encourage families to join and become active members of our KES PTA and participate in school events and activities. Your presence matters, your voice matters, and you are an important part of the Kenilworth family.  Parents, staff, and students may join by clicking KES PTA Membership.  

Our culture and climate set the tone for learning, and we will protect that environment by upholding high behavioral and academic expectations. We will continue to follow the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Handbook as well as the PGCPS Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers, and Visitors. Please review these resources to help us maintain a safe, respectful, and orderly school.

Reminders

• Cell Phone Policy: During the school day, scholars must keep cell phones turned If a student needs to contact home, they may use the school’s designated phone.
• Meal Information: Breakfast free for all students and lunch ($2.75) are available daily. Families may add funds to lunch accounts at MySchoolBucks.com. To apply for free or reduced lunch, visit MySchoolApps.com.
• School Hours: 7:30 a.m.–1:45 p.m. Students may not arrive before 7:15 a.m., as supervision is not available prior to that. Please review our Arrival Procedures to ensure the safety of our scholars.

Important Dates:

• Kindergarten & New Scholar Orientation: Monday, August 24, 2026 (8:00 - 9:00 a.m.) During this time parents will receive a brief introduction to Kenilworth Elementary, routines, expectations, meet their teacher and drop off supplies.
  
• Returning Scholar “Sneak a Peek”: Monday, August 24, 2026 (9:15–10:15 a.m.) At this time students will visit their classroom, meet their teacher and drop off supplies.
• Back-to-School Night: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.)
  
• First Day of School: Tuesday, August 25, 2026

As we begin this new year, I am grateful for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will create a school community where every scholar has the opportunity to learn, grow, lead, and achieve.

Welcome back, Kenilworth Cougars!

Let’s lead with purpose, learn with intention, grow together, and accelerate achievement.

“This is Us” — Uniquely Created. Kenilworth Shaped. A Place Where Everyone Fits!

Educationally,

Rhonda R. Clomax