Welcome to Kettering Elementary!

Welcome to Kettering Elementary School!

Read Principal Hay's Introduction Letter ... 

July 6, 2026

Dear Kettering Elementary School Families, Staff, Students, and Community,

It is with great excitement, gratitude, and humility that I introduce myself as the new principal of Kettering Elementary School. I am deeply thankful to have been selected and for the confidence that Prince George's County Public Schools has placed in me. I am mindful of the great responsibility that comes with serving this remarkable community.

For the past 27 years, I have had the privilege of serving the students, families, and staff of Prince George's County Public Schools in a variety of roles, including Classroom teacher, Mentor, Instructional Lead Teacher, Testing Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal. From 2017 to 2021, I proudly served as Kettering Elementary School's Assistant Principal, making this return a true full-circle moment.

As we begin this new chapter together, I am committed to ensuring that our work aligns with the vision and priorities outlined in Prince George's County Public Schools' Strategic Plan. These commitments will guide every decision we make and every opportunity we create for our students.

Our Superintendent, Dr. Shawn Joseph, reminds us that, "Championships are not built in one season. Schools are not renewed by one initiative." Those words serve as a powerful reminder that meaningful school improvement is built through consistency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to a shared purpose. Together, as staff, students and families, we will honor Kettering's foundation while embracing new opportunities for growth and continuous improvement. Our future success will be built upon the relationships, traditions, and accomplishments that already exist, coupled with the courage to innovate and grow together.

Above all, I believe in the limitless potential of every child. While we often say that students are our future, I believe they are also our present. Sitting in our classrooms today are artists, musicians, authors, innovators, athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders whose talents deserve to be recognized, nurtured, and celebrated. We must provide learning experiences that intentionally cultivate those unique gifts, inspire lifelong curiosity, and empower every child to discover their purpose.To achieve this, I take full responsibility for recognizing and cultivating the untapped potential within our staff, while continuously refining our processes to ensure they serve and support our collective mission: elevating student achievement. It is both an honor and a privilege to come home to Kettering!

In Service,
Lauri D. Hay
Principal

Click here to read the French and Spanish version of Principal Hay's Letter