Principal's Page
Welcome to the 2026 school year (SY), Jaguar Nation family!
We’re back—and we’re building boldly. This year, our schoolwide theme is Blueprint of Excellence: PDSA with PAWS.
That may sound like a slogan—but it’s not. It’s a promise. We’ve laid the groundwork over the last year: stronger instruction, better attendance, higher test scores, and a healthier, more respectful school culture. Now we’re using that momentum to build something lasting—something our scholars deserve.
Here’s what it means:
PDSA stands for Plan, Do, Study, Act—a proven cycle we’ll use to make sure instruction gets better every week.
PAWS stands for Purpose, Advocacy, Wellness, and Safety—our core values that guide everything we do.
This theme is about more than academics. It’s about trust, equity, and growth. It means that every scholar, regardless of background, culture, language, or past experience, will be seen, supported, and challenged in meaningful ways. We’re building a school where excellence is not exclusive—it’s expected. A school where students develop the tools to lead globally and grow into confident, compassionate contributors to the world.
That’s our blueprint; that’s our commitment!
What We Built Together Last Year
SY25 was a year of transformation. We didn’t wait for change—we created it. Here’s how:
Students showed up—and stayed engaged.
We ended the year with a 95% average daily attendance rate, the highest in four years.
Chronic absenteeism dropped below 10%, a major milestone.
That means more students learning, more consistency, and better outcomes.
Academic performance improved in every tested subject.
Our students’ results on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) showed gains:
- Math (Overall): +10% more students met/exceeded expectations (with a 28% increase in Algebra I)
- ELA (Grade 8): +10%
- Science: +7%
- Social Studies: +6%
We helped our scholars move out of the lowest performance band.
Fewer students scored at the “beginning” level on MCAP compared to the year before:
- ELA (Grade 8): -9% fewer students at beginning level
- Math (Grade 6): -11%
- Math (Grade 8): -12%
- Science: -13%
- Social Studies: -10%
Our scholars earned top awards across the district and state:
- 1st Place in the PGCPS Math Challenge, Science Showcase, District Poetry Slam, and Photojournalism
- 3rd Place in the Countywide Middle School Step Team Competition
- Maryland Green School Certification
- PBIS Silver Recognition
- AVID Site of Distinction
- MSDE STEM Leadership Award
What’s New for SY26
This year is about building with intention. Here’s what we’re putting in motion:
Stronger Instruction with PDSA:
Our teachers and leaders will use the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle to continuously improve instruction. Expect to see:
- Daily instructional observations and bi-weekly collaborative planning
- Monthly departmental data-informed reflections, learning walks, and student data/work analysis
- Real-time instructional feedback using the Claim – Evidence – Impact – Judgement model
Writing and Collaboration Through AVID:
We’re deepening our AVID program with a sharper focus on writing and collaboration, helping scholars think critically, express themselves clearly, and communicate with confidence.
Creating a STEAM Maker Space:
We will begin remodeling our media center into a STEAM Innovation Lab to foster student exploration, invention, coding, robotics, engineering, and more.
Centering Student Wholeness:
We are expanding our efforts to support students’ emotional well-being:
- Partnering with experts to grow our positive behavior supports and SEL strategies
- Supporting student goal-setting and academic growth tracking with new tools
- Expanding our incentive program to reward effort, growth, and leadership—not just grades
Family Engagement That Meets You Where You Are:
- Monthly Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meetings with school leadership
- Monthly Parent Academy, now available both in-person and virtually, including free English Language Learning sessions for families
- Monthly Food Market with free produce for Jaguar families (dates forthcoming)
Immunization Requirements – Action Required
As mandated by the state of Maryland, students in PreK–12 must have proof of required immunizations before they begin school. Students cannot start school without them.
- If your child is enrolled before the first day of school, we must have proof of vaccinations or a religious exemption on file.
- If your child enrolls after the first day, you will have 20 calendar days from their start date to provide documentation.
- If documentation is not received, your child will be excluded from school until it is provided.
To help you meet this requirement, PGCPS is offering free immunization clinics around the county.
Find locations and dates here: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/school-health/immunizations/upcoming-clinics
What to Review Before the First Day
To prepare your child for SY26, please review the following:
- Uniform & School Supplies List: Click HERE
- Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook: Click HERE
- Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers, and Visitors: Click HERE
- Cell Phone & Device Policy (smartwatches, earbuds, etc.): Click HERE
- School Messenger (for school communication): Click HERE
- ParentVUE (check grades/update contact info): Click HERE
- School Website: Click HERE
- All students receive free school breakfast & lunch
Key Dates:
- New Student Orientation: Monday, August 25, 2025 – 9:30 a.m.
(6th grade & new students only – students must wear uniform and use assigned transportation) - First Day of School: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 – students must be in uniform
- Back-to-School Nights:
- Monday, September 8 (Virtual, 6–8 p.m.) – 6th Grade Only
- Tuesday, September 9 (In Person, 6–8 p.m.) – 7th Grade Only
- Wednesday, September 10 (In Person, 6–8 p.m.) – 8th Grade Only
Reminders will be sent by our Parent Engagement Assistants (PEAs) as dates approach.
Let’s Build This Together
Jaguar Nation family, we are excited! We have the plan. We have the students and staff. We have the parents and partners—we have you. Now it’s time to build the legacy of our school community.
Here’s to an amazing year of learning and leading through our Blueprint of Excellence: PDSA with PAWS.
With love, intention, and purpose,
Dr. Kia Cadet, NBCT
Principal