Welcome

Dear Parkdale Scholars & Families,

Welcome back, Panthers! A new school year brings a new beginning—a fresh opportunity to learn, grow, discover your strengths, and create the future you envision for yourself.  As you walk through our doors this year, remember this: You matter. Your voice matters. Your dreams matter. And your future matters.

At Parkdale High School, we believe every student has the ability to achieve greatness. You do not have to have everything figured out on the first day. What matters is that you show up, believe in yourself, ask questions, take positive risks, and keep moving forward—even when the journey becomes challenging.  This year, we are Forward by Design—Champions of Change. That means we are not simply waiting for success to happen. We are intentionally creating it together. Every class you attend, every assignment you complete, every relationship you build, and every challenge you overcome is helping you design your future.

Challenge yourself to:

• Dream bigger than you have before.

• Believe in your ability to learn and grow.

• Take ownership of your choices and your success.

• Lift others and contribute to a positive school community.

• Persevere when things become difficult.

• Celebrate your progress, not just the final destination.

To our returning students, welcome home. To our new students, welcome to the Parkdale family. We are excited to learn with you, grow with you, celebrate you, and support you throughout this journey. We will welcome new and returning students to Parkdale High School on Tuesday, August  25, 2026. 

 This year, our collective work will center around four key priorities:

• Special Education and Multilingual Learners
   

• Mathematics and Literacy
   

• Chronic Absenteeism
   

• Expanding Internships and Dual Enrollment

These focus areas will guide our decisions, shape our strategies, and anchor our efforts across the school. Our daily work must reflect intentionality, clarity, and high expectations.  Our promise is to provide you with the tools, guidance, and high-quality learning experiences you need to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond. Whether you are preparing for college, a career, or other future opportunities, we are here to help you meet your goals with confidence and purpose.

As we finalize preparations for your return, we ask that you also take time to get ready for the start of the school year by reviewing the important information below:

PGCPS ParentVUE

ParentVUE offers streamlined access to your child’s schedule, grades, transportation assignment, attendance and more. To ensure you are ready for the new school year, please follow the steps below to create or activate your ParentVUE account:

How to Create or Activate Your ParentVUE Account

Existing Parents and Guardians:

• Visit the https://md-pgcps.edupoint.com/PXP2_login.aspx

• Click “I am a parent” and then “Request Account Activation.”

• Enter the required information to receive an activation link via email.

• Use the activation link to activate your account.

Student Orientation

Parkdale High School will host an orientation on Monday, August 24, 2026 for all new 9th grade students and new students from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Students will be transported to Parkdale via school bus. During the orientation, students will become familiar with the school campus, have an opportunity to meet teachers/staff and fellow classmates, review classroom expectations and learn about the various resources and opportunities available at Parkdale High School. Students must be in full uniform, which consists of khaki colored pants, shorts and/or skirt, and a white polo shirt with collar. New student ID pictures will be taken on August 20 and 21, 202 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

School Uniforms

Parkdale student uniforms with student ID badges will be strictly enforced to maintain a safe and secure environment that fosters learning.  Enforcement will begin at the incoming 9th-grade student orientation on Monday, August 25, 2025. Returning students should wear their ID badges on the first day of school.  

Mandatory Uniform Policy 

Bottoms:

• Khaki (tan) - colored pants, skirts, skorts or shorts

• No leggings or sweatpants

Tops:

• Plain polo or golf-style  shirts, either short sleeve or long sleeve

• 9th and 10th Grade - White

• 11th and 12th Grade - Black

Student ID:

• A student ID badge must be worn at all times, suspended from the student's neck on a breakaway class color lanyard. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Outerwear:

• Black, gray or dark green HOODLESS sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn; however, No HOODED items will be allowed to be worn in the school building.  Outwear can not have any inappropriate language or designs.

Head Coverings

• Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical purposes only.

Shoes

• Closed-toe shoes only.  For safety reasons, No CROCS, slippers, shower shoes or mules/clogs with heels out.

Book Bags

• As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment, all book bags, backpacks, briefcases, purses, cross-body bags, etc., must be clear, with NO EXCEPTIONS.  Personal items may be kept in a small pouch within the clear book bag.  This measure will help us ensure the safety of everyone in our school community.  

School Supply List

• PGCPS issued Chromebook and charger 

• CLEAR book bags, backpacks, briefcases, cross-body bags, purses, ONLY 

• Pencils

• Black and/or blue pens 

• Highlighters 

• Notebook paper 

• 3 ring binders

• Content areas will provide a list of items needed during the first week of school

Staying Engaged and Connected

PGCPS alert system called School Messenger is an important means of school-to-home communication. All 

contact information in this alert platform is imported directly from the ParentVUE portal. It is important that we have correct phone numbers, email, and home addresses for your scholar.  (See above for instructions on how to register).

Transportation

Bus assignments can be found in ParentVUE or on PGCPS InfoFinder. Families with registered students will also receive postcards with transportation information and resources during the week of August 17.  Student transportation information will be provided using StopFinder.  Other frequently asked questions about bus transportation can be found here.

Download the New Bus Tracking App

Our new school bus tracking app provides families with:

• Real-time bus location

• Estimated arrival times

• Instant alerts for delays, cancellations, and other transportation updates

Getting Started

• Make sure you have an active ParentVUE account.

• Download the Chipmunk app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

• Select Prince George's County Public Schools as your district.

• Sign in using the same email address associated with your ParentVUE account.

• Your student's transportation information will automatically sync once available.

Student Parking

All student drivers must have a state issued valid driver's license with valid insurance and car registration to park in student designated areas on Parkdale’s campus. 

Starting September 21, 2026, all cars on Parkdale’s campus that do not have a registered PHS parking decal will be subject to towing at the owner of the vehicle’s expense. Please note that registration is yearly. 

 

In order to park on campus in the designated student parking lot, students must have: 

1. A valid driver’s license, 

2. Up to date Insurance, 

3. Registration, 

4. Parkdale High School Student Parking Permit.  (Parking permits are $25 for the year.)

If students are parked in the staff parking lot, they will be subject to towing at the owner’s expense. If a student parks on campus without properly registering their car with us, they will be subject to towing at the owner's expense. Driving to school is a privilege. 

Technology

Please note that all PGCPS owned Chromebooks distributed to students are considered to be on loan from the school system.  All Chromebooks must be returned in good condition upon exit from PGCPS.  All students are required to bring their fully-charged PGCPS issued chromebook daily with the charger. 

School Hours/Early Dismissal

Classes begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:15 p.m. Students should arrive at school by 7:10 a.m.  Early dismissal MUST be completed by 1:30 p.m.; we will not honor early dismissals after that time.

Academic Concerns

Please ensure the classroom teacher is the first person you email or call regarding your child’s academics. If the matter is still unresolved, please contact your child’s grade-level professional school counselor or administrator by email or phone. A school directory is forthcoming.

Please help us to ensure your scholar’s academic success by:

• making attendance to school a priority - instruction begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. daily. 

• expecting and monitoring homework Monday through Friday and projects on a regular basis. 

• monitoring weekly academic progress through ParentVUE. 

• allotting time for reading and reviewing lessons on a nightly basis.  

• communicating on a regular basis with teachers.

• stressing the importance of following all school policies and procedures.

  • no outside/fast food deliveries (i.e., UberEats, Door-Dash, Grub-Hub, Carryout, or any other sources of delivery including parents). 

  • once students arrive at school, they are not permitted to leave school grounds without parental consent (under no circumstances). Parents/Guardians must report to the main office to sign out students, and must present appropriate photo ID.

• reminding students to remain respectful at all times.

Parent Involvement

Your support is paramount to the success of our school and the programs that we offer. We are seeking parent volunteers to establish our Panther PTSO. If you are interested in partnering with the school, please contact Mrs. Raquel Walker at raquel.walker@pgcps.org or Ms. Ashley Wallace at ashley2.wallace@pgcps.org.   

Throughout the year, we will offer a wide array of clubs, sports teams, and activities catering to various interests.  Please get involved and maximize your high school experience. We encourage all students to set personal goals, embrace new challenges, and take advantage of the support from our dedicated faculty and staff.

Parkdale High School is not just a place for learning; it's a community that nurtures talents, dreams, and ambitions. As you enter the new academic year, we are confident that our scholars will continue to make us proud with their accomplishments and contributions.

We look forward to greeting our returning students and welcoming our incoming freshmen with open arms. Together, let's make the 2026-2027 school year at Parkdale High School one of growth, achievement, and cherished memories.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Administrative Team. We are here to support you in every way possible.

Best wishes for a successful and rewarding year ahead!  We can't wait to see each one of you back on campus, ready to embark on another year of learning, growth, and discovery.

Important Dates to Remember

• August 24, 2026 - Student Orientation Day (½ day) 

• August 25, 2026 - First Day of School for All Students

• September 7, 2026 - Labor Day - Schools and Offices Closed

• September 10, 2026 - Back to School Night - 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• September 16, 2026 - Professional Development - Schools Closed for Students

• September 21, 2026 - Yom Kippur - Schools and Offices Closed

Grade Level Assistant Principals 

• Grade 9 (A-L) Cohort 2026 - Dr. Latanya Catron-Simpson

• Grade 9 (M-Z) Cohort 2026 - Mrs. Erin Graham

• Grade 10 (A-L) Cohort 2025 - Dr. Maritza Negron

• Grade 10 (M-Z) Cohort 2025 - Dr. Daisy Nichols

• Grade 11 (A-L) Cohort 2024 - Ms. Teshara Hooks

• Grade 11 (M-Z) Cohort 2024 - Mr. Thomas Childs

• Grade 12  Cohort 2023 - Dr. Roney Wynn

• Special Education Program - Dr. Eric Vaughan

Grade Level Professional School Counselors

• Grade 9 (A-L) - Mrs. Vinikka Smith

• Grade 9 (M-Z) - Mrs. Rachel Hammond

• Grade 10 (A-L) -  Ms. Shanda Potoki

• Grade 10 (M-Z) - Ms. Marla Weaver

• Grade 11 (A-L) - Mrs. Annece Flood-Wright

• Grade 11 (M-Z) - Ms. Syeedah White

• Grade 12 (A-L) - Ms. Regina Holbert

• Grade 12 (M-Z) - Dr. Allison Johnson

Program Coordinators

• Advanced Placement Coordinator - Ms. Cotina Murray

• International Baccalaureate Coordinator - Mr. Eric Pavlat

• Ninth Grade Coordinator - Ms. Cotina Murray

• Special Education IEP Facilitator - Mrs. Kimberly Butler 

Sincerely,

Dr. Tasha Graves

Principal