Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) has announced the launch of the Attendance Pledge Board Competition by its Family & Community Engagement Team. This initiative is designed to boost student participation and engagement through a community-driven approach.
According to PCPS, schools are encouraged to involve families by completing pledge cards, with Lakemont Elementary already taking part in the program. The competition aims to enhance attendance rates and strengthen community ties. The school that gathers the most pledges by October 31 will be awarded a special prize.
The Family Engagement Team at Petersburg City Public Schools focuses on fostering collaboration among families, schools, and the broader community to support student achievement and school improvement. Their efforts are guided by six standards: creating welcoming school environments, enhancing two-way communication, providing supports for student success, encouraging family advocacy, fostering cooperation, and building purposeful community-school partnerships. The team’s objectives include involving families in impactful academic activities, expanding access to resources and services, supporting schools in developing inclusive cultures, and strengthening connections with the wider community.
Lakemont Elementary School is under the leadership of Interim Principal Jessica Sturdivant and Superintendent Yolonda Brown. It serves kindergarten through fifth grade with an enrollment of 393 students for the 2024–2025 academic year. The school year begins on August 18 for kindergarten and first grade students, while second through fifth graders start on August 19. Daily attendance tracking is implemented alongside regulated technology use. The school employs a House System for organizing students and provides families with information regarding school supplies, transportation options, immunization requirements, and visitor policies.
PCPS caters to approximately 4,400 students across nine schools with a workforce of 672 staff members and operates on an annual budget of $70.5 million. The district’s mission is centered around preparing students as 21st-century citizens capable of collaboration, communication, and innovation. Its vision emphasizes transforming learning experiences so that every student graduates with diverse opportunities available to them. Governed by a seven-member School Board elected for four-year terms, PCPS sets policies, approves staff appointments, and oversees budgetary matters under the leadership of Superintendent Yolonda Brown. Board meetings are generally held twice monthly and are open to public attendance.
