EXPLORE
EXPLORE
Don’t underestimate the importance of having fun participating in school activities. Some of the best times and memories students have are the experiences of belonging to a club or participating in an after school activity. Clubs and activities are important to join just for the enjoyment that they will bring to most students, but they also allow the students to more easily make friends because the groups are small and they get to be themselves!
Clubs and activities provide students with many positive experiences that help them to become well-rounded individuals who are ready for college or the workplace. It helps students to become active in their school and to feel a connection the school and to others. It provides a sense of pride and school spirit and it is a positive influence on our youth today.
Each spring, 5th grade students are invited to participate in Battle of the Books. Students read books from a select list and then participate in a friendly competition.
We hold a book fair every fall. Parents are welcome to join in the fun and visit the book fair during their child’s regularly scheduled library resource time.
Cardio Club is held in the mornings during the fall and spring. Meets are held on the track behind the school. Students should come dressed and prepared for cardiovascular endurance. You may want to bring a water bottle to help keep you hydrated.
Parents, please feel free to stay and exercise with your child or to volunteer and handout popsicle sticks ! ANY help will be greatly appreciated.
Chess Club meets throughout the school year on select Fridays at 8:15 a.m. All skill levels are welcome. Students will be provided with breakfast snacks. There is a $2 fee to cover the cost.
Our PTA holds an annual Fall Festival at the school. There are games, face painting, a photo booth, dancing, bounce houses, popcorn and music for entertainment.
Field Day is a great way to celebrate the end of the school year. It is a time when students can let loose and have fun with all their family and friends. The day traditionally consists of a variety of events, games, and competitions that everyone can enjoy. More information will be sent out as the time approaches! Many volunteers are always needed and welcomed!
We are excited to bring the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) to our 4th and 5th graders. The FLL is a global robotics competition that aims to inspire young students to become science and technology leaders through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Challenge Overview
Each year, the FIRST LEGO League presents a themed challenge designed to engage students in problem-solving, research, and engineering. Participants work in teams to design, build, and program LEGO robots that can perform specific tasks related to the annual theme. In addition to robot challenges, teams also research a real-world problem and develop innovative solutions.
Core Values
The program emphasizes teamwork, discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, and fun. Students not only learn technical skills but also develop essential life skills, such as collaboration, communication, and creativity.
Competition Structure
Teams participate in regional competitions where they present their robot’s performance, project research, and core values. Successful teams may advance to state and national competitions, offering an exciting opportunity for growth and achievement.
K-Kids is a student-led community service organization that operates under school regulations and draws its members from the student body from students in grades 3-5. Kiwanis of Midlothian-Chesterfield, composed of like-minded, service-oriented people from the community, serves as the club’s sponsor.
K-Kids develops caring leaders. K-Kids objectives are:
● To provide opportunities for working together in service to school and community.
● To develop leadership potential.
● To foster the development of strong moral character.
● To encourage loyalty to school, community, and nation.
Meetings will take place on a Friday once a month before school at 8:30 a.m.
Each class at Watkins decorates a pumpkin to be displayed at Pumpkin Lighting which takes place in mid October.
Student safety patrols enhance enforcement of drop-off and pick-up procedures at school by increasing safety for students and traffic flow efficiency for parents. Such efforts allow students to participate in promoting traffic safety where they learn skills they can use in their everyday lives.
This event happens in February and is open to all students. They do not need to try out but must sign up and attend a rehearsal. Kids can sing, dance, do gymnastics or a performance of their choice.
WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students)– Are you the dad of a “great student” at J.B. Watkins Elementary School? If so, then our school needs you to become a member of the Watkins’ Watch D.O.G.S.
WATCH D.O.G.S. is an innovative father involvement, educational initiative of the National Center For Fathering. This is a nationally recognized program that has brought hundreds of thousands of fathers and father figures into our nation’s classrooms and hallways and it is now available to fathers of J.B. Watkins students.
If you are interested in becoming a Watch Dog, fill out the form at the following link
http://jbwpta.com/get-involved/watch-dogs/.
International Walk to School Day is a global event that involves communities from more than 40 countries walking and biking to school on the same day. It began in 1997 as a one-day event. Over time, this event has become part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and a celebration – with record breaking participation – each October. Today, thousands of schools across America – from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico – participate every October.