Emily C. Watkins Elementary School Home

Our Mission Statement:

The mission of Emily C. Watkins Elementary School is to prepare every child with traditional values while gaining 21st-century knowledge and skills to be successful.

1:1 Student to computer ratio
$58 Million in Capital Bond Improvements
Universal Pre-K
Established St. John the Baptist Education Foundation to Support Teachers and Students

About Us

School colors: Purple, Green, & Gold

School mascot: Lions

Emily C. Watkins Elementary School educates nearly 500 students in kindergarten through 8th grades. The school opened its doors on August 6, 2009, and is named for Emily Charles Watkins (1913-2003), a 50-year educator in St. John the Baptist Parish. She was the principal of Woodland Elementary School in LaPlace. Mrs. Watkins was known by the nickname "Queen Bee" because of her strong belief in family and a quality equitable education for all students. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans, Southern University in Baton Rouge, and Xavier University in New Orleans.

Upcoming Events

Apr 25

School Board Workshop

Time: 5 PM

Apr 30

Superintendent's Forum

Time: 5:30 PM – 8 PM

Location: WSJHS

May 1

Superintendent's Forum

Time: 5:30 PM – 8 PM

Location: ESJHS

May 9

Last Day for Seniors

Show All Events

Principal’s Message

Greetings Families of Emily C. Watkins Elementary,

My name is Shontrece Lathers, and I am very excited to introduce myself as the new interim principal of Emily C. Watkins Elementary School. I am honored that I was chosen to lead such an amazing school and school community. I have heard nothing but positive things about the students, teachers, and parent community.

I come to you with 17 years of experience as an educator ranging from the elementary and middle school levels. My experiences have helped me see the social, academic, and behavioral transitions of students from kindergarten to their eighth-grade year. I have spent the last 17 years working at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary in the capacity of a 1st, 3rd, and 5th-grade teacher. I served as a mentor teacher for one year and have served as an Assistant Principal for the last five years.

I wholeheartedly believe that great schools are the result of great teachers and my primary goal is to continue to support the teachers of Emily C. Watkins to provide them with the tools they need to continue to be successful and help your children grow and prosper.

I am thrilled about the remainder of the school year and look forward to working with the staff to ensure that the students of Emily C. Watkins have a school year filled with quality instruction. Please know that my door is always open.

Let’s work together as we continue Leading the way to excellence!

Mrs. Lathers

[email protected]