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.

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Principal’s Message

Greetings Family, Friends and Community Members!

My name is Michelle Seymour, and I am elated and humbly honored to be named the Interim Principal at Emily C. Watkins Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year. It is with profound gratitude and hope that I take on this role as I continue my educational career in St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.

I am a life-long resident of LaPlace, and my family has been active in our community. My father was a police officer with St. John for over 30 years, and my mother was a nurse at River Parish Hospital. My teaching career in St. John began in 2007. I transferred to Emily C. Watkins in 2016 teaching middle school and later became a mentor teacher. After graduating with my Masters, I was promoted to the district level as a Curriculum Facilitator, then as a Curriculum Coordinator and most recently, I held the position of Supervisor of Elementary Education while completing the Aspiring Principal Fellowship with the Louisiana Department of Education.

My passion is high quality learning experiences for all students, and it is my hope to bring this passion to ECW. My goal is to align my personal educational belief of all stakeholders working together to provide a community where ALL students have equitable, safe spaces to learn, grow and excel, to that of the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School Instructional Vision which states:

All scholars will learn at high levels and master grade level standards through the aligned educator actions that are anchored in high expectations and equity to ensure access and opportunity for all.

I look forward to our partnership, as we work together for a successful 2024-2025 school year.

Educationally Yours,

Michelle Seymour

Interim Principal