August 31, 2012

Under a new state law, all schools will have an EpiPen for emergency use if a student suffers an unanticipated allergic reaction. 

Parents of children with a known allergic condition must continue to provide the school nurse with EpiPens in the correct dosage and quantity needed to deal with their child’s medical needs. Also, parents of children with a known allergy must make certain that a current health plan is on file with the school nurse.

Keeping your child safe from allergy threats means making sure that their specific emergency needs can be met at all times. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the nurse professional at your child’s school. Remember the health and safety of our students is our top priority—and an important part of Providing a World Class Education at Prince William County Public Schools.

May 23, 2013

The Kennedy Center has awarded a Certificate of Study to Clare A. Phillips, English for Speakers of Other Languages teacher at Occoquan Elementary School, for continuing her professional learning in the arts. Phillips is one of 73 teachers who were honored at the Kennedy Center in a special awards ceremony and dinner.

 

Educators attend workshops that focus on enhancing teachers’ knowledge of and appreciation for the arts and on developing skills for teaching about the arts or teaching other subject areas through the arts. The courses and workshops are designed for teachers of Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 and address issues of teaching students with diverse needs.

 

May 23, 2013

Northern Virginia Community College invites students to participate in hands-on, robotics camps this summer at the Manassas and Woodbridge campuses. Activities focus on science, technolgoy, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

May 23, 2013

 

The Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Prince William County Public Schools is conducting a Student Follow-Up Survey on all students who completed a CTE Program of Studies and graduated in June of 2012. The purpose of this reminder is to ask former students how their experiences in their CTE Program of Study have assisted them in employment and/or additional education.

 

Students have been mailed a postcard to inform them that they may expect to hear from a PWCS staff member sometime before July 2 to complete the survey. Student information is vital toward the future success of the CTE program in PWCS and in Virginia. To avoid a phone call from PWCS, the survey may be completed online at http://ctefollowup.cooper.virginia.edu. The postcard contains information needed for online access.

 

The information students provide will not be reported on an individual graduate level but rather on a school, county, and state level. Questions regarding this survey may be directed to 703.791.7297.

 

May 23, 2013

 

Five members of the School Division’s leadership team have earned doctoral degrees (Ph.D.) from the George Mason University Graduate School of Education. Congratulations to:

 

Dr. Mary Jane Boynton, Principal Parkside Middle, Dissertation Title: Leadership Practices and Capabilities That Work Best for Middle School English Language Learners: A Multiple Case Study

 

Dr. Leah Byrd, counselor Woodbridge High School, Dissertation Title: African American Students' Perceptions of Their High School Career Counseling Experiences

 

Dr. Katherine Bradley-Black, KLC, Special Education Section 504 Administrative Coordinator, Dissertation Title: Teachers and Evidence-Based Practices

 

Dr. Ronald Pannell, KLC, Special Education Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities Administrative Coordinator, Dissertation Title: The Effects of Self-Regulation Strategy Development on Written Expression of Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities

 

Dr. Jason Calhoun, KLC, Supervisor of Science and FLE, Dissertation Title: An Exploratory Study on Initial STEM Classes and African American Freshman Males Who Are STEM Majors at a Large Mid-Atlantic Stat University: Factors Affecting Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Persistence in the STEM Pipeline

 

 

May 23, 2013

Jack Cantarella, a fifth-grader at Alvey Elementary School, has been identified as one of the nation’s most academically talented students by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth.

May 23, 2013

 

When Michael Steen started kindergarten at Sudley Elementary School in September 2000*, it never occurred to him or his family that he would not miss a day of school his entire school career.

 

Michael attended Prince William County Public Schools the entire time and attended Sudley Elementary, Stonewall Middle, and Stonewall Jackson High Schools. He will graduate from Stonewall Jackson High School in June with perfect attendance all 13 years of school.

 

He will be recognized for his perfect attendance at Stonewall's senior awards ceremony on May 29. Michael overcame many challenges to achieve this feat to include illnesses, forgoing some family and school activities and the loss of one of his grandparents.

 

He completed middle school as a member of the Jr. National Honor Society and also volunteered many hours to community service activities. In high school, he earned letters in Marching and Symphonic Bands. He participated in Youth bowling leagues where he won four partial college scholarships bowling in various tournaments. After high school, Michael will attend Northern Virginia Community College and then transfer to George Mason University where he will major in forensic science.

 
*-corrected 5/24/13

 

 

Excellence in academics, arts, sports, education, and support showcased at annual salute.

May 22, 2013

Balloons, spotlights, a gigantic blue star, and a star-spangled banner projected on stage were just right to foretell an evening dedicated to a celebration of achievements that would bring a smile to anyone, most especially hundreds of proud parents.

 

A World-Class tribute to the students, staff, and administrators who make Prince William County Public Schools the World-Class School Division that it is, unfolded last night at Patriot High School. Academic stars like Chandler King, athletic heroes EJ Levenberry and Mustaqeem Williams, teachers Julia Renberg and Lydia Stewart, administrators Clint Mitchell and Serena Suthers, Counselor Lillian Orlich, and others were spotlighted as “Shining Stars” within each category of medals awarded. Lillian Orlich was this year’s SPARK Award winner for leadership in education. She has guided, mentored, and counseled students at Osbourn Park for 60 years.

 

“All our honorees are evidence that the seeds of excellence are growing and blooming across our School Division. And they are a tremendous source of pride for us all,” said School Board Chairman At-Large Milton C. Johns.

 

Participation and performances throughout the ceremony illustrated the exceptional level of talent among our students and teachers. The Gar-Field High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Color Guard presented the Colors; the Patriot High School Patriot Singers under the direction of Laura Lazarevich sang the national anthem; Yorkshire Elementary School’s band performed a dazzling array of music under the direction of Rachel Kauffman and Jon Wilson; and the Reagan Middle School Steel Drum Ensemble with director Brandon Neal transported the audience to the islands of the Caribbean with their selections.

 

The Yorkshire Elementary School band was started last year because of generous grants, primarily from SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS. The band’s appearance was especially gratifying to those in the audience who helped the band get off the ground.

 

The annual “Saluting Our Stars” event, sponsored by SPARK and its members, drew a near-capacity audience of 400 students along with their families, staff, business leaders, School Board members, and School Division leadership. Every one of those honored has done something special and praiseworthy to earn recognition from a respected organization. Because of the number of students—more than a thousand—who have distinguished themselves individually and as a member of a team this school year, teams were represented by a member and a coach onstage during the ceremony. Honorees were from all grade levels across the county.

 

Star of stage and classroom, Freedom High School’s own math teacher, Travis Tucker, kicked off the program with his own song, “Superstar,” accompanied by a rousing hand-clapping from the audience. He emceed the presentation of honorees while School Board members and associate superintendents congratulated those emerging from the stage’s signature “Star.”

 

The event’s media sponsor was PW Times, which provided a copy of the newspaper containing the names of all of the honorees to those who attended. The program for the event recognized all the business sponsors and included a greeting from SPARK President Chris Schuster of Minnieland Academy and profile on Lillian Orlich.

 

Business sponsors included Joyce Koons Honda Buick GMC, Moseley Architects, Micron Foundation, Finley Asphalt & Sealing, Inc., BB&T, Bookworm Central, Northern Virginia Community College, Novant Health Prince William Medical Center, Chick-fil-A Bristow, A La Carte Catering, and Uno Chicago Grill.

 

In addition to Chairman At-Large Johns, School Board members who attended included Vice Chairman Michael I Otaigbe (Coles), Lisa E. Bell (Neabsco), Betty D. Covington (Potomac), Lillie G. Jessie (Occoquan), and Gil Trenum (Brentsville).

A tough ordeal for any educator—four months of research, planning, collaboration, and implementation to prepare and present a classroom lesson on new curriculum. What if this challenging objective is an assignment for youngsters?

May 21, 2013

That was the case when 131 anxious fifth-grade students at Rosa Parks Elementary School walked onto the school campus the morning of April 23 prepared to assume a new, untested role—that of teacher.

In an assignment meant to truly engage students in authentic learning, the “Fifth-Grade Exhibition” project started months back when students chose research topics of personal interest based on a “Sharing the Planet” theme. The April 23 event brought the project to fruition when classrooms were transformed into learning labs, the culminating project for the school’s International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, part of the rigorous course of study offered at Rosa Parks to provide students the opportunity to relate classroom activities to real world views and issues.

To make topics real and personal, students looked at how choices impact us and our environment, and examined ways to make a difference in the world around them. They visited animal shelters and homeless shelters, wrote letters to people directly involved with projects like hurricane relief, and conducted interviews with community members on such varied topics as endangered species, animal cruelty, homelessness, obesity, Wounded Warriors, and pollution.

Throughout the planning phase, students took charge of their learning and personally directed their own projects, creating videos and presentations, raising money for the Red Cross, sharing public service announcements on the morning news, developing Web sites and pamphlets to raise awareness, and creating books to donate to the school library. Teachers acted as guides and cheerleaders.

On the final day, students presented on their chosen topics four different times and in a variety of ways to every member of the school and even some parents. Student-learners witnessed experiments, skits, videos, Jeopardy-style games, and PowerPoint presentations.

After sharing all their hard-won knowledge with their school community, the tired understudies beamed with pride as they reflected on their accomplishment. 

“When something looks really hard and you keep trying, you eventually can do it and it is such a great feeling.”
 

May 20, 2013

So says Isabel Tillet, Coles Elementary School student and proud member of the school’s Step Team. Led by second-grade teacher Shakira Townsend, Tillet and her teammates practice each Wednesday afternoon and perform at a variety of events throughout the school year, including a recent opening performance at the school’s diversity night event.

“I didn’t think I would be able to do something so hard, but it was a surprise to me how quickly I caught on,” student Sarah Carcamo added.

Stepper India Williams starts the routine off with a loud and confident call; a hint to the audience to brace themselves for an experience of focus, expression, and musical dynamics. Step is a percussive dance form thought to have African cultural origins and involves movements like foot stomping, thigh slapping, and clapping, using the body as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sound. There are many movements such as the front row moving to the back row and weaving in and out of line with a steady tempo and beat. At first glance, the routines look daunting, particularly for youngsters.

“It’s all about listening for the rhythm and beat,” says Townsend. “Once that is achieved then the members come together as a team.”

Realizing their abilities and achieving such intricate dance movements has led to a great sense of accomplishment for students who are sometimes intimidated in groups or classroom settings.

“I never thought I would be able to get in front of people to dance,” shared Jessica Sealy. “My face would get so red if I even raised my hand in class.”

Building confidence that carries over into the classroom is the best bonus students gain from participating in an already positive and enjoyable program. Giving students an opportunity to develop the characteristics held by confident scholars helps lead to their willingness to try new things, initiate activities, and to the development of problem-solving skills, all key for future academic success.

Townsend says, “You can just see their self-esteem grow and that confidence from accomplishing the routine spills over into the classroom.” Fourth-grade teacher Calandra Porter assists with the Step Team.

The PWCS Special Education Parent Resource Center (PRC) will host "Working with Challenging Behaviors" on Monday, June 10, from 7-9 p.m., at the Muriel Humphrey Center, 13505 Hillendale Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22193.

Presenting will be Kelly Givens, M.Ed., who has been a special education teacher and behavior specialist for 21 years and is now an educational diagnostician in private practice at THRIVE in Stafford, VA. She has taught several behavior workshops for educators and was a trainer for the HANDLE WITH CARE program. Her experience lies in working with children experiencing behavioral challenges. This workshop will provide strategies for working with children who demonstrate challenging behaviors and real tools that can be used right away will be emphasized.    

There is no charge for attending the session; however preregistration is required and attendance is limited to 65 seats. No walk-in registrations will be admitted. To preregister, or for childcare, contact Jan Russell at 703.670.4800, ext. 225, or email jrussell@arcgpw.org by Wednesday, June 5. Sign or foreign language interpreter services are available upon request. To request an interpreter, please contact the Parent Resource Center at 703.791.8846 or email bamaher@pwcs.edu or howartmj@pwcs.edu by Monday, June 3.

 

See additional information: English, Spanish or visit the PRC Events Calendar.

May 17, 2013

 

Kaitlyn Rhyne, a senior at Woodbridge High School and member of the schools’ Center for Fine and Performing Arts theatre program, has been nominated for “Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Play” for the annual Cappie Awards. Her nomination is for her performance in the theatre’s production of Cyrano where she played the titular character, which is traditionally played by a male. Director and theatre teacher Terri Caretti directed the play with the main roles gender-swapped.

The Cappies, "Critics and Awards Program," is a program through which high school theatre and journalism students are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers like The Washington Post.

At the end of the year, the student critics vote for awards that are presented at a formal Cappies Gala, which will be held this year on June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

 

May 17, 2013

Saving pennies to help others spurred students at Gainesville Middle School to collect $5,069.54 in pennies over three weeks in the “Pennies for Patients” annual drive for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

 

“Students have embraced the idea of being helpful and showing they care about others,” said Catherine Schumacher, RN, school nurse at Gainesville Middle School.

May 17, 2013

 

May 8, 2013 was National Bike to School Day, but the rain forced Rockledge Elementary School to postpone its observance by a week. The delay didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of students, parents, and staff. Bicyclists could be seen all over the Rockledge community on Monday, May 13, as they traveled to and from school using this non-standard mode of transportation. Students and several parents participated in the school’s first experience of this event to get families excited about walking and bicycling to school.

 

Bike to School Day was Rockledge Elementary's second event this school year which provided an opportunity to teach students about bike safety and encourage them to engage in biking to improve their physical fitness and wellness. In October, Rockledge students were invited to participate in the school’s annual BMX Bike Rodeo.

 

Rick Holt, volunteer for Prince William County Trails and Blueways Council, assisted in obtaining a mini-grant to provide resources to encourage students to walk and bike to school. Earlier in the school year, the Rockledge community also participated in International Walk to School Day. For the Bike to School Day, Rockledge participants received reflective stickers, bike activity sheets, bike skills passports, and informational pamphlets on the topic of bike safety. Students signed a special banner recognizing them for their participation in the event.

 

Supervisor Mike May, the Occoquan District's Board of County Supervisors representative, supported and encouraged the event and made a special appearance to greet students upon their arrival to school on May 13. Rick Holt not only made an appearance but biked to Rockledge all the way from his home seven miles away from the school.

 

“Mr. Holt is a role model for students as he often bikes to work which means a 20-mile commute,” said Rockledge Principal Amy Schott.

 

In physical education class, teacher Karin Martin reviewed bike safety with students and also reminded the children how biking or walking instead of driving helps to reduce pollution and our over-burdened Northern Virginia roadways.

 

“The Bike to School Day event was such a success that we are considering allowing and encouraging students to bike to school daily next school year,” Schott said.

William G. Bixby, former principal of Bull Run Middle School, will lead county’s middle schools beginning July 1.

May 16, 2013

Veteran PWCS administrator William G. Bixby will join the Superintendent’s staff as Associate Superintendent for Middle Schools on July 1. He brings to this position 25 years of experience as a middle school and high school administrator and teacher. He has been principal of Gar-Field since 2009; opened and was principal of Bull Run Middle School for eight years; and served as assistant principal at Stonewall Jackson High School for three years.

While leading Bull Run Middle School and Gar-Field High School, Bixby implemented best practices that help support the needs of students and has been a presenter at national, state, and local conferences on discipline, grading, and remediation. Bixby joined the School Division in 1988 as a social studies teacher at Stonewall Jackson High School. He was also Social Studies Department Chair and International Baccalaureate coordinator at Stonewall.

Bixby embraces a standards-based approach to instruction and assessment. Under his leadership at Bull Run Middle School disciplinary referrals decreased by more than 25 percent, earning the school national recognition.

In recognition of his transformative approach to education, Bixby has received numerous awards for leadership throughout his career. These awards include Outstanding Achievement, School of Excellence, and Model School Counseling Program at Bull Run; and Supportive Administrator of the Year and Virginia Outstanding Teacher of American History at Stonewall Jackson.

Bixby received his Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Delaware and earned a master’s in American history from the University of Maryland at College Park. He later received his administrative endorsement from the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia.

Associate Superintendent for Middle Schools C. Pat Puttre is retiring after 29 years.

May 16, 2013

 

 

May 16, 2013

Adults who have not completed high school and are interested in obtaining a General Educational Development (GED) Certificate can take the Official GED Practice Test free of charge, a savings of $10, on Monday, June 3 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:15 p.m.). The Official Practice Test will be administered at the Prince William County Public Schools Adult Learning Center Building 4, 14800 Joplin Road, Manassas, VA 20112. This test takes approximately four hours to complete and helps determine readiness to take the GED Test.

Student achievement is a team effort when education advocates support PWCS classrooms.

May 16, 2013

Student achievement and school success is a team effort. When community organizations are education advocates who put forward resources to reach PWCS classrooms, it makes student lessons authentic and sparks imagination and excitement. The incorporation of community partnerships into its Strategic Plan demonstrates PWCS’ commitment to building and maintaining the more than 1,000 school-to-business partnerships throughout its School Division to the benefit of student learning.

 

The PWCS Office of Community and Business Engagement salutes the top school-to-business partnerships of the 2012–13 school year. Partnership winners are the Apple Federal Credit Union Education Foundation, Dollar Tree, the Fraternal Order of Police Battlefield Lodge #43, and Volunteer Prince William. All winners were recognized before the Prince William County School Board on Wednesday, May 15.

 

The Fraternal Order of Police Battlefield Lodge #43 and Volunteer Prince William are devoted nonprofit organizations who provide assistance to students and families through programs such as Santa Cop and Un-Trim-a-Tree.

 

Apple Federal Credit Union Education Foundation provides support and resources to the PWCS students, faculty, and staff through many initiatives including, 12 student-run credit unions in middle and high schools, sponsorships and volunteer work through SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS, and support and funding of PWCS Connect, the new teacher orientation.

 

Dollar Tree has provided students who have intellectual disabilities the opportunity to transition from school to work, while offering valuable employment skills and hands-on work experience through the vocational studies program at Osbourn Park High School.

 

School-to-business partnerships are nominated for the PWCS Business Partnership Award each year by Division partnership coordinators and school staff. Partners of the Office of Community and Business Engagement then volunteer to help select the final winners.

May 15, 2013

School Board Vice Chairman Dr. Michael Otaigbe (Coles) has been named the recipient of the Excellence in Education Award from the Omicron Zeta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. The award recognizes Dr. Otaigbe for his significant contributions in Prince William County and the Northern Virginia area to furthering the goals of education, including implementing positive change within the community and families.

Dr. Otaigbe is serving his third term on the Prince William County School Board. He is past chair of the Northern Virginia Community College Technical Program; past vice president of the Citizens Police Academy; and a member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. He is Dean of the Woodbridge Campus of Strayer University.

A graduate of Strayer University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, Dr. Otaigbe earned a Master of Arts in economics from The Catholic University and a doctorate degree in sociology from The American University.

May 15, 2013

Osbourn Park Special Education teacher Lydia Stewart has been named Teacher of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1503 and by the 10^th District Veterans of Foreign Wars. The award recognizes her commitment to the well being of youth and dedication to community service.
 

 

May 14, 2013

 

The PWCS Special Education Parent Resource Center (PRC) and The Arc of Greater Prince William will co-host "Unwrapping the Gifts of AD/HD" from 7–9 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, at the Muriel Humphrey Center, 13505 Hillendale Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22193

 

 

Presenter: Voted “Top Doc” for Children’s Behavioral Health by Richmond Magazine, ADHD Natural Doctor, Dr. Eric Etka, is certified in the SHINE (Special Help Integrating the Neurological Experience) Protocol developed by Dr. Ned Hallowell, the first multi-discipline natural approach to solving the puzzle of ADHD. 

 

 

There is no charge for attending the session; however preregistration is required and attendance is limited to 65 seats. No walk-in registrations will be admitted. To preregister, or for childcare, contact Jan Russell at 703.670.4800, ext. 225, or email jrussell@arcgpw.org.

Individuals requiring accommodations, such as sign or foreign language interpreter services, are asked to preregister by contacting the PRC at 703.791.8846 (Voice), or email bamaher@pwcs.edu or howartmj@pwcs.edu by May 23.

 

 

See the flyer for additional information: English, Spanish or visit the PRC Events Calendar.  

 

 

 

May 14, 2013

During May, Prince William County elementary schools will send home a letter from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) providing information on human papillomavirus (HPV) and the human papillomavirus vaccine. State law requires this information be provided to parents of rising sixth-grade girls. The letter from Dr. Cynthia Romero, state health commissioner, is written in English and Spanish and, for the fourth consecutive year, includes answers to the most frequently asked questions.

 

The HPV vaccine series, which is administered in three evenly-spaced doses, is optional for female students. The first dose must be given before the child enters sixth grade. Unlike other required vaccines, after reviewing materials provided by the Virginia Board of Health, the parent or guardian may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

 

Shots may be obtained from a doctor, military clinics, or the Prince William County Health Department. Contact information for the Prince William County Health Department is: 9301 Lee Avenue, Manassas VA 20110, 703.792.6301, and 13792 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge VA 22191, 703.792.7300.

 

Parents should review their child’s shot record and contact their child’s doctor or local health department if they have questions. Parents may also contact Dr. Sandra Sommer, Division of Immunization, Virginia Department of Health, at 804.864.8055, or Sandra.sommer@vdh.virginia.gov; or Tia Campbell, Office of Student Services, Virginia Department of Education, at 804.786.8671, or Tia.campbell@doe.virginia.gov.

 

A complete list of all immunizations required for school entry is available in “School & Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements” from the Virginia Department of Health.

Kimberly Werle, currently principal of Bristow Run ES, has been named principal of Loch Lomond ES for 2013-14.

Mark Boyd, currently principal of Leesylvania ES, has been name principal of Westridge ES for 2013-14.

Congratulations.

May 10, 2013

Like fine art? Then you will want to head over to the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the evening of Thursday, May 30 to view the original work of celebrated artist Vincent DiPaolo, who is also a Godwin Middle School art teacher. His work includes pieces in egg tempura, oil, acrylic, watercolor, aquatint, ink drawing, and lithograph. The event will be held in the Didlake Grand Foyer from 5:30–8:30 p.m. and will include a performance by the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Sixty percent of the proceeds from the sale of artwork will benefit SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS. RSVP to Brittany Hoffman in the Office of Community and Business Engagement and SPARK at hoffmabx@pwcs.edu or 703.791.8003. For additional details, visit the SPARK Web site.

May 10, 2013

 

AJ Ross, an eighth-grader at Gainesville Middle School for the Arts and Sciences, wants to be an architect. He spelled out his dream in a plan and report and entered a scholarship contest sponsored by BrainstormUSA. He won the top prize for placing first nationally, a $5,000 college scholarship, and the school will receive two CSI multi-media computers and educational software.

 

Two other students at Gainesville Middle School will also receive prizes. Scott Hutchison, who wants to be a military pilot, and Sahar Khoury, who dreams of being a magazine editor, both won second place, also at the national level.

 

Gainesville Middle School Career Investigations Teacher Karen Powers oversees the BrainstormUSA program, “Dare to Dream….Expect to Succeed,” implemented by Principal Sally MacLean. Students research their career goal and present a written and oral report.

 

School Board Meeting Agenda Available

 

May 10, 2013

 

The agenda for the May 15 School Board meeting may be viewed online from the School Division’s home page at pwcs.edu. Click on Leadership at the top of the page; select the School Board link, then Electronic SchoolBoard to see agendas that are posted one week in advance of meetings. Agenda items and materials are subject to change up to the time of the meetings. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the School Board Meeting Room, 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas. Agendas for School Board meetings

 

Chairman At-Large Milton C. Johns, Betty D. Covington (Potomac), and Gil Trenum (Brentsville) will convene to review up to four cases at a disciplinary hearing scheduled for May 22.

 

5 p.m.              Dinner (Business partners and SPARK Recognition)

6 p.m.              Closed Session Meeting

7 p.m.              Public Meeting

 

5 p.m.              Dinner

6 p.m.              Disciplinary Hearing Committee

 

5 p.m.              Dinner

6 p.m.              Superintendent’s Evaluation

 

Regularly scheduled public meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month are streamed live on www.pwcstv.com and broadcast live on PWCS-TV, Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Channel 36. Past meetings are also available for viewing via video on demand at www.pwcstv.com.

 

Individuals who wish to address the School Board under Citizens’ Time may notify the Board clerk in advance in writing at P.O. Box 389, Manassas, VA 20108; by phone at 703.791.8709; or by email at pwcsclerk@pwcs.edu by noon on the day of the meeting. Individuals may also sign up in the School Board meeting room prior to 6:55 p.m. on the evening of the meeting.

 

May 9, 2013

George Mason University (Mason) is offering a cohort program for Prince William County Public School (PWCS) employees who hold bachelor’s degrees. The Special Education cohort offers the opportunity to obtain licensure in teaching students with disabilities who access the general curriculum, plus a master’s degree in special education. (See the link above for additional details.)

Information sessions, scheduled on May 20 (in room 2002/04) and June 12 (in the atrium) at 4 p.m. at the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center, will provide information about the program.

The cohort is open to teachers or any PWCS employee who holds a bachelor’s degree. Mason personnel will be available to answer questions. Enrollment may begin at the first meeting. For more information or to register, email Sherley Channing at chaninsa@pwcs.edu, or call Joyce Elkins at 703.791.8318.

May 8, 2013

Glenkirk Elementary School in Gainesville raised $10,215.34 this year, making the school first in the National Capital Area and more than doubling their total from last year. Online giving and checks helped them make the dramatic increase in giving. Classes competed to see which class could raise the most and results were announced each week to keep everyone motivated. Glenkirk will give “angel bracelets” to the class at each grade level that had the highest amount of donations.  

As Glenkirk Principal, Lisa Gilkerson, said, “I am always touched by the caring and support of our students, parents, and community.”  

Students and staff were all inspired by fifth grade teacher Deborah Moore’s six-year-old granddaughter who is being treated for leukemia and has recently been able to return to class at the school she attends in another state. Asked what Pennies for Patients means to her, Moore got tears in her eyes as she said, “A saved life. The research means that Charly has the treatment that works for her.”

“Glenkirk is a giving community. Everyone works together and I am always amazed at the generosity of our families,” said Janet Pennington, Coordinator of the drive and school counselor. 

According to colleague and co-coordinator Beth Anderson, “The Pennies for Patients program aligns with our character education program and allows the students to put into practice two of the six pillars of character, caring and citizenship.” 

Glenkirk will recognize the top classes that raised money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at an assembly in May.

 

June 1: Parent Portal registration will be closed June 1 for parents who do not yet have a Parent Portal user account. If parents who registered in May do not receive their new user login by June 1, they must re-register in July when the registration process goes back online. To see more details about how parents can register for a user account, go the Parent Portal Information Page.

 

For parents who already have a Parent Portal account, the ability to edit your Parent Portal contact information online will be disabled and no further edits will be accepted after June 1. However parents may visit the school office to update their contact information in person. Parents and students will be able to view grades, attendance and contact information up to June 30. Edit capability will be back online in late August (date to be announced.)

June 30:
Parent Portal will go offline. Parents and students will no longer be able to view grades, attendance and contact information on Parent Portal. Summer school grades will not be posted on the Parent Portal. 
 

July: During the month of July school Web sites will continue to be available for parents and students to access 2012-13 class Web pages and summer assignment information until August 13.

July 29: Parents who currently have a Parent Portal user account can logon and view their contact information.

 

August 13: Class Web pages will be temporarily unavailable for students and parents. This is in order to begin the process of creating the 2013-14 classroom Web pages. More information will be announced in August about accessing the Parent Portal and School Web sites for 2013-14.

August 23: Parents can register for new user Parent Portal user accounts if they do not currently have one. Parents who already have a Parent Portal user account will be able to edit their contact information.

May 20, 2012

Video productions promoting bat conservation, the importance of wetlands, and a student cooking contest have garnered awards for the PWCS Office of Media Production Services in the 2013 Hermes Creative Awards program.

“Bats Live Bracken Cave” received a Gold Award; “Chef Club Showdown,” a series of podcasts on middle school cooking clubs with a final live cook-off episode,” won a Platinum Award; and “Wetlands Live—Wading into Wetlands, received Honorable Mention.

Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media. Hermes Creative Awards recognize outstanding work in the industry while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals.

 

May 8, 2013

Elizabeth (Betsy) Young, supervisor of PWCS School Social Workers, was honored by the Prince William Area Child Protection Partnership (CPP) at its annual luncheon in April. Young was among more than two dozen individuals representing police, fire and rescue, social services, and juvenile court services for their commitment to the safety and well being of children.

Young has worked to protect children for almost 20 years. She has been instrumental in the establishment of a system to manage child abuse referrals from 92 public schools. She arranges staff trainings with partner agencies and has been an active member of the CPP and Healthy Communities∙Healthy Youth Council. Young assisted in the revision of the PWCS Child Abuse policy and regulation, refined the Comprehensive Child Study program to maximize efforts, and established accountability for all social workers.

“She is a valuable member of the Student Services team and openly shares her expertise and caring attitude,” said Carolyn Custard, director of Student Services.

May 8, 2013

 

 

Across Prince William, schools hold a lot of activity beyond the school day. According to data maintained by the Office of Risk Management and Security Services, over a year’s time, more than 242,000 events or meetings are booked at county schools, apart from school activities. Boy and Girl Scouts schedule nearly 14,000 meetings or events in approximately 73 Division schools, and 82 homeowner’s associations hold more than 500 meetings in nearly 40 schools. Churches and faith ministries used schools about 4,600 times last year.

 

Reserving space in a county school is an easy process, said Tiffany Minor, facilities use specialist in the Office of Risk Management and Security Services. “We are happy to reserve space for the community when available and at times that do not conflict with school activities,” Minor said.

 

To reserve a room in a school for an event, organizers can go to the Web site for community use of schools and facilities and follow the detailed instructions for registering. The Risk Management Web site includes a fee schedule and a link to “Frequently Asked Questions.” Use by outside groups does require adequate insurance and registrations can take a bit of time to process; so groups should plan ahead.

 

Through a cooperative agreement with the School Division, the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation handles requests for use of school grounds for recreational activities or athletic groups such as sports leagues.

 

“The heavy usage showcases a great benefit to the people of Prince William County,” says Keith Imon, associate superintendent for Communications and Technology Services. “Not only are local kids getting a World-Class Education, the entire community is getting to enjoy the World-Class facilities.”

 

Contact Minor if you have any questions at 703.791.7435 or minortd@pwcs.edu.

 

May 7, 2013

Behind a World-Class Educational system such as PWCS is a multitude of dedicated professionals who keep the School Division running smoothly. Such is the case with the staff in the Office of Financial Services, which has received recognition this year for its comprehensive annual financial report.
 

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to PWCS for the comprehensive annual financial report. This is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. The GFOA also presented an award of Financial Reporting Achievement to Lisa Thorne, supervisor of Accounting Services, Patti Townsend, grants accountant, Maria Cavin, accountant, and John Wallingford, director of Financial Services, for this achievement.

 

May 7, 2013

 

The Prince William County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road in Manassas.

 

Citizens interested in attending a meeting or seeing the meeting schedule are asked to visit the Special Education Advisory Program Web page or call 703.791.7287 for additional information. Check with building staff on site for the specific meeting room location.

May 7, 2013

 

The Prince William County Public Schools Gifted Education Advisory Committee will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kelly Leadership Center.

 

Citizens interested in attending a meeting or seeing the meeting schedule are asked to visit the Gifted Education Advisory Committee Web page or call 703.791.7400 for additional information. Check with building staff on site for the specific meeting room location.

May 7, 2013

Need help making sure your elementary-age child stays sharp over the summer? Curious about how to smooth the transition to high school for your middle-schooler? How about a few tips on helping your teen prepare for his future and study for final exams?

Assistance with these challenges and more is at your fingertips in monthly newsletters available on the PWCS Student Services Web page.

The newsletters are published by The Parent Institute in Spanish and English at the elementary, middle, and high school levels to help parents take an active role in their child’s education.

Do you have a student attending Gar-Field High School for the first time next year? Gar-Field High School will host an Open House for the Class of 2017 parents and students on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 from 7 PM - 9 PM. Come and have your questions about high school answered. Tours and sessions will also be offered every30 minutes. For more information, contact Ms. Del Cid at 703.730.7000 or Ms. Carmichael at 703.730.7117.   

May 3, 2013

Joshua Miller, currently director of school counseling at Forest Park High School, has been appointed Assistant Principal of Patriot High School for the 2013-14 school year. 

Congratulations.

May 2, 2013

Parkside Middle School Eighth-Grader Alixandra Tenorio is Virginia’s SunWise with SHADE Poster Contest Winner

 

A poster created by Parkside Middle School student Alixandra Tenorio was chosen from among many impressive entries as the winner for Virginia in the Sunwise with SHADE  (sun safety program) National Poster Contest. As the state winner, Tenorio will receive a digital camera and have her poster move on to compete with the other state-winning posters in the national contest. This is the third consecutive year that a student from Parkside Middle School has been selected as the state winner.

 

You’ll need to know that Alixandra is in eighth grade and the codes…

Unlock code: shade
School code: vote13

Or you can visit the Shade Foundation of America to learn more, link to the voting there, and view the full list of winners, to be posted on May 10.

 

The national winner will be determined through online voting open to everyone. Help Alixandra win a trip to Disney World for her and her family.

 

Schools may use this code to let every student vote. Individuals may use this code as well. There is no sign up or registration required to vote.

 

June 1: Parent Portal registration will be closed June 1 for parents who do not yet have a Parent Portal user account. If parents who registered in May do not receive their new user login by June 1, they must re-register in July when the registration process goes back online. To see more details about how parents can register for a user account, go the Parent Portal Information Page.

 

For parents who already have a Parent Portal account, the ability to edit your Parent Portal contact information online will be disabled and no further edits will be accepted after June 1. However parents may visit the school office to update their contact information in person. Parents and students will be able to view grades, attendance and contact information up to June 30. Edit capability will be back online in late August (date to be announced.)

June 30: Parents and students will no longer be able to view grades, attendance and contact information on Parent Portal. Summer school grades will not be posted on the Parent Portal.

 

July: During the month of July school Web sites will continue to be available for parents and students to access 2012-13 class Web pages and summer assignment information until August 13.

 

August 13: Class Web pages will be temporarily unavailable for students and parents. This is in order to begin the process of creating the 2013-14 classroom Web pages. More information will be announced in August about accessing the Parent Portal and School Web sites for 2013-14.

April 30, 2013

The May 2013 public meetings of the Prince William County School Board will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 and May 15 in the School Board Meeting Room, 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas. Agendas for School Board meetings may be viewed online from the School Division’s home page at pwcs.edu. Click on Leadership at the top of the page; select the School Board link, then Electronic SchoolBoard to see agendas that are posted one week in advance of meetings. Agenda items and materials are subject to change up to the time of the meetings.

 

Chairman At-Large Milton C. Johns, Betty D. Covington (Potomac), and Gil Trenum (Brentsville) will convene to review up to four cases at a disciplinary hearing scheduled for May 22.

 

5 p.m.              Dinner

6 p.m.              Closed Session Meeting

7 p.m.              Public Meeting

 

5 p.m.              Dinner (Business partners and SPARK Recognition)

6 p.m.              Closed Session Meeting

7 p.m.              Public Meeting

 

5 p.m.              Dinner

6 p.m.              Disciplinary Hearing Committee

 

5 p.m.              Dinner

6 p.m.              Superintendent’s Evaluation

 

Regularly scheduled public meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month are streamed live on www.pwcstv.com and broadcast live on PWCS-TV, Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Channel 36. Past meetings are also available for viewing via video on demand at www.pwcstv.com.

 

Individuals who wish to address the School Board under Citizens’ Time may notify the Board clerk in advance in writing at P.O. Box 389, Manassas, VA 20108; by phone at 703.791.8709; or by email at pwcsclerk@pwcs.edu by noon on the day of the meeting. Individuals may also sign up in the School Board meeting room prior to 6:55 p.m. on the evening of the meeting.

April 30, 2013

Nicholas Cooper and Heather Asca, seniors at Osbourn Park High School, have been selected to receive Centennial Scholarships from James Madison University (JMU). Funded through grants, this scholarship covers the full costs to attend JMU, including tuition, fees, and room and board for four years for incoming freshman.

The Centennial Scholars Program (CSP) students must first be admitted to JMU before consideration for the CSP, which includes a separate application and interview process. In addition to qualifying academically, Virginia students are considered for demonstrating aptitude and interest in the program’s activities, which include community service and other social contributions.

If you are the recipient of a full scholarship and would like to submit information for addition to this listing, please email tilgnerk@pwcs.edu.

April 26, 2013

For the third straight year, Pennington Traditional School students have earned the right to represent PWCS and Virginia at the National History Day competition. Eighth-graders Charlie Nelson, Sam Case and Ryan Whiteley have advanced through regional and state level competitions to capture the honor. Facultyadvisors Marsha Weiss, gifted education teacher, and Anh Khochareun, teacher assistant, led the students through a six-month journey to complete their projects and prepare for competition.

Nelson won first place and the General Douglass MacArthur Foundation Military History Award for his exhibit, “A Strike Back,” in the state level History Day competition held April 20 in Williamsburg. The exhibit describes the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor which brought America into World War II. Further, it illustrates that Americans were in fear for their lives and demoralized from the attack. Upon a request from President Roosevelt, the Army and Navy worked together to plan a mission that would drop bombs over Tokyo. Brave Navy pilots risked their lives in what is now known as the Doolittle Raid which had World War II military consequences and shifted morale. 

Sam Case and Ryan Whiteley secured their invitation to the National History Day Competition by capturing second place during the Virginia event. Their entry in the Junior Web Site category is entitled, “A Dire Decision,” describing the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history. Some people believe it was a matter of tank power that decided the outcome. In reality, the turning point was Hitler delaying the decision to attack for two months, as the students described the event.

National History Day is a year-long educational program designed for students in grades 6–12. Throughout the school year, students conduct research of primary and secondary resources in order to prepare presentations based on an annual theme. This year students incorporated the 2013 theme, “Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events,” into research papers, exhibits, documentaries, Web sites and performances to win top honors. The program culminates in a series of contests held at the regional, state, and national levels.

The National History Day event is scheduled to take place June 9-13 at the University of Maryland, College Park. The History Channel® will webcast the NHD awards ceremony live from the Comcast Center at the University of Maryland between 8:30–11:30 a.m. ET on June 13.

April 26, 2013

Beyond the time Prince William County School Board members spend in meetings, their calendars fill with school events. Spring is generally one of the busiest times of the year, and this year is no different. Below are lists of events which will draw School Board members, and names of those members who plan to attend as of this date. This list is not inclusive and does not reflect the individual schedules of all School Board members.

 

 

May 8, 7 p.m.                     Gar-Field High School Department Awards Night

                                                Chairman At-Large Milton C. Johns

                                                Mrs. Lisa E. Bell (Neabsco)

                                                Mrs. Lillie G. Jessie (Occoquan)

 

May 14, 9:30 a.m.             Groundbreaking Ceremony for “Haymarket Drive Elementary School”

                                                Chairman At-Large Milton C. Johns

                                                Mrs. Lisa E. Bell (Neabsco)

                                                Mrs. Lillie G. Jessie (Occoquan)

                                                Mrs. Alyson A. Satterwhite

 

May 21, 6 p.m.                 Saluting Our Stars Recognition Event for Staff and Students

                                                Patriot High School

                                                All School Board members are expected to attend          

 

May 31, 6:30 p.m.            School of Practical Nursing Graduation Ceremony, Osbourn Park High School

                                                Chairman At-Large Milton C. Johns

 

 

                                               

 

 

 

April 26, 2013

VA Delegate David Ramadan presented Gravely Elementary School Principal Michele Salzano and the entire school a copy of House Resolution No. 557 to Principal Michele Salzano. The resolution was an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for the school’s commitment to its students.

“I am pleased to recognize the staff, students, principal and everyone at Gravely for being an organization that goes out of its way to serve the community,” Ramadan said. 

Jarcelynn M. Hart, associate superintendent for western elementary schools, and Salzano expressed gratitude to Ramadan for the recognition.

Photo: Del. David Ramadan, students, withYoung, Jarcelynn Hart, (back row from l.) Mr. Chip Young, Mr. Mike Eiden, Mr. Todd Mercer, Michele Salzano, Jarcelynn Hart.

April 25, 2013

 

The following graduation dates, times, and locations have been announced for Prince William County Public Schools high school, summer school, practical nursing program, and adult education students. Events scheduled at Jiffy Lube Live Pavilion and the Patriot Center are subject to change. Members of the Prince William County School Board are expected to attend many of these events.

 

April 24, 2013

Battlefield High School senior Hannah T. Schwennesen is among approximately 1,000 talented high school seniors from across the United States who will receive a $2,500 scholarship in the corporate-sponsored 2013 National Merit® program. She was named in September as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.

 

Schwennesen earned the Merit Scholar title on the basis of her abilities, accomplishments, and personal attributes considered important for success in rigorous college studies. She qualified for the honor through her outstanding score on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test. In addition her scholarship application included an essay and information about her participation and leadership in school and community activities.

 

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is famous for having a highly competitive scholarship program, with the level of semifinalist or finalist one of the greatest academic achievements a student can reach. Schwennesen was chosen from among 15,000 outstanding finalists.

 

Her accomplishment will be recognized at the May “Saluting Our Stars” celebration.

Upon registering online, please be sure to indicate if your child will attend summer school or not, and that the summer school selection corresponds with the Central summer school locations listed on the registration for transportation purposes. Also see more information in the April SACC Newsletter.

Laser lights and music entertain visitors as they learn about the universe in the Irene V. Hylton Planetarium at Hylton High School. Shows are listed below. Stage effects, haze machines, and loud music are used in all shows. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Hylton High School’s main office Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. or are available the evening of any show at the planetarium box office. Seating is limited to 60 for each show so get your tickets early! Tickets are $10 per person. Please bring exact change (CASH ONLY). Hylton High School is located at14051 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge, VA 22193. Park in the main lot and enter the building through door #1. Email Tony Kilgore at kilgorae@pwcs.edu with questions.

 

 

Friday, April 19th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Pop
7:30 p.m. - Laser Magic
9 p.m. - Laser Metallica

Friday, April 26th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Mania
7:30 p.m. - Hypnotica
9 p.m. - Laser Zepplin

---

Tickets go on sale October 1, 2013

Friday, October 11th, 2013
6 p.m. - Fright Light
7:30 p.m. - Fright Light
9 p.m. - Fright Light (Louder & Scarier)

Friday, October 18th, 2013
6 p.m. - Fright Light
7:30 p.m. - Fright Light
9 p.m. - Fright Light (Louder & Scarier)

Friday, October 25th, 2013
6 p.m. - Fright Light
7:30 p.m. - Fright Light
9 p.m. - Fright Light (Louder & Scarier)

Tickets go on sale December 1, 2013

Friday, December 6th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Holidays
7:30 p.m. - Star of Bethlehem
9 p.m. - Laser Holidays

Friday, December 13th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Holidays
7:30 p.m. - Star of Bethlehem
9 p.m. - Laser Holidays

Friday, December 20th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Holidays
7:30 p.m. - Star of Bethlehem
9 p.m. - Laser Holidays

 

The PWCS summer program offers opportunities for remedial and new courses, as well as driver education and the arts. Summer school gives students a chance to catch up academically or to jump ahead in their classes or enrich their summer experiences.

Elementary and middle school students can attend a remedial program which is aligned with the school year curricula and focuses on language arts and math. Students will be taught core skills and strategies with activities that keep them engaged and interested.

High school students in grades 9–12 may take courses for new or repeat credit. With approval from the student’s home school administrator or designee, rising ninth-grade students (2012–13 current eighth grade students) may also take high school classes for course credit. Additionally, a two-week SOL Remediation course will be held for all end-of-course tests and the SOL will be administered at the end of the class. Hylton High School will offer the classroom component of driver education.

Young Picassos and Rembrandts are invited to explore “Artists in Our Community” in the annual PWCS Summer Art Enrichment program. The program is open to all local-area students currently in grades 2–8.

April 3, 2013

Osbourn Park High School Presents “Guys and Dolls”

Osbourn Park High School students will perform “Guys and Dolls.” Performances are on April 18, 19, and 20 with a 7:30 p.m. show time each night. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Ticket prices are $8 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. View more on the Osbourn High School Web site.

 

Woodbridge High School students in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts will present Rogers and Hammerstein's, “Oklahoma!” Popular songs like “Kansas City,” “Farmer and the Cowman,” “I Can't Say No,” and the title hit, “Oklahoma,” all derive from this show. More than 50 students make up the cast, crew, and orchestra pit for a show-stopping, rip-roaring production. Shows are April 11–April 13 at 7:30 p.m. The show costs $7 for students and $10 for the public. View more on the Woodridge High School Web site.


The Patriot Players will open their final show of the season, "Little Shop of Horrors" May 2-4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and will be sold at the door each evening beginning at 6:15 p.m.. Come sing along with Seymour and Audrey as they discover that love is stronger than fear.

"High School Musical Jr." at Woodbridge Middle School

Woodbridge Middle School students will perform their production of "High School Musical Jr." on April 25-27 at 7 p.m.

 

Please email Karla Tilgner at tilgnerk@pwcs.edu with additions to this list.

March 4, 2013

 

Enrollment for the summer session of the Virtual High School @ PWCS, the School Division’s online high school program, opens April 10. Register online by visiting their Web site at http://virtualhigh.schools.pwcs.edu.

The summer session will run June 24 to August 2, simultaneous with the regular summer school session. The Virtual High School’s complete program of 22 full credit courses are available. Tuition is $450 for every course except HPE II ($375). Register early as some classes fill up quickly.

Watch a video clip in which three students discuss how the Virtual High School helped them to reach their goals. From overcoming scheduling issues, to making up credits to help students graduate on time, the Virtual High School is a great part of our “World-Class” School Division. Led by highly qualified teachers proven in both real and virtual classroom settings, the courses are open to any ninth-twelfth grade student enrolled in an accredited Virginia school. More details about the program can be found on the Virtual High School @ PWCS Web site.

 

Get out and enjoy spring by participating in an outdoor event. The following are family-friendly events hosted by Prince William County Public Schools and PTO’s. If you have an additional school-sponsored event that is open to the community, please send information to tilgnerk@pwcs.edu.

 

 

 

Registration is now open for the 2013 Battlefield 5K Race. The race will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 23 and all proceeds will go to the Battlefield High School athletic training program. There will be a raffle at the finish for all entries. 

 

Sign up at www.signmeup.com/88625

 

Panther Pride 5K: April 6

 

On Saturday, April 6, Bristow Run Elementary School is holding the inaugural Panther Pride 5K celebrating global literacy. Proceeds from this event will support global awareness initiatives at Bristow Run such as literacy programs and a “Global Garden,” that focuses on the different crops and vegetation from the various regions of the world.

Visit http://www.pantherpride5k.org to learn more about how to donate or participate in this event.

The Henderson Elementary School Fifth Annual Henderson Husky 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and 5K will be held on Sunday, June 2. The 1 mile run/walk begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. For additional information and registration, go to Fifth Annual Henderson Husky 1 Mile Fun Run/5K

 

.

February 14, 2014

Following the recent severe weather across the county and the feedback received about message delivery, PWCS is taking steps to speed up delivery.  

If you have problems receiving email or text messages from PWCS E-News, start by checking your account to verify the details are accurate and up-to-date.  After that there are some steps to fix your delivery problems, many of which can only be fixed by the user.

One of the most common issues related to email delivery is the user’s mail server not allowing delivery from our servers because they have to “whitelist” our servers first. To help ensure email delivery from our system, please be sure to add PWCS_eNEWS@pwcs.edu to your address book or contact list.

“I am not receiving text messages, even though I have signed up.”

 

To ensure that you receive text messages, please complete the following steps after confirming that your cell phone number and wireless provider are properly entered and selected in your E-News account.

 

These steps will let our SMS provider know that you wish to receive messages in case your wireless provider has inactivated your account by default. It will also let you know if your provider is blocking the messages for some other reason:

 

1. Open a new blank text message on your phone. 

2. In the phone number field, type in the short code: 878787 

3. In the body of the text message, type in: START 

4. Hit send. 

5. Within a few seconds you should receive a message saying you have connected with us.

 

The message you should receive after sending the START message to 878787 is this:

 

“Messaging service by CELLTRUST reactivated. For help reply HELP, contact support@celltrust.com or call 1-888-515-5201”

 

If you do not get this message back, or a different error message was returned to you, we recommend calling your cell provider. There is a possibility that in your contracted plan, there is a block on short code use.  

 

You can manually request that they add the short code 878787 to your accepted SMS contacts. Just explain that this is the code for the text communications coming from your child’s school.

 

Still have questions? Send an email to PWCS_eNEWS@ezcommunicator.com.

February 13, 2013

 

A new elementary school in Haymarket is being designed and constructed under US Green Building Council guidelines. Among other elements of the program, the green building concept means that some recycled and recyclable construction materials are used. The School Board awarded a construction contract on February 6 for the school, adding 850 student seats to the rapidly growing area. The school, which is located near the intersection of Haymarket Drive and Mercury Avenue, is scheduled to open in September 2014.

 

The architect of the school, Moseley Architects, adapted the design plans used for Gravely Elementary School in Haymarket for the new site. Adapting existing designs reduces the cost of new construction. The lowest bidder on the elementary school was Scheibel Construction, at $18,788,000. Construction of the school is included in the Approved Capital Improvements Program, Fiscal Years 2013–22 which details the need for new construction, renewals of existing facilities, and the upgrading and maintenance of the School Division’s infrastructure.

 

Details on a groundbreaking ceremony will be announced in the spring.

Laser lights and music entertain visitors as they learn about the universe in the Irene V. Hylton Planetarium at Hylton High School. Shows are listed below. Stage effects, haze machines, and loud music are used in all shows. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Hylton High School’s main office Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. or are available the evening of any show at the planetarium box office. Seating is limited to 60 for each show so get your tickets early! Tickets are $10 per person. Please bring exact change (CASH ONLY). Hylton High School is located at14051 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge, VA 22193. Park in the main lot and enter the building through door #1. Email Tony Kilgore at kilgorae@pwcs.edu with questions.

 

 

Friday, April 19th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Pop
7:30 p.m. - Laser Magic
9 p.m. - Laser Metallica

Friday, April 26th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Mania
7:30 p.m. - Hypnotica
9 p.m. - Laser Zepplin

Tickets go on sale October 1, 2013

Friday, October 11th, 2013
6 p.m. - Fright Light
7:30 p.m. - Fright Light
9 p.m. - Fright Light (Louder & Scarier)

Friday, October 18th, 2013
6 p.m. - Fright Light
7:30 p.m. - Fright Light
9 p.m. - Fright Light (Louder & Scarier)

Friday, October 25th, 2013
6 p.m. - Fright Light
7:30 p.m. - Fright Light
9 p.m. - Fright Light (Louder & Scarier)

Tickets go on sale December 1, 2013

Friday, December 6th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Holidays
7:30 p.m. - Star of Bethlehem
9 p.m. - Laser Holidays

Friday, December 13th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Holidays
7:30 p.m. - Star of Bethlehem
9 p.m. - Laser Holidays

Friday, December 20th, 2013
6 p.m. - Laser Holidays
7:30 p.m. - Star of Bethlehem
9 p.m. - Laser Holidays

December 20, 2012

At its meeting on December 19, the School Board approved the 2013–14 school calendar. The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 3, 2013. The elementary school calendar features 182 days of instruction with 13 days of conferences or inservice/workdays for a total of 195 days. The middle and high school calendar features 183 days of instruction with 12 days of conferences or inservice/workdays to equal a 195-day-calendar. The last day of school for students will be Tuesday, June 17, 2014.

 

Holidays include Veterans Day (observed November 11), Thanksgiving (November 28), New Year’s Day Holiday (January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20), Presidents’ Day (February 17), and Memorial Day (May 26).

 

Students and teachers will attend a half-day on November 27 before beginning Thanksgiving break (November 28–29). Winter break for students and teachers is scheduled for December 23–31 followed by the New Year’s Day Holiday on January 1. Winter break for all employees is December 24 and 25. School will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2014.

 

Spring break for students and teachers runs from April 14–21. Spring break for all employees is April 17–18.

 

The annual school calendar is reviewed by employee groups, organizations, and councils prior to being submitted to the School Board for approval each December.

 

An orientation and induction program for new teachers will be held August 20–22, 2013. All teachers will report to their schools on August 26.

December 4, 2012

The following dates have been set for the Prince William County Public Schools 2013 Summer School Program:

 

 

The 2013 summer school information will be available on the Web site approximately mid-February 2013. Visit the Summer School Program Web page for more information as it becomes available.

 

Dates for the summer session of the Virtual High School @ PWCS (VHS), Prince William County’s online high school program, will run at the same time as the regular high school summer session listed above. Registration for VHS will open at the beginning of April after the spring break. Visit virtualhigh.schools.pwcs.edu for more information about VHS.

August 31, 2012

Under a new state law, all schools will have an EpiPen for emergency use if a student suffers an unanticipated allergic reaction. 

Parents of children with a known allergic condition must continue to provide the school nurse with EpiPens in the correct dosage and quantity needed to deal with their child’s medical needs. Also, parents of children with a known allergy must make certain that a current health plan is on file with the school nurse.

Keeping your child safe from allergy threats means making sure that their specific emergency needs can be met at all times. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the nurse professional at your child’s school. Remember the health and safety of our students is our top priority—and an important part of Providing a World Class Education at Prince William County Public Schools.

Want information about your child’s progress on homework and grades? Want to stay informed about classroom activities? Easy access to important communications is possible through the PWCS Parent Portal, found on all school Web sites.

 

Once a user is registered, Parent Portal allows parents and students to view student grades and attendance, edit student contact information, and login to the student’s school Web site. Parents who previously registered and received a user login for the Parent Portal last year can now go online to access and edit student contact information. 

Parents who have previously registered but want to add another child to Parent Portal because the child is a new school student this year, must contact that child's school. Also, the parent will need to go in person to that child's school to verify his or her identity as the parent.

 

Parents who are new to PWCS or who have not previously registered for a user account and received a login can now begin the process online. Go to your school Web site and select “Parent Portal Registration.” After you have registered online you will receive an email confirming your registration and asking you to come to your school to present your parent identification and a copy of the email you received. In-person registration is vital to protecting student privacy. Your school Web site will announce the dates and times you can visit your school to present your photo ID for verification. View more details.

Is your child learning to drive this year? Taking the PWCS driver education classes? Then you need to know about the state law that requires parents or guardians to get into the classroom with their child who is learning to drive. A 90-minute driver safety class is mandatory for parents whose children are enrolled in the driver education curriculum.

 

The driver safety class was designed by PWCS staff and is now the model for the state, incorporated in the Virginia “Partners for Safe Teen Driving” program. The session informs parents about state driving laws, covers techniques for coaching teens, empowers parents to assist their children in managing high-risk driving environments in the community, and offers other essential safety information. According to state data, teen drivers who have completed the PWCS driver education program have the lowest crash rate in Virginia.

 

Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend the program at the time their student is enrolled in the classroom driver education course. Please allow ample time for arrival to meetings. Doors will close at 7 p.m. and no one will be admitted after the doors have been closed. View the schedule of meetings.

June 25, 2012

Bell times for school year 2012–13 are listed below and on the PWCS Transportation Services Web page. All school bell times for the 2012–13 school year remain the same, with the exception of Antietam Elementary School which moved its schedule five minutes later for the start and ending of school. Bell times have also been added for the new school opening this fall, Reagan Middle School.

 

Generally, high schools will be in session from 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; middle schools from about 8:20 a.m.–2:50 p.m.; and elementary schools from approximately 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

 

The School Division continues to employ a three-tier system so that the same buses and drivers can be used to transport high school, middle school, and elementary school students in succession. “This system is the most efficient use of available transportation resources,” said Edward Bishop, director of Transportation Services.

 

 

 

 

 

New Dominion Alternative Education Center 7:30–1:30

Independent Hill                                                          8:45–2:45

PACE West (Gainesville School)                                  7:30–2:00

PACE East (Independent Hill)                                     7:30–2:00

7:30–12:00 (TH)

Woodbine Preschool

a.m.                                                                             8:45–12:00

p.m.                                                                             12:00–3:15

 

 

Love sports? You can’t play without concussion training. All middle and high school student athletes and their parents or guardians are required to complete an annual concussion training session before being allowed to try out for any Prince William County Public Schools sport, as mandated by state law (Virginia Code 22.1-271.5). All middle schools and high schools have scheduled face-to-face concussion training sessions for the 2012–13 school year. Check individual school Web sites or contact your child’s school to confirm session dates and times.

 

As there are sufficient differences in the way concussions will be handled at the middle school and high school levels, a parent having children in both middle and high school is required to attend both presentations.

 

Face-to-Face Training
Middle and high school parents and their children who are trying out for a sport for their first time in middle or high school or are new to PWCS must attend a face-to-face concussion training at their respective schools.

Online Training
Parents and students who have previously participated in a face-to-face concussion training are eligible to complete the online training to meet the concussion training requirements. The online training is expected to be available after July 15, 2012. Check the Athletics Web page for details after this date for details.

A concussion is a brain injury that is characterized by an onset of impairment of cognitive and/or physical functioning, and is caused by a blow to the head, face, or neck, or to the body that causes a sudden jarring of the head (e.g., being knocked to the ground). A concussion can occur with or without loss of consciousness.

 

Visit the Parent Resources Page on the Athletics Web Page for additional information and resources.