September 10, 2021 - Vol. 4, No. 12
 9/11 remembrance in PWCS
Saturday, September 11, marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. PWCS joins the nation in commemorating the victims of that fateful day and observing 9/11 as the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Sundial Memorial at Freedom High School commemorates victims of 9/11
 Freedom High School opened in 2004, just three years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. A 62-foot diameter walk-on sundial in front of the school was designed and constructed as a memorial for the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. Four plates on the face of the sundial mark the times the planes crashed, and etched in bricks that circle the sundial are the names of the 22 residents of Prince William County who died that day.
This ad supports SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS.
Brenstville District High School new student orientation helped make sure the Tigers were ready to roar!
Guided tours, a pep rally, a club and athletics fair, and laptop pickups made for a very busy day for new students at Brenstville District High School’s "New Student Welcome" event. Cheerleaders, student council members, athletes, and club members all came together to help the newest tigers get acclimated to their surroundings before the school year kicked off.
Parents also found the event helpful, as staff were on hand answering their questions about new policies and procedures. Many also enjoyed the opportunity to purchase school spirit wear.
“Brenstville is such a small tightly-knit school, I wanted to make sure I did all I could to create a welcoming environment,” shared Riley, a student volunteer who led tours for the incoming students.
Summer Governor's Schools and Academies offer intensive educational experiences for PWCS students
 |
|
PWCS was well-represented at this past summer's Residential Governor's Schools and Governor’s World Language Academies. Read more. |
Minnieville Elementary School students were #STEAMing this past summer
 Even in the summer, learning doesn’t take a break. Minnieville Elementary School students in grades K-5 had the opportunity to immerse themselves in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) activities this past summer. From projects on bacteria and mold spread, to designing and making buildings using gummies and toothpicks, students flexed their creativity and problem-solving skills to rise to the STEAM challenges teachers presented them with.
Patriot High School's Summer Bridge Academy closes the gap for new students
 Rising ninth grade along with other new students had the opportunity to experience Patriot High School before the school year officially began. The Summer Bridge Academy was a three-day program designed for students to get acclimated with high school and try out some of the electives offered at Patriot High.
News and Announcements
Coles Elementary School designated a National PTA school of excellence
 |
|
The National PTA has recognized Coles Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) as a PTA school of excellence. Read more. |
 |
|
Suicide Prevention Month
#BeThe1To Be There |
Week two of Suicide Prevention Month focuses on #BeThe1To Be There. Supporting a person in emotional distress can include physically sitting with them, being with them virtually, listening without judgment, or any other way that provides encouragement and assistance.
Why is “being there” important?
Since 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has promoted Preventing Suicide through Connectedness as a strategy for the prevention of suicidal behavior. Connectedness refers to a sense of being supported and belonging, whether by other individuals, family, or community organizations. To learn more about how to promote connectedness, visit the Office of Student Services Suicide Prevention Month page.
Help PWCS with StarTalk grant application - fill out student interest survey about Arabic, Russian learning opportunities
The PWCS World Language program is applying for a national grant called StarTalk, that, if awarded, would help fund the opportunity for select students to participate in a 2022 Summer Camp studying Arabic or Russian.
Read more about the grant in the beginning section of this student-interest survey.
Parents of interested students in grades 6-9 should complete the survey by September 17.
Results of the survey will provide preliminary data on student interest, needed as part of the grant proposal.
The School Board will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15
September 14 Family Engagement Session is open to families of English Learners students Title I, and/or Special Education students
Adults: Learn English, get your GED®, become Career Ready: Registration open now
Registration for fall PWCS Adult Education classes is underway. Learn English, prepare for the GED, earn a diploma, improve basic computer skills, prepare for citizenship, or earn certifications in retail customer service or Microsoft Office Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Virtual and in-person classes will be offered. In-person classes have limited seating. Call 703-791-7357, email adulted@pwcs.edu,or visit the Adult Education webpage for more information.
 |
|
Arena Stage offers first-of-its kind theatre experience for PWCS students and their families |
You're invited to a first-of-its-kind theater experience brought to you by Arena Stage, a not-for-profit regional theater based in Southwest Washington, D.C.
What: Live simulcast of the stage production "Toni Stone"
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday, September 26, 2021
Where: Nationals' Park in Washington, D.C.
"Toni Stone,” a play about the first African American woman to play in a men’s national baseball league, will beam live from Arena Stage theatre onto the Nationals’ Park jumbotron.
Visit this Arena Stage "Toni Stone" show link to reserve your tickets.
*Note: This performance contains strong language and is rated PG-13 for audiences.
 |
|
Information Technology Services will be performing routine maintenance on Sunday, September 12. Division-wide internet access, including the guest network, VPN access, and intranet will be affected. Cloud-based applications such as Outlook, Office 365, The Hub, and Canvas will be available outside of the PWCS network. |
Meet Vineeth Lagouit, new principal of Loch Lomond Elementary School
 Loch Lomond Elementary School begins the new school year with a new principal, Vineeth Lagouit. Lagouit comes to Loch Lomond Elementary having served as the assistant principal at Featherstone Elementary School.
Among her goals as the new principal is to increase community involvement.
“It's very important for parents to understand that they are a key partner in the child's education. We hope to host a lot more events to show case how parents can be more involved members of the school” shares Lagouit.
 PWCS proclaims September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
According to the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer, approximately 47 children per day - or 17,293 children per year - are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in the United States. PWCS supports our students, families, and loved ones who are suffering from this disease. Visit the Office of Student Services Childhood Cancer Awareness Month webpage for more information.
|
