February 17, 2022 - Vol. 4, No. 31
Schools show heart and kindness across the Division during Kindness Matters Week
While we celebrate kindness this week in PWCS, our schools are making kindness, empathy, inclusion, and acceptance a daily part of the positive climates and cultures they create.
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Here's a look at a few examples of kindness-focused initiatives and projects at Patriot High School, Potomac Shores Middle School, and Kerrydale Elementary School.
This ad supports SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS.
Kindness gives Springwoods Elementary School "wings"
Springwoods Elementary School is Virginia’s first World Kindness School. This designation was bestowed on Springwoods Elementary by the World Kindness Organization in October of 2018. The declaration states that kindness will always be at the forefront of the school’s decisions.
To display their commitment to kindness, each student at Springwoods had the opportunity to craft a feather declaring who they would show kindness to. The feathers were assembled together to create a giant "eagle wings" mural that is on display in the building reminding students and staff to lift each other up with kindness.
 Kindness round up - PWCS students and staff were spreading good vibes and...
Being kind is sweet. Students at Antietam Elementary School created a mural inspired by the sweethearts candy, complete with notes about why they love their school.
Kindness is a superpower. With fun costumes and capes, students and staff at Ashland Elementary School showed that their school is full of superheroes.
The Forest Park High School A Street Bruins spread love and kindness on Valentine's Day by handing out candy grams to staff throughout the school.
Members of the middle school leadership club at Pennington Traditional School wrote positive words of encouragement and passed them out to other students.
Inspired by artist James Goldcrown, students at Gainesville Middle School created a heart mural, featuring notes with ways to be kind to classmates, teachers, and family.
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... showing that kindness matters
The Marsteller Middle School men’s and women’s choirs visited Sinclair Elementary School for a musical show of kindness during a Valentine's Day concert.
Students were awarded coins for their shows of kindness at Mountain View Elementary with the classes earning the most coins enjoying lunch with Principal Adriane Harrison. The school's Student Council Association also led an amazing act of kindness for local animal shelters by collecting supplies for animals in need.
The Tyler Elementary School No Place for Hate club created an interactive mural to remind students and staff that kindness gives you wings.
At PACE West, Randi Giarrizzi's class read "Kindness is my Superpower," by Alicia Ortego, while Melissa Mansfield's class participated in a lesson on respect and treating others the way you want to be treated.
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Saunders Middle School students know animals need kindness too
 Ringo’s Saving Grace Donkey Rescue received a special surprise from the Saunders Middle School Equestrian Club — Students made delicious and healthy treats for this local nonprofit organization that works to find donkeys their forever homes.
Superintendent's message about Senate Bill 739
PWCS is reviewing and revising our mitigation strategies as necessary to be consistent with the new law requiring masking of students be the choice of parents. Details will be announced Friday. Read more in this message from Dr. LaTanya D. McDade.
OmniRide is offering PWCS students free fares through June 2022
OmniRide local buses have routes that serve several PWCS high schools, nearby shopping centers, and more. Students are invited to take advantage of FREE fares through June 2022.
For routes, stops, and more information, view the OmniRide information on the SPARK website.
Virginia Department of Education seeks community input on 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) requests your input by February 28 on the current Mathematics Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework.
Use this Mathematics Standards of Learning Public Comment Submission Feedback Form or send comments directly to vdoe.mathematics@doe.virginia.gov.
Enjoy the work created by some of our PWCS student artists
Students, age 16 and up: Apply now for summer student aide positions and attend the Student Summer Job Fair on March 15
PWCS is holding a Summer Job Fair at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, at the Kelly Leadership Center for students interested in working as student aides during the PWCS Summer School Program. Student aide positions are generally three-week long, part-time positions from July 11-29, 2022. Applicants must be age 16 or older, as of June 23, 2022. Learn more.
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Budget Priority Spotlight: Learning and Achievement for All |
 In alignment with the strategic plan, one of the Superintendent's budget priorities for FY23 is learning and achievement for all. Learn more about the proposed budget's allotment for the hiring of full-time kindergarten teaching assistants and full-time teaching assistants for special education classrooms.
The Prince William County School Board will hold a work session at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 on the CIP/Budget.
King Elementary School students serve up kindness to food service employees
 King Elementary School kindergarteners celebrated Kindness Week by writing thank you notes to the food and nutrition services staff. Each student placed their card onto a large poster and when the project was complete, students made a special delivery to the cafeteria.
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