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February 9, 2023 - Vol. 5, No. 25

We Love Our School Counselors!

It's National School Counseling Week, and across the division, PWCS school counselors support students, staff, and families in so many ways. From course scheduling, college and career planning, to mental health services and building positive school climates and safe learning environments, our school counselors make a difference every day!  

Learn more about the school counselor role and other counseling resources >>

Ashland Elementary School counselors Brad Hughes and Sarah Leclercq share about their roles and support of students and educators. Watch Video >>

This ad supports SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS.

Contributions of prominent African Americans prominently displayed at Antietam Elementary School Names and images of influential Black Americans are on display in Antietam Elementary School’s halls, depicting the many and varied contributions made by these important figures in celebration of February as Black History Month.  Read More >>

Sophomore scientist earns top neuroscience research honors Rania Lateef, a sophomore at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School, is one of four high school students in the nation to receive the national Neuroscience Research Prize.  Read More >>

Awesome Librarians For $10,000 Congratulations to Tanya Parrott, librarian at The Nokesville School, for competing on Jeopardy!  Read More >>

Bull Run, Marsteller Middle School students make investments count  Stock-savvy students from Bull Run and Marsteller Middle Schools earn top honors in The Stock Market Game™️ regional competitions. Read More >>

Announcements 

Deter, detect, and defend — Attend an upcoming safety and security community meeting

Prince William County Public Schools is inviting families and community members to attend one of the upcoming safety and security community meetings to engage in the ongoing discussions about the school division's comprehensive approach to “deter, detect, and defend,” including the use of new preventative technology. Meetings will begin at 7 p.m. as follows: 

February 22 - Gainesville High School (13150 University Blvd, Gainesville, VA 20155)

February 27 - Freedom High School (15201 Neabsco Mills Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191)

February 28 - Woodbridge High School (3001 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192)

March 2 - Zoom Webinar (please register in advance for this webinar.)

Please complete this form if you will need language accommodations at the community meeting.

Take part in the PWCS Family Engagement Series 

The Family Engagement Series now offers more topics to assist our families.

Thursday, February 16, 2023 - 7 p.m. - Live Virtual Session

Positive Climate and Culture: Supporting Student Well-Being with Coping Strategies for Students with Disabilities

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - 7 p.m. - Live Virtual Session

Positive Climate and Culture: Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Reporting: How to Support Your Student & School 

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 - 7 p.m. - Live Virtual Session

Positive Climate and Culture: PWCS Heals: The Effects of Adolescent Alcohol Consumption

Explore offerings for February on the Family Engagement webpage and register today >>

PWCS announces dates for 2023 high school graduation ceremonies

Launch your career as an educator in PWCS, register for the Instructional Job Fair on February 11.

Register for Parents as Partners: Building Bridges Between Home, School, and Community conference on Saturday, February 25.

Students invited to enter PWCS Month of the Military Child Art Contest, submission deadline is March 1

School Board member Adele Jackson features Piney Branch Elementary School's outdoor classroom and Unified Sports 

Adele Jackson, school board representative for the Brentsville District, stopped by Piney Branch Elementary School to learn more about the school's award-winning outdoor classroom. She also shined the spotlight on PWCS Unified Sports.

Prince William County is partnering with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week – “Make Kindness the Norm.” All next week, families and students are encouraged to join our schools in promoting random acts of kindness at school, home, and work. Research behind The Science of Kindness has shown that by participating in acts of kindness, one can feel an increased sense of well-being, belonging, and an overall decrease in stress.

Read more about the Kindness Matters campaign, school resources and activities for students and families.