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May 4, 2023 - Vol. 5, No. 36

Talent of student artists from across PWCS showcased at Arts Festival events

PWCS held its 2023 All-County Arts Festival on two dates in April. Over 8,000 pieces of student artwork were on display. Read More >>                    

Take a look at some of the impressive artwork, and hear from student artists and their educators.

This ad supports SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS.

Presenting America's Next Great Intern — Bezawit Abate

Bezawit Abate, a sophomore at Potomac High School, moved to the United States from Ethiopia just over seven months ago. And now she is America's Next Great Intern. She earned the top spot over 16 national finalists for showcasing top-tier communication skills essential in an internship. Read More >>

News

Newest school in PWCS is named Innovation Elementary School The Prince William County School Board unanimously approved the committee recommendation to name the division’s newest elementary school “Innovation Elementary School.” Read More >>

School Board approves implementation of Evolv weapons screening technology At the May 3 meeting, the Prince William County School Board voted to authorize the implementation of the Evolv weapons detection systems at all middle, high, and nontraditional schools. Read More >>

Unity Reed High School JROTC Unit takes top awards at national championship The Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) program cadets from Unity Reed High demonstrated their expertise and precision under pressure at the Open Drills National championship. Read More >>

Fun and learning for all at the Swans Creek Elementary School SOL Carnival  An evening of carnival games at Swans Creek Elementary School was an exciting opportunity for students, and their families, to review Standards of Learning (SOL) test content. Read More >>

Nine PWCS schools receive the Blue Ribbon Award for excellence in music Congratulations to the nine schools from PWCS that received the highest honor from the Virginia Music Educators Association. Read More >>

Rosa Parks Elementary School’s kitchen offers students more than just a healthy meal PWCS is proud to celebrate the more than 800 food services team members across the school division during School Nutrition Employee Recognition Week (May 1-5). See how Rosa Parks Elementary School's food services team not only prepares and serves school meals, but also plays a part in educating students. Read More >>

Meet Stephanie Downey, Chris Yung Elementary School’s new principal  

As Chris Yung Elementary School’s new principal, Stephanie Downey hopes to lay a pathway to a successful future for her students. She believes that teaching is an important profession that can shape the future. 

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In partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), PWCS recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This year's message is "More Than Enough," emphasizing that all people–with and without mental health challenges–are worthy of respect, inclusion, and care. Our school division and community strive to reduce the mental health stigma and provide education and resources to support everyone’s journey toward wellness. Each week in May will highlight mental health initiatives empowering our community to feel a sense of inclusion, support, and encouragement.  Read More >> 

Learn about careers in law enforcement

The Prince William County Police Department is hosting a "meet-and-greet" on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to share information about careers in law enforcement. Officers from various specialties, including patrol, criminal investigation, and women in leadership positions, will be available to meet with attendees. The event will take place at the Criminal Justice Academy - 13101 Public Safety Drive in Nokesville.

Don't miss out on PWCS summer enrichment programs for students! Your student can explore new learning experiences in everything from rocketry, math, arts, welding, and more. Registration closes May 26. ➡ Learn more about Discovery summer programs and registration

Students 16 and older — maintenance and construction summer employment available with PWCS

PWCS is looking for students to work with our facilities team this summer on maintenance and construction projects. Work locations will be at schools currently under construction: Bristow Run, Cedar Point, Innovation, and Signal Hill Elementary Schools, and Parkside Middle School. Work hours will be Monday through Friday. Students must be 16 years or older. Please complete this questionnaire to request an interview. Questions? Email Elizabeth Blancke at blanckme@pwcs.edu.

New Interactive Dashboard enhances visualization of division data The visualization tool on the PWCS website uses an interactive interface to view student enrollment, performance outcomes, and trends for the division, school, and student group levels. Indicators have been created in alignment with the PWCS Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan. The initial data release includes information on school facilities, student characteristics, attendance, climate and culture survey, SOLs, SATs, and graduation and dropout rates. Additional visualizations are currently in development and will be added as available.

Announcements

Register for the Family Engagement Webinar: Applying For College - The Common Application, 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9 

Last day of school is Thursday, June 15, view early release bell times and schedule.

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week 2023

May 8-12 is Teacher Appreciation Week in PWCS. With dedication and innovation, our educators keep students engaged and learning. Their impacts are seen in the classroom and all throughout the PWCS community. Join us in thanking our amazing PWCS teachers all next week.