5 to Thrive- Together in Learning

Prince William County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 11/10/2025 07:00 AM EST

Things to know this week in PWCS

Ahead of Veterans Day, Minnieville Elementary School continued its heartfelt tradition of honoring those who have served in the armed forces. 🇺🇸

Specialty Program Application Open now!

PWCS is proud to offer a wide range of specialty programs designed to support students’ unique interests and academic goals.

Important Dates to Know

November 3, 2025 – Specialty Program Application opened
December 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. – Center for Fine and Performing Arts application closes
February 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. – Specialty Program Application closes

Visit the Specialty Program Application Process webpage to get step-by-step guidance on the application process, including how to apply, important deadlines, and what to expect after submitting an application.

If you need help with the application process, please join one of our virtual help sessions. You can also contact the Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs office at aasp@pwcs.edu.

If you have specific questions about a program, please attend a school-based information session or reach out to the specialty program coordinator who oversees the program.

🎓 Class of 2026- Launch Your Student's Thriving Future: Check out Scholarship Opportunities, FAFSA workshops

There are many scholarships available for students yearly, based on academics, athletics, high school attended, community service, study plans, hobbies, and financial need. Check Naviance and emails from your college and career counselors regularly for opportunities.

The 2026-27 FAFSA® form is now available for seniors planning to attend college. The Virginia Alternative State Aid application is also available. High school college and career counselors will be hosting hands-on FAFSA help sessions.

For more information, visit the PWCS College and Career Readiness webpage to view the FAFSA workshop schedule.

New Attendance Communications: Digital Newsletters for Families

Starting in November, PWCS is launching a new attendance campaign to help keep students on track and in school.

The campaign includes personalized digital newsletters that are designed to encourage good attendance, celebrate progress, and offer support if students frequently miss school.

These digital newsletters will be delivered to families through email and text. They will not replace daily absences notifications or physical attendance letters families may receive.

Learn more about the new digital newsletters.

Let’s work together to help every student succeed—one day at a time!

Partnering for Success: PWCS is Committed to Family Engagement

PWCS celebrates Family Engagement Month by highlighting the vital role of partnerships between families, schools, and the community in student success. Through programs like the Family Engagement Series, parent liaisons, family academic and community engagement specialists, and community hubs, PWCS empowers families to actively support their children's education and fosters a culture of connection and shared responsibility. Read more about PWCS' family engagement efforts.

Join our Family Engagement Series in November:

Wednesday, November 12: Co-Parenting with Schools – Building Meaningful Family Partnerships Beyond Events
Thursday, November 20: Community Connections – Strengthening Families Through Wraparound Services

PWCS held a pop-up event designed to connect families with local businesses, county organizations, and PWCS departments that can help address critical needs identified by the school. Check out the video below ⬇️

 It’s Time to SEAS the Day! 🌱 

The second annual Student Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS) will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Woodbridge High School. 

SEAS celebrates student innovation in addressing environmental challenges. Through their work, students demonstrate environmental literacy, problem solving, and leadership by connecting classroom learning with community action.

SEAS is open to all PWCS students in grades Pre-K–12. Projects can be led by individual students, small groups, full classes, clubs, grade levels, or entire schools. Submissions are being accepted until March 27, 2026.

Learn more about SEAS.

Notable News Around PWCS

18 PWCS schools honored with Distinguished Purple Star for outstanding support of military families

Penn Elementary School: Inspiring young S.T.A.R.s with magic, motivation

Former student finds lifelong inspiration in her middle school teacher — and asks her to officiate her wedding

PWCS begins community engagement for upcoming elementary school redistricting

Congratulations to the Gainesville High School Marching Band on their state championship win!🏆

🗓️ Upcoming dates

Tuesday, November 11: No School – Veterans Day Holiday (Schools and Offices Closed)
Wednesday, November 26: No School – Thanksgiving Break (Schools and Offices Closed To The Public)
Thursday, November 27: No School – Thanksgiving Holiday (Schools and Offices Closed)
Friday, November 28: No School – Thanksgiving Break (Schools and Offices Closed)

Prefer to get your PWCS news via text? 📲

You can provide your phone number to receive 5 to Thrive via text as well as email.

Receive 5 to Thrive by text

PWCS Mental Health Resources

PWCS News

PWCS ParentVUE

PWCS School Calendar

PWCS Staying Connected

PWCS Tip Line

PWCS Transportation PWCS-TV

PWCS School Meals

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services, and activities, nor tolerate bullying or harassment, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics), sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies including Section 504 and Title IX

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences | Help