Family Engagement Series

PWCS Family Engagement Series

The Family Engagement Series provides families with resources that will assist with their student’s success. The series is led by the Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Compliance Department, in collaboration with other PWCS programs, and community and business partners.

Focus: Self-Management

Target Audience: All students and families

6-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Thursday, April 18, 2024, for a session that will focus on strategies for setting personal and collective goals. How parents can support the development of self-management skills.

Presenter for this session: Chavonne Thomas, Coordinator for PWCS Heals, with Prince William County Public Schools

Register for Thursday, April 18 – Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the April 18 event by Monday, April 15.


Focus: I Love Strawberries! A Sweet Author Visit with Shannon Anderson

Target Audience: Kindergarten – 5th grade students and families

6-7 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 – In-Person Session

Location – Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket, VA 20169

Join us on Monday, April 22, 2024, for an in-person session with author Shannon Anderson. The author will share her sweet story and help us learn more about agriculture, farming, and the love of reading. Participants will have the option to create a sweet strawberry-themed takeaway.

Presenter for this session: Shannon Anderson, award-winning children’s book author, educator, TEDx speaker, and keynote presenter.

Register for Monday, April 22 – In Person

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the April 22 event by Wednesday, April 17.


Focus: Rising Senior College Application – Common Application Overview

Target Audience: Current 11th grade students and families

6-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Thursday, April 25, 2024, for a session that will focus on how students and families can complete the Common Application. Students and families will receive a walk-through of the common application and learn what can be done during the summer leading into senior year.

Presenter for this session: Jameia Tennie, Director of Student Engagement Programs, with Common Application

Register for Thursday, April 25 – Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the April 25 event by Monday, April 22.


Focus: Paying for College – Early Planning

Target Audience: Students in kindergarten – 8th grade and families

6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, for a session where students and families will explore various financial preparation options. An overview of the Virginia 529 program will be provided, offering insights into college savings.

Presenter for this session: Jason Puryear, Director of the College Place, with Education Credit Management Corporation

Register for Tuesday, May 7 - Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the May 7 event by Thursday, May 2.


Focus: Practical Strategies for Reducing Stress and Increasing Success

Target Audience: Students and families in kindergarten – 12th grade

6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, for a session that will focus on recognizing five domains that may contribute to wellness. Learn to take advantage of routine, make simple constructive changes to your student’s environment, identify strategies to enhance social and family life, and identify warning signs and resources for educational and mental health support.

Presenter for this session: Melissa Garcia, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Vice President of Clinical Services, with Dominion Hospital

Register for Wednesday, May 8 - Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the May 8 event by Sunday, May 5.


Focus: Responsible Decision-Making

Target Audience: Students in kindergarten – 12th grade and families

6-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Thursday, May 9, 2024, for a session that will help you recognize how critical thinking skills are useful in and outside of the school setting. Learn ways to teach children and others through parts of a problem.

Presenter for this session: Chavonne Thomas, Coordinator for PWCS Heals, with Prince William County Public Schools

Register for Thursday, May 9 - Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the May 9 event by Monday, May 6.


Focus: Empowering Parents - Strategies for Supporting Children and Adolescents in Mental Health

Target Audience: Students in kindergarten – 12th grade and families

6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, for an insightful session led by a licensed professional counselor with 20 years of experience in youth mental health. Gain valuable insights into identifying warning signs, empowering families with effective strategies to support their children and adolescents, and practical ways to reduce stress and anxiety.

Presenter for this session: Jennifer Walker, Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Clinical Supervisor, with Teen Talk Counseling

Register for Tuesday, May 14 – Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the May 14 event by Sunday, May 12.


Focus: Prince William Public Library – Student and Parent Resources

Target Audience: Students in preschool – 12th grade and families

6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, for a session with Prince William Public Libraries’ staff. They will share library resources, program information, services available, and the upcoming summer reading program.

Presenters for this session: Kristen Burnham, Coordinator for Office of Programming and Events, with Prince William Public Libraries, and Diane Stinson, Supervisor for Library Media Programs and Research, with Prince William County Public Schools

Register for Wednesday, May 22 – Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the May 22 event by Sunday, May 19.


Focus: Northern Virginia Community College Information

Target Audience: Students in 12th grade and families

6-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Monday, Thursday, May 23, 2024, for a session to learn about the numerous opportunities, services, and resources designed to get you connected to Northern Virginia Community College.

Presenters for this session: Sandra Delgado, Coordinator for Outreach, and Leilani Liguid, Coordinator for Outreach, with Northern Virginia Community College

Register for Thursday, May 23 – Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the May 23 event by Monday, May 20.


Focus: A Family Guide to the Parent Resource Center

Target Audience: Students with disabilities in preschool – 12th grade and families

6-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024 – Live Virtual Session

Join us on Thursday, May 30, 2024, for a session that will focus on the crucial role the Parent Resource Center plays in supporting staff, parents, and families of children with disabilities. Since its establishment in November 1992, the Parent Resource Center has been dedicated to fostering collaboration between families and educators by equipping families with knowledge, tools, and support to advocate for their children’s educational needs.

Presenter for this session: Eleanor Contreras, Coordinator for Parent Resource Center and Family Engagement, with Prince William County Public Schools

Register for Thursday, May 30 – Zoom Session

For language accommodations, please complete the request form for the May 30 event by Monday, May 27.