Most
of
the
time,
when
you
pull
into
a
school
parking
lot,
you
normally
see
parked
cars
and
school
buses.
However,
at
two
recent
community
events
held
at
Rippon
and
Unity
Braxton
Middle
Schools,
the
parking
lot
was
filled
with
food
trucks,
parents,
students,
and
school
staff
enjoying
an
evening
of
community
engagement.Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), in partnership with SPARK, the education foundation for the School Division, hosted the events. Families from Rippon and Unity Braxton were invited, as well as families from the feeder elementary schools for each middle school. Families had the opportunity to meet staff and families from the various schools in attendance and the new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. LaTanya D. McDade.
"I am excited to meet so many families, students, and staff," shared Dr. McDade. "Listening to parents, caregivers, and community members is vital as we chart PWCS' path to academic achievement."
Attendees enjoyed food from various food trucks, and entertainment provided by magician Mike Hummer, also a substitute teacher for PWCS, balloon artist, Carol Turman, DJ, and photo booth. Families also received free grocery kits from the Combating Hunger on Wheels (C.H.O.W.) Wagon and school packs donated by the Staples store in Manassas totaling $7,000. Free information on resources were available from INOVA Partnership for Healthier Communities, as well as PWCS Department Human Resources. Other sponsors included Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. - Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter, Spell It Out Prince William, and Virginia American Water.