Graphically designed image of sun peering over hills with blue skies with the words 2023 Summer Programs, a blue and gold ribbon and the PWCS logo

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

Congratulations to the nine schools that received the Virginia Music Educators Association’s Blue Ribbon Award. This award is the highest award given to schools’ music programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and recognizes excellence in band, orchestra, and choral performance. Our Blue Ribbon Award-recipients include Battlefield High School, Bull Run Middle School, C.D. Hylton High School, Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School, Gainesville High School, Osbourn Park High School, Patriot High School, Potomac Shores Middle School, and Woodbridge High School. Because arts education is integral to providing an enriching educational experience for students, PWCS is proud to boast award-winning arts programming throughout the county.

As summer plans take shape, I encourage our families to explore the many learning opportunities available to students through our Summer School Programs. PWCS offers both an academic recovery program (Launch) and an enrichment program (Discovery) for students in grades kindergarten through 12.

Launch Programs are designed to extend the school year to provide additional academic support for PWCS students. Elementary and middle school Launch Programs are offered for three weeks, July 10-28; high school students are offered a six-week Launch Program for those needing to repeat a course for credit. Also, the Grad Academy is for current seniors who need course requirements to graduate. For more information, please review the summer programs website for details regarding each program and register by May 26.

Discovery Enrichment Programs are also offered for a variety of subjects, including STEM, language arts, fitness, music, and art. Registration is in high demand, and selection is limited to one enrichment program per student.

As a reminder, PWCS has partnered with AlphaBEST Education for summer School Age Child Care (SACC). AlphaBEST provides two summer programs: Specialty Enrichment and Excursion. These opportunities are a great way for students to balance the relaxation of summer with the excitement of discovery, and I encourage families to take advantage of this program.

Additionally, Virtual Prince William (VPW) offers a summer session for students to take courses for initial credit. VPW offers students the opportunity to take courses online for the completion of graduation requirements, recover credits, and balance academic and extracurricular opportunities. Registration closes on May 26.

As we prepare for the 2023-24 school year, we are actively recruiting current vacancies, such as bus drivers, teaching assistants, finance specialists, cafeteria workers, custodians, and substitutes. Filling our current vacancies with highly qualified candidates requires the support of our entire community. Help us to spread the word about the upcoming Instructional Job Fair, June 3, at the Kelly Leadership Center. Interested candidates can register here for the Job Fair. Please consider applying for one of our available opportunities and refer your family, friends, recent graduates, especially former PWCS students – you belong here!

Sincerely,
Dr. McDade signature
LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Prince William County Public Schools