Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,
Throughout the week, PWCS celebrated Arts in Education. One outstanding example of our arts in action can be found at Leesylvania Elementary School. Arts education plays a pivotal role in developing students’ social, emotional, and cognitive growth. PWCS’ arts initiatives are dedicated to boosting student enrollment by 5% and ensuring access to various performance and production opportunities, including auditions, concerts, and exhibitions. Our goal is to give every fine and performing arts student at least three extended learning experiences annually, providing each student with a platform to display their exceptional talents. PWCS firmly believes that every student deserves a stage to shine.
From September 15 through October 15, we honor National Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout this month, PWCS will be celebrating the rich, diverse, and vibrant culture of the Hispanic community and recognizing the influential contributions Hispanic Americans have had on our country. I invite you to stay tuned for upcoming stories in The Scoop! and also encourage you to take advantage of the events, resources, art and more through the Smithsonian Institution website.
Speaking of celebration, C.D. Hylton High School sophomore Kaydence Costello earned first place at the Educators Rising State and National Conference. Kaydence is a member of Educators Rising, which is a program that helps students pursue a career in education. Costello was one of five students from Hylton High who attended the 2022-23 conference in Orlando, FL and the first underclassman to represent PWCS at the national conference. We are so proud of Kaydence and all our PWCS future educators for creating thriving futures for themselves, and we look forward to hosting the Educators Rising State Conference at Potomac Shores Middle School in March.
I want to reaffirm our commitment to prioritize student and staff safety. In upholding Commitment 2: Positive Climate and Culture, next week we begin our staggered implementation plan for activating our safety screening technology across all middle and high schools, including traditional and nontraditional schools. Be on the lookout for communication from your child’s school regarding the specific start date for safety screening implementation.
All PWCS buildings and offices are closed tomorrow, September 15, in observance of Rosh Hashanah. I hope you enjoy a relaxing extended weekend.
Sincerely,
LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Prince William County Public Schools