Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

The first day of fall arrives tomorrow and signals the start of the post-secondary preparation season for our students and families. This year we will continue our PWCS Family Engagement Series, which includes a session designed for families of secondary students. Please join us at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 28 for a live virtual session on Academic and Career Planning for Secondary Students. Families will learn more about the school counseling college and career readiness curriculum delivered to middle and high school students through Naviance. This is an opportunity to discover how PWCS supports your student’s academic and professional journey. Please register for the zoom session beforehand and, for language accommodation, complete the request form by Tuesday, September 26.

As the first quarter hits its halfway point, I encourage our families to check in on your student’s grades, progress, and advancement toward graduation under “Course History” in ParentVUE. Together we can ensure our vision to see every student graduate on time with the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to create a thriving future for themselves and their community.

In the spirit of Citizenship Day, on September 17, and Constitution Week, observed September 17-23, student representatives from each high school attended the PWCS Student Leadership Workshop at Osbourn Park High School. Student representatives participated in workshops focused on empowerment, collaboration, effective facilitation, and active listening. Student agency and voice must be amplified to create connections with school communities, and PWCS is committed to creating avenues for amplified student voice that connects students to the school experience and the rewards of school accomplishments.

The safety of our students and staff is ensured, maintained, and enforced every day by our dedicated school security officers, who work tirelessly to monitor and assess the protective protocols necessary for the daily operations of our schools. In observance of National Security Officer Appreciation Week, September 17-23, PWCS would like to acknowledge and thank our devoted security personnel for their commitment to our school safety and community well-being. The most impactful work of our school security officers is building student rapport and engaging the school community, like our exceptional school security officer at Potomac Shores Middle School.

Finally, please note that on Monday, September 25, PWCS will be closed in observance of Yom Kippur. I wish you all an enjoyable extended weekend.

Sincerely,

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