Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,
Happy New Year. As we begin 2024 and approach the close of the first semester of the school year, I want to thank you for your continued involvement with our school community and ensuring daily attendance for your students. It is truly making a difference.
PWCS offers several opportunities for parents and guardians to positively impact their child’s education. PWCS continues to offer workshops and webinars through the Family Engagement Series and Parent Resource Center. As always, our sessions are free and provide crucial information to keep our PWCS families and communities informed and engaged as partners in education. We have many upcoming sessions, including:
- FAFSA Walk-Through
Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 6 - 7 p.m.
Live Virtual Session Registration - The Parent’s Guide to Section 504 in Public Schools
Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 6 - 7 p.m.
Live Virtual Session Registration for 11:00 a.m.
Live Virtual Session Registration for 6 p.m. - A Family Guide to Extended School Year Services
Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 6 - 7 p.m.
Live Virtual Session Registration
Speaking of registration, current PWCS students are applying to many of our 37 specialty programs offered in elementary, middle, and high school that focus on career exploration, subject area concentration, and college/university preparation. Throughout November, we held specialty program information sessions, offering an overview of each program and the application process. Applications opened November 1 and will close February 1, except the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, which closed December 14. Information and application assistance sessions are being held through February 1. I invite you to attend one of our eight online sessions.
This week the School Board held its first meeting of 2024, welcoming three new School Board members. The Board also elected Lisa Zargarpur of the Coles District as the Vice Chairwoman of the Board. Congratulations to our new and returning members. I look forward to working with the School Board to launch thriving futures for our students.
During the meeting, School Board members also considered a request by Prince William County Office of Elections that PWCS close schools in response to the anticipated volume of voters for the presidential primary. Due to matters of safety and logistical considerations, it is recommended that the 2023-24 calendar be modified to designate March 5, 2024, as a student holiday and staff workday. The Board is scheduled to consider this request on January 17. We will keep you updated on the outcome of this proposed calendar amendment.
Thank you for your continued support and participation as we work together to make 2024 a year filled with endless opportunities and continued success.
Sincerely,
LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Prince William County Public Schools