Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

In honor of National School Library Month, I want to express my profound appreciation for our dedicated librarians and the invaluable resources our school libraries provide. Our libraries are not merely book depots, but vibrant and dynamic spaces where inquiry is ignited, and innovations are imagined. Check out a book, learn a new skill, and thank your librarian for helping you find your next big adventure.

As we approach the beginning of May, I would like to remind all families about the upcoming Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and end-of-year course assessments. These evaluations are crucial as they help us guage the progress of our students’ learning and the effectiveness of our curriculum and teaching instruction. We appreciate your partnership and support as we work together to ensure our students are well rested and attend school on the days of their SOLs.

As we strive to launch a thriving future for each student, PWCS has made a commitment to expand access to gifted and advanced coursework. Overall, PWCS has increased the percentage of students accessing gifted and advanced coursework by 9%. Additionally, 14.5% more Hispanic students are enrolled in our gifted programs, and we have experienced an 11.56% increase in our African American student population, a 14.61% increase amongst our students with disabilities, and a 28.2% increase by our English Learners. I am very proud of the efforts of our staff members to ensure more students have access to challenging coursework that best prepares them for the future.

Please join us on Monday, April 29, for our Parent Engagement Event focused-on learning about supporting and understanding the unique abilities and personalities of gifted children. Furthermore, a virtual parent information night regarding the process used to identify students for gifted education services will be held at 7 p.m. on May 2. I encourage you to attend one or both parent engagement events.

Looking to the next school year, we are actively recruiting for current vacancies, such as bus drivers, teaching assistants, finance specialists, cafeteria workers, custodians, and substitutes, in addition to filling our teacher vacancies for next school year. Please refer your family, friends, and recent graduates to apply, or consider applying yourself—you belong here!

Sincerely,

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