Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

PWCS is committed to providing an engaging learning environment which fosters inclusivity, connectedness, and encourages social and emotional wellness for all. In support of this commitment, I am pleased to share new mental health telehealth support as an available resource to our parents/guardians for their child. This initiative provides access to Hazel Health, to provide students with the resources and support that may be needed. I invite you to read more on how to access this service for your child.

PWCS is also proud to announce that the Alliance for a Healthier Generation has recognized seven of our schools as recipients of the America’s Healthiest Schools 2024 Award. Congratulations on receiving this nationwide recognition: Ashland, Buckland Mills, Kilby, Minnieville, Piney Branch and Victory Elementary Schools, as well as Parkside Middle School. I encourage you to learn more about which of the nine categories our schools were recognized.

In honor of National Workforce Development Month, PWCS is proud to recognize our Career and Technical Education programs that prepare students to create their own thriving futures. Our programs provide students with the hands-on, authentic work of career and technical trades needed along with the opportunity for certification, advancement, and immediate employment. I welcome you to hear from some of our workforce-ready students succeeding throughout PWCS.

Our students in our CTE programs are successful because our CTE teachers are amazing. We are fortunate to have industry experts in our classrooms sharing their knowledge, passion, and dedication with our students. Industry experts like Gar-Field High School’s plumbing teacher, Michael Carter, who has been recognized by the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association of Virginia as the 2024 Plumbing Teacher of the Year. Mr. Carter has also been nominated for the national teacher of the year. Please read more about this prestigious honor and take a moment to thank your child’s CTE teacher.

As we are moving toward the halfway point of the first quarter, I encourage our families to check in on your student’s attendance, 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.

Enjoy the weekend.

Sincerely,

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