Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

Every day, you entrust us with more than your students’ academic development; you trust us with their safety and protection—a duty we uphold with absolute diligence. The devastating news of this week’s tragedy involving gun violence in Winder, Georgia, has left us saddened and disheartened. My heart goes out to the Apalachee High School community.

My fervent hope is that one day we know a reality that does not include school shootings or even the need to prepare for one. Until that hope becomes reality, PWCS continues to proactively prepare to deter, detect, and defend our students, staff, and schools. PWCS vigilantly reviews our crisis and emergency preparedness plans, tactically invests in safety initiatives and infrastructure, and routinely evaluates our building security. Education is our business and safety is our priority. I appreciate the work of our school security officers, school resource officers, community safety officers, security patrol, and teachers and staff working together to ensure a positive climate in our schools.

Our school principals are also paramount to the safety of our students, as well as the success of PWCS, both as leaders of their schools and leaders of our school system. I invite the entire PWCS community to discover our new school leaders in our “Meet the Principal” PWCS YouTube playlist. Whether you are a student, parent, or community member, this series offers school communities a brief introduction to the leaders creating a positive climate and culture for the learning and achievement of all students.

Principal voice is integral to the decisions that directly affect their students, staff, and community. I established the Superintendent's Principal Advisory Council to serve as a vital forum to strengthen and improve collaboration and communication between principals and division leaders. I wish to thank this year’s 16-members for their leadership toward a more cohesive PWCS. I invite you to learn more about our council and how we deliver a standard of excellence.

As a reminder, please complete the Back to School Packet in ParentVUE as soon as possible and no later than September 13. The Back to School Packet is vital in case of an emergency and provides teachers and staff with essential information about your student. If you need assistance, please contact your student’s school, or visit the Back to School webpage for more information.

Next Wednesday, we pause to remember Patriot Day, a day of reflection and remembrance for the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We honor the bravery of the first responders, the resilience of our community, and the enduring spirit of our nation. As we come together in remembrance, let us also renew our commitment to unity, compassion, and service, standing strong as a community in the face of adversity.

Sincerely,

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