Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

I would like to congratulate the following high schools for their recognition through the Advanced Placement (AP®) School Honor Roll and Access Awards programs for efforts to promote AP course enrollment and provide equitable access to advanced coursework for students. To qualify for the AP School Honor Roll, schools must meet specific standards related to college culture, college credit, and college optimization.

2024 AP School Honor Roll – Gold
Gainesville High School

2024 AP School Honor Roll – Silver
Charles J. Colgan Sr., Forest Park, Osbourn Park, and Patriot High Schools

2024 AP School Honor Roll – Bronze
C.D. Hylton and Woodbridge High Schools

Hylton High School has also earned the AP Access Award, which honors schools that are committed to equitable opportunities for underrepresented minority and/or low-income students taking AP courses. To earn this award, the percentage of underrepresented minority and/or low-income students who take the AP exam must match the school’s overall demographics. These recognitions and awards further highlight the ongoing efforts PWCS is making to increase access to rigorous coursework for the learning and achievement of all students.

As this week is National Inclusive Schools Week, I encourage our community to reflect upon our commitment to providing a positive climate and culture. I want to reaffirm our core value to the inclusivity of all staff and students. PWCS will always treat every community member with kindness, compassion, and respect for their perspective, well-being, and individuality.

In addition to this core value, the School Board has adopted a new policy to improve student focus, engagement, and academic success by limiting cell phone usage during school hours. Effective August 2025, the following guidelines will be implemented beginning the 2025-26 school year:

• Elementary Schools: All cell phones and personal electronic communication devices must be turned off and stored away and may not be used at any time within the school building or on school grounds or during any instructional periods regardless of location, including field trips.
• Middle and High Schools: Devices are off and stored for the entire school day, from the first morning bell to after dismissal, including field trips. However, devices may be turned on and used within the school and on the school campus before or after the bell-to-bell school day.

Please read more about the cell phone and wireless communication device policy to be implemented in August 2025.

As PWCS nears the mid-point of the second marking period, I encourage our students and their families to remain attentive and engaged as we continue to move deeper into the school year’s curriculum and for families to check in on your student’s real-time grades through ParentVUE. If you have questions about your child’s academic standing, please reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor.

Sincerely,

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