Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,
As we begin the second semester, we recognize that evolving news at the national level has been creating concerns for many families across PWCS. As a school division, we are committed to maintaining a sense of security and normalcy to the greatest extent practicable for every child. PWCS remains committed to our core values including celebrating our diversity as a strength, upholding our nondiscrimination policy, and welcoming all students. Further, we believe strongly in the well-being of students' physical and mental health, and will continue to take measures to help students, families, and employees feel supported and protected, to thrive in their academic and personal lives.
February is a month of significant celebrations, recognitions, and commemorations.
We begin by recognizing School Counseling Week, a time to honor our dedicated school counselors. Our counselors play a vital role in guiding students through important life milestones, like helping students overcome challenges, navigating specialty program applications, and finding financial aid. We deeply appreciate their commitment to student success and thank them for their invaluable contributions to our schools and communities.
February is also National Financial Aid Awareness Month, a time to highlight resources that help families manage educational costs. We encourage seniors and families to contact their school’s college and career counselor for scholarship opportunities. These resources, which include grants, loans, and work-study programs, can ease the cost of continuing education and open doors for future success. I invite you to join our Family Engagement Series webinar on February 4 at 6:30 p.m. on navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process, and please visit the PWCS Scholarships webpage for more tips on searching and applying for scholarships.
Additionally, Black History Month provides an important occasion to acknowledge and commemorate the significant contributions and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the rich diversity and resilience of the African American community in the development of our nation, while promoting a more inclusive and compassionate world. I invite you to watch an incredible example of Covington-Harper Elementary School’s community service and please look forward to additional features this month from our division.
Today, I visited the School Board meeting room and was impressed by the vibrant display of support from PWCS schools and students. The walls were adorned with student-made posters, a perfect start to School Board Appreciation Month.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and to our School Board for prioritizing students and fulfilling 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. Together, we achieve more.
Sincerely,
LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Prince William County Public Schools