Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

As we begin the fourth quarter of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. This final stretch is a crucial time for students to demonstrate all they have learned, finish strong, and prepare for the next step of their academic journey. Together, we can help our students stay focused, motivated, and confident as they work toward their goals. Let us make this last quarter a successful and memorable one.

Summer school registration for elementary, middle, and high school will open on April 7. For elementary and middle school, families will be notified by their school regarding their student's eligibility for the summer school program. High school students should discuss summer school options with their designated school counselor. Dates and locations are found on the Summer Programs page.

April is a time of many observances, like National Autism Acceptance Month. PWCS is committed to ensuring every student engages in meaningful educational opportunities that will promote independent skills for life at school, at home, and within their community. I encourage our staff, families, and community members to lead efforts in promoting autism awareness and acceptance for the many individuals who receive an autism diagnosis each year.

Additionally, April is the Month of the Military Child, and we are proud to support our military families. Each year, many of our schools apply to earn Virginia Purple Star Designations, an award to military-friendly schools. This year, the Virginia Department of Education recognized 13 of our schools, including eight first-time designees. PWCS now has 47 Purple Star schools, and we continue to improve our support for military-connected students.

April is also National School Library Month, a time to celebrate the vital role our school libraries play in cultivating a love of reading, supporting student learning, and enriching our school communities. We are especially grateful for our dedicated librarians and library aids, whose passion, creativity, and expertise make our libraries welcoming spaces for curiosity, discovery, and growth. Please join us for our version of March Madness, the Battle of the Books finals, on Tuesday, April 8, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center starting at 6:30 p.m. We have 12 schools competing in 10 rounds for the Battle of the Books championship.

As a reminder, Spring Break for students and teachers is April 14-18, and Monday, April 21, is a Teacher Workday.

Sincerely,

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