Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

We are nearing the end of our 2024-25 school year and high school graduation celebrations are well underway. Many of our specialty program students graduated in their specialized fields, and students at The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park graduated last week.

I had the honor of attending PACE West’s graduation earlier today, and I am looking forward to attending many more of our ceremonies in recognition of this important milestone in our students’ lives. Though I cannot attend every event, I am proud of the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and families to ensure every student graduates on time with the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to create a thriving future for themselves and their community.

I want to highlight a major step forward in our commitment to ensuring every student has a fair and supportive learning experience. At the School Board meeting on Wednesday night, we presented a first reading of a revised Policy 661, “Assessment and Grading Practices,” to provide a more consistent, transparent, and equitable grading system across all schools.

This work is grounded in extensive feedback from students, families, staff, and School Board members, and informed by research and peer district reviews in partnership with Hanover Research. As we prepare for phased implementation over the next two years, our goal remains clear: to create grading practices that truly reflect student learning and promote academic success for every child. Please be sure to review the proposed “Assessment and Grading Practices” policy.

As a reminder, June 12 is the last day of school and will be an early-release day. I hope you enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend. I extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all U.S. military personnel and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great nation.

Sincerely,

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