Attendees at the community event

Students, families, PWCS staff, and volunteers gathered at Gar-Field High School on the first Saturday in August to kick off the new school year with the annual back-to-school community event.

PWCS partnered with the Prince William County Community Foundation to co-host the celebration focused on community service and engagement. Students and families from Gar-Field High School and its feeder elementary and middle schools had the opportunity to meet school staff and Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya D. McDade.

One major highlight of the event was the backpack station, where volunteers distributed more than 5,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to elementary, middle, and high school students. Additionally, the C.H.O.W. Wagon and Northern Virginia Family Services, two local nonprofit organizations, gave away 6,000 pounds of groceries and fresh produce to guests.

Thousands of attendees enjoyed free food from various vendors, music, and games/activities. Over 100 vendors were stationed throughout the event, offering information and resources for families, including several PWCS departments, Amazon, Sentara, Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, and Prince William Water.

There were a variety of fun activities for kids, including a fire preparedness obstacle course provided by the Prince William County Fire Department, a child ID card station from the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, jump rope stations, balloon animals, and airbrush tattoos—a new feature this year.

The community event is a fun, back-to-school tradition that PWCS looks forward to hosting every year.