Custodians getting Ashland Elementary School ready for the first day of school

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

This week, we proudly celebrated Custodial Services Employee Appreciation Week, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of our amazing custodial staff. Our professional staff play a key role in keeping schools clean, safe, and inviting for students, faculty, and families. Their efforts create healthy surroundings that support learning, as exemplified by our outstanding custodian at River Oaks Elementary School. From early mornings to after the final bell, these committed employees ensure that every facility is prepared for use.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. I want our community to know that PWCS remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment in our schools where every student feels seen and supported. PWCS encourages families to talk with students about kindness, inclusion, and speaking up if they see or experience bullying. Please take a minute to watch and share our brief message on how we can all help prevent bullying.

I encourage every member of our PWCS community to share their voice in shaping the 2026-27 school calendar by participating in our annual calendar survey, open through next Friday, October 17. Your feedback is essential, and I want to thank the many parents, guardians, teachers, support staff, school leaders, students, and community partners who have already contributed to this important process through the calendar committee. The survey results will be presented to the School Board in November, with a final decision expected in December.

As a reminder, on Thursday, October 16, students in grades 9-11 will participate in PSAT testing during the school day. Grade 9 students will take the PSAT 8/9, while students in grades 10-11 will take the PSAT/NMSQT. These assessments are important milestones in the college and career planning process. All PWCS high school students in grades 9-12 have access to Khan Academy through the PWCS Portal. This free resource offers personalized tools, instructional videos, and practice assessments aligned with the College Board.

Have a restful weekend and remember Monday, October 13, is a divisionwide professional development day, which is a non-attendance day for all students.

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