Students wearing Red Ribbon Week T-shirts

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

As a reminder, applications for our more than 35 specialty programs will open on November 3. PWCS is excited to roll out our new online application system that includes the specialty programs application, lottery process, waitlist management, and notifications for application status and acceptance. It is designed with families in mind and will make it easier to apply to the wide range of innovative learning opportunities across our division.

PWCS will host a Family Engagement Series webinar for families to learn about high school specialty programs. Families can join the High School Specialty Programs session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28. While signing up, I encourage you to complete our survey regarding our specialty programs. Results from this survey will be used to better understand strengths and areas of improvement. Your responses will be anonymous and kept confidential. Please complete the Specialty Programs Survey by Friday, October 31.

Next week, PWCS will join schools across the nation in recognizing Red Ribbon Week, the largest drug-prevention campaign in the United States. The 2025 theme, “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free,” reminds us that every decision we make contributes to the larger picture of our lives. Together, we can build a strong, healthy, and thriving future, one choice at a time.

PWCS is proud to celebrate four outstanding leaders who exemplify our vision of Launching Thriving Futures:

  • The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents named Dr. Lynmara Colón, director of student opportunity and multilingual services, the 2025-26 National Central Office Administrator of the Year for her leadership in advancing equity and multilingual excellence.
  • Project Lead the Way (PLTW) has named Tim Vaughan, administrative coordinator for career and technical education, the 2025 National PLTW Administrator of the Year award for his innovative leadership in hands-on, career-focused learning.
  • The Virginia Academy of School Psychologists named Dr. Jennifer O’Looney, school psychologist at Yorkshire and Tyler Elementary Schools, as the Virginia School Psychologist of the Year for her dedication to student well-being and advocacy.
  • And the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has named Lydia Larimore, Neabsco Elementary School counselor and the Virginia School Counselor Association 2025 Counselor of the Year, one of five finalists for the ASCA 2026 National School Counselor of the Year Award. Her continued recognition at the national level is a testament to her exceptional professionalism, innovation, and unwavering advocacy for students and families.

As October draws to a close, we continue to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and staff. Congratulations to our fall athletes and coaches as postseason play begins, and to our marching bands, theater ensembles, and visual artists who continue to shine in regional showcases. I also want to commend our educators for their ongoing commitment to student success as we approach the end of the first marking period on Friday, October 31.

Thank you for all you do to support our students, schools, and community.

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