Collage of military-connected students and families

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

October provides us with an important opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow together as a community. This month, PWCS proudly recognizes Virginia Disability History and Awareness Month, Dyslexia Awareness Month, and ADHD Awareness Month (stories can be found on our webpage). Each of these observances reminds us of the resilience, talents, and unique contributions of students with diverse abilities and learning styles. They also call us to continue building classrooms and school communities that are inclusive, supportive, and empowering for every child.

As we honor these important observances and reaffirm our commitment to equity and inclusion, it is also essential to recognize the vital resources that support our schools in serving every student. One such resource is the Impact Aid Program, which provides federal supplemental educational funding based on the number of students whose parents live or work on federal property. This funding helps us continue to deliver high-quality educational opportunities that meet the needs of all learners.

Additionally, Impact Aid data allows us to apply for competitive funding from other sources, such as the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) K12 Partnership grants to provide tailored support services to children of active-duty uniformed services personnel. These grants support specific schools, like many of our 47 Virginia Purple Star Designated schools, in which 10% or more of the student population is military-connected, according to Impact Aid data.

PWCS needs your help in obtaining the maximum amount of funds available to us. Please assist us by completing the Impact Aid Survey in ParentVUE by November 30, 2025. Impact Aid survey data remains secure and confidential.

I would like to remind our community of two upcoming college fairs scheduled for Monday, October 6, at Unity Reed High School and Wednesday, October 15, at Potomac High School. More detailed information is available on the PWCS College Fair webpage. Additionally, I encourage our seniors and families to join our Family Engagement Series next week with a webinar on the “Overview of College Financial Aid Application Process,” scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7.

As we move into October and toward the end of the first quarter, let us continue to embrace opportunities to celebrate awareness, expand resources, and support our students and families. Together, we can ensure every child in PWCS has the tools, encouragement, and community they need to thrive.

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