PWCS students presenting science and engineering research projects

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

Throughout October, PWCS has celebrated Energy Action Month. I want to keep the momentum going by encouraging educators and students to learn more about the second annual Student Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS), which will be held on April 25, 2026, at Woodbridge High School. This event highlights student innovation and leadership in sustainability, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship. The submission form is now open, and entries will be accepted through March 27, 2026.

Speaking of research opportunities, PWCS is excited to announce the launch of the Funding for Understanding Science through Exploration (FUSE) initiative to support independent science and engineering research for secondary students during the 2025-26 school year. Through FUSE, students can receive up to $250 per project to help cover materials and equipment for participation in local school science and engineering fairs.

This initiative not only promotes academic excellence and student voice but also empowers our learners to engage in future-ready STEM exploration by removing financial barriers to meaningful research and innovation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the high school deadline on November 12 and the middle school deadline on December 15.

As today signals the end of our first marking period, I encourage families to check in on your student’s attendance, grades, progress, and advancement toward graduation in ParentVUE. Please note that middle and high school report cards will be mailed on November 12. Elementary school report cards will be posted to ParentVUE no later than November 12.

While on ParentVUE, please assist us by completing the Impact Aid Survey by November 30. 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. PWCS needs your help in obtaining the maximum amount of funds available to our students.

As a reminder, students have non-attendance days on November 3 and 4, with parent-teacher conferences occurring on November 3. The PWCS application for our more than 35 specialty programs will also open on November 3.

Enjoy the weekend, and we look forward to seeing our students again on Wednesday, November 5, for the start of the second quarter.

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