Important Weather Update: Code Green for January 29

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

Our primary concern is always the safety of our students and staff. School systems are called upon to provide far more than academics. Our schools, teachers, and staff offer critical support, resources, and care that many of our children depend on each day.

When schools are closed, the basic needs of many students go unmet. Our schools are safe havens for students in challenging situations. Over a third of PWCS students are identified as economically disadvantaged, and thousands of students are in temporary living conditions. School closures also disrupt students’ educational progress and significantly affect families’ work schedules, leaving families without child care.

The decision to close schools is both challenging and consequential—and one that I do not take lightly. I care about the well-being and safety of our students, families, and staff. Although PWCS is fully prepared to reopen, I have monitored the numerous concerns raised by families about community and neighborhood walkways that have still not been cleared, and these are valid concerns.

For this reason, we will move to Code Green status for tomorrow, Thursday, January 29. Please be advised that the conditions of neighborhood walkways leading to bus stops will persist well into next week with the current temperatures. Therefore, we are asking for your support in encouraging neighborhood associations and citizens to clear sidewalks and bus stops in your local community, which is beyond our control. We cannot remain closed until all the snow and ice have dissipated. We need your help in getting our students back in school as soon as possible.

In an effort to support families who may experience food insecurity, PWCS will distribute free meal kits on Thursday, January 29, through the USDA Summer Food Service Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Meal kits will include two breakfasts, lunches, suppers, and snacks per child up to the age of 18. Meal kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, from 12-3 p.m. at the following locations.

Fred Lynn Middle School
1650 Prince William Parkway
Woodbridge, VA 22191

Hampton Middle School
14800 Darbydale Avenue
Woodbridge, VA 22193

Unity Braxton Middle School
10100 Lomond Drive
Manassas, VA 20109

While I know that this will not meet the full demand, we hope to provide some level of support to our families in need.

With an immense amount of gratitude, I wish to recognize our dedicated employees who work tirelessly to prepare our schools for reopening after weather-related events and extend my heartfelt gratitude for their dedication to our students. Thank you to our facilities, custodial, maintenance, and transportation staff for your work during the first significant winter storm of the season. I witnessed your drive and fortitude to get our schools open and ready to receive students and staff.

While moving to a Code Green for tomorrow is necessary, in every decision, I carry the full weight of meeting the diverse needs of all students in our school division. Choosing to remain open or closed is both complex and challenging. In every decision, I lead with very deep care and concern for not only the physical safety of our students, but also the real basic human needs that exist within our school system.

Sincerely,

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