Collage of military-connected students and their families

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

PWCS is proud to have 51 schools recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as Purple Star Distinguished Schools for their support of military-connected students and families. This year, 19 schools were designated or redesignated with the Purple Star school award, including Glenkirk Elementary School, which received the award for the first time. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to creating welcoming, supportive, and safe learning environments for every student and family.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and an opportunity for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools. Our families are valued partners in this work, and when schools and families work together, we help create the sense of belonging every student needs to be successful. At the heart of this work are our students. Through Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Clubs, they have an opportunity to lead and shape a positive climate and culture. I invite you to watch how SAVE Clubs demonstrate the power of student leadership to create a more inclusive school community.

During Energy Action Month, PWCS is honored to receive the 2026 Climate and Energy Leadership Educational Institutional Sector Award from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for Bel Air Elementary School’s geothermal HVAC renovation project. The recognition reflects our commitment to responsible energy practices and environmental stewardship across our schools.

As we celebrate National School Lunch Week, I also want to recognize our outstanding Food and Nutrition team. Last school year, PWCS served over 14.5 million meals to students. Each nutritious meal supports student health, well-being, and academic success.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership in helping every PWCS student learn, grow, and thrive. Have a wonderful and restful weekend!

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