The Family Engagement Series provides families with resources that will assist with their student's success. Sessions that are hosted virtually are recorded and will be shared on this webpage when they are available for viewing.
If you have questions or don't see a past event listed here, please contact Yanet Boyd, Supervisor of Family and Community Engagement, at [email protected].
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: September 1, 2026
This webinar is designed to help you and your student start the school year with healthy habits that support emotional well-being, learning, and success. During this webinar, we will share practical strategies for creating routines at home, managing stress, building resilience, strengthening family communication, and recognizing when a student may need additional support.
Families will learn how everyday habits such as sleep, nutrition, physical activity, positive relationships, and consistent routines can have a powerful impact on a student's mental health, well-being, and success in school. Participants will leave with simple, evidence-based strategies they can use right away and will develop a realistic family wellness goal to help create a positive, healthy, and successful school year for students of all ages.
Presenter: Leila Kandahari, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with Bluebirds Counseling in Woodbridge, Virginia
Watch Healthy Minds, Successful Students: Practical Mental Wellness Routines for Families
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: October 29, 2026
This webinar is designed to help children become safe, responsible, and confident users of technology.
During this session, families will learn practical tips for helping children evaluate information they find online, communicate safely and respectfully, use technology and artificial intelligence responsibly, and maintain a healthy balance between screen time and everyday life.
We will also share how PWCS supports digital citizenship and protects student data privacy, while providing resources and strategies families can use at home to guide their children's technology use. Parents and guardians will leave with tools, resources, and practical strategies to help their children navigate the digital world safely and successfully.
Presenters: Dr. Sean Ward, Instructional Technology Coach, and Patrick Heath, Coordinator for Instructional and Information Technology Training, with Prince William County Public Schools
Target Audience: High school students in grade 12 and their families, as well as current college students
Date: October 6, 2026
This webinar is designed to help families and students understand the financial aid process for college and career planning.
During this session, families will learn the basics of financial aid, including an overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) Application. Participants will also learn about Virginia-specific grants, scholarships, and other resources that can help make postsecondary education more affordable. Parents, guardians, and students will leave with a better understanding of financial aid options and the steps needed to access available funding opportunities.
Presenter: Jason Puryear, Director of The College Place, in Alexandria, Virginia
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families in grades 9-11
Date: September 24, 2026
This webinar is designed to help students and families better understand the PSAT, which is offered each fall to students in grades 9-11.
During this webinar, families will learn what the PSAT is, why it is important, and how it can help students prepare for future college and career opportunities. Representatives from Khan Academy will also provide a demonstration of the free platform available to all PWCS students in grades 9-12 and show families how students can use its personalized tools and practice resources to prepare for the SAT, strengthen their skills, and build confidence.
Presenter: Jennifer Cavanaugh, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools, and Crystal Hercules, District Success Manager, with Khan Academy
Watch PSAT School Day: What Families Need to Know and How Khan Academy Can Help
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families in elementary school
Date: October 15, 2026
This webinar is designed to help families learn about PWCS Specialty Programs and the opportunities available for elementary school students.
During this session, families will explore the variety of Specialty Program opportunities available to students, learn about the application process and important deadlines, and discover the resources and support available to help students and families make informed decisions. Parents and guardians will leave with the information and resources needed to explore program options and navigate the application process with confidence.
Presenters: Jennifer Cavanaugh, Supervisor for Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, and Dr. Laura Evans, Coordinator for Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Specialty Programs Information Session for Elementary Students
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families in grades 8-11
Date: October 27, 2026
This webinar is designed to help families learn about PWCS Specialty Programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities available for high school students.
During this session, families will explore the variety of Specialty Programs and CTE opportunities available to students, learn about the application process and important deadlines, and discover the resources and support available to help students and families make informed decisions about their high school pathway. Parents and guardians will leave with the information and resources needed to explore program options and navigate the application process with confidence.
Presenters: Jennifer Cavanaugh, Supervisor for Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, Dr. Jessica Doiron, Coordinator for Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, and Christine Good, Supervisor for Career and Technical Education, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Specialty Programs Information Session for High School Students
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families in grades 5-7
Date: October 20, 2026
This webinar is designed to help families learn about PWCS Specialty Programs and the opportunities available for middle school students.
During this session, families will explore the variety of Specialty Program opportunities available to students, learn about the application process and important deadlines, and discover the resources and support available to help students and families make informed decisions. Parents and guardians will leave with the information and resources needed to explore program options and navigate the application process with confidence.
Presenters: Jennifer Cavanaugh, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs; Dr. Laura Evans, Coordinator of Dual Enrollment; and Dr. Jessica Doiron, Coordinator of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Specialty Programs Information Session for Middle School Students
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: September 17, 2026
This webinar is designed to help families better understand how reading and math learning is supported in Prince William County Public Schools.
During this webinar, families will learn about the Star Reading assessment, including what students can expect, how the assessment measures reading growth, and how teachers use the results to support instruction and monitor progress. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Star Reading will be administered to students in grades 3-8 and will continue for students in grades 9-11.
Families will also gain an understanding of math instruction and assessment in PWCS and learn practical ways to support learning at home. Participants will leave with strategies, tips, and resources to help strengthen reading and math skills, build confidence, and support their students’ academic success throughout the school year.
Presenters: Carla Drew, Supervisor of Secondary English Language Arts and Literacy, Dr. Christopher Latham, Supervisor of Elementary Mathematics, and Dr. Justin Maffei, Supervisor of Secondary Mathematics, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Support Learning at Home: Come See What's New in English Language Arts and Math
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
This webinar is designed to help you learn about Prince William County Public Schools’ (PWCS) Child Find and the many resources available through the PWCS Parent Resource Center.
During this webinar, families will learn how PWCS identifies and supports students who may need special education services, including the steps for referrals, evaluations, and available supports. We will also introduce the Parent Resource Center and the programs, workshops, educational materials, and community resources available to help students succeed at home, in school, and in the community.
Presenters: Shelley Legall-Brickey, Supervisor of Eligibility and Child Find, and Eleanor Contreras, Coordinator of the Parent Resource Center and Family Engagement, with Prince William County Public Schools
Supporting Every Student: Understanding PWCS Child Find and the Parent Resource Center Services
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
This webinar is designed to help you learn about Prince William Public Libraries and discover that your local library offers much more than books! Learn about free resources and opportunities that support reading, learning, and family engagement both in and outside the classroom.
Presenter: Rachel Lamantia, Manager of Community Outreach Services, with Prince William Public Libraries
Target Audience: All PWCS families of English Learners and Multilingual students
Date: March 17, 2026
Join us for a webinar that focuses on multilingual learners. We will talk about what “gifted” means, how students are identified for gifted programs, and how you can support your gifted or advanced learner at home.
Presenter: Brenda Bailey, Supervisor of Gifted Education and Talent Development, with Prince William County Public Schools
Target Audience: All PWCS English Learner students and families
Date: February 18, 2026
This session focuses on how English Learners are identified and supported. Families will learn about instructional standards, curriculum, and resources designed to help multilingual learners succeed.
Presenters: Felicia Norwood, Christina Lo, and Kristine Lentz-Johnston, Supervisors of English Learner Instruction, with Prince William County Public Schools
Target Audience: All PWCS Parents, Caregivers, and School Staff
Date: May 28, 2026
This session focuses on youth problem gaming and gambling. While video games are often viewed as harmless entertainment, they can pose real risks. Many games include elements that resemble real-world gambling, which may increase vulnerability among youth. Studies show that youth who gamble before age 12 are four times more likely to experience gambling problems later in life. Recognizing when gaming or gambling begins to interfere with daily life is critical. We will explore the link between gaming and youth gambling and offer practical strategies to help keep gaming enjoyable, healthy, and balanced.
Presenter: Wendy Hunt, Wellness and Prevention Program Supervisor in Community Services, with Prince William County Government
Target Audience: English Learners in kindergarten through grade 6 who are at English Learner Levels 1 or 2
Date: February 24, 2026
This session focuses on Lexia English. Lexia English is a program that helps students learn English by practicing speaking and listening. During the session, families will learn how the program works, how students use it in Prince William County Public Schools, and how they can support their child’s language learning at home.
Presenter: Dr. Bevin Reinen, Lexia Success Manager, with Lexia