Recorded Family Engagement Series Sessions
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].
2024-25 School Year Family Engagement Series Sessions
A Family Guide To The Parent Resource Center
Focus: A Family Guide To The Parent Resource Center
Target Audience: All PWCS students receiving special education services and their families, as well as anyone interested in learning more about special education and resources.
Date: January 28, 2025
This session focuses on the crucial role the Parent Resource Center plays in supporting staff, parents, and families of children with disabilities. Since its establishment in November 1992, the Parent Resource Center has been dedicated to fostering collaboration between families and educators by equipping families with knowledge, tools, and support to advocate for their children’s educational needs.
Presenter: Eleanor Contreras, Coordinator of the Parent Resource Center and Family Engagement, with Prince William County Public Schools
Adult Education Program Information
Focus: Adult Education Program Information
Target Audience: Adults 18 and older that live in Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park
Date: February 6, 2025
This session focuses on the Adult Education Program. Learn about the educational opportunities for adults who wish to acquire competencies necessary for further education, employment, or personal enrichment.
Presenter: Toi Tanton, Coordinator of Adult Education, with Prince William County Public Schools
Academic Advising and Student Vision Profile for High School
Focus: Academic Advising and Student Vision Profile for High School
Target Audience: High school students and families
Date: January 21, 2025
This session focuses on academic advising and the student vision profile for students in grades 9-12. Each year, high school students meet with their school counselors to plan for the upcoming academic year and set future career goals. These meetings are intended to facilitate personal reflection and strategic planning.
Presenter: Anaid Shaver, Supervisor of College and Career Counseling Services, and Jane Prince, Supervisor of Secondary School Counseling, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Academic Advising and Student Vision Profile for High School
Academic Advising and Student Vision Profile for Middle School
Focus: Academic Advising and Student Vision Profile for Middle School
Target Audience: Students in grades 6-8 and families
Date: February 20, 2025
This session focuses on academic advising and the student vision profile for students in grades 6-8. Each year, middle school students meet with their school counselors to plan for the upcoming academic year and set future career goals. These meetings are intended to facilitate personal reflection and strategic planning.
Presenter: Anaid Shaver, Supervisor of College and Career Counseling Services, and Jane Prince, Supervisor of Secondary School Counseling, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Academic Advising and Student Vision Profile for Middle School
Advanced Academic Opportunities in PWCS
Focus: Advanced Academic Opportunties in PWCS
Target Audience: Middle school and high school students and families interested in exploring Advanced Academic opportunities
Date: December 12, 2024
This session focuses on Advanced Academic programs and opportunities available at high schools in PWCS. We will talk about courses, programs, assessments, and services that provide opportunities for students to demonstrate college and career readiness and earn postsecondary credit.
Presenter: Kelly Brown, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
College and Financial Aid Award Letter Overview
Focus: College and Financial Aid Award Letter Overview
Target Audience: Students in grade 12 and families
Date: October 15, 2024
This session focuses on college financial aid offers. Students and families will gain a clearer understanding of the various financial aid options available.
Presenter: Jason Puryear, Director of the College Place, in Alexandria, Virginia
Dual Enrollment Opportunities for High School Students in PWCS
Focus: Dual Enrollment Opportunities for High School Students in PWCS
Target Audience: High school students and families
Date: January 16, 2025
This session focuses on exploring dual enrollment opportunities available to high school students. The 60-minute session will cover the various opportunities to earn credit, ways to leverage those credits, as well as eligibility and the registration process for students.
Presenter: Kelly Brown, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools, and Lacey Faunce, Liaison of Dual Enrollment, with Northern Virginia Community College
Watch Dual Enrollment Opportunities for High School Students in PWCS
Family and Community Engagement in PWCS
Focus: Family and Community Engagement in PWCS
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: October 22, 2024
This session focuses on how Prince William County Public Schools is fostering strong connections with families and the community. Learn about our Family Engagement Series, meet School Parent Liaisons, and get to know about our Family Academic and Community Engagement Specialists (FACES) and Community Hubs. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage and connect!
Presenter: Yanet Boyd, Supervisor of Family and Community Engagement, with Prince William County Public Schools
Financial Aid Awareness
Focus: Financial Aid Awareness
Target Audience: HS students and families
Date: October 15, 2024
This session focuses on various types of financial aid available to students while preparing for college. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from an expert in the field!
Presenter: Jason Puryear, Director of the College Place, in Alexandria, Virginia
Food and Nutrition - Student Driven Menu
Focus: Food and Nutrition - Student Driven Menu
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: February 25, 2025
This session focuses on Prince William County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Department. Come discover PWCS’ committed to providing enjoyable, high-quality, and nutritious meals for all PWCS students. Learn about the efforts to incorporate student and community feedback to enhance menu and service options.
Presenter: Callie Nickles, Coordinator of Nutrition and Procurement, with Prince William County Public Schools
Fostering A Positive Climate - Addressing Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Together
Focus: Fostering A Positive Climate - Addressing Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Together
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: January 23, 2025
This session focuses on exploring what discrimination, harassment, and bullying mean under Title VI. We will also discuss how our Compliance team supports our community with compassion and clear communication when concerns arise.
Presenter: Marian Jones-Brooks, Supervisor of Compliance, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Fostering A Positive Climate - Addressing Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Together
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Walk-Through
Focus: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Walk-Through
Target Audience: HS students and families
Date: February 4, 2025
This session focuses on a virtual walk-through of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a demonstration account for students and families.
Presenter: Jason Puryear, Director of the College Place, in Alexandria, Virginia
Watch Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Walk-Through
Gifted at a Glance – A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Education and Talent Development in PWCS
Focus: Gifted at a Glance – A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Education and Talent Development in PWCS
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: December 17, 2024
This session focuses on learning more about the services available to students in grades K-12 through the Gifted Education and Talent Development program. We will discuss what it means to be "gifted", how students are identified for the program, and ways parents can support their advanced learners at home. Come with any questions you have about the gifted program or the identification process.
Presenter: Brenda Bailey, Supervisor of Gifted Education and Talent Development, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Gifted at a Glance - A Parent's Guide to Gifted Education and Talent Development in PWCS
It's More Than The 3 R's: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Regift, Recycle, and Rot
Focus: It's More Than The 3 R's - Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Regift, Recycle, and Rot
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: November 14, 2024
This session focuses on how we can all play a part in reducing our impact on the environment by reducing how much we throw away. Come learn about the 8 R's of living sustainably and saving money.
Presenter: Melinda Landry, Coordinator of Sustainability, with Prince William County Public Schools
Knowledge Is Power, Attend Every Hour - The Importance of School Attendance
Focus: Knowledge is Power, Attend Every Hour - The Importance of School Attendance
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: September 10, 2024
This session focuses on Prince William County Public Schools’ attendance regulations and processes, the impact of missed days, and efforts to increase attendance across the division. We will share how we can partner with families to improve attendance and student outcomes.
Presenter: Toni Gibson, Attendance Officer, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Knowledge Is Power, Attend Every Hour - The Importance of School Attendance
Multilingualism is a Superpower!
Focus: Multilingualism is a Superpower!
Target Audience: Middle school and high school students and families
Date: February 13, 2025
This session focuses on the Virginia Diploma Seal of Biliteracy and how Prince William County Public Schools students can earn this recognition at graduation. Discover the various ways students can qualify, whether through studying world languages at PWCS or demonstrating proficiency in a language other than English that they already speak.
Presenter: Betsy Campagna, Supervisor of World Languages and Dual Language Immersion, with Prince William County Public Schools
Navigating Digital Citizenship for Families
Focus: Navigating Digital Citizenship For Families
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: January 9, 2025
This session focuses on information to help families support students in navigating the digital world. In this session, we will explore the qualities of a digital citizen, including online safety, responsible use of technology, and digital etiquette. Parents will learn how PWCS supports digital citizenship and learn strategies to help students develop healthy digital habits and become responsible digital citizens.
Presenters: Gail Charnick, Instructional Technology Coach, and Sean Ward, Instructional Technology Coach, with Prince William County Public Schools
Nondiscrimination and Harassment of Students
Focus: Nondiscrimination and Harassment of Students
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: September 26, 2024
This session will provide families with information on how to support their student if they experience discrimination or harassment in a Prince William County public school, program, or activity. Prince William County Public Schools is committed to maintaining a school environment free of discrimination and harassment in any form.
Presenter for this session: Marian Jones-Brooks, Supervisor of Compliance, with Prince William County Public Schools
Overcoming Language Barriers – Getting Information from PWCS in Your Preferred Language
Focus: Overcoming Language Barriers – Getting Information from PWCS in Your Preferred Language
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: December 10, 2024
This session focuses on equipping families and community members with tools and resources to communicate effectively with PWCS, regardless of language preference. Learn how to access information and services in your preferred language, ensuring your voice is heard and your children's needs are met. We will cover PWCS’ cultural and linguistic diversity, available translation and interpretation services, communication strategies, and helpful contacts. This session aims to empower you to fully participate in your child's education.
Presenters for this session: Juan Lizama, Coordinator of Interpretation and Translation Services, and Cynthia Covarrubias, Coordinator of Interpretation and Translation Services, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Overcoming Language Barriers - Getting Information from PWCS in Your Preferred Language
Overview of English Learner Programs Kindergarten - 12
Focus: Overview of English Learner Programs Kindergarten - 12
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: September 26, 2024
This session focuses on the English Learner community in PWCS! Our presenters will explain how we teach students who are learning English as a new language and the various supports we offer to help them succeed. It’s a great opportunity to understand more about our diverse student population and the resources available to them.
Presenters for this session: Christina Lo, Supervisor of Middle School EL Instruction, Kristine Lentz-Johnston, Supervisor of High School EL Instruction, and Felicia Norwood, Supervisor of Elementary EL Instruction, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Overview of English Learner Programs Kindergarten - 12
Overview of Khan Academy's Free Official Digital SAT Prep Course for Students and Families
Focus: Overview of Khan Academy's Free Official Digital SAT Prep Course for Students and Families
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: December 3, 2024
This session focuses on information about Khan Academy’s free Official Digital SAT Prep Course designed to help students excel in their SAT preparation. During the webinar, we will provide an overview of the course, explore how the course offers personalized learning, and review the practice tools available to support your student’s success. This is a fantastic opportunity for both parents and students to learn how to make the most of this valuable resource!
Presenters for this session: Kelly Brown, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Overview of Khan Academy's Free Official Digital SAT Prep Course for Students and Families
Parks and Recreation - 2025 Summer Programs and Youth Employment
Focus: Parks and Recreation - 2025 Summer Programs and Youth Employment
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: March 4, 2025
This session focuses on the Department of Parks and Recreation's summer camps and other programming options for children and their families. Information about summer employment opportunities for those ages 14 and up will be provided.
Presenter for this session: Ryan Amato, Manager of Children's Programs, with Prince William County Government Department of Parks and Recreation
Watch Parks and Recreation - 2025 Summer Programs and Youth Employment
Post High School Pathways
Focus: Post High School Pathways
Target Audience: High school students and families in Grades 9-12
Date: December 5, 2024
This session focuses on guiding students and families through the various options available after high school. We will explore all pathways and provide actionable steps to help navigate this important transition. Attendees will also receive valuable resources and support to assist them on this journey.
Presenters for this session: Anaid Shaver, Supervisor of College and Career Counseling Services, Jane Prince, Supervisor of Secondary Counseling Services, and Christine Good, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, with Prince William County Public Schools
PWCS Is Hiring! Navigating The Application Process
Focus: PWCS Is Hiring! Navigating The Application Process
Target Audience: Adults 18 and older
Date: November 19, 2024
This session focuses on exploring the job search and application process for Prince William County Public Schools.
Presenters for this session: Sean McDonald, Supervisor of Recruitment and Specialty Programs, Veronica Jackson, Coordinator of Recruitment and Retention, and Pam Mahone, Coordinator of Human Resources Special Projects
REVIVE - Training for Families
Focus: REVIVE – Training for Families
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: January 14, 2025
This session focuses on learning about REVIVE!, the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (OONE) program for the Commonwealth of Virginia. REVIVE! provides training on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency using naloxone.
Presenters for this session: Mallory McKnight, Specialist of Substance Abuse Prevention, with Prince William County Public Schools
Scholarship and Financial Aid Awareness
Focus: Scholarship and Financial Aid Awareness
Target Audience: Students in Grade 12 and families
Date: November 21, 2024
This session focuses on students and families understanding the sources of financial aid and scholarship information both locally and nationally.
Presenter for this session: Jason Puryear, Director of the College Place, in Alexandria, Virginia.
Security - A Responsibility for All
Focus: Security - A Responsibility for All
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: October 10, 2024
This session focuses on the Prince William County Public Schools’ security team. We will share details of our training programs for school security officers, staff, and students within our district.
Presenters for this session: Jacob Edwards, Supervisor of Crisis Management, and Marcos Bocanegra, Senior School Security Officer, with Prince William County Public Schools
Specialty Programs for Elementary Students
Focus: Specialty Programs for Elementary Students
Target Audience: Elementary school students and families
Date: October 17, 2024
This session focuses on what Specialty Programs are available at the elementary school level. We will review the program offerings and discuss the application process, including deadlines. We will also discuss transportation options for students attending Specialty Programs.
Presenter: Kelly Brown, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
Specialty Programs for High School Students
Focus: Specialty Programs for High School Students
Target Audience: High school students and families
Date: October 24, 2024
This session focuses on what Specialty Programs are available at the high school level. We will review the program offerings and discuss the application process, including deadlines. We will also discuss transportation options for students attending Specialty Programs and VHSL considerations.
Presenter: Kelly Brown, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
Specialty Programs for Middle School Students
Focus: Specialty Programs for Middle School Students
Target Audience: Middle school students and families
Date: October 29, 2024
This session focuses on what Specialty Programs are available at the middle school level. We will review the program offerings and discuss the application process, including deadlines. We will also discuss transportation options for students attending Specialty Programs.
Presenter: Kelly Brown, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
Understanding the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)
Focus: Understanding the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)
Target Audience: Students in grades 9-11 and families
Date: September 19, 2024
This session focuses on the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) assessments offered for all grades 9-11 students. We will review how the assessments are given and the purpose of these assessments.
Presenter: Kelly Brown, Supervisor of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools
Varsity Tutors - Academic Support for All K-12 Students
Focus: Varsity Tutors - Academic Support for All K-12 Students
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: October 8, 2024
This session will provide an overview of the Varsity Tutors for Schools platform, a FREE online resource for grades K-12 designed to support your students’ academic growth. You will learn how to access these resources through the school portal.
Presenter for this session: Michael Bell, Regional Vice President, with Varsity Tutors for Schools
Watch Varsity Tutors - Academic Support for All K-12 Students
Virginia Literacy Act And What It Means For Families
Focus: Virginia Literacy Act And What It Means For Families
Target Audience: Students in grades Kindergarten – 5 and families, and information can be useful for students in grades 6-8 and families
Date: September 12, 2024
This session focuses on the valuable information about the new Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and what this means for your student. An overview of the main elements of the law will be provided and specific changes you will notice this year in literacy instruction and the updated Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) for students in grades Kindergarten - 3.
Presenter: Marisa Miranda, Supervisor of Elementary English Language Arts and Literacy, with Prince William County Public Schools
2023-24 School Year Family Engagement Series Sessions
PWCS Summer Academic Enrichment and Recovery Opportunities for Students
Focus: PWCS Summer Academic Enrichment and Recovery Opportunities for Students
Target Audience: All students and families
Date: April 11, 2024
This session focuses on the academic and enrichment summer learning opportunities for summer 2024. Families will learn about the summer offerings and the registration process.
Presenters: Laura Gast, Coordinator of Extended Learning Opportunities, and Mandy Livings, Coordinator of Extended Learning Opportunities, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch PWCS Summer Academic Enrichment and Recovery Opportunities for Students
Self and Social Awareness
Focus: Self and Social Awareness
Target Audience: All students and families
Date: December 14, 2023
This session focuses on how parents can help children develop self and social awareness. Families will learn how self and social awareness is the foundation of Social Emotional Learning skills.
Presenter: Chavonne Thomas, Coordinator of PWCS Heals, with Prince William County Public Schools
Social Emotional Learning Overview
Focus: Social Emotional Learning Overview
Target Audience: All
Date: October 26, 2023
This session focuses on introducing families and caregivers to social emotional learning and its five competencies. These competencies include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills. Engaging families in social emotional learning can strengthen the home-school partnership and support students' emotional well-being and academic success.
Presenter: Chavonne Thomas, Coordinator of PWCS Heals, with Prince William County Public Schools