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: 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
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 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: Adults 18 and older
Date: January 6, 2026
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 Program, with Prince William County Public Schools
Target Audience: High school students and families
Date: January 22, 2026
This session focuses on students and families interested in learning about advanced coursework options, including Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge Programme, Dual Enrollment, and International Baccalaureate. We’ll explain how these programs prepare students for college and career success, outline the unique benefits of each, and share practical tips for supporting your child’s academic journey. Representatives from the National Educational Opportunity Network will also join us to provide details about specific dual enrollment courses that may be offered at your student’s high school. Take the next step toward helping your student reach their highest potential!
Presenters: Dr. Laura Evans, Coordinator of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools and Chris Harried, School Success Manager, with National Education Equity Lab
Target Audience: High school students in Grade 12 and families
Date: April 15, 2026
This session will walk families through the important parts of a financial aid award letter. We’ll highlight what to look for, especially the net price and the total cost of attendance, so students and families can better understand what college may really cost.
Presenter: Jason Puryear, Director of The College Place in Alexandria, Virginia
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: March 25, 2026
Join us a webinar designed to help students and families discover everything Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) has to offer! Learn about NOVA’s affordable tuition, flexible programs, and smooth transfer pathways to four‑year universities. With more than 110 degree and certificate options, you’ll see how NOVA makes college accessible, achievable, and full of possibilities for every learner.
Join us for an informative webinar to learn how to report concerns about discrimination or harassment in PWCS. We will walk you through the steps, share what information is helpful to include, and explain how PWCS responds to support students and families throughout the process.
Presenters: Leilani Liguid, Coordinator of Outreach and Recruitment, with Northern Virginia Community College, and Zia Felder, Supervisor of Compliance, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Discover NOVA and Reporting Discrimination and Harassment in PWCS
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 high school student-athletes in grades 7-12, families, coaches, and high school counselors
Date: December 9, 2025
This session will provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to navigate the NCAA initial eligibility process, including how to register, the academic requirements for prospective student‑athletes, and best practices for college recruiting.
Presenter: Ivorye Long, Assistant Director of Outreach and Strategic Partnerships, with National Collegiate Athletic Association
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: December 4, 2025
This session focuses on how to effectively communicate with PWCS schools, no matter what language you speak. Learn how to access important information and services in your preferred language, ensuring your voice is heard and your children's needs are met. We will go over the cultural and linguistic tapestry of PWCS and the available translation and interpretation services, resources, communication strategies, and helpful contacts within the PWCS system for successful home-school communication. This session is designed to empower you to fully participate in your child's education.
Presenter: Juan Lizama and Cynthia Covarrubias, Coordinators of Translations and Interpretation Services, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch Overcoming Language Barriers: Getting Information from PWCS in Your Preferred Language
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: Rising 11th and 12th grade students and families
Date: January 13, 2026
This session focuses on rising 11th and 12th grade students and families. Together, we will explore how NOVA Dual Enrollment can help you earn college credit while in high school. This session will discuss different dual enrollment opportunities through NOVA, eligibility requirements, and the application process. Discover how dual enrollment can help you save time and money by earning college credits, while gaining valuable experience in college-level coursework.
Presenters: Dr. Laura Evans, Coordinator of Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs, with Prince William County Public Schools and Lacey Faunce, Coordinator of Dual Enrollment, with Northern Virginia Community College
Target Audience: Students in grades 9-12 and families
Date: February 10, 2026
This session will guide students through the college scholarship search process. Students will learn how to create strong, competitive scholarship applications by exploring different types of scholarships, discovering how to find scholarships using a variety of search tools, understanding key college application components, and learning how to identify and avoid scholarship scams.
Presenter: Jason Puryear, Director of The College Place, in Alexandria, Virginia
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
Target Audience: All PWCS students and families
Date: September 18, 2025
This session focuses on exploring how schools can foster strong attendance by prioritizing the unique needs of students and families. Whether it's through food access, mental health support, or flexible communication, these efforts build trust and engagement, making attendance a natural outcome. Strong attendance is not just about tracking absences, it is about creating a culture where students and families feel seen, supported, and motivated to show up every day.
Presenter: Kim McClarin, Supervisor of Student Prevention Programs and Family Assistance, with Prince William County Public Schools
Watch The Secret Ingredient for Stronger Attendance is Student and Family Support