I don’t closely follow school issues because I rely on my school board representative, Lisa Bell, to come out swinging on behalf of the Neabsco District. Bell does do that, but she is only one member of the school board.
There are a couple of other very active advocates in my circle of friends. Our Schools and PWC Education Reform, both of whom follow all sorts of school issues. I am sure there are many other groups, but these women are all friends of mine, whose opinions I trust and use to clarify issues for me.
So, when an email asking me to weigh in on the boundary process came to my attention, I knew I had reason to be concerned and I hope you will be too.
The email is titled “Oppose 12th High School Redistricting Process.”
The text:
Connie,I invite you to take this opportunity to include your voice, along with so many of our fellow Prince William County members, in requesting a greater opportunity for community involvement in the boundary process for the 12th High School. There is a rising tide of voices speaking out against the boundary process for the 12th High School. Prince William County deserves better!
There is still time to make a difference. Visit – https://www.12thhighschool.org to automatically send emails to Prince William School Board Members opposing this rushed and flawed school boundary process.
Sincerely, Our Schools
The link included in that email takes you to a beautifully prepared action page. You read the letter, and if you agree, enter your name, address and email. The letter is then populated with your information and sent to all the school board members.
The simple explanation of a complicated effect of “Feeder Pattern” is part of the boundary definition process. A feeder pattern tracks children starting in the same elementary school and follows where they attend middle and high schools.
Most of us are aware of problems that arise in middle and high schools when youth are trying to fit in and find their niche. As retired military, we were acutely aware of the trauma that faced many military children as they were relocated and had to start another school where they knew no one.
I don’t know if this disruption is occurring in every district, but I know from Lisa Bell’s remarks at the May 7 School Board Meeting we have some definite issues. One instance Bell cited included students from a single elementary school being disbursed to four middle schools. (Bell’s remarks occur at the 82:30 mark on the video archive)
I agree with Bell. “Schools should be looking at feeder patterns from our elementary schools to our middle schools to our high schools. (We should be) keeping our kids in our neighborhoods instead of scattering them all everywhere”.
So, here’s your action plan!
- Watch the School Board Meeting for 3 minutes.
- Have a look at this boundary map
- Take a look at these progression reports.
- Visit this page and submit your letter to the school board.
That’s it! You’ve made a significant contribution to the future of education in Prince William County.
Recent Stories
Commemorating Earth Day from Prince William Forest Park today, President Biden announced a series of wide-reaching climate initiatives designed to expand nationwide access to solar energy and create a federal jobs program known as the American Climate Corps.
In a letter addressed to the Chair and the Supervisors of Prince William County, Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth outlined her intention to withhold prosecution of certain misdemeanor charges, effective May 1, 2024, if she doesn’t get her money.
At a presentation hosted by the Prince William County Committee of 100, the community gathered to explore the potential utilization of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a viable energy source for the Northern Virginia region.
Prince William fire and rescue units responded to a residential fire on Merrily Way on April 22, and a fire at Loch Lomond Elementary School on April 20, 2024.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
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Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
