By Kristina Schnack Kotlus
Schools and Education Reporter
Prince William County, Va. — Prince William County Public Schools announced this week that they are expanding upon an already successful program of selling advertising space on school websites.
PWCS was one of the first public school divisions in the country to offer advertising on school websites, featuring both regional businesses such as BB&T Bank and local business such as SwimKids Swim School on various school pages. These sponsorships were made available in 2008.
Chains stores and larger national brands, however, have not been a part of the current sponsorship program due to their decision making procedures.
With the help of SPARK, the School Division’s Education Foundation, PWCS recently signed an agreement with Education Funding Partners (EFP) who has secured commitments with national brands and stores that are interested in partnering with schools. EFP currently works with schools in Colorado and California, but is new to the East Coast. This agreement was approved by both the School Board and the SPARK Board of Directors.
“We have been able to successfully and tastefully provide advertising to local businesses on PWCS Web sites, raising funds annually to cover the cost of our Web services, which includes important school-to-parent communication tools,” said PWCS Superintendent Dr. Steven L. Walts in a press release.
Education Funding Partners (EFP) mitigates risk by finding multi-year corporate sponsors to support public education. The school district will still be able to control where sponsors are displayed. As part of the process, EFP will be sending teams to the county to compile a package explaining the value of various markets in the county to potential sponsors.
Marketing opportunities may include facilities naming, branding, and educational support messaging, in addition to more traditional signage and website advertisements. EFP will find sponsors and provide the funds to SPARK, which will then designate projects that could include turf fields, technology, and electronic signs and mini-grants to teachers and schools.
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The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
