Virginia First Lady Pamela Northam recently visited Marumsco Hills Elementary School to show her support of early childhood programs. Northam visited the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) classroom of Andrea Gillespie and read the book, “Are You Ready for Spring?” to the students.
“We are so thrilled to be here in Prince William County,” Northam said. “We’re so appreciative of the innovative work you all are doing combining local, state and federal funding to do this incredible work for early childhood. We really want to see the rest of the Commonwealth doing a great job as they are doing here in this school we saw today.”
“We so appreciate visionary leaders like Superintendent Walts, who put a substantial amount in the budget this year to really expand pre-K in a meaningful way. We don’t want any children left on a waiting list. This is such an important investment for the Commonwealth,” she said.
One of Dr. Walts’ budget priorities for FY21 is pre-kindergarten education. Dr. Walts has proposed $5.1 million in funding that will almost double the number of pre-k classrooms in PWCS.
Northam also referenced the Prince William County School Board’s support of Senate Bill 578 and House Bill 1012, which would require the Virginia Board of Education to establish a statewide unified public/private system for early childhood care and education in Virginia.
“The Governor also put in an unprecedented $95 million and together we can serve thousands more children. So we are so excited about that today. You can see what an investment like that means when you see the wonderful children here and the incredible work they are doing.”
Meisram Hernandez, principal of Marumsco Hills Elementary, said the students and staff enjoyed showing off the school to the First Lady.
“It truly was a pleasure to have the First Lady of Virginia visit our school,” she said. “Her advocacy for preschool is very much appreciated. As an elementary school principal, I value the fundamental building blocks that our preschool students receive. Not only do our young students grow in the core areas of reading, writing and math; they also make great strides in their emotional and social development as well.”
— Submitted by Prince William County Public Schools
Recent Stories
Happy Sunday, Manassas! Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Nov. 25 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at…
Fredericksburg spent the weekend commemorating the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s historic 1824 visit. The Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Weekend featured two free public events that closely mirrored the original activities hosted in Lafayette’s honor.
Giorgio’s Family Restaurant is mourning the loss of its founder, Chef George Lampros, whose passion and dedication shaped the restaurant into a beloved community institution:
Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County) has introduced legislation aimed at closing a loophole created last year by HB 790, which inadvertently allowed underage students to possess tobacco and vaping devices on school grounds without facing legal consequences.
Travel to French soil and celebrate with us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, wine and music.
What better way to celebrate the end of the 2024 wine harvest in style than at the Embassy of France at DC’s only official celebration?
This is the Wine Event Of The Year!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by current events, family responsibilities, or the demands of work? If stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are weighing you down, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, and we’re here to help.
We offer in person and virtual appointments. Our in person office is located in Kingstowne Virginia.
Our team offers compassionate support and practical tools tailored to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and confidence. Whether you’re struggling with personal issues, managing family stress, or dealing with professional pressures, we are committed to helping you find peace and clarity.
Sing a Song of Christmas!!!
Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise