Manassas City Public Schools is the first school district in our region to announce a rescheduled, in-person graduation date since the coronavirus outbreak abruptly ended the academic school year last month.
Osbourn High School’s graduation ceremony will take place on July 18 in the school stadium at 9 a.m. Originally, it was scheduled for May 27 at the Eagle Bank Arena on George Mason University Campus in Fairfax.
“We will reassess and reach out in late May as things become more clear as to what we can expect from the summer,” Osbourn High Principal Michael Pflugrath told Potomac Local News.
Osbourn HS graduation ceremony is now scheduled for July 18th at 9 am at Osbourn HS stadium. Providing the distinguished ceremony our Seniors deserve. Student safety is our top priority. #OneOsbourn @mymcpsva @OHS_AfterProm @ohsclass2020 @OHSCounseling_
— Mike Pflugrath (@OsbournPrin) April 10, 2020
Potomac Local News asked if families were going to be allowed to see the ceremony if temperatures would have to be taken, and if there was a contingency plan to reschedule the ceremony should the virus outbreak persist. School officials said they don’t yet have specific answers to those questions.
“At this point, it’s still early,” said Manassas schools spokeswoman Al Radford.
As for grading, and how the school division will finish out the rest of the canceled academic year, no more grades from fourth-quarter distance learning will be calculated, according to schools superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman.
Students’ final grades will be an average of the first three quarters, he said.
Students in seventh to twelfth grades may opt to take a pass/fail credit for a class which means it will not be calculated in the final GPA.
From now until May 1, students will have the option to reattempt assignments to raise third-quarter grades.
May 29 will still act as the last day of the school year, and final grades will be available around that time period, Newman announced.
For kindergarten through second-grade students, their final mark will be based on their performance through March 13.
Feedback from teachers and principals was used to outline these grading requirements.
“Our goal was to find a solution that would provide an opportunity for our students to demonstrate mastery and for the improvement of grades,” Superintendent Kevin Newman said in a statement to parents.
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Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Looking for a furry companion to brighten your days? Meet Harley, a 6 ½-year-old neutered male Domestic with short hair and a loving personality. Harley is ready to find his forever home and is available for adoption now.
Harley is waiting for you at the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter. This local shelter is dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need.
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.
