Prince William County reminds parents and students about changes to the school division’s grading policy that will do away with the tradition of honoring a class valedictorian.
Prince William County Public Schools spokeswoman Diana Gulotta statement | There is not a new grading system, just clarification and improvement to our current practices. Some of the improvements include: making sure academic grades do not include behaviors and conduct, but rather are summary of performance on specific learning objectives or standards taught.
We also encourage students to have an opportunity to demonstrate mastery on their assessments in areas where they might have done poorly, by engaging in additional practice and trying again, when they demonstrate they have taken steps to improve their knowledge or skill in a specific area.
There are several additional courses that have been designated as advanced courses that will receive additional weight (4.5 rather than 4.0- what they referred to as prerequisite courses) because of their increased requirements.
Yes, the valedictorian ranking will go away. In many cases the absolute ranking practice causes students to choose courses only because of the course weighting and not necessarily choose the courses they wish to pursue, and many times the difference in points between the top GPAs is very small.
More details in a Prince William County Public Schools press release | As a reminder for parents of current 10th-grade students, with the end of the first semester on January 24, current sophomores are the first students whose grades will be computed under the new grade point average (GPA) and class rank calculations that became effective in the 2018-19 school year, following revisions to Regulation 661.01-1 (PDF)
For all students pursuing a standard or advanced studies diploma, a percentile rank in class will be computed for the first time this semester and each semester after that point leading up to graduation from high school.
The GPA will be computed by adding the total quality points for all credits attempted, with the exception of the first attempt of a repeated course, and dividing the sum by the total number of credits earned.
Beginning with students who are currently sophomores this 2019-20 school year, honor designation will be available, but calculations will no longer produce absolute class ranks.
GPA and class ranks for 11th and 12th-grade students will continue to be computed under the previous system.
School officials approved the changes in 2017.
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Students in Stafford and King George counties will start school later than usual today due to extreme cold weather conditions.
In Stafford County, all schools will open on a two-hour delay to ensure the safety of students and staff during the frigid morning temperatures.
Similarly, King George County Schools announced a two-hour delay due to cold and inclement weather.
Families are encouraged to monitor updates from their respective school systems for any further changes. Stay warm and safe.
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
In a pivotal discussion during the January 21, 2025, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved funding measures for a new fire station in the Brentsville District, addressing a pressing need for expanded emergency services. The debate revolved around whether to utilize proffer funds—developer-contributed resources earmarked for public infrastructure—or tap into the county’s fire levy fund.
Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy initiated an amendment to the funding resolution, proposing the use of Brentsville District fire proffers “to the greatest extent possible” before considering the fire levy fund. With $3 million available in Brentsville fire proffers, Gordy emphasized aligning these restricted funds with their intended purpose: supporting fire and rescue services.
“This approach ensures that we prioritize restricted funds before relying on broader resources like the fire levy,” Gordy explained.
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.
