Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below. Today, get to know Rose Moore, the new principal of Woodbridge Middle School. She's been an educator for 20 years in Fairfax County, working as a math teacher, a math coordinator and an assistant principal at two middle schools. Why Prince William County, and why Woodbridge Middle School? 

I chose Prince William County Public Schools after hearing about its warm and welcoming environment. I had numerous personal and professional connections with PWCS employees, and everyone I spoke with shared positive experiences about working here. I chose Woodbridge Middle School because of its diverse student body and community. I am passionate about middle school students and love how vibrant Woodbridge Middle is.

How will you bring your experience as a teacher, instructional coach, mathematics coordinator and assistant principal to your new role as principal in PWCS?

My diverse background in education has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of running a school and supporting staff and students, especially middle school students. As a teacher, I developed a commitment to fostering student academic and personal growth. My time as an instructional coach allowed me to support and mentor fellow educators, enhancing their teaching practices and ultimately benefiting student learning outcomes. In my role as a mathematics coordinator, I honed my skills in curriculum development and data analysis, ensuring that instructional strategies were both effective and aligned with educational standards. As an assistant principal, I gained valuable experience in school leadership, managing day-to-day operations, and addressing the needs of a diverse student body. In my new role as principal, I will leverage these experiences to create a supportive and inclusive environment at Woodbridge Middle School. I am committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and high expectations for both students and staff. By drawing on my background, I will inspire and lead our school and community towards excellence.

Are there any initiatives you hope to implement in your first year?

Absolutely! In my first year as principal, I plan to focus on several key initiatives:

Enhancing student engagement: I will promote active learning and student participation, such as project-based learning, small group instruction and classroom activities that cater to diverse interests.

Professional development for staff: Providing ongoing learning opportunities and support for teachers is crucial. During our collaborative learning team sessions and faculty meetings, we will focus on integrating research-based teaching strategies and restorative practices. Several staff members including myself will be fully trained in restorative practices to support student behavior and development.

Community involvement: Strengthening the relationship between the school and the community is a priority. I hope to organize events and programs that encourage community members to participate in school activities and support student learning.

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Prince William County Police sent a press release on Friday afternoon about the death of an unnamed 61-year-old man who died in a single-vehicle crash on Wednesday.

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Happy Friday, Manassas! Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Sept. 9 regular meeting. This is the first meeting of City Council since July, so there is a lot to cover. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center Street following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the renovated space.

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Important links

• Meeting agenda
• Meeting agenda packet
• Where to watch

Key agenda items Public hearing on EV charging station rates The city will be holding a public comment period on rates to use city-issued electric vehicle charging stations. According to the agenda packet, the city currently annually incurs approximately $18,000 in electrical expenses and $4,000 in software costs across five stations, as well as about $4,000 in equipment repair costs. Staff is recommending City Council adopt a rate of $2 per hour for charging with a $2.50 per hour fee for idle parking following a 30-minute grade period. In Prince William and Fairfax counties, the charging fee is 30 cents per kilowatt-hour, averaging about $2.64, on top of a $2 per hour idle fee. These counties also have a $25 max on charging. In Loudoun County, it is a flat rate of $2.10 per session with no idle fee. The city estimates its revenue to be nearly $35,000 in the staff report to City Council. Closing a portion of the Technology Drive right-of-way City staff has recommended approval of ridding of a public right-of-way at the end of a cul de sac on Technology Drive and placing it further up on the road.

The public right-of-way was dedicated in 1987 and 2007 to the City of Manassas as a condition of site plan approvals, but the property owners, D2 Tech Park LLC, are proposing to close the current right-of-way and move it. In the agenda packet, the proposed resolution states city staff has no objection to the requested change. The proposed resolution also states this will not impact other property owners and "appears to be in the best interests of the city." Amending the School Board's FY2025 budget The Manassas City Public School Board is requesting an amendment to its fiscal year 2025 budget to reflect an increase from $152.9 million to $156.2 million. The additional $3.3 million is coming from the Commonwealth in revenue due to increased funding being received by MCPS. It has impacted its overall budget, not either the operating or capital improvement budgets.

Three new businesses have set up shop in Historic Downtown Manassas recently.

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Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below. Today, get to know Michael Kelchlin, the new principal of Pennington Traditional School in Manassas. Kelchlin was previously the principal of Gravely Elementary School, an assistant principal and teacher. Why Prince William County, and why [Pennington]? 

I chose to come to Pennington Traditional School because of its reputation for academic excellence, strong values, parent involvement, and being a great environment for teaching and learning. I previously served as the principal of Gravely Elementary School for the last eight years.

How will you bring your experience as [specific experiences here] to your new role as principal in PWCS? 

I served as the principal of Gravely Elementary for the past eight years, assistant principal of Newington Forest Elementary School in Fairfax for five years and spent another six years teaching in both Fairfax and Charlotte, N.C. Throughout my time at PWCS, I provided district leadership by serving on various committees, including the Superintendent Principal Advisory Council, PWCS Return to Learning Planning and Logistics Committee, and PWCS Standards Based Teaching and Learning Committee. I was also a nominee for Elementary Principal of the Year in the 2022-2023 school year.

Throughout my years of leadership, I have consistently demonstrated high levels of student achievement, engaged the community through events and volunteer opportunities, and collaboratively created a great school experience for students.                   

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Jennifer Patterson has been appointed as the new Prince William County Public Library director following a nationwide search. She starts on Sept. 16.

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September is chalking up to be a busy month around Prince William County with several events and activities scheduled; the Board of County Supervisors is back this month, too, and their first meeting is Sept. 3.

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Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below. Today, get to know Kisha Trammell, Ed.D., the new principal of Gravely Elementary in Haymarket. She's taught kindergarten at Gravely, and has served as the assistant principal at the school for the last six years. Why Prince William County, and why Gravely Elementary?

I am thrilled to serve as the principal of Gravely Elementary School. I have a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on technology, and a doctoral degree in professional studies in education. I am certified in teaching kindergarten through third grade and in educational leadership and administration.

How will you bring your experience to your new role as principal in PWCS?

In 2010, my family moved to Gainesville. I knew I wanted to teach in Prince William County Public Schools where I could make a positive impact on students' lives by guiding them academically and supporting essential life skills. I've had the pleasure of teaching kindergarten at Gravely Elementary for five years (2013-2018) and served as the assistant principal at Gravely for the past six years (2018-2024).

Are there any initiatives you hope to implement in your first year?

My vision as principal is that all students will excel academically and have equal opportunities to learn. My goal is to build upon and continue the existing culture of excellence and achievement at Gravely Elementary. I am committed to empowering teachers and fostering student success, which is essential to building a thriving educational community. I will build a positive culture and climate, where students feel safe and enjoy coming to school. I aim to create a community that exudes positivity and inclusivity.