Weems Elementary School in Manassas has seen remarkable progress in recent years, particularly in reducing chronic absenteeism and improving student literacy. Under the leadership of Principal Michelle Huppman, the school has created an environment focused on equity, achievement, and community involvement, leading to academic improvements.
One of the school's most notable achievements is reducing chronic absenteeism. In the 2022-2023 school year, Weems faced a concerning % chronic absence rate of 28%. This figure, which emerged after the pandemic, reflected the challenges many schools faced. However, the school has halved that number through dedication and hard work. "I am so happy to share with you that Weems' current chronic absence rate, as reflected in the school quality profile, is half of that number, down to 14%. This is a school community that rose to the challenge," said Sarah Brescia, a Manassas City school board member.
The improvement in attendance has had a direct impact on student achievement. Huppman explained, “Last year, we had a 24% increase in literacy pass rates for our students in kindergarten through second grade. For the Virginia Standards of Learning reading test, we had a 6% increase in pass rates for our students in third and fourth grade.” While math scores dropped slightly due to virtual instruction during the pandemic, Principal Huppman is optimistic about the future. "This year, we are fully staffed in all classrooms and in all instructional support positions without the need for virtual instructors," she said.
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Fredericksburg Police have launched automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones at Hugh Mercer Elementary and James Monroe High School to curb speeding and improve safety. The move is part of a partnership formed in November 2024 between the Fredericksburg Police Department and the city, aiming to reduce speeding near schools and protect students, staff, and families.
To ease drivers into the new system, the city implemented a 30-day warning period following the installation of the cameras. During this period, violators received warnings instead of citations, a step the city said was designed to "educate drivers and encourage compliance with speed limits."
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Cute and sweet Niffy has been at the shelter for four months, waiting patiently to find a family to call her own. This adorable girl is about four and has a gentle, loving nature. She gets along well with other dogs and loves going for long walks. Niffy is happiest when she’s curled up next to you for a cuddle session when she’s not out on an adventure.
Despite many visitors who promise to return for her, Niffy is still patiently waiting for the right family to take her home. This sweet girl deserves a loving home where she can feel safe, cherished, and adored.
If you’re interested in adopting Niffy, please don’t hesitate to ask for more information.
Contact Information:
- Call the Manassas Animal Adoption Center at 703-257-2420
- Visit the shelter’s page for more details: Manassas Animal Adoption Center
Let’s help Niffy find the home she deserves!
The classes are designed for children up to 10, with a unique May 4 program featuring visiting artists from Puerto Rico!
Dates: Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center, 31 Utah Place #101, Stafford.
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 for additional children per class, $32 for all four classes for the first child, and $24 for each additional child.
It’s free to submit your events to Potomac Local! Simply visit this link: https://form.jotform.com/221630757468058. Just fill out the details, and we’ll feature your event!
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the home after a concerned friend discovered a deceased female and called 911. Upon arrival, deputies found both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have now confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue their investigation and work around the clock to process evidence and interview potential witnesses. While the relationship between the victims remains under investigation, it has been confirmed that they were living together at the residence.
“We are working diligently to gather all the necessary information to bring clarity to this tragic situation,” said Major Elizabeth Scott. “Our team is following every lead and continuing to process evidence.”
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Spotsylvania Crime Solvers hotline at 1-800-928-5822 or online at Spotsylvania Crime Solvers. The P3tips app is also available for those who wish to submit information anonymously.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details regarding possible suspects or motives.
Stafford County spokeswoman Shannon Eubanks said one customer remains without water due to the break. The cause of the water main rupture is still under investigation.
There is no estimated completion time for the repairs, as crews must first identify the problem before calculating how long it will take to fix it. Howell emphasized that safety remains a priority and urged drivers to avoid the closed lanes where possible.
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Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and significant infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. These initiatives are designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.
Saturday Service: A Long-Awaited Step Forward
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Stafford County's Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
