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Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Stafford County School Board voted 6-1 to approve redistricting plan F1 in preparation for the county’s sixth high school opening this Fall 2026. The plan addresses overcrowding and balances student populations across the district's high schools.

Key Changes Under Plan F1

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[Photo courtesy of Prince William County Schools]
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) received a $75,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to support computer science classes in the district.

PWCS has an initiative in place, called "Inspiring Future Innovators: Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Talent," which aims to foster more interest and engagement in careers related to computer science.

VDOE provided funding to several districts throughout the state that also have computer science initiatives in place. These districts include Clarke County Public Schools, Winchester Public Schools and Virginia Beach City Public Schools, among others.

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From left to right: Eric Brent, Ed.D., MCPS Culturally Responsive and Equitable Practices Lead; Craig Gfeller, Deputy Superintendent; Kevin Newman, Ed.D., Superintendent; Tracy Hammond, Special Education Teacher at Haydon Elementary School; Laura Goldzung, Ed.D., Principal at Haydon Elementary School; and Natalie Short, Assistant Principal at Haydon Elementary School.
Correction: An earlier version of this article did not include Laura Goldzung's educational distinction, an Ed.D. We have updated the article and photo caption to reflect her degree. Tracy Hammond, a special education teacher in Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS), was recently given the Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year award from the district. Hammond is currently a teacher at Haydon Elementary School. She's been with MCPS since 2007, but has been teaching special education since the early 1990s. "My goal as an educator is to not only teach academic content but also to inspire a love of learning, resilience, and self-advocacy in my students," Hammond said in an MCPS release. "Special education is more than just a profession to me; it’s a calling." Throughout her career, Hammond has worked with students in the special education program at all levels but currently focuses on students in kindergarten through fourth grade. She's also served as a grade-level team leader, a mentor for new teachers and a representative for the Manassas Education Association.

"My passion for special education is rooted in the belief that all students – regardless of their backgrounds or challenges – can succeed when given the right support and resources," Hammond said. "I am dedicated to providing that support, advocating for my students and creating an environment where each child can thrive."

Haydon Elementary Principal Laura Goldzung, Ed.D., said Hammond was a passionate advocate for students.

"I have rarely encountered a professional so unwavering in her commitment to equity for all students," Goldzung said. "Through her words and actions, she thoughtfully challenges assumptions and established practices to ensure that decisions are student-centered, data-informed and lead to high-quality instruction."

The Mary V. Bicouvaris Award is a statewide program where local districts can nominate a teacher each year to be considered for a statewide honor. The award was renamed for the 1989 winner of the Virginia and National Teacher of the Year award, Mary V. Bicouvaris. She was the Commonwealth's first recipient of the national honor. Bicouvais was a government and international relations teacher in Hampton City Public Schools. The Commonwealth's award was renamed for her in 2006 following her death in 2001. Recipients of this award are chosen based on their ability to inspire students, play an active role in the community, professional development and leadership in student learning.

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Dr. Janet Gullickson, the first female president of Germanna Community College, will retire in July 2025 after eight years of leadership.

During her tenure, Gullickson oversaw significant enrollment growth, national recognition by the Aspen Institute, and the distinction of being the first college to host Amazon Web Services' mobile classroom. She also spearheaded work-based learning initiatives, including paid internships, to enhance student career readiness.

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[Graphic courtesy of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.]
This Saturday, the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition, and many local students are participating.

Middle and high school students throughout the Prince William County area, including the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, will display their oratorical skills. According to a press release from the organization, this year’s six regional competitors must center their speeches on “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My Future.”

According to a Prince William County Schools press release, six students were selected to present at the event.

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[Graphic courtesy of Prince William County Schools]
Correction: An earlier version of this article stated Daryl Price was a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School. Price was a 2024 graduate and is now attending MICA College. 

Daryl Price, a 2024 graduate of Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School in Manassas, now has his artwork on display in an international exhibition.

Price submitted his Advanced Placement (AP) art studio portfolio to the College Board in 2024, and was one of 50 students selected out of 80,000 to have their artwork displayed on the international stage.

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[Pixabay via Pexels]
The Unity Reed High School girls soccer team has introduced more than 20 Loch Lomond Elementary School students to soccer this school year.

Unity Reed High, a school in Prince William County Schools (PWCS) has partnered with another district school in Manassas, Loch Lomond, to introduce the younger students to organized sports at the Super Scotties Soccer Club.

The club was created to promote respect, kindness, teamwork and sportsmanship in young children at Loch Lomond.

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Insidenova.com: "Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop is currently on leave, the school announced Thursday in a message to families.

Prince William County Public Schools did not provide further details upon  InsideNoVa’s request as it is a “personnel matter,” said Director of Communications Diana Gulotta."

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