FCPS cellphone practices in 2023-24 included the following: phones must be turned off and stored out-of-sight during the school day except during specified times, and in limited areas. Secondary students were allowed to use their cell phones on buses provided they used headphones, earbuds or other personal listening equipment.

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To enhance the educational experience, Fredericksburg City Public Schools will enforce a new cell phone policy starting in August 2024. The policy, which affects all students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, is designed to minimize distractions and improve overall student well-being and academic performance.

New Policy Details:

– PK-5 Students: Cell phones will be entirely prohibited during the school day.
– 6-12 Students: Students must lock their phones in specially designed, magnetized Yondr phone pouches. These pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day or when students leave the building early.

The school division notes that the decision comes in response to growing concerns about the negative impact of cell phone use and social media on students’ mental and emotional health. Research indicates that reliance on social media and cell phones is linked to lower academic achievement, poor behavior choices, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and reduced engagement both in the classroom and in social settings.

According to the school district, a recent study involving 1,200 schools that implemented the Yondr program reported significant improvements:

– Teaching and Learning Time: 94% of teachers noted increased classroom teaching and learning time.
– Academic Performance: 65% of schools saw enhanced academic performance.
– Student Behavior: 74% of schools observed improved student behavior.
– Safety and Wellness: 86% of schools reported a positive impact on school safety and wellness.
– Student Engagement: 83% of schools experienced increased student engagement in the classroom.

The city has more than 3,600 students in its public schools. Cell phones have been a staple in public schools since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Arlington.

On February 6, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce played host to nearly 550 high school students hailing from King George, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford, and Fredericksburg, as well as homeschool and private school attendees, along with college students from Mary Washington University and Germanna Community College.

This marked the third annual Intern Expo, themed “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”

The event, which boasted a record turnout of almost 100 vendors, showcased businesses representing diverse career options spanning agriculture, architecture and construction, business management and administration, education, engineering, finance, government and public affairs, health science, hospitality and tourism, law and public safety, manufacturing, marketing, real estate, science, transportation, and distribution. Additionally, 50 volunteers facilitated breakout sessions featuring mock interviews and career assessments, making the event an unequivocal success.

“The Intern Expo was more than just an event; it was a gateway to unlocking the potential of tomorrow’s workforce. Our almost 100 attending businesses had the opportunity to engage with the brightest minds from local schools, colleges, and universities. The 3rd annual Intern Expo was an interactive platform that fostered connections, promoted collaboration, and provided a firsthand look at the talent that is shaping the future. We are thrilled about the success of the event as we look to the future, tracking the progress of the connections made and the knowledge obtained. We send a huge thank you to all that aided in making it a regional success,” said Carley Swaim Walker, director of WorkForce NOW.

Attendees also had the opportunity to vie for one of three $1,500 scholarships, with applications due by April 19th, 2024. The Workforce Now Selection Committee will choose the scholarship winners the following week, with notifications slated for June 1st, 2024.

The event, hosted by WorkForce NOW and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the University of Mary Washington, was generously sponsored by FAB, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Matern Staffing, and Ignite Cinemas.

Fredericksburg leaders are focusing on reducing teen violence following the shooting deaths of two teenagers shot and killed in March and June 2023.

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Prince William County Public Schools: “There is no school for students on Wednesday, November 22. All PWCS schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24 in observance of Thanksgiving.”

Stafford County Public Schools: “Thanksgiving Break begins on Wednesday, November 22. If you or someone you know might be experiencing food insecurity over break, please visit our website at http://staffordschools.net to access a list of local food assistance organizations in Stafford County.”

Manassas Public Schools: “Division schools and offices will be closed November 22-24, and will return to normal operations Monday, November 27.”

Fredericksburg Public Schools: “FCPS will be closed from Wednesday, November 22 – Friday, November 24. Students return to school on Monday, November 27, 2023.”

The Fredericksburg City Council has approved a budget amendment to fund bonuses to retain teachers in public schools.

The amendment to the city’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget approves reimbursements received by the Fredericksburg City Public School system, which will come from Medicaid, state taxes, and the Virginia Department of Education.

Each eligible permanent employee received a bonus from a collective pot of $700,000, and those who work a five-day-a-week schedule will receive $1,000. Those who work on a schedule of fewer than five days a week will receive $500.

The retention bonuses were distributed in June to all permanent employees of the Fredericksburg City Public School system who signed contracts to work for the 2022-2023 school year. Information provided by city staff defines a permanent employee as one who works either a regular five-day schedule or less than five days a week and receives a semi-monthly paycheck.

The city’s report on the item shows that only $550,000 in retention bonuses have been awarded due to resignations at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

The funding came from three sources: $266,000 from Medicaid reimbursements for school health services, $160,000 from reimbursements from the Virginia Department of Education’s Students with Intensive Needs program, and $274,000 from additional state sales taxes.

The request for this amendment came from the city’s school system after its school board amended its budget to allow for the bonuses at its June 6 meeting.

Fredericksburg incurred no costs by approving this budget amendment.