Authorities have launched an investigation following a report of a sexual assault that occurred earlier this school year at Osbourn Park High School.
The incident, which reportedly occurred within a school bathroom during the first two weeks of the academic year, was disclosed to police and school officials on November 15, prompting an immediate response.
According to the Prince William County Police Department, an adult female student reported that while she was in a bathroom stall near the gymnasium on the first floor, an unknown individual entered her stall and sexually assaulted her. The suspect is described as a Caucasian or light-skinned individual with a thin build, standing approximately 5’8” to 5’9”. The suspect’s gender remains unconfirmed. At the time of the incident, the individual was reported to be wearing an animal costume mask, a dark-colored long-sleeve shirt, and full-length pants of an unknown color.
In a letter to parents dated November 22, Osbourn Park High School Principal Lisamarie Kane expressed sorrow over the incident and outlined steps being taken in response.
“As soon as our administration team was made aware, our school resource officer and law enforcement officials began an investigation,” the letter states. She added that the school cooperates fully with authorities and supports the victim and their family.
In light of the incident, the school has implemented additional safety protocols, including:
- Increased supervision in shared areas.
- Restricted bathroom access during instructional time.
- Enhanced safety education and support for students.
- Counseling services are being offered to any student who may need assistance.
The Prince William County Police Department urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously to help identify the suspect and ensure justice for the victim.
The Prince William County School Board appears set to adopt a bell-to-bell cellphone ban policy.
The board discussed three possible options ahead of its Dec. 4 meeting, where members are expected to vote on a policy.
Support appears to be coalescing around a bell-to-bell policy.
Held at the school driver's education range, the event was meant to "inspire students to consider careers in public service and skilled trades," a county press release stated.
FFM showcased various vehicles in the fleet and its maintenance equipment. The Prince William County Police Department also brought some emergency vehicles to show URHS students how to manage and maintain the vehicle during an emergency.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
At the November 6, 2024, Prince William County School Board meeting, multiple parents addressed the board with concerns and feedback about the district's pilot cell phone policy, which restricts student phone use during school hours.
The policy, which affects both middle and high schools, allows limited cell phone use for high school students during lunch and hallway transitions, while middle school students follow a stricter "off and away for the day" rule.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
At the November 6 Prince William County School Board meeting, residents advocated for adding Eid Al-Adha as a recognized holiday in the school calendar. This would allow Muslim students and families to observe this significant religious event without missing school.
Hifsa Khan, a resident of Gainesville, spoke on behalf of a group of parents, highlighting the importance of Eid Al-Adha within the Muslim community. “Eid Al-Adha is considered the larger of the two Eids we celebrate, and it’s deeply meaningful for us. It’s a time when we gather with family, worship, and reflect on shared values,” said Khan.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The conversation centered around the effects of an ongoing pilot program restricting phone use during instructional time. The board considered two potential paths: maintaining the current guidelines with limited phone access or adopting a stricter “bell-to-bell” policy.
The board first implemented a cell phone pilot program at the start of the 2024–25 school year, following Gov. Glenn Youngkin's order to schools to develop and implement plans for cell phone-free learning by 2025. Prince William County Public Schools' current policy requires that cell phones be turned off and put away during class periods, with high school students allowed access during lunch and passing periods. The goal is to foster a more engaging classroom environment with increased face-to-face student interactions.
This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.
One hot topic for discussion is the cell phone policy in schools—a decision that could shape students' school-day routines. Recently, the Virginia Department of Education suggested a strict “bell-to-bell” policy, which would prevent students from using phones entirely during the school day, including lunch and passing periods. However, Prince William County has a slightly different plan. Their proposed policy, if adopted, would allow high school students to use their phones during lunch and in hallways between classes, but keep devices out of sight and silent during class time. For younger students in elementary and middle school, phones would need to stay stashed away all day.
If this policy goes into effect on January 1, 2025, students who break the rule could face referrals and might even need to bring home a form for parents to sign. Tonight is the first time the public will get to hear details of this plan, and it’s sure to be a point of interest.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
According to a press release from I-66 EMP — an alliance of infrastructure companies contracted to work in a public-private partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation — the largest donation to date will be put toward a new mobile laboratory supporting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in the county. Last year, I-66 EMP donated $23,000 to support the installation of maker spaces at middle schools in PWCS.
"Over the years, [I-66 EMP have] proven to be an unwavering supporter of public education here in Prince William. We’re appreciative of this donation and we’re excited to see the benefits for all our students," Dawn Davis, executive director of SPARK, said.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Press Release from Prince William County Public Schools:
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recognized 13 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) as 2024 Virginia Purple Star schools, including eight first-time designees and five renewals. Schools earning this distinction must apply to renew their status every three years. These newly designated schools join 39 existing PWCS Purple Star schools, bringing the total to 47. This impressive achievement means that nearly half (49%) of all PWCS schools now hold the Purple Star Designation. The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite.
