Prince William police: “Assault & Battery | PWC Public School Staff Member Arrest – On December 8, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Beville Middle School located at 4901 Dale Boulevard in [Dale City] was notified of an alleged assault by a teacher’s assistant against a student. The investigation revealed a student, a 12-year-old male juvenile, and a teacher’s assistant, identified as the accused, were walking in a hallway when the accused grabbed the victim by the shoulders and pushed him into a door before the parties separated. The victim was evaluated by the school nurse where no injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Paul OPOKU AMPEM, was charged. Charged on December 12: [No Photo Available] Paul OPOKU AMPEM, 60, of 18201 Jillian Lane in Triangle. Charged with assault and battery. Court Date: Pending | Status: Released on a Court Summons.”
Prince William police: “Unlawful Filming on School Grounds – On December 4, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Hylton High School located at 14051 Spriggs Road in Woodbridge concluded an investigation into an inappropriate picture taken on school grounds. The investigation revealed on November 20 at approximately 1:30 p.m., a male student, identified as the accused, took an inappropriate photo of another juvenile male student while in a school restroom.”
“The accused later posted the photo to a social media app where another student saw the photo and notified a teacher. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as a 15-year-old male juvenile, was arrested. Arrested on December 4: [Juvenile] A 15-year-old male juvenile of Woodbridge. Charged with unlawful filming. Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center.”
Prince William police: “Aggravated Assault | Firing Projectiles at an Occupied Vehicle – On December 8 at 2:41 p.m., officers responded to the area of Harbor Drive and Colby Drive in Woodbridge to investigate reports of injury and property damage from BB projectiles. The investigation revealed two occupied Prince William County Public School buses were struck by BB projectiles in the above area. Windows were damaged on both buses and one occupant sustained a cut from the broken glass. No additional injuries were reported. Additionally, a female juvenile and a male juvenile, both 17 years of age, were walking separately in the area of Old Bridge Road and Oakwood Drive when they were also struck by BB projectiles. Both juveniles were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Officers searched the area for the suspect(s), who were not located. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. The investigation continues.”
“Board members on Dec. 5 supported a revised version of an amendment proposed at the board’s last meeting; the revision was based on public comments and remarks submitted by board members.”
Prince William County Public Schools: “The Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) selected 13 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students to perform in the 2023 VMEA Senior Honors Choir at the VMEA annual conference held recently.”
“PWCS is proud to have these exceptionally talented seniors represent our school division at this year’s VMEA honors choir,” said Michelle Milligan, administrative coordinator of the arts in PWCS. “Thank you to our dedicated teachers, students, parents, and community supporters, and congratulations to these students on your successful achievement in music that is being recognized and celebrated at the state level.”
“To be selected to perform in this choir, students go through an extremely rigorous process. They compete against the top high school vocal talent in Virginia, making it the most challenging audition and choir experience available in the commonwealth.”
The Prince William County Board of Suepervisors and School Board will hold swearing-in ceremonies.
The school board will hold its ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at the school system's headquarters, Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road, near Dale City.
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“Freedom-Woodbridge High School defeated Highland Springs 42-34 Saturday at the University of Virginia to claim its second straight Class 6 state football title,” Insidenova.com reports.
A Patriot High School student was struck by a car driven by another student in front of Marsteller Middle School on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.
A 17-year-old driver struck a 16-year-old boy who was walking outside the middle school about a mile from Patriot High, 10504 Kettle Run Road in Nokesville.
Police said the 17-year-old fled the scene, but police later found him and charged him with felony hit and run, Prince William police First Sgt. Jonathan Perok.
Emergency crews flew the victim to a hospital after he suffered injuries that appeared to be life-threatening.
Two days later, Patriot students jumped a 14-year-old student inside the school building, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries for the students and assault charges for a 17-year-old Manassas boy.
From Patriot High School Principal Micheal Bishop:
It has been a challenging week for our school community. Many of our students, parents, and staff are shaken by the two incidents that took place this week. As a member of such a proud community, I share in the disheartening emotions of these two events. We must take this moment to reflect on our commitment to the safety and security of our students and to re-enforce the collective strength of our community. My goal since being appointed as principal of Patriot, has been to create and promote a community-oriented high school. It is the type of school I grew up in.
As you know, one of our students was hit by a car this morning near Marsteller Middle School. I am in contact with the student’s parents, and we will provide the support as needed to the family. I know some students were witness to this incident. I can assure you, providing students with the support they need is my priority as the leader of our school.
In addition, I know there is great concern about the fight that took place at our school earlier this week. I recognize the desire for more information; however, because it is an active police investigation and due to privacy laws, I am limited to what information may be shared.
What I can share with you is our commitment to student and staff safety as a top priority. We do have administrators on duty throughout the school at every block and at every lunch shift. We encourage students to report any potential situation that makes them, or others, feel unsafe. We have had additional staff from PWCS Risk Management and Security at our school. We also have had support staff from the Student Services Department on site to provide assistance to students and staff who may need it.
“In elementary schools, we are seeing improvement in reading levels, specifically a 5% increase in our Phonological Awareness Literacy Screenings (PALS), a comprehensive assessment of young children’s knowledge of the important literacy fundamentals that are predictive of future reading success,” reports Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade.
“Also, earlier this week, the School Board voted on the 2024-25 school calendar. Option A was selected in alignment with the community and staff survey results. As a reminder, Option A provides a full two weeks at winter break and a teacher workday following spring break. The 2024-25 school calendar’s first day of school for students will be August 19, 2024.”
