Forest Park High School’s special education students, affectionately known as the ‘A’ Street Bruins, recently enjoyed a memorable evening at their annual prom, organized by Special Education teacher Ashley Tayon. The event, held on Saturday, May 11, was a celebration of the students’ achievements throughout the year, complete with music, dancing, and delicious food.
Ashley Tayon, who leads the ‘A’ Street Bruins, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her students’ accomplishments. “Each year, we come together for a night of recognition and fun,” she said. “It’s a chance for our students to dress up and enjoy themselves in a glamorous setting.”
This year’s prom, themed “A Night Under The Big Top,” transformed Forest Park High School’s cafeteria into a colorful circus extravaganza. With the help of local vendors and restaurants, including Crimson Coward, Nando’s, and Olive Garden, among others, over $1,000 worth of food and desserts were provided, ensuring that the students and their families had a memorable culinary experience.
Preparations for the event began weeks in advance, with students and staff working diligently to create decorations that fit the circus theme. “It felt like we were inside a circus tent,” Tayon said. “The atmosphere was lively and festive, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.”
The prom also featured music from DJ Mr. D, who kept the dance floor packed with his selection of tunes. Additionally, a photo booth provided by Flick It Up Photos allowed students to capture special memories of the evening.
One of the event’s highlights was the contribution from Kona Ice, who provided a jockey box that perfectly complemented the circus theme. “Kona Ice has always been a huge supporter of us,” Tayon noted. “Their generosity added an extra layer of fun to the festivities.”
Tayon expressed her gratitude for the support received and the opportunity to create lasting memories for her students.
The Inaugural Prince William County Public Schools Sports Fair is set to take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a showcase of athletic opportunities within the public school system.
“All VHSL sports will be featured at the PWCS Sports Fair,” said school division spokeswoman Megan Silas. “This includes cheerleading, cross country, golf, field hockey, football, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, baseball, crew, lacrosse, softball, soccer, tennis, and track.”
When asked about the participation of schools and teams from PWCS, Silas mentioned, “We’re still organizing the event, but we’ve heard from numerous middle and high schools who will be represented. The event is free and open to all Prince William County Public Schools rising fifth-grade, middle, and high school students.”
Attendees can expect interactive booths for each featured sport, with coaches and student-athletes on hand to provide information and answer questions. In addition to sports exhibits, there will be a DJ, food trucks, and giveaways.
Regarding language accessibility, Silas assured, “Interpreters fluent in each of our nine core languages – Arabic, Chinese, Dari/Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese – will be available on-site.”
Silas expressed hopes of turning the sports fair into an annual event, stating, “One of the Department of Student Activities’ strategic plan goals is to increase participation in sports throughout the division. We believe this event will help promote sports available in our schools and get more students interested in playing sports. Moving forward, we hope to incorporate community partners in future sports fairs.”
The fair will take place at the Kelly Leadership Center, 14715 Bristow Road, at Independent Hill.
Potomac Local News recently conducted a poll asking readers whether Prince William County Public Schools should restore Stonewall Jackson's name to Unity Reed High School near Manassas.
The results of the poll are as follows:
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The Prince William County Service Authority has recently recognized the achievements of 11 middle and high school students from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park for their outstanding submissions in the 2024 Prince William-Manassas Regional Science & Engineering Fair.
Teaming up annually with Prince William County Schools, the Service Authority reviews water- and wastewater-related projects in the Science & Engineering Fair, singling out exceptional endeavors for Service Authority Organizational Awards. The winners of this year’s student competition were presented with cash prizes and accolades during the May 9 Service Authority Board of Directors meeting.
Among the honored students is Lily Lu from Ronald Reagan Middle School, who clinched First Place in the Middle Division with her project titled “The Effect of Different Types of Bivalve Shell Filtration on Stream Water Quality.” Lily delved into the efficacy of bivalve shell filtration, specifically examining oysters, clams, and mussels, and their impact on enhancing stream water quality.
In the Senior Division, Dylan Borek, Josh Rizer, and Izidor Yatsevich of The Governor’s School at Innovation Park secured First Place with their project investigating “The Effects of Ocean Acidification and Ultraviolet Radiation on Spirulina major.”
Michelle Miranda, the Service Authority’s Community Outreach Supervisor, praised the exceptional talent of these young scientists, emphasizing the dedication, expertise, and hard work demonstrated in each project. Miranda expressed the Service Authority’s commitment to nurturing the passion of every student for water quality treatment and environmental stewardship.
The complete list of winners includes:
Middle Division:
– First Place: Lily Lu, Ronald Reagan Middle School
– Second Place: Aysha Jafar & Salma Jafar, Ronald Reagan Middle School
– Third Place: Erin Jansen, The Nokesville School
– General Manager’s Awards: Zoey Davis, Marsteller Middle School
Senior Division:
– First Place: Dylan Borek, Josh Rizer & Izidor Yatsevich, The Governor’s School at Innovation Park
– Second Place: Andrew Funk & Sofia Wojcik, The Governor’s School at Innovation Park
– Third Place: Jocelyn Ellis, Osbourn Park High School
The dedication and ingenuity displayed by these students underscore the innovative potential within our local educational community.
In light of Shenandoah County’s recent decision to rename Mountain View High School Stonewall Jackson High School and the restoration of the Confederate name, should Prince William County Public Schools follow suit and restore Stonewall Jackson’s name to Unity Reed High School, located near Manassas?
Here’s a quick recap:
- In 2020, Prince William County Public Schools changed the name of the high school from Stonewall Jackson High School to Unity Reed High School.
- Shenandoah County’s recent vote reflects a shift in sentiment, with a 5-1 decision to reinstate Confederate names in schools.
- The decision in Shenandoah County was prompted by concerns of ignoring popular sentiment and due process.
Prince William County Schools press release: For some Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) employees, the time has come to bid farewell to their classrooms and offices—their retirement from the school division marks the end of an era as well as a stepping stone toward their next grand adventure.
Nearly 300 employees—educators, support staff, and administrators who have dedicated years of their lives in service to our students will be celebrated in a retirement ceremony on May 21. Through their crucial work and irreplaceable efforts, they have provided a safe and welcoming environment for all students to learn the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to create a thriving future for themselves and their community.
See the full list of retirees.
Authorities at Patriot High School in Brentsville were alerted to the presence of a weapon on school premises following a tip received through the See Something Say Something App.
The School Resource Officer (SRO) was notified on May 7 at 10:24 a.m., indicating that a student had been in possession of a weapon the previous evening during an after-school function. The investigation revealed that the student was seen with metal knuckles, police said.
Police learned the suspect did not employ the weapon in a manner that threatened fellow students, faculty, or staff.
Kelven Duong, 18, 13259 Sapphire Ridge Pl. in Bristow, was charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds. has been released on a court summons, with the court date pending.
The knuckles were on the student during an after-school function, said a school division spokeswoman, when asked it the knuckles passed through the school’s new metal detectors.
School may not even be out for the summer, but some in the community are already planning what children will need when they return to class in August.
The Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF) is gearing up for its fourth annual Back-to-School Community Event, anticipated to attract as many as 8,000 attendees, a significant increase from last year’s 6,000. This year’s event, scheduled for August 3, 2024, at Unity Reed High School near Manassas, will feature a substantial giveaway of over 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, up from 2,500 last year.
In a continued partnership, Sentara Health, through its Sentara Cares initiative, is contributing $25,000, marking its second year as the signature sponsor. This sponsorship extends beyond the event itself, supporting ongoing vaccine clinics in Prince William County Schools, which will run throughout the summer to ensure that students receive the necessary immunizations before the new school year begins.
Dr. Vanessa Gattis, founder, president, and CEO of the PWCCF, and a retired Army civil affairs veteran, highlighted the growth in community engagement. “Each year, we see more businesses and organizations step forward to support our mission. This not only helps us reach more families but also enhances our service offerings like the vaccine clinics and our food security programs,” she said.
Last year, PWCCF’s Combating Hunger on Wheels program, also known as the “CHOW Wagon,” celebrated a milestone by distributing its 10 millionth meal in the county. The foundation, known for its broad support of local public schools, veterans, seniors, and the homeless, continues to expand its outreach and impact.
Dr. Gattis emphasized the event’s holistic approach to community support: “It’s about more than just backpacks. Our goal is to prepare children for a dynamic year ahead in school, equipped not only with the necessary supplies but also with good health ensured through our vaccination efforts.”
Community members wishing to contribute can donate supplies to help stuff the backpacks or volunteer at the event. Details on donation drop-off locations and volunteer opportunities are available on the PWCCF website.
This year’s Community Back to School Event will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Unity Reed High School near Manassas.
Mason William Tredinnick, 18, was charged with malicious wounding following an altercation at a local church. The incident occurred on the evening of May 2 at the Chapel Springs Assembly of God Church in Bristow.
According to police reports, officers were called to the scene at 11:44 p.m. after receiving reports of an assault. The investigation revealed that the confrontation began as a verbal altercation during a sports activity, which quickly escalated. Mason Tredinnick, identified as the accused, grabbed the 17-year-old victim scratched his neck, and initially separated. However, the dispute continued, resulting in Tredinnick re-engaging and striking the victim multiple times in the face, police reports state. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, received treatment at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Tredinnick was arrested on May 3 and is currently held on a secured bond of $3,000. His court date is pending. Mason’s mother, Erica Tredinnick, a Prince William County School Board member, declined to comment on her son’s arrest.
Sources within the school division have indicated that Mason will not be allowed to participate in his upcoming high school graduation high school ceremony due to the incident.
The arrest comes just a week after the Prince William County School Board discussed updates to the county’s Code of Behavior. This code is a key component of the conduct policy enforced across all district schools.
Denise Huebner, Associate Superintendent for Student Services and Post-Secondary Success, detailed the proposed revisions to the Code of Behavior aimed at standardizing disciplinary practices and enhancing the overall educational environment within the district.
Huebner outlined the revised Code of Behavior, which is aligned with the district’s strategic plan. The updates aim to establish a clear, consistent set of expectations for student and staff behavior, thereby enhancing the educational climate. “Our main objective with these revisions is to ensure uniformity and consistency across all schools,” Huebner explained. She emphasized the tailored approach to discipline that considers individual circumstances and the need for flexibility to address the specific needs of different schools within the district.
However, School Board member Tredinnick raised significant concerns about the practical application of these policies. She questioned the consistency with which the code is implemented across different classrooms and schools, pointing out that the current approach allows for a high degree of variability that can lead to perceptions of unfairness and confusion. “How one teacher or administrator responds to behavior can differ greatly from another, which isn’t conducive to a fair educational environment,” Tredinnick said.
Tredinnick also highlighted issues with how the school system involves parents and the broader community in shaping these policies. She stressed the need for a more transparent and inclusive process that actively seeks and incorporates feedback from all stakeholders to ensure the code reflects community values and effectively addresses behavioral issues. “We need mechanisms that not only gather feedback more effectively but also ensure that it influences the policy in meaningful ways,” she said.
The board member also expressed concern about the anonymity and effectiveness of surveys used to gather feedback on the code. She suggested that identifying respondents by school level could potentially deter honest feedback and proposed that the survey process be reviewed to enhance participant anonymity and response rates.
Tredinnick underscored the importance of clear guidelines and definitions within the code to prevent arbitrary enforcement and ensure that all students are treated equitably. She called for detailed, concrete guidelines that would help teachers and administrators apply disciplinary measures consistently and fairly.
