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:
- 65.31% of respondents, totaling 1,753 votes, expressed support for restoring Stonewall Jackson High School’s original name, citing the preservation of history as a reason for their choice.
- 32.53% of respondents, totaling 873 votes, opposed restoring Stonewall Jackson’s name, asserting that the change to Unity Reed High School represents progress and inclusivity that should be upheld.
- A smaller fraction of respondents, 2.16%, totaling 58 votes, humorously suggested renaming the school “High Schooly McHigh Schoolface” as an alternative solution.
In 2020, Prince William County Public Schools made the decision to change the name of the high school from Stonewall Jackson High School to Unity Reed High School. This move was part of a broader nationwide trend aimed at reassessing and, in some cases, renaming institutions associated with Confederate figures.
The recent decision in Shenandoah County, where a 5-1 vote favored reinstating Confederate names in schools, reflects a shift in sentiment in some regions. This decision was prompted by concerns about ignoring popular sentiment and due process.
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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Dale City and Mullen Elementary Schools as 2024 Green Ribbon Schools, making them the only two schools in Virginia to receive the honor.
"We are immensely proud of Dale City and Mullen elementary schools’ achievements in being named 2024 Green Ribbon Schools. This prestigious honor reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and the well-being of our students. By fostering a culture of eco-consciousness, we empower our young learners to become responsible global citizens. Congratulations to both school communities," said Prince William County School Board Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur Lateef.
