I’m excited to share that we’ve just published our sixth “Meet the Principal” post, and even more profiles are coming!
Our Manassas Local Editor, Caitlyn Meisner, is working diligently to spotlight nearly two dozen new principals who have just started their roles in Prince William County this year.
Additionally, Caitlyn has been hard at work posting the responses from the candidates for the Manassas City Council in our ongoing feature, the One-Question Candidate Survey. As voters look toward the future of their city, from taxes to schools, real estate development, and data centers, we’re committed to bringing you the answers that matter most.
Just to the south, Fredericksburg Local Editor Kelly Sienkowski works tirelessly to get answers from candidates running in the federal elections for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.
We’re dedicated to connecting you to your community and ensuring you stay informed.
Three of the four candidates shared their thoughts in our second week of candidate survey responses. This feature series aims to help voters in the 7th District make an informed decision by providing insight into each candidate’s position on critical issues affecting our region.
- Explore our Meet the Principal Series to learn more about the individuals shaping education in our community.
- Check out our One-Question Candidate Survey to hear directly from the candidates for the Manassas City Council.
- See our 7th District Candidate Survey to hear from the candidates running for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
Your support helps us keep the community informed—please consider becoming a member today. Thank you for being part of Potomac Local News!
Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles.
Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know Michael Kelchlin, the new principal of Pennington Traditional School in Manassas. Kelchlin was previously the principal of Gravely Elementary School, an assistant principal and teacher.
Why Prince William County, and why [Pennington]?Â
How will you bring your experience as [specific experiences here] to your new role as principal in PWCS?ÂI chose to come to Pennington Traditional School because of its reputation for academic excellence, strong values, parent involvement, and being a great environment for teaching and learning. I previously served as the principal of Gravely Elementary School for the last eight years.
I served as the principal of Gravely Elementary for the past eight years, assistant principal of Newington Forest Elementary School in Fairfax for five years and spent another six years teaching in both Fairfax and Charlotte, N.C. Throughout my time at PWCS, I provided district leadership by serving on various committees, including the Superintendent Principal Advisory Council, PWCS Return to Learning Planning and Logistics Committee, and PWCS Standards Based Teaching and Learning Committee. I was also a nominee for Elementary Principal of the Year in the 2022-2023 school year.
Throughout my years of leadership, I have consistently demonstrated high levels of student achievement, engaged the community through events and volunteer opportunities, and collaboratively created a great school experience for students.                  Â
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Area police have a message for the public: Slow down in school zones because school is back in session. Prince William County Police officers were out in force this week to encourage motorists to slow down in the posted school zones.
Lt. Jonathan Perok said, “School zone safety is a serious concern that impacts students, school staff, parents, and the broader community. Enforcement in these areas is one-way police can assist in ensuring the speed through these zones during critical times is followed. Drivers and pedestrians alike are urged to follow posted signs, avoid distractions, and plan extra time in their commute, especially during this transitional back-to-school period.”
In the hour Prince William motor officers conducted traffic enforcement, Perok noted that 10 traffic citations were issued.
Prince William County motorcycle Officers Shawn Gallagher and Anthony Lynch did their due diligence by driving by all the school zone signs in the zone near Piney Branch Elementary School in Nokesville to ensure signs in all directions were visible and illuminated before beginning enforcement actions.
Potomac Local News interviewed two alleged school zone speeders as they left their traffic stops. Both said they weren’t paying attention but were distracted by construction on the road even though the school zone signs were visible and flashing.
Neither driver was willing to identify themselves, but one accepted that the charges were valid, saying he was on his way to the gym just past the school and simply wasn’t paying attention to the sign on a road he travels daily. The other driver, a woman, was forced to walk away from the traffic stop due to her expired registration and police seizing her license plates. Officers did not tow her car but advised her to fix the registration and other deficiencies before driving.
At Penn Elementary School in Dale City, a parent handbook advises parents wishing to avoid the drop-off lines that it’s better to wait in line than drop off students because the crosswalk is a “significant safety concern.” However, acknowledging the school has “many walkers,” it is crucial for parents to follow proper drop-off procedures to ensure student safety.
The vigilance by Prince William police in enforcing traffic safety laws in school zones is underscored by tragic incidents in recent years. In 2019, a 16-year-old driver struck and killed a 67-year-old woman in front of Graham Park Middle School in Dumfries on a Friday morning.
In 2021, two separate instances resulted in the deaths of two 13-year-olds who were killed while crossing James Madison Highway in front of Battlefield High School.
Drivers who violate the school zone law face stiff penalties. In addition to the average cost of the speeding ticket, violators are assessed an additional $250 fine because the speeding took place in a school zone. A 2020 Virginia law allows jurisdictions to install automated speed cameras in school zones, although the penalties for automated devices are governed separately from speed enforcement by sworn officers.
Many schools have electronic school zone signs that flash yellow lights to warn drivers 30 minutes before school starts for one full hour. They turn on again in the afternoon when schools release and remain on 30 minutes after.
As students throughout the area return to school, Prince William County Police remind the community that school zone safety is a shared responsibility. By following posted speed limits, avoiding distractions, and allowing extra time for commutes, drivers can help protect the lives of students and other members of the community. The police will continue their enforcement efforts throughout the school year to ensure that these critical safety measures are observed.
More from Prince William County Public Schools:
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recently published the Standards of Learning (SOL) scores for the 2023-24 school year, covering all school divisions across Virginia. The data revealed that PWCS’ SOL scores improved across all subjects, including reading and writing, math and science, and history and social sciences, surpassing the state’s scores in nearly every category.
“Prince William County Public Schools is excited and encouraged by the VDOE’s report on our students’ SOL pass rates. We are seeing notable improvements in every subject, and it’s clear that our teachers are delivering in the classroom and our students are setting a new standard of excellence,” said PWCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya D. McDade.
In the 2023-24 school year, students scored 76% in reading. This is 3% higher than the state average and 1% better than the previous year. Students scored 79% in writing, 3% higher than the state average and an 8% increase from the 2022-23 school year. In history and social sciences, students scored 71%, 6% higher than the state average and 1% higher than the year prior. Students scored 73% in math, 2% higher than both the state average and the year prior. Lastly, students scored 68% in science, which is 2% higher than the 2022-23 school year.
“I am thrilled that our school division has improved in all categories. My number one commitment to our community has been improved academic success. We are achieving this by all metrics. We have improved test scores while improving our (preliminary) graduation rate to a record high of 94.3%, reducing chronic absenteeism, having our students win record scholarship dollars, and achieving incredible athletic and extracurricular success,” said Prince William County School Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur Lateef.
“This has been a holistic effort led by Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade and her team. It is holistic in that we have our teachers, students, families, and staff all working towards one goal. While we do have more work to do, we can take a moment to be proud of these incredible achievements.”
Prince William County Public Schools: “The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has shared the Prince William County Public Schools’ preliminary on-time graduation and dropout rates for the 2023-24 school year, citing remarkable progress throughout the division.
The preliminary on-time graduation rate for the 2023-24 school year is 94.3%, a 2.6% increase over the previous school year, and the English learners’ on-time graduation rate is 80.6%, a 9.6% increase over the year prior. The overall dropout rate decreased by 2.7% and the English learners’ dropout rate decreased by 9.6%.”
Teachers will return to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) on Monday, August 12, 2024. The second-largest school division in Virginia is gearing up for the return of its 92,000 students on August 19, 2024.
Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade shared her excitement for the upcoming school year in a recent message to the community.
“Welcome back to a new and exciting PWCS school year! I hope you and your family enjoyed the summer and are eager to get back into the classroom,” said Dr. McDade. She highlighted the success of a recent community event, organized in collaboration with the Prince William County Community Foundation, which drew over 6,000 students, families, and community members to celebrate the start of the school year. “I was so energized to see our community come together, and I invite you to watch all the fun we could capture.”
As students and families prepare for the new school year, McDade emphasized the importance of accessing essential back-to-school information available on the PWCS Back to School webpage. Parents and guardians are reminded to complete the annual Back to School Packet in ParentVUE, where they can review emergency cards, update contact information, and complete necessary policy reviews and acknowledgments. Completion of this packet is required to access class schedules and bus stop information.
Class schedules for elementary school students will be available on August 11, while secondary school schedules, including those for K-8 and traditional schools, will be accessible on August 14 in both ParentVUE and StudentVUE.
Virginia law mandates all students must be adequately immunized by August 15 to begin school on August 19. Parents can view their child’s immunization compliance status in ParentVUE.
PWCS is also implementing changes to its transportation system this year, consolidating bus stops to ensure timely arrival at schools. Transportation details will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE on August 12. Families are encouraged to check their child’s bus stop information, as some stops may have changed from last year. The median distance from home to bus stop has increased from 0.10 mile to 0.23 mile.
As we told you last week, the school division will also require students to put away their cell phones while in the classrooms.
As the school year approaches, Dr. McDade welcomes new and returning teachers, who will begin preparing their classrooms and curriculums on August 12 in anticipation of the first day of school on August 19.
“We are committed to ensuring a safe, successful, and enriching school year for all our students,” said Dr. McDade. “Let’s make this year one of growth, learning, and community togetherness.”
*This story has been corrected.
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) will implement new guidelines restricting the use of cell phones and wireless communication devices in classrooms for the 2024-25 school year. The guidelines aim to create an environment conducive to focused learning, minimize distractions, and promote face-to-face social interactions among students.
Under the new guidelines, all wireless communication devices, including earbuds, must be silenced and stored away during the school day for students in middle, traditional, and K-8 schools. Dual-purpose watches may be worn, but wireless and cellular features must be turned off. High school students must be silent and store their devices during instructional periods. However, they may use their devices during lunchtimes and passing periods, with usage prohibited in restrooms and locker rooms.
The pilot program will be implemented in 33 schools and aims to support academic success by removing distractions caused by cell phones. Students and families will receive the guidelines via email and text message at the beginning of the school year, and acknowledgment of the guidelines will be required.
Exceptions to the guidelines may be granted for students with medical conditions or those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. Privacy and respect are emphasized, with a strict prohibition on taking photos or videos of others without permission. Disciplinary actions will be enforced for violations of these guidelines, including confiscation of devices and progressive consequences for repeated offenses.
Students may use their cell phones on school buses, provided they do not distract the driver or violate other rules. Parents are encouraged to direct urgent messages to the school office rather than contacting students during school hours. Students can use phones in the main office to contact parents or guardians in emergencies.
The PWCS pilot program aligns with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 33, which promotes cell phone-free education to enhance student health and safety. PWCS will review feedback and guidance from the Virginia Department of Education before finalizing the cell phone use guidelines.
The pilot program includes Pennington Traditional, Porter Traditional, and The Nokesville School. Additional elementary schools may be added depending on the governor’s forthcoming policy.
The school division states that students are responsible for adhering to the guidelines and securing their devices. Classes will not be interrupted to search for lost devices.
The changes come after Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order requiring public schools to ban cell phones inside classrooms by 2025.
What do you think of the new policy? Tell us below in the comments.
Participating schools:
- Middle, Traditional & K-8 SchoolsBenton
- Beville
- Bull Run
- Fred Lynn
- Gainesville
- Graham Park
- Hampton
- Lake Ridge
- Marsteller
- The Nokesville School
- Parkside
- Pennington Traditional
- Porter Traditional
- Potomac
- Potomac Shores
- Reagan
- Rippon
- Saunders
- Unity Braxton
- Woodbridge
High Schools
- Battlefield
- Brentsville District
- Colgan
- Forest Park
- Freedom
- Gainesville
- Gar-Field
- Hylton
- Osbourn Park
- Patriot
- Potomac
- Unity Reed
- Woodbridge
Stafford County teachers returned to school today, August 5, 2024, to prepare for the new school year. The morning began with volunteers from Mount Church providing backpacks to students. They donated over 300 backpacks filled with supplies and sorted through all donations from the recent Collect for Kids event.
A representative from Stafford Public Schools expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ efforts, saying, “Thank you to the Mount Church Volunteers for starting the morning with a heart of service for our students coming BackToExcellence. None of this is possible without the continued support of the Stafford community.” Stafford Public Schools students will return to class on Tuesday, August 13.
In Prince William County, the school division partnered with the Prince William Community Foundation for the annual Back to School Community Fair over the weekend. The back-to-school fair was held at Unity Reed High School near Manassas on Saturday, August 3, 2024. School in Prince William County begins on Monday, August 19.
The Prince William Community Foundation, partnered with the school division to host the event, and shared their gratitude on social media, stating, “Words cannot express my gratitude for an exceptional time we had! Thank you to everyone who was a part or played a part in our Back-to-School Community Event. Together, we Can Make a Difference.”
Thank you to the @MtAraratorg Volunteers for starting the morning with a heart of service for our students coming #BackToExcellence. They generously donated more than 300 stuffed backpacks and sorted through all of our Collect for Kids donations from this weekend’s donate and… pic.twitter.com/InCnKV2TWo
— Stafford Schools (@SCPSchools) August 5, 2024
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) will ban personal wireless communication devices, including cell phones, during high, middle, K-8, and traditional school instructional periods starting in the upcoming school year. It joins Stafford County and Fredericksburg public schools in requiring students to turn off and store cell phones during instructional time.
Press release:
PWCS is excited to welcome students back to school on Aug. 19! To help prepare our families for the first day, below are 10 key things you need to know for a successful start to the 2024-25 school year. More details will be shared in the coming days and weeks:
Schedules
Elementary schedules will be available on Aug. 11, and secondary schedules, including K-8 and traditional schools, will be available on Aug. 14, in ParentVUE and StudentVUE.Tax Free Weekend for School Supplies
The three-day Virginia Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 2-4. Check your school’s webpage for supply lists.Complete the annual Back to School Packet
The Back to School Packet will be available on Aug. 6 in ParentVUE. Please contact your student’s school if you do not have a ParentVUE account.New Wireless Device Rules
Coming to high, middle, K-8, and traditional schools, use of personal wireless communication devices (cell phones) will be prohibited during instructional periods. More details will be shared soon.New Bus Stops
As part of the transportation improvements announced earlier this year, many students may have new bus stops. Transportation information will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE on Aug. 12.Free meals expanded to 24 more schools
Code of Behavior Updates
The PWCS Code of Behavior has been clarified that expulsion must be considered in the case of substance abuse offenses, weapons offenses, group assault, and assault on staff (as set forth in Virginia Code § 22.1-277.08). The updated Code of Behavior can be accessed from the Back to School Packet.Important Health Information
Be sure your student has received required vaccinations.
PWCS has partnered with Hazel Health to provide quality mental health care services for all students at no cost to families. Families must opt-in for their student to receive services. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.Communication Improvements
Coming this school year, based on feedback from parents and guardians, families will have an option to choose their preferred method of communication via an app, emails, and/or texts. Stay tuned for details.Curriculum Updates
Virginia Literacy Act/English Language Arts – The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) requires school divisions to develop a literacy plan to implement this school year. These enhancements will ensure success for all students.
Math Curriculum Update – The Virginia Board of Education updated the math Standards of Learning. PWCS will be implementing the new standards this school year.
