By Kristina Schnack Kotlus
Schools and Education Reporter
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Children under age five in Prince William County, Manassas City and Manassas Park areas will benefit from a new school readiness initiative called Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William.
The initiative was launched with a $50,000 planning grant from the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and the PNC Foundationâs Grow-Up Great Program.
A May 2010 summit sponsored by PNC Bank included a discussion among senior managers about the importance of developing a strong future workforce. Regional PNC president Glenn Kindard, who is also vice chairman of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, helped foster growth of the summitâs ideas from there.
âIt was exciting to watch this important initiative gain momentum as community leaders from the public and private sectors recognized the huge return on investment when young children are equipped to succeed in school and, ultimately, in the workforce,â said Kindard in a press release.
The grant itself will be used to fund an assessment of early learning needs in the Prince William region, as well as to develop a strategic plan and leadership team between July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.
SPARK, the education foundation for Prince William County Public Schools will serve as fiscal agent for Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William during the development process.
Recent Stories
STAFFORD, Va. â A new class of future first responders is ready to serve.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. â The popular water feature at Riverfront Park is officially open for summer fun!Â
STAFFORD, Va. â Stafford County residents gathered at the Armed Services Memorial on Friday, May 23, 2025, for the countyâs annual Memorial Day Ceremony, a time to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
MANASSAS PARK, Va. â Community members gathered at City Hall on Friday afternoon to pay tribute to the nationâs fallen service members during a Memorial Day Flag Ceremony.
The most anticipated night of the year is almost here! This Saturday, May 31, step into the romance, elegance, and charm of Parisâwithout ever leaving Washington, DC.
Join us for An Evening in Paris, an unforgettable soirĂ©e celebrating the best of French culture. Experience an immersive evening filled with gourmet French cuisine, refined wines, captivating live music, and the irresistible ambiance of the City of Light. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply love a night of sophistication, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.
âš Highlights of the evening include:
Calling all WSHS Class of 1975 graduates! Our class has planned our 50-Year Class Reunion to be held September 26-28, 2025 in Woodbridge, Virginia. Reunion details and registration information are available to be sent to you.
To find out more, please email our reunion committee at [email protected]
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
