News

Prince William School Board Add Extra Day Off for Eid al-Adha

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Graphic courtesy of Prince William County Schools]

PWCS already observes Eid al-Fitr, the other official Islamic holiday, in mid-March. The district also observes many major holidays, including but not limited to Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur Christmas, Presidents Day and Memorial Day.

At the Nov. 19, 2024, meeting where the calendar was initially approved, there was some contention between Board members based on the results of a community survey; a majority of the community members wanted a different option than the one that was ultimately approved.

Go to Prince William School Board Add Extra Day Off for Eid al-Adha Read more

Safeguarding Stafford: Fire and Rescue’s Approach to Preventing Brush Fire Damage

By Kelly Sienkowski
Stafford experienced several brush fires in 2024.

Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.

A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.

Go to Safeguarding Stafford: Fire and Rescue’s Approach to Preventing Brush Fire Damage Read more

Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop’s leave, his son’s felony and a controversial tenure

By Uriah Kiser

The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.

Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.

Go to Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop’s leave, his son’s felony and a controversial tenure Read more

Three Constitutional Amendments Move Forward in Virginia Senate

By The Center Square
Virignia State Capitol

By Sarah Roderick Fitch

(The Center Square) – Three amendments are one step closer to being enshrined in the Virginia Constitution after passing the Senate on Tuesday. These amendments address abortion rights, marriage equality, and the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated felons.

Go to Three Constitutional Amendments Move Forward in Virginia Senate Read more

Germanna Expands in Stafford: Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of New $20M Campus Buildings

By Kelly Sienkowski
Germanna Community College Barbara J. Fried Center in Stafford County.

GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.

The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.

Go to Germanna Expands in Stafford: Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of New $20M Campus Buildings Read more

PowerSchool Cybersecurity Breach Impacts Local Schools

By Uriah Kiser

A recent cybersecurity incident affecting PowerSchool, a global provider of education administration software, has raised concerns for school systems across the country, including Fredericksburg City and Manassas City Public Schools. PowerSchool confirmed that its internal systems were breached in late December, resulting in unauthorized access to data involving students and educators from hundreds of school divisions.

PowerSchool, widely used by schools worldwide, supports over 18,000 institutions, serving more than 60 million students. The platform handles essential administrative functions such as attendance tracking, grade reporting, and student data management. While PowerSchool has restored its systems’ security, the breach underscores the vulnerability of sensitive educational information.

Go to PowerSchool Cybersecurity Breach Impacts Local Schools Read more

Kristen Senechal Named New CEO, President of NOVEC

By Caitlyn Meisner
Kristen Senechal. [Photo courtesy of NOVEC]

“After an eight-month national search, the Board selected [Senechal] because of her extensive knowledge and more than 15 years of experience in the electric utility industry,” Board Chairman Wade House said. “The Board also is impressed with her leadership style of prioritizing people first.”

Senechal is the executive vice president of transmission and chief operating officer at Lower Colorado River Authority (LRCA) in Austin, Texas. She joined LRCA in 2017 following nine years at CenterPoint Energy in Houston.

Go to Kristen Senechal Named New CEO, President of NOVEC Read more

Stafford Board Names Janet Brown to Library Post, Apologizes to Former Member

By Uriah Kiser

Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.

Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.

Go to Stafford Board Names Janet Brown to Library Post, Apologizes to Former Member Read more

Fredericksburg Welcomes Teacher-Turned-Comedian for Sold-Out Ladies Night Show

By Kelly Sienkowski

After 17 years as a teacher, Spotsylvania’s Leslie Robinson has learned how to make her students laugh. In almost two decades, Robinson has taught every grade level from pre-school to adult high school, and currently teachers High School Family and Consumer Sciences in Spotsylvania County Public Schools. She is also a popular social media content creator, with thousands of followers and views on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Robinson said she loves bringing comedy into her classrooms, saying it helps students retain more information and also lets them find enjoyment in learning. Making the jump from the classroom to the public was a logical next step – Robinson said, “it only made sense to share that same energy and approach with fellow teachers.” Robinson honed her comedy skills in the classroom, saying, “Teenagers are the toughest audience out there,” and finding the ability to both connect with them and make them laugh is akin to “surviving ‘audience boot camp.'” 

Go to Fredericksburg Welcomes Teacher-Turned-Comedian for Sold-Out Ladies Night Show Read more
View More Stories