Schools - Potomac Local News

Manassas City Public Schools to Reopen Wednesday on Two-Hour Delay After Cybersecurity Incident

Published November 11, 2025 at 9:24PM

Osbourn High School. [Courtesy of Homes.com]

“We will operate on a two-hour delayed start for students,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “This means students will report to school two hours later than their normal time. Bus riders will report to bus stops two hours later than their normal time. There is NO SCHOOL FOR PRE-K.”

“Our internal IT team, working closely with outside cybersecurity experts, has made significant progress in restoring division systems after the recent cybersecurity incident,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman stated. “We truly appreciate your patience, trust, and understanding as we worked to ensure our systems and campuses were ready for students and staff to return.”

From AI Fears to YouTube Fights: Fredericksburg Parents Keep Pressure on Schools Over Student Technology

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 11, 2025 at 2:00PM

[Photo courtesy of Prince William County Schools]

A month after Fredericksburg parents demanded answers about an artificial intelligence mental health app used in city schools, new complaints over student laptop access have reignited debate over technology, privacy, and communication in classrooms.

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Low change orders, big operating bill: Stafford details 2026 school openings as county weighs how to pay

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 11, 2025 at 1:30PM

An aerial view of Stafford County's sixth high school under construction. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

Stafford County Public Schools say Hartwood High School, Falls Run Elementary, and Crow’s Nest Elementary remain on track for August 2026, but opening the buildings will require $10.5 million a year in recurring operating costs and 86.8 new full-time positions—about $7.9 million.

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School Redistricting Could Close Potomac View Elementary in Woodbridge

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 10, 2025 at 9:18PM

“The cost of remodeling that school … would be almost equivalent to building a whole new school,” School Board Chair Babur Lateef told the Prince William Times. “The new schools offer students a state-of-the-art learning environment with modern classrooms, updated safety features, and innovative instructional spaces designed for current and future learning needs.”

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Stafford County Public Schools to Host 4th Annual Multicultural Fair This Saturday

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 10, 2025 at 9:30AM

The second annual Stafford County Public Schools Multicultural Fair was held November 18, 2023 at North Stafford High School [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools Facebook Page]

“We’re excited to bring our community together for a day of storytelling, performances, food, and cultural displays that celebrate the beauty of our diverse community,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “This event showcases the many cultures that make Stafford County such a vibrant place to live and learn.”

The 4th Annual Stafford Schools Multicultural Fair will take place on Saturday, November 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View High School. Families and community members are invited to attend this free event celebrating diversity and inclusion across the school division.

Manassas City Public Schools Closed for 2 Days Following Cybersecurity Incident

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 9, 2025 at 5:02PM

“A cyber security incident is impacting MCPS operations,” Manassas City School Board Member Sara Brescia announced. “There will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Monday November 10th. Tuesday November 11th is a scheduled holiday. Students should prepare to return to class on Wednesday November 12th unless informed otherwise.”

The closure affects all Manassas City Public Schools on Monday and Tuesday, November 10 and 11, 2025. While the division had already planned to close on Veterans Day, officials cited a cybersecurity issue as the reason for the additional day off. No official statement has yet been released by the school division.

All Local Schools Closed Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 9, 2025 at 9:43AM

All public schools in Stafford County, Prince William County, Fredericksburg City, Manassas City, and Manassas Park City will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day, as announced by the school divisions.

Regular classes and activities will resume on Wednesday, November 12. School offices and administrative buildings may have varied operating hours; families are encouraged to check their division’s website for details: Prince William County, Stafford County, Fredericksburg City, Manassas City, and Manassas Park City.

Prince William Schools Launch Pilot Food Pantry Program

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 9, 2025 at 9:36AM

“The pilot program, constructed in collaboration with the Prince William County Community Foundation, Capital Area Food Bank and the C.H.O.W. Wagon, officially launched last month,” InsideNoVa reported. “School division leaders gathered Thursday at C.D. Hylton High School near Woodbridge for a ribbon-cutting to formally usher in the program.”

The initiative establishes food pantries at 10 schools across Prince William County, aiming to provide greater food security for students and families. Officials say the effort could become a model for other school systems across the region if successful.

Students, Parents Pick Next Year’s Favorite School Meals at PWCS Food Show

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 7, 2025 at 2:00PM

Hundreds of students and parents packed the cafeteria at C.D. Hylton High School on Thursday to taste-test new dishes that could appear on Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) menus next year.

Now in its 34th year, the annual PWCS Food Show invited the community to sample and rate more than a dozen new breakfast and lunch items — from sweet corn hushpuppies and French toast casserole to Caesar chicken pizza and fish taco bites with cilantro lime slaw.

PWCS Begins School Redistricting Ahead of Two New Elementary Openings

By Uriah Kiser

Published November 7, 2025 at 9:41AM

“We are beginning the community engagement and planning process associated with the opening of two new elementary schools in eastern Prince William County,” Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) announced. “These schools are intended to serve elementary students and staff and respond to growing enrollment, particularly in the Cherry Hill area.”

“Woodbridge Elementary School is scheduled to open for the 2026-27 school year, and Potomac Shores Elementary School is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year,” the division stated. “No final decisions have been made at this time, and PWCS remains committed to transparency and community engagement throughout the redistricting process.”