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A countywide showcase of music and community spirit will return next month as Stafford County’s five high school marching bands come together for the 15th annual Band Together to Fight Hunger event.
Event coordinator Deb Pickeral and the drum majors representing each high school announced plans for this year’s concert during a presentation before the Stafford County School Board.
“Each year, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our schools that go above and beyond to foster a culture of support, understanding, and resilience for our military-connected students,” shared Kimberly Simpson, PWCS military achievement specialist, as Prince William County Public Schools announced the recognition of 18 schools as 2025 Virginia Purple Star schools. “The Purple Star designation is a powerful acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts that ensure every student, regardless of background or mobility, can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
The Virginia Department of Education recognized 18 PWCS schools—including four first-time honorees and 14 renewals—for their continued support of military-connected students. With this recognition, 51 PWCS schools now hold the Purple Star Designation, representing 53% of the division’s total schools.
“It is with deep humility and great enthusiasm that I assume the role of President of Germanna Community College,” said Dr. Tashika Griffith, who was appointed by Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, to become Germanna’s seventh permanent president, VCCS announced. “I extend my sincere gratitude to Chancellor Doré, the college’s Advisory Board, the search committee, and the many faculty, staff, students, and alumni who participated in this process.”
“I have been deeply impressed by Germanna’s strong sense of community and its steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success,” Dr. Griffith added. “I look forward to building upon this remarkable foundation as we continue advancing the College’s mission and impact across the region.”
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“Unfortunately, this time of year often brings an increase in misinformation and fear meant to influence local and state elections,” Maureen Siegmund wrote. “Recently, there has been renewed concern about Title IX and, in particular, student bathroom use in Stafford County Public Schools.”
Siegmund said district policies “are public, reviewed regularly, and fully compliant with all state and federal laws.” She cited legal guidance presented by the school board’s attorney confirming that the Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board case remains controlling law in the 4th Circuit, guaranteeing transgender students the right to use facilities consistent with their gender identity. Siegmund, running as an independent for re-election, added, “The law is the law, and I will continue to follow it.”
“Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) is pleased to announce a new initiative to provide mental health support to all students,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “The division has been selected as a recipient of a telehealth grant from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).”
The telehealth grant will allow MCPS to expand access to mental health services through digital platforms, ensuring that students receive timely and confidential care. The initiative aligns with statewide efforts to increase behavioral health resources in schools across Virginia.
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The joint meeting, which took place on Oct. 8, came only one week after the federal government shut down. The shutdown went into effect on Oct. 1 when the Senate could not pass the spending bill; many Democrats have cited healthcare funding as their primary reason for opposing the bill.
And while government services have begun to slow or cease altogether, thousands in the DMV region are being impacted. Around 30,500 federal workers lived in Prince William County in February according to a county presentation. It’s unknown how estimates have and will change due to the Trump administration’s cuts to federal agencies.