Schools

Schools Across Northern Virginia to Close October 20 for Diwali

By Potomac Local News
Brooke Point High School [Photo: PTSO Facebook page]

Public schools across Northern Virginia will close on Monday, October 20, 2025, in observance of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights.

Stafford County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park schools will all recognize the holiday this year, giving students and staff the day off. Offices and administrative buildings in each division will also be closed.

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School Board Censures Vice Chair Tracy Blake After October 1 Confrontation with Tredinnick

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Blake campaign website]

School Board Censures Vice Chair Tracy Blake After October 1 Confrontation with Tredinnick

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Under State Control, PWEA Budget Devotes Nearly Half of Spending to Leadership Costs

By Uriah Kiser

The Prince William Education Association’s (PWEA) new budget shows that nearly half of all projected spending will go toward governance, officer compensation, and benefits — as the organization remains under the control of the Virginia Education Association (VEA).

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Parents, Teachers Push for More Inclusive Classrooms and Events in Stafford County Schools

By Potomac Local News
Kindergarten students get off the bus at Park Ridge Elementary School on "transition day," Monday, August 11, 2025. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

From calming spaces at school dances to smaller group participation at crowded events, parents and educators in Stafford County are working to make school life more inclusive for students with disabilities.

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Class Act! Manassas Launches $2 Million Fix for Failing Grades

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

The Manassas City School Board heard its first full update Tuesday night on Manassas Pathways, a $2 million alternative education program set to open in January 2026 for students who need a nontraditional path to graduation.

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UMW fall open houses to spotlight Honors Program and STEM opportunities

By Uriah Kiser

The University of Mary Washington is opening its doors to prospective students this fall with two special open house events highlighting its acclaimed Honors Program and growing opportunities in STEM and STEAM fields.

The first open house, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, will focus on UMW’s Honors Program, which emphasizes creativity, leadership, and academic rigor across disciplines. Attendees will meet honors faculty and students, tour residence halls, and learn how the program supports high-achieving students through research, mentorship, and community engagement.

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Cease-and-Desist Letter Shows Tredennick Felt Threatened; PWCS Denies Her Security Request After Confrontation

By Uriah Kiser

Prince William County School Board member Erica Tredennick says Prince William County Public Schools denied her request to bring a personal security aide to a recent division event following her confrontation with Vice Chair Tracy Blake on October 1, 2025.

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Data centers drive Stafford’s 2026–27 career program overhaul

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford County School Board

Stafford County Public Schools unveiled sweeping curriculum updates for 2026–27, featuring two new specialty centers, major state-mandated changes to career and technical education, and a redesigned program for English learners.

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Emails Show PWCS Braced for Turning Point USA Club Debate Before Board Clash

By Uriah Kiser
A screenshot shows a Google Form titled “Petition for the Removal of TPUSA from Patriot High School,” which circulated among students in late September 2025. The petition asked participants whether they supported removing the proposed Turning Point USA chapter from the school.

Internal correspondence within Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) shows that senior division officials were aware of and actively discussed the potential for controversy surrounding the establishment of a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) student club before the October 1, 2025, School Board meeting.

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14th High School’s Future, Possible School Board Member Censure: Big Night Looms for Prince William School Board

By Uriah Kiser
Prince William County School Board Vice Chair Tracy Blake, accused of intimidating a colleague after an October 1 meeting, appears in a School Board video visiting students earlier this year.

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