Schools - Page 122 of 216 - Potomac Local News

Stafford plans to deliver school breakfast, lunches during virtual classes

Published August 13, 2020 at 8:17PM

Brian Williams, Director of School Nutrition for Stafford County Public Schools.

Stafford County Schools may be beginning the school year online, but they will still be providing meals to students.

During its August 11 meeting, the Stafford County School Board was presented with the division’s School Meal Distribution Plan for the 2020-21 school year. According to the plan, hot meals for all Stafford County Schools students, regardless of whether or not they qualify for free and reduced lunches, will be provided via curbside pickup and a community bus drop off service. The school division will also give free lunches to all students enrolled in the reduced-price lunch program.

Prince William Schools Superintendent Steve Walts to retire in July 2021

By Gianna Jirak

Published August 13, 2020 at 6:43PM

Prince William Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Walts.

After 15 years of service and a recent Twitter scandal, Prince William County Schools Superintendant Dr. Steven L. Walts announced that he is planning to retire on July 1, 2021, when his contract with the school division expires and his daughter graduates from high school.

This announcement was made to both the school board, as well as to parents and students via email. In his resignation announcement, he detailed his accomplishments.

Prince William students to take SAT, ACT tests in person

By Gianna Jirak

Published August 4, 2020 at 12:11PM

Students in Prince William County Public Schools will not be returning to school for in-person learning in August — but they will line up for the SAT.

In August, September, October, November, and December, Prince William County high schools will be hosting the SAT and ACT tests in-person, with ‘guidelines for safety to include cleaning procedures, physical distancing, and the use of face coverings,’ according to Diana Gulotta, Prince William County Schools Director of Communications Services.

Hansford elected Prince William Education Association President

By Arabella Thornhill

Published August 3, 2020 at 11:38PM

Prince William Education Association has chosen Maggie Hansford as its next president.

Hansford will begin in her new role after working for 10 years as a speech language pathologist at T. Clay Wood Elementary School in Nokesville. She replaces former president Riley O’Casey.

Prince William students to follow set schedules for online classes

By Gianna Jirak

Published July 31, 2020 at 4:55PM

Prince William County Public Schools students will be learning from home during the first nine-weeks of the school year online, with exceptions for certain students with additional needs.

This, however, will be very different from the virtual spring semester that occurred during the beginning of the pandemic, as students will have structured schedules, regular start/end times, and learn new content, school officials said.

Catholic schools prepare to reopen as nearly half of voters disapprove of 100% online learning, poll finds

By Potomac Local News

Published July 31, 2020 at 12:39PM

In its first statewide poll, Virginia political consulting firm War Room Strategies found nearly half of likely voters believe that their local school boards and superintendents — not the CDC, President Trump, or Gov. Ralph Northam — should be most responsible for providing options to parents on reopening schools.

And, as many school systems plan to return to 100% virtual learning in the fall, similar to what students experienced following the coronavirus lockdown in March, 44% of those polled disapprove of their local school system’s plans, while 30% strongly disapprove.

Stafford schools switches to fully virtual instruction this fall

By Gianna Jirak

Published July 29, 2020 at 11:33AM

After delaying its initial vote and calling for a special meeting, the Stafford County School Board has made the decision to reopen schools fully virtually.

During its July 29 meeting, the Stafford County School Board approved Superintendent Scott Kizner’s return to learning plan, which begins the school year virtually for students, with exceptions for those in special groups such as special education. For middle school and high school groups, this means students won’t be stepping foot inside school buildings until at least after winter break.

Fredericksburg public schools votes to be completely virtual this fall

By Gianna Jirak

Published July 25, 2020 at 3:44PM

Following in Prince William County’s and Manassas City’s footsteps, Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) will be completely virtual in the fall.

During its June 23 meeting, the Fredericksburg City School Board unanimously approved a plan to begin the school year with 100% virtual instruction for at least the first nine weeks of the year, beginning August 17 and ending October 16. All students will be participating in this plan, even those who are English-language learners and participate in alternative education programs.

Woodbridge High School seniors receive surprise gifts for work during pandemic

By Arabella Thornhill

Published July 24, 2020 at 2:26PM

Ava Pumpelly, one of the three students recognized by Walden University

Three students from Woodbridge High School helped their classmates throughout the year and to repay them, Walden University gave them surprise gifts to help shape their future.

A video produced by the for-profit university catering to working adults features the story of three seniors who were recognized by Walden University for their work to support Washington, D.C.- Area Students Graduating During the pandemic.

Investigation of Prince William schools superintendent’s Tweets wraps up

By Jacob Mosser

Published July 23, 2020 at 11:48PM | Updated July 24, 2020 at 10:22AM

Prince William Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Walts.

After months of investigation, the independent review of Prince William County Public Schools (PWCPS) Superintendent Dr. Steven L. Walts’ Twitter account is complete.

The Prince William County School Board has received a detailed briefing from the outside law firm it contracted to assess the division’s policies and activities. It remains to be seen if the information obtained during the investigation will be released to the public.