New State Rules, Same Classroom Debate: Brescia Says 50% for Missing Work ‘Isn’t Worth the Tradeoff’
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The new elementary schools and Hartwood are part of Stafford’s broader strategy to relieve overcrowding and rebalance school boundaries. In a March 2025 article, Potomac Local noted that the division’s redistricting plan (Scenario Green) aimed to open ES-18 and ES-19 near 95 percent capacity initially, ensuring none exceed capacity in year one. (Potomac Local News)
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FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Hundreds of University of Mary Washington students connected with potential employers at Thursday’s fall Career and Internship Fair—and many arrived dressed for success thanks to a two-day professional pop-up boutique held earlier in the week.
The boutique, co-hosted by UMW’s Student Activities and Engagement office and the Gwen Hale Resource Center, drew 340 students on Monday and Tuesday. The event offered free professional attire, donated by UMW faculty, staff, and the campus resource center, giving students a chance to suit up ahead of the fair.
STAFFORD, Va. – Two Stafford County schools were locked down over the past week after false alarms triggered emergency systems.
At Mountain View High School and Margaret Brent Elementary on September 19, an alarm set off a precautionary lockdown before deputies confirmed there was no threat. Five days later, Stafford High School went into lockdown twice in one morning after faulty wiring caused its system to activate.
WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah University is proud to announce the 30 students who were selected for its Hornet Ambassadors program for 2025-26.
The new Hornet Ambassadors include:
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, Stafford Middle School unveiled a mural outside its main office celebrating Andrew “Norfolk” Walker and Rosie Walker, who opened Walker’s Inn in 1941. The inn became known for its music, dancing, baseball games, and Rosie’s chicken sandwiches, drawing visitors from Stafford, Quantico, Fort A.P. Hill, and beyond. The mural, painted by local artist Brenda Edwards, was dedicated during a ceremony inside the school cafeteria.
The event brought together Walker family descendants, who shared memories of growing up around the inn, where “no one ever went hungry.” Students played a central role, interviewing family members beforehand and posing questions during a roundtable discussion.
DUMFRIES, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools just broke ground on a new elementary school in the Potomac Shores area, aiming to open its doors by fall 2027.
The ceremonial event brought together local leaders, including PWCS Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade, members of the School Board, and county officials, to celebrate the start of construction. The school—temporarily referred to as “Potomac Shores” Elementary—will receive its official name later, following a recommendation from the School Naming Committee.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Germanna Community College has narrowed its search for a new president to three finalists, all of whom will visit campus this fall for public forums and community meet-and-greets.
The finalists are Dr. David Ferreira of Connecticut, Dr. Tashika Griffith of Florida, and Dr. Thomas Walker, Jr. of North Carolina. One of them will succeed Dr. Van Wilson, who has served as interim president since July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Janet Gullickson.
STAFFORD, Va. – A Stafford County parent who wore a unicorn suit to School Board meetings has been warned about his conduct, even as the U.S. Attorney General issued a memo affirming parents’ rights to speak at public meetings.
On Sept. 10, 2025, Board Member Maureen Siegmund sent a letter to Shamgar Connors, a former teacher with a son in county schools. The letter cited his conduct at the Aug. 27 and Sept. 9 meetings, where he crawled on all fours, mimicked animal behavior, and used stuffed unicorns as props during public comment. Siegmund wrote that while free speech is protected, speakers must maintain decorum, noting that disruptive behavior could result in his removal from future meetings.