Schools

Stafford Schools Principal Appointed to National Assessment Governing Board

By Press Release
SIdebotham

STAFFORD, Va. — Stafford County Public Schools proudly congratulates Michael Sidebotham, principal of Grafton Elementary School, on his appointment by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to the National Assessment Governing Board, the body that oversees the Nation’s Report Card.

The National Assessment Governing Board plays a critical role in shaping the assessment of student achievement nationwide, including determining which subjects and grades to assess and setting performance standards. This appointment recognizes Principal Sidebotham’s extensive expertise in educational assessment and his dedication to using data to support student growth.

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New State Rules, Same Classroom Debate: Brescia Says 50% for Missing Work ‘Isn’t Worth the Tradeoff’

By Uriah Kiser
Brescia (right)

Manassas City School Board member Sara Brescia says giving 50% for missing work is an “unacceptable tradeoff,” arguing the division should shift detailed grading rules out of School Board policy and into a superintendent-set regulation to de-politicize decisions and focus on student engagement, attendance, and behavior.

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Prince William Schools Outperform State SOL Averages

By Caitlyn Meisner
Prince William County Schools' Standards of Learning scores from the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. [Data courtesy of the Virginia Department of Education]

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Stafford’s New Schools Start Small as Teacher Transfers Open This Fall

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

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)

Key takeaways:

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UMW Career Fair Offers Students a Launchpad into the Workforce

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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2 False Alarms Trigger Stafford Schools Lockdown—How Did It Affect Your Family?

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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Stafford Middle unveils colorful mural honoring Walker’s Inn and its legacy

By Uriah Kiser
Family members of Andrew “Norfolk” and Rosie Walker stand in front of a new mural at Stafford Middle School honoring Walker’s Inn, a historic gathering place for Stafford’s African American community from the 1940s through the early 1970s. The mural was unveiled during a dedication ceremony on Sept. 26, 2025. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

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.

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New elementary school coming to Potomac Shores by 2027

By Press Release

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.

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3 finalists named in search for next Germanna Community College president

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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