Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below. Today, get to know Jason Pensler, the new principal of Bel Air Elementary in Woodbridge. Pensler is a Northern Virginia native with more than 25 years of experience in education. Why Prince William County, and why Bel Air Elementary?

As a lifelong Northern Virginia resident and having many colleagues residing in Prince William County, I was drawn to Prince William County Schools by LaTanya D. McDade's, Ed.D. inspiring leadership. Her commitment to innovation and equitable education aligns perfectly with my own values. Throughout the interview process, I felt a strong connection with the Bel Air Elementary school community and PWCS' leadership team making Bel Air Elementary the perfect fit for me. One of the key factors that attracted me to PWCS and Bel Air Elementary is the diverse student population. Having experience in Title 1 schools and language immersion programs, I immediately felt a connection to the vibrant Bel Air community. I'm excited to champion for our students and staff and create a welcoming, safe learning environment where they can thrive.

How will you bring your experience as [specific experiences here] to your new role as principal in PWCS?

As a seasoned educator with 26 years of experience in the classroom, gifted and talented programs, and administration, I'm thrilled to bring my expertise to my new role as principal in PWCS.

My diverse background, including experience with dual language immersion programs, has equipped me with a deep understanding of effective teaching practices and the importance of creating a supportive learning environment for all students and empowering our staff as teacher leaders.

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Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

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The Prince William County Police Department arrested a 12-year-old Unity Braxton Middle School student Wednesday after a tip was received about a threat of potential violence posted on TikTok toward the school.

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The Stafford County School Board unanimously approved the construction of Elementary School 19 during its monthly business meeting on September 10, 2024. The new school will be located at 80 Black Hawk Lane, next to Brooke Point High School, in the central portion of the county. It is set to open in 2026.

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Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

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Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below. Today, get to know Rose Moore, the new principal of Woodbridge Middle School. She's been an educator for 20 years in Fairfax County, working as a math teacher, a math coordinator and an assistant principal at two middle schools. Why Prince William County, and why Woodbridge Middle School? 

I chose Prince William County Public Schools after hearing about its warm and welcoming environment. I had numerous personal and professional connections with PWCS employees, and everyone I spoke with shared positive experiences about working here. I chose Woodbridge Middle School because of its diverse student body and community. I am passionate about middle school students and love how vibrant Woodbridge Middle is.

How will you bring your experience as a teacher, instructional coach, mathematics coordinator and assistant principal to your new role as principal in PWCS?

My diverse background in education has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of running a school and supporting staff and students, especially middle school students. As a teacher, I developed a commitment to fostering student academic and personal growth. My time as an instructional coach allowed me to support and mentor fellow educators, enhancing their teaching practices and ultimately benefiting student learning outcomes. In my role as a mathematics coordinator, I honed my skills in curriculum development and data analysis, ensuring that instructional strategies were both effective and aligned with educational standards. As an assistant principal, I gained valuable experience in school leadership, managing day-to-day operations, and addressing the needs of a diverse student body. In my new role as principal, I will leverage these experiences to create a supportive and inclusive environment at Woodbridge Middle School. I am committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and high expectations for both students and staff. By drawing on my background, I will inspire and lead our school and community towards excellence.

Are there any initiatives you hope to implement in your first year?

Absolutely! In my first year as principal, I plan to focus on several key initiatives:

Enhancing student engagement: I will promote active learning and student participation, such as project-based learning, small group instruction and classroom activities that cater to diverse interests.

Professional development for staff: Providing ongoing learning opportunities and support for teachers is crucial. During our collaborative learning team sessions and faculty meetings, we will focus on integrating research-based teaching strategies and restorative practices. Several staff members including myself will be fully trained in restorative practices to support student behavior and development.

Community involvement: Strengthening the relationship between the school and the community is a priority. I hope to organize events and programs that encourage community members to participate in school activities and support student learning.

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On the night before school started, Potomac Local News was the first to report that Stafford County Public Schools left more than 3,000 students and their parents scrambling when it failed to provide bus transportation to students who expected to ride the school bus.

The school division waited until the last minute to inform parents, causing many to rush to adjust schedules and make alternate arrangements to get their children to school.

Questions about what happened have only grown in the weeks since this debacle. Despite our multiple requests, no elected county school board member has agreed to be interviewed by Potomac Local News.

We have not forgotten, and we believe you deserve answers. We’ll continue reporting on this critical issue and cover the upcoming county school board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Interestingly, as of this post, there is no scheduled discussion about the school bus issues on the meeting agendas.

The School Board will meet next Tuesday, September 10, 2024, for a 5:30 p.m. work session and a 7 p.m. meeting where the public may speak. Both meetings will be live-streamed. The broadcasts will also be live on local cable channels: Comcast channel 18, Cox channel 89, and Verizon channel 38—replays air on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m., and Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

You can read our previous reports for our continued coverage of this issue.

Thank you for your continued support of local news in our community. We are here to ensure you stay informed.

On September 5, 2024, at 8:39 a.m., Manassas City Police responded to a call reporting a suspicious event near the intersection of Quarry Road and Zebedee Street.

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Jacob Long has been appointed vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer at the University of Mary Washington, starting October 25. He previously served as associate vice president for budget and financial planning at William & Mary and brings over 20 years of experience in higher education finance.

Press Release:

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I’m excited to share that we’ve just published our sixth “Meet the Principal” post, and even more profiles are coming!

Our Manassas Local Editor, Caitlyn Meisner, is working diligently to spotlight nearly two dozen new principals who have just started their roles in Prince William County this year.

Additionally, Caitlyn has been hard at work posting the responses from the candidates for the Manassas City Council in our ongoing feature, the One-Question Candidate Survey. As voters look toward the future of their city, from taxes to schools, real estate development, and data centers, we’re committed to bringing you the answers that matter most.

Just to the south, Fredericksburg Local Editor Kelly Sienkowski works tirelessly to get answers from candidates running in the federal elections for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District.

We’re dedicated to connecting you to your community and ensuring you stay informed.

Three of the four candidates shared their thoughts in our second week of candidate survey responses. This feature series aims to help voters in the 7th District make an informed decision by providing insight into each candidate’s position on critical issues affecting our region.

• Explore our Meet the Principal Series to learn more about the individuals shaping education in our community.
• Check out our One-Question Candidate Survey to hear directly from the candidates for the Manassas City Council.
• See our 7th District Candidate Survey to hear from the candidates running for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.

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