“The pilot program, constructed in collaboration with the Prince William County Community Foundation, Capital Area Food Bank and the C.H.O.W. Wagon, officially launched last month,” InsideNoVa reported. “School division leaders gathered Thursday at C.D. Hylton High School near Woodbridge for a ribbon-cutting to formally usher in the program.”

The initiative establishes food pantries at 10 schools across Prince William County, aiming to provide greater food security for students and families. Officials say the effort could become a model for other school systems across the region if successful.


Hundreds of students and parents packed the cafeteria at C.D. Hylton High School on Thursday to taste-test new dishes that could appear on Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) menus next year.

Now in its 34th year, the annual PWCS Food Show invited the community to sample and rate more than a dozen new breakfast and lunch items — from sweet corn hushpuppies and French toast casserole to Caesar chicken pizza and fish taco bites with cilantro lime slaw.


“We are beginning the community engagement and planning process associated with the opening of two new elementary schools in eastern Prince William County,” Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) announced. “These schools are intended to serve elementary students and staff and respond to growing enrollment, particularly in the Cherry Hill area.”

“Woodbridge Elementary School is scheduled to open for the 2026-27 school year, and Potomac Shores Elementary School is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year,” the division stated. “No final decisions have been made at this time, and PWCS remains committed to transparency and community engagement throughout the redistricting process.”


“It was an unforgettable night, featuring a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the Office of Stafford County Sheriff – David ‘DP’ Decatur, Sheriff Quartet, and a moving performance of ‘America the Beautiful’ by the All-County Marching Band,” Stafford County Public Schools shared. “The incredible show by our five Stafford County High School Marching Bands helped us achieve new heights in giving: 4,304 pounds of food collected and $17,340 in donations raised!”

The 15th Annual Band Together to Fight Hunger brought together students, families, and community partners to support local hunger relief. Donations from the event will benefit SERVE, local pantries, and the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. Sponsors included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Boy Scout Troop 2220, Girl Scout Troops 15 and 26, the University of Mary Washington’s Women’s Softball Team, and Manhattan Pizza – Stafford.


“The meeting that we had, this representative assembly, was the least democratic thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. It was truly horrific,” Jayne Cobern, a Prince William Education Association representative, told InsideNoVa. “People are leaving left and right – we are hemorrhaging members.”

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“At Vocelli Pizza, we believe that when times get tough, neighbors step up for one another,” Vocelli Pizza North Stafford shared. “Some families shared that they couldn’t make it last time — and we couldn’t let anyone feel left out. So, we’re doing it again.”

As a Partner in Education with Stafford County Schools, the restaurant will offer one free large cheese or pepperoni pizza per furloughed family on Thursday, November 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at its North Stafford location, 44 Mine Road. Families need only present a federal government ID at pickup.


“Over 400 high school and college students participated in this year’s Workforce Now Mock Interview Day, an incredible event dedicated to preparing our future workforce for career success,” Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Workforce Now announced. “Students had the opportunity to practice real interview skills with local and regional business leaders and receive personalized resume reviews and feedback — helping them gain confidence and refine their professional presence.”

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“NOVA students can access free food and personal care items at our Nighthawk Nest pantries,” Northern Virginia Community College announced. “See locations and hours here.”

The initiative provides essential support to students facing food insecurity, especially as state and federal nutrition programs adjust. The Nighthawk Nests are stocked with groceries, toiletries, and hygiene products—free to all enrolled students—with pantries available on every NOVA campus.


“Osbourn High School’s ‘It’s Academic’ team — made up of students Victoria, Gabrielle, and Marshall — proudly represented MCPS during the show’s 65th season taping on October 25,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “Special thanks to the team’s coaches, Mrs. Bond, Mr. Iqbal, and Ms. Hagood, as well as Chair Seaberg, Vice-Chair Spall, Ms. Tania, and Mrs. Cook for their support in making this experience possible.”

“We can’t wait to cheer them on when their episode airs January 10 — stay tuned!” the division added.


The original Presidential Fitness Test began under President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and was introduced in schools in 1966 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was phased out nationally after 2012, when the federal government replaced it with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. The change reflected a shift away from ranking students by athletic performance toward a focus on individual health, inclusivity, and lifelong fitness habits.

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