On February 20, 2024, the Manassas City Council will meet to discuss matters regarding education infrastructure and the development of the Jennie Dean Elementary School.
The agenda for the meeting encompassed various topics, including updates on the construction progress of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School. Furthermore, council members deliberated on the current condition of the existing school building and explored potential uses for the former Jennie Dean Elementary School building.
The weapon was safely confiscated without further issues. This marks the second such incident in recent months, despite the school district’s $11 million investment in safety screening technology. The school district emphasized its commitment to student and staff safety, indicating ongoing evaluations of security measures.
The Manassas City School Board voted unanimously Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, to approve the plans for Jennie Dean Elementary School, moving it forward to the city’s Planning Commission for further approval and discussion.
This decision comes after months of discussions, planning, and devising an amenable school plan to fit the city’s needs. Previous reporting from Potomac Local News has shown contention between City Council and the School Board about this project, which has focused on other projects.
A knife was discovered in the possession of a 15-year-old student at Colgan High School, prompting swift action by school authorities and law enforcement on February 14. According to reports, the incident unfolded at approximately 9:15 a.m. when the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Colgan High School was alerted to the weapon’s presence.
It was revealed during the subsequent investigation that the accused student had allegedly brandished the knife toward fellow students within a classroom setting.
Angelene Daganzo and Adam Ahmed, both distinguished seniors representing Colonial Forge High School, have been chosen as candidates based on their exceptional academic performances, exemplary SAT/ACT scores, compelling essays, thorough self-assessments, comprehensive school reports, and impeccable transcripts.
Adam Ahmed, who currently holds the prestigious positions of senior-class president and Parliamentarian at the Future Business Leaders of America, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his candidacy. His involvement in various community service projects, including church and food scarcity initiatives, alongside active participation in organizations such as the Muslim Student Association and Habitat for Humanity, underscores his commitment to societal betterment. Ahmed’s aspirations to pursue a major in Biology at the collegiate level further highlight his dedication to academic excellence and personal growth.
With cumulative grants to school divisions totaling $1.52 million, PWCS, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is set to establish registered teacher apprenticeship programs aimed at alleviating teacher recruitment challenges and fostering a robust talent pool within the community.
Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons stated, “I am proud to continue our commitment to helping school divisions find ways to put exceptional people from their own communities in their local classrooms.” Coons emphasized the pressing need for innovative approaches in addressing teacher shortages and highlighted the collaborative efforts with the National Center for Grow Your Own to tailor effective apprenticeship programs to local contexts.
The Stafford County School Board unanimously approved its Fiscal Year 2024-2025 operating budget during a meeting held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in a 6-1 vote. The approved budget, in line with the School Board’s established priorities, aims to support various aspects of educational development without employing descriptive language.
The budget request is $42 million more than last year. Of that, about $19 million would need to come from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. The total approved budget is $457 million for the 2024-2025 academic year, is slated for submission to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors for final approval.
Stafford County authorities have charged a juvenile with multiple swatting incidents that targeted area schools last year, creating widespread panic and concern among students, parents, and staff. The investigation, which spanned several months, culminated in a search warrant executed at the suspect’s residence, where investigators seized a large cache of electronic devices.
The young individual, whose identity remains protected due to their minor status, has pleaded guilty to charges including making terroristic threats and the false summoning of law enforcement, states a Stafford sheriff’s office press release. This plea led to the forfeiture of all seized electronic devices, marking a crucial step in the legal proceedings and sending a strong message about the consequences of such actions, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reports, it adds.
The status report given by second-year Principal Gary Morris at the meeting sparked calls to action to improve Standard of Learning scores and the overall school culture.
School Board member Sara Brescia said the unique nature of Metz – having a 50% turnover rate each school year because the school houses only children in 7th and 8th grades – makes building a consistent, positive culture challenging.
