Schools

Jennie Dean Elementary designs approved

By Caitlyn Meisner

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.

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Knife found on student sparks concern at Colgan High School

By Potomac Local News

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.

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Stafford County Public Schools sweep Region III nominations for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program

By Uriah Kiser
Stafford schools suggests wellness fair participants bring a canned food donation to benefit those in need through S.E.R.V.E. [Photo: S.E.R.V.E.]

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.

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Prince William County Public Schools secures grant to cultivate local teachers

By Uriah Kiser
Dr. Lisa Coons, VDOE state superintendent, and Dr. LaTanya McDade, Prince William County Public Schools superintendent (right) visit Leesylvania Elementary School in Woodbridge. [Photo: Coons' X account]

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.

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Stafford School Board approves $457.2 million budget for FY24-25, prioritizing education and staff pay

By Uriah Kiser
(File photo)

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.

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High school students explore career paths at Fredericksburg Intern Expo

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce]

On February 6, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce played host to nearly 550 high school students hailing from King George, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford, and Fredericksburg, as well as homeschool and private school attendees, along with college students from Mary Washington University and Germanna Community College.

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Juvenile charged in Stafford County swatting spree: Authorities crack down on tech misuse

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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Debate ignites over future of Metz Middle School: Community divided on solutions for academic improvement

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Photo: Manassas City Public Schools]

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.

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Stafford schools superintendent urges action on teacher shortage amidst soaring enrollment

By Sarah Romero
Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor addresses business owners at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Stafford County, Virginia.

Stafford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor addressed the pressing need for additional teachers as student enrollment in the school division continues to climb.

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Time’s up for Stafford schools’ ‘power hour’ lunch; Division reverts to 3-bell lunch schedule amid safety concerns and student incidents

By Uriah Kiser
A reporter interviews Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor.

The school division announced it will revert to a three-bell lunch schedule starting Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. Potomac Local was the first to tell you administrators were scrutinizing the extended “power hour” lunch period following the arrest of at least 10 students involved in an early-morning fight at Brooke Point High School on January 29, 2024.

Later that day, police placed the school on lockdown after students assaulted two Brooke Point teachers in a separate incident.

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