Schools - Page 53 of 217 - Potomac Local News

Tensions rise at joint Council, School Board meeting on Jennie Dean

Published February 23, 2024 at 3:50PM

Manassas Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman

The Manassas City School Board and Council held a joint meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, to discuss future plans for the new Jennie Dean Elementary School following the Board’s design approval on Feb. 13, 2024.

Council and board members met to move the process along and hopefully reach an agreement on a Special Use Permit (SUP) the School Board must obtain from the City Council before school construction may begin. Obtaining an SUP will move the decision to approve the designs and construction to the Planning Commission and then the City Council for a vote.

Local students named 2024 National Merit Scholarship finalists

By Potomac Local News

Published February 23, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:23PM

Auger/Dietrich

The National Merit Scholarship Program has selected Skye Auger at Osbourn Park High School and Joseph Dietrich at Patriot High School as 2024 National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

All finalists will be considered for National Merit scholarships awarded in 2024. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation will begin notifying scholarship winners by email in March. Prince William County Public Schools posted the news to its website and congratulated to these students for demonstrating through their high academic performance, their great potential for future academic accomplishments.

Updated: Yorkshire Elementary School closed; Power restored

By Potomac Local News

Published February 23, 2024 at 6:22AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:23PM

A total of 831 electricity customers were out in the neighboring Manassas city. Crews have been on site since 3:30 a.m. this morning, trying to reroute power. As of 7:30, all power was restored, a city spokeswoman tells us.

The outage comes as Prince William police investigate a single-vehicle crash that struck a pole along Old Centreville Rd in front of Yorkshire ES. The driver fled—prolonged traffic impacts expected due to needed repairs. Drivers are urged to expect delays and to follow police directions.

Woodbridge High School coach honored as top high school cross country coach in Va.

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:23PM

Woodbridge HS Coach Kelly McGreal [Photo: Prince William County Public Schools]

The recognition came as a result of the Woodbridge High cross-country team’s performance, including scores and placements at state championships, victory margins, and their rankings comparison. The association particularly valued leaders who achieved significant milestones like first-time or consecutive championships, the Prince William County Public Schools division notes in a press release.

Since becoming coach in 2011, McGreal has led the team to district, regional, and state titles through her commitment and coaching methods.

Manassas City Council and School Board set to address education infrastructure, Jennie Dean Elementary School development

By Potomac Local News

Published February 19, 2024 at 7:00AM

Manassas Mayor Michele Davis Younger speaks at a ribbon cutting outside the John Conner III Public Safety Facility.

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.

Poll: Should schools increase mental health services in addition to security measures to prevent incidents like the knife possession at Colgan High School?

By Potomac Local News

Published February 16, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:23PM

[Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash]

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.

Jennie Dean Elementary designs approved

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published February 16, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated February 18, 2024 at 7:40AM

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.

Knife found on student sparks concern at Colgan High School

By Potomac Local News

Published February 15, 2024 at 2:53PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:23PM

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.

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

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 15, 2024 at 1:00PM

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.

Prince William County Public Schools secures grant to cultivate local teachers

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 15, 2024 at 12:00PM | Updated August 13, 2024 at 6:23PM

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.