Stafford - Page 73 of 83 - Potomac Local News

Community Celebrates Spooky Fun at Garrisonville Elementary’s Trunk or Treat

Published October 26, 2024 at 3:49PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

We had a blast attending the Garrisonville Elementary PTO Trunk or Treat event on October 25! This free-entry event brought the community together for a spooky and fun-filled evening. Families enjoyed games, crafts, face painting, a photo booth, a spooky maze, and even a petting farm. The fire truck and various food trucks, including Taco Tuesday, Slap Food Truck, Fire Escape Burgers, and more, were great additions to the night.

The event featured wonderfully decorated trunks, including a mad scientist’s lab, dinosaurs straight out of Jurassic Park, and an under-the-sea adventure complete with a giant octopus! The turnout was incredible, with hundreds of attendees lining up from the parking lot all the way to the playground. Everyone was warmly greeted as they walked through the maze of creative trunks, gathering candy and showing off their amazing costumes.

Stafford County School Board Advocates for Legislative Support on Key Education Issues

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 11:14AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

Elected leaders meet at Brooke Point High School on October 17, 2024 to discuss the Stafford County Public Schools legislative agenda. [Photo: Stafford schools]

The School Board’s legislative agenda underscores several issues:

1. Cost-of-Competing Adjustment (COCA): Stafford County receives only 25% of the COCA funding that neighboring Northern Virginia districts enjoy, despite facing similar cost-of-living and market conditions. The Board urged lawmakers to support full COCA funding to help Stafford attract and retain educators, noting a $10,000 average salary gap between teachers in Stafford and nearby districts.

Jail Guard Charged with Sexual Battery of Inmate

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 23, 2024 at 11:18AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

From the Stafford Sheriff’s Office:

A 60-year-old Correctional Officer was arrested yesterday on five charges.

Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment Gains in Stafford Schools

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 23, 2024 at 8:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Public Schools saw significant growth in both Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment participation during the 2023–2024 academic year, continuing their efforts to offer more rigorous academic options and improve student outcomes. As discussed during the Stafford County School Board meeting on October 8, 2024, the district has focused on expanding access to AP and Dual Enrollment courses, resulting in increased participation and success rates.

The number of AP exams administered in Stafford schools has risen steadily over the past few years. During the 2023–2024 academic year, 3,452 AP exams were administered to 1,974 students, with 67% earning a score of three or higher. This score is critical as it is typically the threshold for earning college credit, reflecting the district’s progress in offering challenging coursework and preparing students for post-secondary education.

Three Stafford Schools Face Accreditation Challenges Amid Performance Issues: District Prepares for State’s New Accountability System

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 22, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

Brooke Point High School [Photo: PTSO Facebook page]

Accreditation with Conditions Explained

During the October 8, 2024, Stafford School Board meeting, officials explained accreditation with conditions signals that while a school meets basic operational standards, it has significant shortcomings in academic performance that need to be addressed. These three schools earned a “Level 3” rating in at least one performance area, indicating performance “below standard.” According to Virginia’s accreditation system, schools at this level need targeted interventions.

New Mexico Man Charged With Drug Trafficking In Stafford

By Aya Karouane

Published October 19, 2024 at 11:34AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

A New Mexico man was found intoxicated behind the wheel of an RV on October 16, prompting deputies to conduct a traffic stop. An inventory search revealed five firearms, multiple controlled substances, and items linked to drug transactions, leading to numerous charges, including driving under the influence and drug trafficking.

Press Release from Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

Stafford to Consolidate Rock Hill Fire, Rescue Services in New Station

By Aya Karouane

Published October 17, 2024 at 10:34AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

Rock Hill Fire Station in Stafford County.

Stafford County will establish the Rockhill Fire and Rescue Station along Mountain View Road near Willowmere Park, consolidating Fire Station 8 and the Rock Hill Volunteer Rescue Squad. The project, costing nearly $17 million, will include a three-bay facility designed for both career and volunteer personnel. Construction is set to begin in spring 2025.

Press Release:

Mary Washington Hospital First in Region to Use Special Heart Pump

By Aya Karouane

Published October 17, 2024 at 10:32AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:40PM

Mary Washington Hospital has successfully treated its first patient using the Impella RP Flex, a heart pump that temporarily supports patients in cardiogenic shock due to acute right heart failure. This technology allows blood to be drawn from the heart and propelled forward, facilitating recovery or further treatment options.

Press Release: