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.
Auger and Dietrich were named 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists in fall 2023.
The officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of over 16,000 semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These students entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The pool of semifinalists represents less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors.
There are extensive requirements to become a finalist in the NMSC program, in which information is provided about the semifinalist’s academic record, employment, and awards and honors received. This information is submitted along with an endorsement from a high school official.
The finalists will be competing for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships. About 840 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 160 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where plants or offices are located. In addition, about 160 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,800 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.
The winners of the 2024 National Merit Scholarships will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July.
Yorkshire Elementary School, located at 7610 Old Centreville Road near Manassas, closed today due to a significant safety concern. The closure affects over 820 students, staff, and the School Age Child Care (SACC) program.
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.
The decision to close the school was made in response to a power line down in front of the building, posing potential hazards to students, staff, and visitors.
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) officials have confirmed that this incident impacts no other schools within the district.
Emergency crews are on-site to address the situation and ensure the area’s safety. Parents and guardians are advised to make alternative arrangements for their children today, and updates regarding the school’s reopening will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
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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.
McGreal stated, “I’ve been interested in coaching, always looking for ways to remain involved. My coaching at Woodbridge started in 2010, and it has been a path of growth for me and the athletes I coach.”
Woodbridge athlete, Hayden, said, “Training under Coach McGreal is effective. She customizes training for each athlete. I’ve learned the importance of consistency and that success requires time, effort, and hard work.”
McGreal’s coaching philosophy is about fostering a love for track and field and helping students develop into confident individuals through sports. This year’s achievements, she believes, are due to the team’s dedication to their training and each other.
“The most fulfilling part of coaching is seeing the athletes’ growth personally and athletically. It’s guiding them to achieve success by their own standards, through dedication,” McGreal added, highlighting the impact of sports.
Being named state coach of the year by the USTFCCCA is a recognition of McGreal’s work and the collective effort of her team. “This acknowledgment affirms the extensive preparation and the shared dedication to excellence among coaches and athletes,” she commented.
Assistant coach Andrew McCarthy commended McGreal’s detailed training approach and adaptability to individual athlete needs. “Kelly stands out for building trust and encouraging athletes to manage their training, leading to significant achievements,” McCarthy noted.
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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.
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.
Upon being informed of the situation, school personnel promptly notified the SRO, who, along with school staff, located and safely confiscated the knife from the student without further escalation. Fortunately, it was determined that the knife did not pose an immediate threat to other students, faculty, or staff members.
Following protocol, the 15-year-old male, identified as the accused, was placed under arrest and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds. The accused is currently held at the Juvenile Detention Center, pending a court date.
This occurrence marks the second incident within as many months involving the possession of a knife on school premises, despite the recent deployment of $11 million in safety screening technology. The previous incident, which occurred at Potomac Senior High School on January 3, saw a similar discovery of a knife in a student’s possession, bypassing the implemented metal detectors.
In response to the incident, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) spokeswoman Megan Silas emphasized the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff. She highlighted the recent implementation of safety screening technology at middle and high schools across the district to enhance security measures. However, Silas acknowledged that despite the significant investment in such technology, incidents like these underscore the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of safety protocols.
“This situation remains under review,” stated Silas in an email to Potomac Local, emphasizing the district’s dedication to refining its processes in light of emerging challenges.
The installation of metal detectors, part of an $11 million investment in school safety measures, was undertaken by Prince William County Public Schools in collaboration with Evolv. The decision to adopt this technology at the division’s middle and high schools followed extensive deliberation, with school board members conducting firsthand assessments of the equipment’s efficacy in other jurisdictions.
With 92,000 students, Prince William County is Virginia’s second-largest public school division.
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.
Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, Superintendent of PWCS, underscored the transformative potential of the Grow Your Own Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program, envisioning it as a beacon of excellence in addressing teacher shortages and nurturing dedicated educators. McDade remarked, “Looking ahead, we envision a future where the Grow Your Own Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program becomes an exemplary model for others to follow.”
This latest grant awarded to PWCS follows a previous allocation to school divisions of $1.78 million in July 2023, reflecting a sustained commitment to developing teacher apprenticeships. During the 2023-2024 school year, a total of 165 teacher apprentices are slated to benefit from the program, receiving crucial financial support and tuition discounts to pursue their teaching aspirations.
McDade said the Grow Your Own program represents a pivotal investment in the future of education, empowering PWCS to harness local talent and address critical teacher recruitment needs. With its focus on affordability and accessibility, this initiative is poised to cultivate a diverse and talented educator workforce reflective of the communities they serve.
Coons and McDade visited Leesylvania Elementary School in Woodbridge on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, where grantee awards were announced.
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Thursday, February 1, marks the deadline for applications to Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) specialty programs, excluding the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, which closed in December. PWCS offers diverse and talent-driven opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school students, wrote Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade.
In Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), students across different grade levels can choose specialized programs tailored to their interests and strengths:
High school students can select from Advanced Academics, Specialty, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs. These programs offer opportunities for students to earn certifications, licenses, or other professional credentials in specific areas of study. Students can choose programs aligned with their interests, preparing them for post-secondary paths, including getting a job, further workforce training, or enrollment in a post-secondary institution.
Nine middle schools in PWCS provide specialty programs accessible through application. Offerings encompass the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, Mathematics and Science, Same Gender Program, World Languages, and Traditional Schools.
PWCS also offers specialty programs at the elementary level, which are also available through application. Offerings include the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, World Languages, and Traditional Schools. These programs cater to the needs and interests of elementary school students, providing a foundation for their educational journey.
Recognition for PWCS Students in the 2023 VMEA Senior Honors Choir
The Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) recently announced the selection of 13 Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students to perform in the 2023 VMEA Senior Honors Choir at their annual conference. These talented seniors underwent a rigorous selection process, competing against the top high school vocal talent in Virginia. PWCS expresses pride in their achievements and extends gratitude to teachers, students, parents, and community supporters. Congratulations to the following students representing PWCS in the VMEA Senior Honors Choir:
- C.D. Hylton High School: Michael Gutierrez-Ramos (Director: Tommy Tutwiler)
- Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School: Abigail Barnes, Danielle Serrano-Bremer, Raelle Melvin, Hannah Yoho, Hope Carey, Adam Mack (Director: Keri Staley)
- Gainesville High School: Mara Cerven (Director: Kristina Sheppard)
- Osbourn Park High School: Ruth Osaro, Taison Ellsworth (Director: Dominick Izzo)
- Patriot High School: Boden Pearson (Director: Liz Selby)
- Woodbridge High School: Alaina Krimmer, Molly Ludwick (Director: Joel Shapiro)
Upcoming Teacher Workday and Student Holiday
A reminder for students and educators: Monday, January 29, is a day off for students and a teacher workday for educators.
Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade has earned the title of Region IV Superintendent of the Year. The district covers school divisions in Northern Virginia: Prince William, Stafford, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, and west to Orange.
Region IV Chair Dr. Shannon Grimsley, Superintendent of Rappahannock County Public Schools, admired Dr. McDade’s inspirational leadership and commented on her unanimous nomination. “This award is a testament to Dr. LaTanya McDade’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. She is an inspirational leader very much admired by her colleagues, and she will represent Region IV well in the running for Superintendent of the Year of the state of Virginia.”
Prince William County School Board Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur Lateef echoed the sentiment, asserting that the recognition is well-deserved. “Dr. McDade’s passion for student success and her commitment to building a high-performance organization that serves its employees and the Prince William community has been evident since she became our Superintendent. We are grateful for her enthusiastic support for our children and our community.”
Dr. McDade assumed the role of Superintendent of PWCS on July 1, 2021, and is the first woman and African American to lead the school division. In her first seven months, she launched Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures, a comprehensive four-year strategic plan to enhance learning and achievement, foster a positive climate and culture, increase family and community engagement, and achieve organizational coherence.
With 23 years of experience in Chicago Public Schools, McDade has brought a wealth of knowledge to PWCS, serving as a teacher, principal, chief schools officer, and district leader. Guided by core principles of excellence, equity, and integrity, she has brought clarity, vision, and a steadfast focus on improving teaching and learning to PWCS.
Under Dr. McDade’s leadership, Prince William’s public schools have seen notable achievements. In 2023, students outscored the state in four of five Standards of Learning (SOL) subject areas. Science scores increased by 3%, and there was a 5% improvement in Phonological Awareness Literacy Screenings in elementary schools.
McDade has also promoted diverse pathways for students to earn college credit and industry certification in high school, with over 135 courses available.
Collaborations with the Virginia Department of Labor, national businesses like Amazon, and local businesses have opened avenues for partnerships, mentorships, internships, and externships for students. McDade said that 100% of graduates from 2023 onwards will have a postsecondary plan, whether it’s entering college, technical school, the military, the workforce, or accessing community transition services through establishing a college and career counselor at every high school.
Prince William County Public Schools have a total enrollment of 89,945 students, distributed across elementary (39,041), middle (20,132), high (28,987), and other categories (1,785, including preschool and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology).
The student demographics for the 2023-24 school year are as follows: Hispanic/Latino (36.90%), White (26.22%), Black or African American (19.10%), Asian (11.22%), Two or more races (6.22%), and Other (0.34%). Additionally, 27.46% are English Learners, and 13.77% have disabilities.
In terms of personnel, there are 13,333 full-time equivalent employees in the 2023-24 school year. This includes various roles such as administrative assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, custodians, teachers, and others across different departments.
Correction: An earlier version of this story reported Stafford County was part of Virignia Region IV Schools when it is part of Region III.
Each year, the iWRITE literacy organization organizes a publishing contest for young writers and illustrators in grades three through 12.
This year, Anushka Misra, a seventh-grade student at Gainesville Middle School, emerged as one of the 125 winners chosen from across the globe.
Misra’s winning entry, “My First Win,” is set to be published in the 14th edition of “I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids.” The narrative revolves around a girl who, despite not being the fastest swimmer on her team, experiences improvement over the summer and surpasses her own record. Through this journey, the girl learns that sports aren’t solely about winning or being the fastest but also about improvement and gaining life lessons, states a Prince William County Schools spokeswoman.
Since her preschool days, Misra has maintained a keen interest in researching and writing stories. She credits her success and passion for writing to her teachers in Prince William County Public Schools.
Over the years, she has honed her ability to express herself through writing, adopting new techniques to enhance her stories. Additionally, Misra has learned how to engage with an audience by participating in Gainesville Middle’s oratorical club.
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