Local businesses honored for partnerships with PWC schools

Resources from corporate partners reach classrooms and boost student achievement, imagination, and excitement. Partnerships of the Year were honored at the Prince William County School Board meeting on May 18: Bookworm Central, Micron Technology, Potomac Pediatric Dentistry and Partnership in Education Award Winner Virginia STAR.

Bookworm Central, represented by Radhika Bajaj and nominated by Coles Elementary School, represented by administrative intern Stacy Weatherspoon.

Bookworm Central has played an integral role in promoting the joys of reading and creating literacy-rich environments in our schools. Bookworm Central recommendd books to improve reading skills and generously donates time, funding, and resources directly to schools and SPARK, the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools. Through the Reading In Summer to Excel Program, also known as the RISE Program, students experiencing economic challenges are provided with resources to continue reading and improving literacy skills over the summer.

Micron Technology, represented by Zuzana Steen, and nominated by Pennington Traditional School, represented by Principal Joyce Stockton.

Micron Technology is a global leader in designing and building some of the world’s most advanced memory and semiconductor technologies and is located in Prince William County. In addition to Micron’s monetary support, Micron supports volunteerism as part of its External Engagement strategy. Micron employees serve as mentors in many of our schools where they inspire and build relationships with our students. Micron’s work with the robotics programs in our schools is a clear reflection of their dedication and Zuzana Steen is a shining example of fulfilling Micron’s educational outreach mission.

Potomac Pediatric Dentistry, represented by Dr. Hau Le, was nominated by not only one, but two schools, Minnieville and Montclair Elementary Schools. Assistant Principal Deborah Ellis represented Minnieville Elementary School and from Assistant Principal Danny Miller represented Montclair Elementary School.

The partnership with Potomac Pediatric Dentistry ensures that students are educated about the importance of dental care, life-long dental health, and career education in the dental field. Through their Give Kids a Smile Day held for the community this past February, over $32,000 worth of dental care was provided to over 140 children whose families would otherwise not have been able to afford it. In addition to community days, Potomac Pediatric Dentistry works closely with the nurses at Minnieville and Montclair Elementary Schools to ensure that children in need of assistance are provided treatment and supply the schools with an abundant amount of dental hygiene products.

“These Partnerships of the Year set the bar for what makes a strong and effective collaboration between a school and its community,” said School Board Chairman Ryan Sawyers.

Partner in Education Award Winner
Chuck Drake, who leads our homegrown Virginia Student Training and Refurbishment program – also known as Virginia STAR, was nominated by Belmont Elementary School Principal Brenda Lewis. Drake serves as the statewide coordinator of the program. The Virginia STAR program provided computers to 45 students at Belmont Elementary School (approximately ten percent of the entire school population).

Started here in Prince William County Public Schools in 2010, the Virginia STAR program has been adopted as a statewide initiative and has grown to include 40 school divisions and over 60 schools around the Commonwealth, including eight schools here in Prince William County. Students engaged in the Virginia STAR program gain the critical skill sets needed to refurbish surplus computer hardware from government agencies and private companies. The refurbished computers are donated to families, organizations, and school divisions in need of technology.

“I thank all of our more than 1,000 business and community partners for what they do for our students and staff… You truly make a difference in the education of our students and demonstrate `Excellent Schools are Everyone’s Business,’ said Sawyers.”

The PWCS Office of Community and Business Engagement works closely with business leaders and schools to develop partnerships.