PW School Superintendent’s message as 2022-23 school year begins

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

The energy and excitement from our students, parents, and staff is palpable, and we can’t wait to start this new chapter in Prince William County Public Schools on our first day of school Monday, August 22.

Last week, I had a marvelous time with many of our students, parents, and local partners at our community events. This week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the open houses at Yorkshire Elementary School, Elizabeth Vaughan Elementary School, Triangle Elementary School, Kilby Elementary School, and Neabsco Elementary School. These are amazing events for our students to see the dedicated partnerships between parents and teachers in support of their success.

All elementary, middle, and high school class schedules are now available to view in ParentVUE. Our hard-working counselors appreciate your courtesy and patience as some inconsistencies can occur during the robust scheduling process. These scheduling matters will be addressed throughout the first days of school and finalized after all students have been correctly placed.

Bus schedules are also available in ParentVUE. Fine tuning may be needed to provide the most effective routes for students. If you have questions, please reach out to your school’s designated point of contact. Likewise, I encourage you to download the Here Comes the Bus mobile app that allows you to track your student’s buses in real-time. Check back often in ParentVUE, as changes to bus stops and times may occur up until the first day of school.

As a reminder, the Back to School Packet is available in ParentVUE and should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than September 16. The information you provide will allow school staff to ensure your students’ safety this school year. Visit the Back to School webpage for more information and resources.

On Thursday, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released the annual Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) test results and updated the School Quality Profile. It is clear we still have a long road to full academic recovery. Although PWCS has realized increases in reading and math scores and remains above the state average, our SOL scores reaffirm the impact the pandemic has had on student learning. PWCS will work diligently to support continued academic progress, acceleration, and recovery. 

Our ambitious strategic plan ensures we are on the right track to navigate the journey back to pre-pandemic levels by investing in our instructional core, maintaining high expectations to ensure academic excellence, and strengthening infrastructures along the way toward greater equitable and accessible academic achievement for all students. 

As part of our Strategic Plan, PWCS is committed to the digital equity of students and staff, equipping them with consistent high-quality learning tools in every classroom and for at-home teaching and learning as needed. This year, we have invested in technology tools and devices to equip every student and teacher with a modern laptop and every classroom with a current interactive flat panel. This will ensure our classrooms have the 21st century technology to foster innovative and engaging instruction. 

With the challenge of the national educator shortage, we are ecstatic to report that we have employed more than 1,600 new employees for the 2022-23 school year. To date we have hired 1,000 new certified staff which includes 95 certified international teachers. With the addition of 74 teaching professionals on temporary assignment, we have reduced our vacancy rate to 168 positions, which is comparable to the start of the 2021-22 school year. We are still actively recruiting, especially in our budgeted growth positions. 

I am looking forward to seeing all the brilliant faces Monday morning and throughout my many campus visits during the first week of school. I also invite you to visit your school and explore volunteer opportunities throughout the school year. Parent and community engagement is integral to building relationships that support students’ thriving futures, and we value your partnership.

Let me be the first to welcome you to Prince William County Public Schools 2022-23 academic school year. Let’s make it spectacular!