Virginia Board of Education voted this week to increase the minimum acceptable scores on assessments required for entry into teacher-preparation programs and state licensure. The board also ended the practice of allowing would-be teachers to rely on composite scores.

Despite long-held plans to celebrate Patriot High School's first graduation on Thursday, in the high school's stadium on Kettle Run Road in Nokesville, the weather might demand other arrangements. Principal Dr. Michael E. Bishop said the graduation organizers have crafted a “Plan B” and are even formulating “Plan C” to cope with whatever the weather will bring. And I know Patriot families can handle the change and celebrate in style.

Rippon Middle School teacher Joan Lomax was named Lead Mentor of the Year; and Woodbridge Middle School Spanish teacher Trinette Haralson was named Mentor of the Year.

The Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College will present a series of free “ESL for Employment” classes on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills June 24 to July 24.

Battlefield High School’s marching band, the Marching Bobcats, will unfurl and carry a large American flag in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., to honor United States veterans.

Prince William Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels program and the Prince William Public Library System are partnering to bring books and audio books to a senior citizen's door when meals are delivered.

During May, Prince William County elementary schools will send home a letter from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) providing information on human papillomavirus (HPV) and the human papillomavirus vaccine.

n Saturday, May 18, the City of Manassas will hold a Housing Event at Osbourn High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.