Unusually hot September weather is overtaxing cooling systems at several schools, according to a news release from Prince William County Schools, but classes are still being held, and sometimes students and staff are being relocated to more comfortable areas.

Matthew Guilfoyle, who has served as executive director of communications and community relations for Fairfax County Public Schools since 2015, has been appointed associate superintendent for Communications and Technology Services for Prince William County Schools.

LoriAnn Pawlik of Penn Elementary in Woodbridge is one of four elementary teachers who are Virginia finalists for the 2018 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award – regarded as the nation’s top honor for mathematics and science teachers – recognizes teachers who develop and implement high-quality instructional programs.

Prince William County Schools has announced appointment of administrators in eastern Prince William County.

Attorney Gen. Mark Herring says, ""Virginia law expressly limits who may possess firearms on school grounds for safety purposes, and the General Assembly declined to enact bills presented every year from 2013 through 2017 to extend this authority to school teachers and administrators."

Some 79 percent of the students who took SOL reading tests passed, compared with 80 percent during 2016-2017,

Motorists are reminded to obey flashing yellow lights in school zones. School zone lights were turned off at most schools in the county during the summer but will be back on Aug. 27 when school opens for the 2018-19 school year. By law, motorists must stop when a school bus is stopped with its red lights blinking and stop sign extended, except when the bus is on the opposite side of a median strip.

Kindergarten students must be accompanied to and from bus stops by a parent, guardian, or other designated individual, according to a Prince William County Schools news release, and all kindergarten parents/guardians must complete a Kindergarten Authorization Form, and return the completed form to their child's school.