SPARK, the Education Foundation for Prince William County Public Schools, will award or be the fiscal agent for scholarships to be presented to 18 graduating seniors in 2017. Applications are now available. For more information see criteria and application directions below.

The initial steering committee of the LGBTQ Task Force, as authorized by the Prince William County School Board on Oct. 19, 2016, will meet at 1 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2017 at the Kelly Leadership Center at 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas.

Prince William School Board Members Shawn Brann (Acting Member, Brentsville District) and Alyson Satterwhite (Gainesville District) said Dec. 30 they have issued a call for a special meeting of the Prince William County School Board (PWCS) on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 to discuss the Board of Supervisors' resolution for new school construction.

See your tax money at work. Manassas City Public Schools will host community tours of the new Baldwin Elementary and Baldwin Intermediate schools on Monday, Dec. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. Division staff will provide guided tours throughout the evening and the public is invited to attend.

Superintendent Steve Walts, School Board Vice Chairman Lillie Jessie (Occoquan), County Supervisor Ruth Anderson (Occoquan), and Congressman Gerry Connolly’s representative Briana Sewell celebrated Occoquan Elementary School’s success with students and staff at an assembly Dec. 15. The school is one of two in Virginia recognized as a National Title I Distinguished School.

Outstanding orchestra students from Prince William County Public Schools at the middle and high school levels will combine their talents for an afternoon of music at the upcoming All-County Orchestra program, scheduled for Saturday, January 28 at 4 p.m. at Woodbridge Senior High School. The annual event gives young musicians a chance to perform challenging scores under the direction of a guest conductor.

For the greatest toe-tapping beat Prince William County band students can achieve, attend the All-County High School Band event of the year scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7 at Osbourn Park High School. Snow date is Jan. 14

Prince William County School Board voted Dec. 14, 2016 to make Friday, January 20, 2017 a holiday for all students and staff in recognition of the presidential inauguration. SACC and Next Generation will be closed.