Congressman Rob Wittman (Virginia's 1st District which takes in part of Prince William) invites high school and middle school students and parents to Service Academy Day 2016 on Sept. 24 in Stafford.

Based on input from teachers, parents, and students, Dr. Steve Walts, superintendent of schools for Prince William County, is waiving sections of current grading regulations to focus more on quality instruction and evaluation than on the quantity of assessments. The change embraces calls to allow more time for teaching and learning.

Dr. Sandra Mitchell, associate superintendent for instruction for Fauquier County Public Schools, has announced her intent to retire effective Jan. 1, 2017. She will leave FCPS to become a part-time educational leadership instructor and the program administrator for the leadership preparation program for the University of Virginia, Falls Church campus.

Many Prince William County Public Schools have scheduled Back to School Nights as an opportunity for parents to learn about school procedures and meet their child’s teachers. Please check your school’s web site for times, dates, and more detailed information. Check back for updates, as dates and times are subject to change.

PWCS student results on the 2015-16 ACT are the highest they have been in the past five years for all of the tested areas as well as the composite score, according to a news release from Prince William County Schools.

There was a brief precautionary evacuation Sept. 1 at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas due to a fire alarm signal. All are safe. The fire department has given the all clear and students and staff have returned to the building.

Stonewall Jackson High School will host Back to School Night for parents on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Bring your student's class schedule so that you can meet his/her teachers. For more information, call 703-365-2900.

Melonie Yielding, a teacher at Prince William County's Ellis Elementary School in Manassas, is one of six K-6 grade teachers (four elementary, two middle) in Virginia selected as state finalists for the 2016 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.