A PWCS tradition for more than a decade, new Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) unit commanders and officers were inducted during a medal ceremony on May 26. The first event in 2004 involved only four schools and a handful of family members. Now there are units in nine schools and more than 1,600 cadets countywide, and their ranks are growing every year.

Graduation time should be a positive experience, one that a graduate will never forget. As your teen navigates this important life change there is much to do and talk about—but the most important conversation should come from you, the parent. Explain to your child that during graduation night and at other celebrations, safety is crucial in the planning process, and that alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes are not necessary for a fun time!

Amid roaring cheers and tears of joy, 26 graduates and 47 students in the Class of 2017 were honored on June 3 at Osbourn Park High School, home of the county’s School of Practical Nursing.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting a hotter than normal summer for much of the United States. On May 19, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center wrote: "The June-July-August 2016 temperature outlook indicates increased probabilities of above-normal temperatures across much of the continental U.S. ... The highest probabilities for above-normal temperatures are nearer the coasts."

Bell times for school year 2016–17 are posted on the Prince William County Schools' Transportation Services web page. Bell times have been added for Kyle Wilson Elementary School opening this fall.

Prince William County School Board June 1 balanced the need to protect programs, positions, and raises, with the risk of cutting its reserve safety net, passing a final 2017 Prince William County Schools (PWCS) budget in the face of lower-than-anticipated county funding.

Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College is offering music classes in new formats during the fall 2016 semester.

Again this year, in an effort to save money in utility costs, Fauquier County Public Schools will institute a four-day work week for employees who work during the summer.