The recent recalibration of the minimum passing score on the GED high school equivalency examination from 150 to 145 resulted in good news for 647 Virginia adult learners who took the test between Jan. 1, 2014, and when the change was announced Jan. 26.

Northern Virginia Community College will present a series of free STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning events for students of assorted ages with hands-on lessons at NOVA’s Global Learning Center in the Manassas Mall, 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas. All events run from noon to 5 p.m.

The sound of a fire alarm sent Mullen Elementary School staff and students outside this morning in Manassas. After the precautionary evacuation, fire officials determined that steam in the school's kitchen had set off the alarm. All are safe and back in class, according to a news release from Prince William County Schools.

The School Naming Committee has rescheduled its second community meeting to Feb. 16 to receive name suggestions for the “Ferlazzo” Elementary School, currently under construction in Woodbridge.

Stonewall Jackson High School will host an information night for parents of rising freshmen (current 8th graders) on Feb. 4 at 6:30 pm.

Sheriff Glendell Hill, who serves Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park, has announced that his office in Manassas is now accepting applications for the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) Scholarship Program for the 2016-2017 school year.

PWCS will remain closed Thursday 1/28 and Friday 1/29 to due to remaining impassible roads and sidewalks and other weather-related travel conditions in many areas. Code Red for Employees. SACC will not open. All Thursday and Friday activities are cancelled.

Outstanding orchestra students from Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) at the middle and high school levels will combine their talents for an afternoon of music at the upcoming All County Orchestra program, re-scheduled from Jan. 30 to Saturday, Feb. 20 at Stonewall Jackson High School. The annual event gives young musicians a chance to perform challenging scores under the direction of a guest conductor.