August 10, 2025

I hope this message finds you safe, healthy, and energized for the start of a new school year! Our dedicated staff at Unity Reed High School is thrilled to welcome students back for the 2025–2026 school year, beginning Monday, August 18 on a Maroon Day. Students will attend Periods 2, Advisory, 4, and 6 to kick off the year.

As we embark on a year centered around academic growth, student development, and a positive school culture, I encourage every student to get involved—whether through a club, activity, or athletic team. Engagement builds community and helps students thrive!

Please take a moment to review this week’s newsletter, which includes important updates and reminders to help you prepare for a successful start:

🔑 Key Highlights:

• ✅ Updated Attendance Procedures – Plus help with ParentVUE and completing the Back-to-School Packet
• 🚌 "One of Us" Express Bus Stops – Available for students only
• 📱 New Bus Tracking App – Download now to stay informed
• 📋 Student Schedule Release Info – Find out when and how to access your schedule

📅 Save the Date:

• “One of Us” New Student Orientation – August 14, 2025

Additional Updates:

• 👥 New Counselor & Administrator Assignments
• 📷 Class of 2026 Senior Portraits
• 💉 Immunization Requirements
• ✏️ General School Supplies List
• 📵 New PWCS Division-Wide Cell Phone Policy
• 🚪 Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
  ...and much more!

We’re excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to a fantastic school year ahead. Be sure to keep eye out for these updates every Sunday, follow us on Instagram, and visit our school website for the latest information at your convenience.

• August 14: "One of Us" New Student Orientation

• August 15: Student Immunizations due, Open House - Walk your Schedule 1:00-3:00pm

• August 18: First Day of School (2025-26 School Year)

• August 22: Senior Sunrise 6:30am

• August 28: Back to School Night 5:30 - 8:00PM

• View student bus stop information
• Get notified when the bus gets close to the bus stop
• Receive notifications about bus delays
• Click for more information on the new bus app and it's features

Student schedules will be available through ParentVUE or StudentVUE VUE on Wednesday, August 13th. Schedule changes will be extremely limited. Schedules were based on requests made by student last Spring. Students and families verified the course requests with an opportunity to make changes in June. Requests to change due to a change of mind will not be honored. If you believe there is an error in your student’s schedule, please contact your child’s school counselor. Counselors will be working to fix any errors or issues as quickly as possible. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated!

New this year: 12th grade students (Cohort 2026) who wish to have early release must meet all eligibility requirements and have a contract signed by by parents/guardians. Any 12th grade student not on track to graduate this June may not be permitted a reduced schedule until all graduation requirements are met. To be eligible for early release:

• Student has earned at least 16 credits

• Student has earned verified credits in history, math, science, reading, and writing

• Student was not chronically absent last school year

Please Note:

• All student athletes must take at least five credits each term and earn passing grades, to include at least two C’s and three D’s, to be eligible for all VHSL sports/activities.
• ·Students planning to attend college in the fall of their graduating year should contact the admissions office of the college he/she is planning to attend to determine if a reduced schedule will impact an offer of admissions.

The Back to School Packet, where parents/guardians can review emergency cards, update contact information, and complete annual policy reviews and acknowledgements, will be available in ParentVUE the evening of August 5. All families must complete the Back to School Packet as soon as possible. The information you provide will allow school staff to ensure the safety of your student this school year. To access the Back to School Packet:

• Login to your ParentVUE account and go to “Online Records” in the top right corner.

• Written Instructions for completing the Back to School Packet due September 12th

• If a parent/guardian needs to make changes to information once they submit the Back to School Packet, they can resubmit anytime by following the same instructions provided above

Need Help with ParentVUE or completing Back to School Packets? Attend one of our help sessions:

• Session 1: Thursday, August 14 from 8:00 - 11:00 AM
• Session 2: Thursday, August 14 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM
• Session 3: Friday, August 15 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Laptops and Spanish interpretation available, Check in at Door 1 (main entrance), Location: 1st floor Testing Lab. Can't make it to one of our in-person sessions? Please contact our Parent Liaisons: Dr. Livia Perez: perezl@pwcs.edu, Michelle Gonzalez: GonzalM6@pwcs.edu, or call 703-365-2900

The following items are suggested to be purchased to prepare your student for a successful year at URHS!

• Pencils
• Loose Leaf, lined paper
• Blue or black pens
• Erasers
• PWCS issued laptop and laptop insurance
• Headphones with cable
• *Home internet access: For discounted home internet services you can visit PWCS Instructional Technology or one of the following:
• Comcast Internet Essentials: www.internetessentials.com or 1-855-846-8376
• Internet residencial con descuento: Español https://es.internetessentials.com o 1-855-765-6995
• *PWC Public Libraries Card: Gives access to a large number of data bases for research. Visit the PWC website for information on getting your library card. If you have any questions, please see the URHS Library Page and contact one of our librarians
• Check back frequently here for content specific supplies as we get closer to the first week of school.

We are excited to invite all new students to our “One of Us” New Student Orientation on Thursday August 14th from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This event is an opportunity for our new students and families receive a tour of the school from upperclassmen, receive their schedule, get to meet their administrators and counselors, and learn about clubs, sports and more at our school! Pizza will be provided. Bus Information with express bus stops for students needing transportation is forthcoming!

This year, Prince William County Public Schools took a bold and research-based step forward by

adopting the new Cell Phone-Free Education Policy. Beginning in August 2025, all schools will

implement a bell-to-bell policy that limits cell phone use during the instructional day. For High School, this means: Cell phones and wireless devices are off and stored for the entire school day, from the tardy bell to dismissal, including field trips, but may be used before and after school hours.

This decision, shaped by community input and a successful pilot across 33 schools, is rooted in a

shared goal: creating classroom environments where students are fully present—mentally,

emotionally, and socially. The student-created slogan, “Stop the scroll, take control,” reminds us

that this policy is about empowerment, not restriction. It is about reclaiming focus, restoring

meaningful human connection, and giving our students every opportunity to thrive.

1. First Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the device will be locked in the main office, and it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. The student will sign the Acknowledgment of Further Consequences Form. The teacher/staff member will document this offense in the Student Information System.
2. Second Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the device will be locked in the main office, and the device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. The student will receive a second warning, and the teacher/staff member will notify the parent/guardian via SchoolStatus. The parent will be informed that the next offense (third offense) will result in a disciplinary incident in the Student Information System and the parent will have to retrieve the device. The teacher/staff member will document this offense in the Student Information System.
3. Third Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the device will be locked in the main office, and a referral will be generated documenting the violation of the cell phone guidelines. The student will complete a Healthy Cell Phone Use Canvas Module during lunch detention, after-school detention, restorative reflection, or Saturday school. The parent/guardian must retrieve the device from the school office and sign the Acknowledgment of Further Consequences Form.
4. *Infractions are cumulative.

For more information, I invite you to review the PWCS FAQ page and view the recorded Family Webinar below if you didn't get a chance to see it before. We are grateful for your engagement and look forward to continuing this important work together.

Students may be dropped off at school starting at 7:00am. Those dropping students off will enter on Kim Graham Ln and drive behind the school to the designated drop-off zone. Please follow the map for exiting on Kim Graham Ln and do not cut through the student parking lot. Please do not drop off in front of the school or near the stadium side. The lanes directly in front of the school are bus lanes. No drivers are allowed in the bus lanes during arrival or dismissal. These areas must remain clear to allow for buses to safely enter and exit.

Underclassmen will enter on Kim Graham Ln and park in their assigned spot in the rear parking lot. Seniors will enter the parking lot in front of the gym from Rixlew lane and park in their designated spot. ALL students must purchase a parking pass from security in order to park on school grounds. Parking pass information is listed in a separate section below.

Please see the new arrival and dismissal map below.

After 7:30am, all late students must enter through Door 1 (main entrance) and check in at the main office.

Students who plan on driving to school must purchase a parking pass. Parking passes cost $100. Passes will be sold during the first two weeks of school (August 18 – 29, 2025). Parking enforcement will begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2024. All vehicles, except visitors, parked at school must have a pass displayed at that time.

Students may enter the building starting at 7:00am through 2 approved entrance doors only. Student entry Doors are:

• Door 1 (Main Entrance) for Buses and Senior Parking

• Door 12 (Near Trailers) for Student Drop Off and Underclass Parking

Free meals to all students: Breakfast and lunch will continue to be provided at no cost to students this year due to URHS receiving Title I resources for the 25-26 school year.

Students are not permitted to leave campus during the school day, nor use mobile ordering to have food delivered. All orders delivered to school will be discarded with no reimbursement to the student.

Attendance is the number one predictor of both dropout and graduation rates. Establishing the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever and helps to reduce stress, strengthen connections with friends and teachers, and support academic success.

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) follows the provisions of Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 22.1-254) regarding compulsory attendance for all school-aged students.

PWCS uses an attendance management system that carefully tracks attendance and ensures that parents are notified in a timely and consistent manner when students are absent from school.

Attendance letters are mailed to notify parents of:

• Truancy status when students accrue three unexcused absences
• Excessive excused absences
• Chronic absentee status when students are absent 10% of instructional days based on where we are in the school year. Learn more about PWCS attendance letters.

Detailed information about attendance communication, types of absences, late arrival/early dismissal, and more is on the PWCS Attendance Guidelines webpage.

Revisions have been made to Regulation 724-1- Attendance, Absences, Excuses, and Tardies.

We encourage families to note the following key updates:

• Schools may require a doctor’s note when a student misses three consecutive days or a total of 10 days during the school year due to illness.
• Family trips or absences related to travel are unexcused absences.
• Students are considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more school days in a school year. Both excused and unexcused absences count towards chronic absenteeism.
• Students are expected to make up all missed assignments and assessments for both excused and unexcused absences.
• Military-connected students may have up to five days of excused absences to visit a parent/guardian called to active duty or on leave from active duty.
• With prior approval from the principal (or designee), absences for college admission visits or to apply for post-graduation employment can be excused for juniors and senior.

• Parents receive automated calls when students miss one or more classes.
• Absences can be viewed and reported the same day via the ParentVUE app or parentvue.pwcs.edu.
• Tardy and early dismissal requests cannot be submitted through ParentVUE · Absences can also be reported by emailing URHS-Attendance@pwcs.edu or calling 571-598-3298.

Email URHS-Attendance@pwcs.edu at least 1 hour before pickup. Include your student’s full name, reason, time, and note if they’re a driver. Use “EARLY DISMISSAL” in the subject line. If picking up in person, bring a photo ID and allow time for processing. Lunch period dismissals may be delayed.

We understand that some absences are unavoidable, however we encourage parents and guardians to schedule appointments on scheduled days off for students throughout the school year. View the 2025-26 school calendar webpage to view days off for students.

We are committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment and understand there are times when your child may need to stay home due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances. If you need assistance or resources to have a successful school year, please contact us at 703-365-2900. We value your partnership and look forward to a successful school year together!

This school year, students will no longer be assigned counselors and administrators based on grade level. To improve communication and support between families, students, and school staff, assignments will now be organized by student last name. Please review the updated assignments below. We're excited to add 3 additional counselors this year!

LAST NAMES:

• A - Bar
• Counselor: Ms. Abraham (AbrahaRD@PWCS.EDU)
• Administrator: Ms. Nash (NASHSJ@pwcs.edu)
• Bas - Com
• Counselor: Mr. Lindenberg (LindenJE@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Nash (NASHSJ@pwcs.edu)
• Con - Fi
• Counselor: Ms. McQuillan (McQuilSA@PWCS.EDU)
• Administrator: Mr. Gillespie (GillesRG@PWCS.EDU)
• Fl - Gut
• Counselor: Ms. Marchetti (MarcheTA@PWCS.EDU)

• Administrator: Mr. Gillespie (GillesRG@PWCS.EDU)
• Guz - K
• Counselor: Mr. Brandonisio (brandojm@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Mr. Hintosh (HINTOSCR@pwcs.edu)
• L - Mei:
• Counselor: Ms. Jefferson (JEFFERET@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Mr. Hintosh (HINTOSCR@pwcs.edu)
• Mej - Or:
• Counselor: Mr. Taylor (TAYLORDM@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Mathison (MathisCC@PWCS.EDU)
• Os - Riva:
• Counselor: Ms. Ochoa-Castro (ochoacgq@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Mathison (MathisCC@PWCS.EDU)
• Rive - Soli:
• Counselor: Ms. Goodman (GoodmaBJ@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Dr. Brooks (BrooksDR@PWCS.EDU)
• Solo - Z:
• Counselor: Ms. Lewis (LewisJ@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Dr. Brooks (BrooksDR@PWCS.EDU)

The deadline to meet the immunization requirements for the upcoming school year is August 15, 2025. If proof of required immunizations is not provided by the deadline, the student will not be permitted to start school on Monday, August 18, 2025, until documentation is provided.

Parents/guardians can view information about student immunization compliance in ParentVUE. For specific questions about immunization non-compliance or for assistance in setting up a ParentVUE account, please contact your school. A list of immunization requirements can be found below.

Once completed, provide documentation to your student’s school indicating that your student has received the immunization(s). All documentation must include the student’s full name and ID number. It is recommended that immunization information must be delivered in person to the school's office.

If your student cannot receive an immunization for some reason, the health provider must give you a medical exemption statement to provide to your student’s school. For more information visit the PWCS page: Immunization Requirements

View upcoming, no-cost vaccination clinics available

Visit the Class of 2026 webpage frequently for updates throughout the year.

Capture your senior year memories with convenient school-held photo sessions by Victor O'Neill Studios! Yearbook poses are included in all session types. Upgraded sittings can have up to four additional outfits. The next dates for senior pictures (2026) are:

• September 2 and 3 from 9:00AM-3:00PM in the Auditorium
• November 17 and 18 from 9:00AM-3:00PM in the Auditorium

Click the link to schedule your session today. Unity Reed Photo Sessions

As a friendly reminder, appointments are needed for Senior Portraits. If you have any questions, please email our Senior Portraits Team: seniors@vosphoto.com Please kindly include your Senior’s First and Last Name and “Unity Reed Class of 2026” when emailing, for faster assistance.

Painting will take place from 8:00 – 4:00 pm on August 4th – 8th, August 11th -15th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Saturday, August 16th, and September 13th 11:00 am -2:30 pm (following the Senior Breakfast event) Please notify Mrs. Nash of the dates you plan to paint your space. More details on how to get your parking spot reserved and painted are included in the attachments below.

The Class of 2026 Senior Breakfast will be held on September 13th at 9:00 AM in the 1st Floor Cafeteria, inviting both parents and students. The event will cover important topics such as senior events, graduation details, college and career planning, scholarships, and more. Please be on the lookout for more detailed information on how to sign up to attend.

The Virginia High School League AND Prince William County Schools set requirements and standards for students to be eligible to participate in high school athletics. It is important for student-athletes and their families to be familiar with these requirements. Below you will find information on 2025-26 tryouts, as well as details on the requirements that MUST be completed by ALL student-athletes that plan on participating in school athletics during the 2025-26 school year.

See Fall Sports Tryout Dates and Contact Information here

All student athletes MUST meet ALL requirements listed below prior to any athletic team participation – this includes off-season workouts and team tryouts:

1. SPORTS PHYSICAL – Effective immediately, paper copies of sports physicals will no longer be accepted. Sports physicals completed after May 1, 2025 MUST be uploaded to your Arbiter account. The VHSL sports physical has been revised as of April 2025. A blank copy can be downloaded here – VHSL Sports Physical Form. If you turned in a sports physical prior to May 1, 2025, you must still create an Arbiter account in order to be eligible for participation.
2. STUDENT ATHLETE EDUCATION – Once your Arbiter account has been created, you must complete the entire “Agreements” section of your registration.
3. GRADE REQUIREMENTS – All student athletes MUST meet current academic eligibility requirements…
   • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 classes/credits.
   • Must have passed a minimum of 5 classes/credits last semester (for 10-12th graders participating in Fall and Winter sports, this is your final grades from the previous school year).
   • More information on PWCS and VHSL (Virginia State High School League) eligibility requirements can be found online at the PWCS Participation Guidelines For High School Activities And Interscholastic Athletics page.
4. AGE REQUIREMENT – The student must not have reached the age of 19 on or before August 1, 2025.

*Please note that all athletes must bring their own water bottle to practice each day.
**Student Athlete Registration MUST complete by the end of the school day in order to participate in tryouts that day.

We encourage students and parents to reach out our coaches with questions! A full list of our head coaches can be found on our Head Coaching Staff page.

• Weekly LIONS’ ROAR: This will include the latest updates with pertinent information for the upcoming week and will be emailed to students and families every Sunday. This information will also be posted on our school website.

• URHS website: This will be updated more frequently so that we can share the most up to date information with you. In fact, click here to view our school website.

• School Status: This is our messaging system, and it allows staff to send text messages, emails, or make phone calls to families. When an email comes to your inbox with this system, the sender will be listed as School Status or Teacher name. A text message will include the staff member’s full name in the message but will be a random number. This system allows the recipient to respond directly to a message.

• The PRIDE Newsletter: This is a monthly newsletter where we celebrate and highlight the incredible accomplishments of our students, staff, and community at Unity Reed High School. Each month, we will showcase achievements, events, and milestones that make our school proud. Stay tuned for inspiring stories, academic successes, athletic triumphs, and much more. All this information will also be available on our school website for easy access and sharing.

I encourage you to continue to stay in touch with important updates by visiting our website. We are here to support you. Please reach out throughout the school year with any questions, concerns, or to share general feedback, and thank you for being part of our school community, as our STRENGTH is IN UNITY!

Sincerely,

Milagros Polanco
Principal, Unity Reed High School