August 9, 2025

This Thursday, we are excited to welcome our 9th graders to New Student Orientation as they officially become “One of Us!” We can’t wait to welcome our newest students and help them get ready for a great school year. Please see below for additional orientation details.

Need Help Getting Ready for Back to School?

We will be open all week from 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. to assist families with:

• Logging into ParentVUE
• Completing or updating Back-to-School Packets
• Getting started with the new transportation app
• Other back-to-school questions or assistance

Feel free to stop by the school anytime during those hours. We will also have a ParentVUE assistance table available during New Student Orientation on Thursday.

School Supplies

As you prepare for the new school year, now is a great time to pick up a few basic school supplies to help your student start the year organized and ready to learn. Most students will benefit from having notebooks, folders or binders, pens, pencils, highlighters, colored pencils, and other basic classroom supplies. Individual teachers will share additional supply needs once classes begin.

We also encourage all students to have a stylus for their school-issued iPad. A stylus can be a helpful tool for taking notes, completing assignments, annotating documents, and staying organized across classes. Here is an example of a stylus that is compatible with the students’ iPad model:

iPad Stylus for school

This week’s newsletter features key updates, including but not limited to:

• 📲**New ParentVUE, StudentVUE & Bus Apps**
• 🏫 Back to School Packets
• 📅 Save the Date: “One of Us” New Student Orientation
• 📷 Class of 2026 Senior Portraits
• 💉 Immunization Information
• ✏️ General School Supplies
• 🏈 🏐Sports Tryouts
• 🚗 Parking Permits & Senior Parking Spot Painting
• 🚌 Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
• and more!

We look forward to seeing everyone back in just 2 weeks! Remember to keep an eye out for these updates every Sunday evening, follow us on Instagram, and visit our school website for the latest information at your convenience.

• August 10: Complete your Back to School Packet on ParentVUE
• August 13: "One of Us" New Student Orientation
  
• August 19: Parking Permits sold from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM
  
• August 21: Parking Permits sold from 1:00 -3:00 PM
  

• August 21: 12th Grade Immunizations due

• August 24: First Day of School (2025-26 School Year)

• August 28: Senior Sunrise 6:30am, First Home Football Game vs. Potomac HS

• September 9: Back to School Night 5:30 - 8:00PM

PWCS has new ParentVUE, StudentVUE, & EZ Arrival bus mobile apps for the 2026–27 school year and previous versions no longer work. Most back to school tasks, including completing the Back to School Packet, viewing teacher assignments, and accessing transportation information, begin in ParentVUE/StudentVUE.

• Download the new ParentVUE and StudentVUE and EZArrival bus apps today!
• For more information, visit: https://www.pwcs.edu/support_services/back_to_school/index

The following items are suggested to be purchased to prepare your student for a successful year at URHS! More specific information on class-related items will be shared by specific teachers during the first week of school.

General Recommended Supplies:

• Pencils
• Pens
• Loose Leaf, lined paper
  
• Folders
• Erasers
• Highlighters
• Headphones with USB-C cable
• Extra USB-C charger
• iPad Stylus

Additional Resources to have on hand:

• *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

Starting high school is an exciting step, and our Freshman Orientation will help students and families feel ready for the year ahead. During the morning, students will learn about Unity Reed, meet the people who are here to support them, and discover the many opportunities available at our school.

The day will begin with a welcome program featuring student leaders, a band performance, and check-in activities. Families will have a chance to meet school leaders and learn more about Unity Reed. We will share information about the transition to high school and ways we can work together to support your child's success. Please note that family members are welcome to attend, but attendance is not required.

Students will receive their class schedules, a school map, orientation materials, and a scavenger hunt card to help them explore the school.

Throughout the morning, students will participate in activities led by our Student Activities Leadership Council (SALC) and SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) student leaders. Through fun activities and small-group conversations, students will meet new people, make connections, and start feeling like part of the Unity Reed community.

Date: August 13, 2026
Time: 8:00 – 11:30 AM

Students will also take part in:

• A guided tour of the school
  
• Sessions with school counselors about graduation requirements and academic supports
  
• A Club and Activities Expo to learn about ways to get involved
  
• A student panel where current students share advice and answer questions about high school life

Our goal is for every student to leave feeling welcomed, informed, and excited about starting high school. By the end of orientation, students will know where important places are, understand who they can turn to for help, and begin building connections that will support their success in ninth grade.

The event will end with pizza, a Unity Reed T-shirt, and a celebration as students take their first steps toward becoming part of the LIONS PRIDE family.

Free bus transportation is available for students attending orientation (See Schedule Below). Buses will pick up and drop off students at the locations listed below. Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure you do not miss the bus. We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2030 to Unity Reed High School!

• The annual Back to School Packet opens in ParentVUE on August 10, 2026.
• Complete the packet as soon as possible to update your child's information. The packet must be completed before teacher assignments, class schedules, and bus information are available in ParentVUE.
• The deadline to complete the packet is September 18, 2026.

Visit the Back to School Packet Instructions webpage to get started.

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.If you need assistance, or do not have an active ParentVUE account, please contact our Parent Liaisons: Dr. Livia Perez: perezl@pwcs.edu, Michelle Gonzalez: GonzalM6@pwcs.edu, or call 703-365-2900

The deadline to meet the immunization requirements for the upcoming school year is August 21, 2026. If proof of required immunizations is not provided by the deadline, the student will not be permitted to start school on Monday, August 24, 2026, 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

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 being dropped off must enter through Door 1 (main entrance) and check in at the vestibule. Students self-driving may enter through Door 12 and check in at the main office.

Students who plan on driving to school must purchase a parking pass. Parking passes cost $100 and applications can be found here. **Applications must be signed by a Parent/Guardian for processing.

Passes will be sold on the following early dates below and again during the first two weeks of school.

• August 19: Parking Permits sold from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM
  
• August 21: Parking Permits sold from 1:00 -3:00 PM

Parking enforcement will begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. 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 26-27 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 may be discarded with no reimbursement to the student.

Prince William County Public Schools will continue the Cell Phone-Free Education Policy. As a reminder, Students who disrupt the school’s educational environment by using wireless communication devices inappropriately (e.g., cheating, bullying, harassment, unlawful recording, violating behavior expectations) will be subject to disciplinary actions.

The following actions will be taken if a student violates PWCS Policy 729, “Cell Phone-Free Education.” Failure to adhere to the terms of the policy will result in the following progressive discipline, which is consistent throughout all PWCS High Schools:

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.

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 (Class of 2027) are:

• September 1, 2 and 3 from 8:00AM-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 2027” when emailing, for faster assistance.

Seniors can personalize their school parking space by participating in the Senior Painted Parking Space tradition! Painted spaces are available on a limited basis and provide students with a reserved parking space during school hours.

Important Details:

• Parking Permit: $100 (PWCS parking fee)
• Painted Space Fee: Additional $20 (non-refundable)
• Payments must be made separately.

How to Participate:

• Submit a completed Painted Parking Space Contract and Design Request for approval by September 25 to Mrs. Nash or Mrs. Pryce.
• Purchase your parking permit from Mr. Bouchard and bring:
  • Approved parking contract
  • Approved design
  • $20 painted space fee
• Students wishing to reserve adjacent spaces with friends must purchase their permits together.

Painting Dates:

• July 27–31
• August 10–14
• August 17–21
• Saturday, August 22: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
• September 26: 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (following Senior Breakfast)

Students should notify Mrs. Nash of the date they plan to paint.

Design Reminder: All designs must be submitted in color for administrative approval before painting. Designs must match the approved submission, and changes will not be permitted on painting day.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Nash (nashsj@pwcs.edu) or Mrs. Pryce (prycead@pwcs.edu).

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 2026-27 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 2026-27 school year.

Band Camp—Band Director: Mark Malechek (malechmc@pwcs.edu)

1. Camp Dates: August 3-14 from 8am-5pm
2. Camp Dates: August 17-18 from 6-8pm
3. Location: Rear Parking Lot of Unity Reed (Near Softball Field)

• 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 Vélez
Principal, Unity Reed High School