Principal's Newsletter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are just a few days away from the start of a new school year at Potomac Middle School! This year, our goal is to Start Strong & Get Stronger. I encourage families to begin establishing routines that support a successful transition back to learning. Regular bedtimes, organized school supplies, and conversations about goals and expectations so students feel confident and prepared for the year ahead.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the families who participated in our 6th Grade Parent and Student Summer Camp. It was wonderful to see so many students and families engaging with our school community and beginning to build the connections that are so important to a successful middle school experience.

All students and families are invited to attend our Open House on Thursday, August 20th. This is an opportunity to meet teachers, tour the building, learn about the upcoming school year, and begin building the partnerships that will help our students succeed. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing all that Potomac Middle School has to offer.

Before school begins, please take a few moments to complete the Back-to-School Packet in ParentVUE. This packet contains important information and required forms that help us prepare for a smooth and successful start to the year. Don't forget to download the EZ Arrival Bus App as well.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to seeing you at Open House and welcoming our Panthers back for an outstanding school year!

With Panther Pride,

Dr. Rachel Preston

Principal

We are so excited for you to join us for our annual beginning-of-the-year Open House event. Open House is a great opportunity for students and parents to become more familiar with the building, find their classes, try opening lockers, and learn more about the school.

Open House Schedule - Thursday, August 20, 2026

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: 7th & 8th-Grade Students

*8th Grade Open House will begin with a Parent Informational Meeting at 12:00pm in the Cafeteria

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM: 6th-Grade Students

Our first fundraiser of the year will also take place at Open House! We encourage all families to visit the Kona Ice Truck once they have finished visiting their classes.

Some important reminders:

• The student and a parent/guardian must both attend Open House.
• If the student is unable to attend Open House, they will receive any important information on the first day of school. Students and parents/guardians will still be able to access their schedules on Parent and Student Vue.
• Any returning students with outstanding library books or payments for lost books can bring those items with them to Open House.

I'm not able to attend Open House, what do we do?

Fear not! Our teachers and staff are wonderful at easing nerves and assisting ALL students on the first day of school. Many of our students, including those who attended Open House, get lost at some point during the first week of school. If you are unable to attend, you will still be able to access your student's schedule via Parent and Student Vue before the first day of school. Your student will receive their schedule on the first day of school.

As we prepare for the new school year, I want to share an update about late arrival procedures at Potomac Middle School.

Potomac Middle School will continue using KioskVUE during the 2026-27 school year for student late arrivals and early dismissals. Families who have used KioskVUE in the past can continue using the same convenient process.

Parents and guardians who bring a student to school after the start of the school day should enter the building and complete the sign-in process. Students who walk to school and arrive late may sign themselves in; however, the school will contact a parent or guardian to verify the late arrival. Until verification is received, the tardy will be considered unexcused.

To help ensure a smooth experience, we encourage families to make sure their ParentVUE account information is current before the start of the school year. Families using ParentVUE can take advantage of additional KioskVUE features, including QR code check-in options.

Please watch this short overview video to help you understand KioskVUE.

Thank you for your partnership and support. We look forward to welcoming students back soon.

As we prepare for the first day, we ask that all families log in to ParentVUE and complete the Back-to-School Packet as soon as possible.

The information you update in ParentVUE helps us support your child and maintain a safe and connected school community. One of the most important steps is reviewing and updating your emergency contacts. Accurate emergency contact information allows us to quickly reach parents, guardians, and trusted adults if an unexpected situation arises.

While completing the Back-to-School Packet in ParentVUE, please take a few moments to verify:

• Parent/guardian contact information
• Emergency contacts
• Phone numbers and email addresses
• Medical and health information
• Any other information that may have changed since last school year

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a safe and successful start to the school year. We look forward to welcoming your family back soon!

Please click the link to watch a short video on how to enter the kiss and ride lanes.

https://pwcps-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/prestord_pwcs_edu/EWAdgVNHbqdGseDpj7V72wUB0GNf0PBLDpuX0pWI2GBabw?e=gHi7hq

1. Students are not allowed to cross Route 1 to walk to Potomac Middle School. (No exceptions).
2. Only students who reside on Panther Pride Drive are allowed to walk.(They are our only walkers). Parents cannot give students permission to walk outside of Panther Pride Drive. (No exceptions).
3. Please be sure to enter the car lane and not the bus lane.
   
4. Students should not be dropped off in the parking lot. If your student is a car rider, you must access the car lane to drop off and pick up student.
5. Once you enter the car line, you should drive until you come to the first crosswalk and/or your car is parallel to the median and /or you're at an impasse. Students should be released from the passenger side of your vehicle only and use the closest crosswalk to access the main entrance of the school.
6. Please do not park in a parking space to drop off your student. Please use the car lane.
7. Please do not use the satellite bus lane to drop off your student. Please use the car lane.
8. Early Dismissal Ends at 2:30pm each day. Parents will not be able to pick up after this time to ensure a smooth dismissal process.

Student class schedules will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 18. Parents must complete the Annual Back to School Packet to view their student's schedule.

All students will receive a printed copy of their schedule in their first period class. Staff will be on hand to assist students in finding their homeroom and we will have lists posted as well. Students are encouraged to take a picture of their schedule on their school issue iPad. Cell phone use is not permitted.

Schedule change requests will be handled based on availability of course offerings. If you submitted a request at Open House, the counseling team will be working this week to make changes IF able.

Reminder: In order to view your students ParentVue information, you must complete the back to school packet.

1. Create an EZArrival Account

2. Open the EZArrival app.

3. From the login screen, select Create Account.

4. On the select your school district screen, type in and choose Prince William County Public Schools.

5. Choose if you want to register using a phone number or an email address. Whichever you choose is what you will log in with every time. Parents/guardians – use the phone number or email associated with your ParentVUE account. Students – use your PWCS email address (username@pwcs-edu.org).

6. Complete the registration process.

   
   

   For phone number:

   • Enter your mobile phone number in the box and select Send Verification Code.
   • Once you receive the verification code via text message, type it into the verification code box and select Verify.
   • Enter and confirm your password.
   • Enter Parent Account Information (first name, last name, and relationship to the student).
   • Select Agree & Join.

   For email address:

   • Select the Email option, enter your email into the text box, and select Verify.
   • Enter and confirm your password.
   • Enter Parent Account Information (first name, last name, and relationship to the student).
   • Select Agree & Join.
   • Sign in to your account using the phone number or email address used to create your account.

Here are eight things parents can do to help their child get ready for the school year:

1. Establish Consistent Routines: Start setting a regular bedtime and wake-up time to help your child adjust to the school schedule. Doors open for students at 7:55am.
2. Practice Using a Locker: All Potomac students will be using a locker, practice opening and closing it to build confidence. A simple lock can help prepare your student for this middle school rite of passage.
3. Get a Sports Physical: Schedule a physical exam if your child plans to participate in school sports.
4. Organize School Supplies: Purchase and organize necessary school supplies, such as notebooks, pens, and a backpack.
5. Review the School Calendar: Familiarize yourself and your child with important dates, such as the first day of school, holidays, and parent-teacher conferences.
6. Set Up a Study Area: Create a quiet, organized space at home where your child can do homework and study.
7. Discuss Goals and Expectations: Talk with your child about their goals for the school year and any expectations you have. Have a success meeting and share your criteria for a successful school year for your child.
8. Plan Healthy Meals and Snacks: Breakfast and Lunch are FREE to all Potomac students. Ensuring your child has nutritious meals and snacks at home can keep them energized throughout the day.

These steps can help make the transition back to school smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child.

The PTMS Athletics Department is excited to welcome back our student athletes to the 2026-2027 school year! We look forward to building off the success we achieved last year.

Fall tryouts will begin on Monday, August 31st and continue through Thursday, September 3rd. Tryouts will run after school through 5 PM. An activity bus will be provided Monday through Thursday.

Our fall sports include:

• Cheerleading
• Football
• Volleyball
• Boys soccer
• Girls track

We continue to navigate the changes implemented last year by PWCS in regards to our sports physicals and student health training. The Arbiter system remains the hub for these required pieces of information.

Please read the following information carefully so that your student may participate in athletics if they desire.

For returning students to PTMS (rising 7th and 8th graders) that already have an Arbiter account and uploaded physical approved by our Athletic Trainer:

• Please login to your Arbiter account and update any relevant information. Your student will also need to read the material for the student health training (formerly known as concussion training).

• Please check the expiration date on your students sports physical. As a reminder, per the changes in PWCS policy last year, sports physicals remain active 14 months after dated by a physician.

• You WILL NOT be able to try out for fall sports unless your account has been updated, student health training complete completed and physical date within the approved range.

For students new to PTMS (this includes students transferring from another PWCS middle school):

• Please log into Arbiter, create an account, and then upload a COMPLETED PWCS sports physical approved by a physician. Information on how to complete this process can be found on the PTMS Athletics webpage.

We thank you for your cooperation as we navigate the changes to our sports physical process. We will be hosting a Sports Physical Night on Wednesday, August 26th from 5 to 7 PM for those who need assistance with creating an Arbiter account. This is an optional event for those that want in-person help.

ANY STUDENT THAT DOES NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT ON ARBITER AND AN APPROVED PHYSICAL WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRY OUT. Please make sure your student has these things completed before they stay after school on August 31st. HARD COPIES OF SPORTS PHYSICALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

More specific information to those sports and their seasons/schedules will be provided by the Coach if your student makes the team.

If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Price, Athletic Coordinator, at priceea@pwcs.edu.

PWCS is a BELL to BELL cell phone free school division.Prince William County Public Schools’ (PWCS) cell phone-free education policy aims to enhance student engagement and participation in classroom activities by removing a major distraction in the classroom – cell phones.

Middle School student cellular devices will need to be "Off and Away for the Day!" as we STOP THE SCROLL and TAKE CONTROL.

1st Offense-Warning and pick up at the end of the day by the student

2nd Offense-Warning and pick up at the end of the day by the student

3rd Offense-Parent Pick Up

Reminders

• All cell phones and personal electronic communication devices must be turned off and stored away during the bell-to-bell school day and during any instructional periods, regardless of location, including field trips.
• Dual-purpose watches are allowed, but wireless/cellular features must be turned off during instructional times (e.g., must be in airplane mode).
• All cell phones and personal electronic communication devices may be turned on and used within the school and on the school campus before or after the bell-to-bell school day.
• Cell phones and wireless communication devices may be used on school buses provided the device does not distract the driver, compromise safety, or violate the Prohibited Content and Use for All Students provisions detailed below.

Parents may view information about their child’s compliance with immunization(s) and/or school physical in ParentVUE. If you do not have a ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school. The school nurse can provide additional information on your child’s immunization(s) and/or school physical.

Deadline to prevent school exclusion

The deadline for your student to meet this immunization and/or school physical requirement is Friday, August 21, 2026.

Please read below and follow these two steps:

1. ​Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider, urgent care center or with a community healthcare center:
   • The Prince William Health District – 703-792-6300 (Manassas) or 703-792-7300 (Woodbridge)
   • Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinic – 703-993-5880 (must leave a message)
   • Lunera Health (formally the Greater Prince William Community Health Center) – 703-680-7950
   • Sentara Community Care Clinic – 703-523-1095
   • Inova Cares for Families – 571-719-4180 (Manassas)
2. Submit proof of your student's immunizations and/or school physical to the school. Include their full name and student ID on the documents. You may email or deliver this information directly to the school nurse.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Rising 6th Grade Camp 8:30am

Saturday, August 15 2026

PWCS Community Event @ Freedom High School

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Open House

8th Grade 12:00-1:15 pm (Parent Meeting begins at 12:00)

7th Grade 12:00-1:15 pm

6th Grade 1:15-2:15 pm

Monday, August 24, 2026

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Athletics Physical Paperwork Night 5-7pm

Monday, August 31, 2026

Fall Sports Tryouts Begin- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

*Activity busses will run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for tryouts*

Friday, September 4, 2026

NO SCHOOL-Labor Day Weekend

Monday, September 4, 2026

NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

6th Grade Back to School Night - 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

7th and 8th Grade Back to School Night - 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM

For assistance please contact the main office during school hours.

Website: https://potomacms.pwcs.edu
Location: 3130 Panther Pride Drive, Dumfries, VA, USA
Phone: 703-221-4996
Facebook: facebook.com/potomacMS
Twitter: @PotomacMS