Hawk Highlights

The Hawk Highlights: Parent Resource Edition is an extension of my weekly Hawk Highlights newsletter. While the weekly newsletter keeps you informed about upcoming events, celebrations, reminders, and important updates, this edition serves as your one-stop resource guide for information families may need throughout the school year.

Inside, you'll find quick access to important school resources, contacts, procedures, forms, and frequently referenced information—all in one convenient location. Rather than searching through past newsletters, this guide provides a centralized place for the resources you may need most often.

As resources are updated or new information becomes available, this guide will be refreshed to ensure you always have access to the most current information.

Mr. Edward Schultz - Principal - schultej@pwcs.edu

Ms. Michelle Praul - 6th Grade Assistant Principal - praulmh@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Abby Sentman - 7th Grade Assistant Principal - sentmaal@pwcs.edu

Mr. Mark McElwee - 8th Grade Assistant Principal - McElweMR@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Rachel Collins - Dean of Students - CollinR@PWCS.EDU

Mrs. Jennifer Fisher - Administrative Intern/Testing Coordinator - FISHERJS@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Jessie Castles - Director of School Counseling - castlejm@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Jacquelyn Leif - Last Names A - C - leifjm@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Erin Abbott - Last Names D - I - abbotte@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Beth Kunstel - Last Names J - Mi - KUNSTELBC@pwcs.edu

Ms. Alexis Hawkins - Last Names Mj - R - hawkinam@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Destiny Garner- Last Names S - Z - GarnerDE@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Tina Perez - Registrar - pereze1@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Elisa Dacales - dacaleer@pwcs.edu

Nurse Dominique Alenxander - AlexanDN1@PWCS.EDU

Ms. Chanel Graham - GrahamCM@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Deborah Callison - CALLISDA@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Meredith Roach - RoachME@pwcs.edu

Mr. Antione Jeter - jeterad@pwcs.edu

Mr. Todd Breitmaier - BreitmTR@PWCS.EDU

Mrs. Christine Richmond, Instructional Technology Coach - richmocm@pwcs.edu

• Canvas
• Parent Vue/Student Vue

Mr. Brian James, Technology Specialist - jamesbw@pwcs.edu

• Device Information and support

Our Bell times for the 26/27 SY are: 8:15 AM - 2:55 PM

Instruction will begin at 8:20 AM each day. There will not be a homeroom/ advisory at the beginning of the day. On time arrival is very important to ensure there is no loss of learning opportunities for our students.

Please Note: Students arriving after 8:15 AM (not on a bus) will be marked tardy.

We are able to welcome students as early as 7:50 AM.

Office Hours: 7:30 - 4:00 PM

Main Office Phone: 703-753-2997

Parents/Guardians: The kiss and ride line can become a bit long in the morning however, from 7:50 - 8:00 AM it is moving pretty well. You may consider dropping off prior to 8:00 AM to beat the rush.

PLEASE do NOT enter the surrounding neighborhood, Lifetime Fitness/ Wentworth Green dr./ University blvd. to drop off/ pickup your child. This is unsafe and will not be permitted.

You must use our kiss and ride procedures found below for arrival and dismissal.

If you are new to our Kiss and Ride Procedures, I ask that you please review our process, which is found in the graphic. By reviewing this information, you will be better prepared for student drop-off/ pickup and assist us in a prompt and safe environment for all.

• Please report absences on ParentVUE by 3:00 p.m. on the date of the absence and up to 30 days in advance.
• Alternatively, you can call the GVMS attendance line at 571-486-3009 or email the absence note to gvms-attendance@pwcs.edu. Remember to include the student's full name, the date of the absence, the reason for the absence, and supporting documents if applicable.
• Parents have up to five school days to verify a school absence before the attendance tracking system marks the student truant.

Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. are considered tardy to school. To support a safe and secure arrival process, all tardy students should be accompanied into the building by a parent or guardian. This procedure helps ensure each student's arrival is acknowledged, appropriate support is provided when needed, and the school has an accurate record of the student's arrival. We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and orderly start to each school day.

• Gainesville 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.

• We encourage families to review their ParentVUE account information before the start

of the school year to ensure a smooth experience.

• Gainesville Middle School has staff available to help families with ParentVUE access and account

questions.

• If you need assistance, please contact our Main Office and staff will be happy to help.

• KioskVUE is a digital check-in and check-out system accessed through an iPad in the front

office, providing a faster and more convenient way to manage late arrivals and early

dismissals.

• The system provides families and school staff with a faster, more convenient way to sign

students in or out during the school day.

• KioskVUE works alongside ParentVUE and StudentVUE to provide a convenient, digital

check-in and check-out experience.

Safety and Security

• KioskVUE supports PWCS' commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning

environment for all students.

• The system helps schools verify student arrivals and departures while maintaining

accurate records of who is entering and leaving the building.

• Student safety remains the priority, and all visitor and sign-in expectations continue to

apply when checking students in or out.

Supporting Accurate Attendance

• KioskVUE helps schools update attendance information more quickly and accurately.

• Improved attendance accuracy helps ensure students are accounted for throughout the

school day.

• The system helps schools manage attendance more efficiently, allowing staff to devote

more time to student and family support.

Benefits for Families

• Faster check-in and check-out procedures.

• Reduced wait times in the front office.

• More accurate attendance records and fewer unnecessary attendance notifications.

Dear PWCS Families,

Effective June 30, 2026, ParentVUE and StudentVUE, as well as the EZ A2B bus tracking app, are being updated by their respective vendors. The current versions of these apps will no longer work after June 30.

ParentVUE and StudentVUE are both transitioning to new versions. Families should search for the versions labeled ‘(New)’ in the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also download from the PWCS website:

Download the new version of ParentVUE

Download the new version of StudentVUE

EZArrival

The EZ A2B bus tracking app has been renamed EZArrival. Families should search for “EZArrival” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or download it directly here.

To be prepared for summer school and/or the 2026-27 school year, families are encouraged to download these new apps as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted access to grades, attendance, and transportation information.

The PWCS Food and Nutrition Department is excited to share that we are transitioning to a new online menu platform. Families can view menus at schools.mealviewer.com or by downloading the free MealViewer To Go app from your device’s app store. This new system will provide timely updates and accurately reflect any school-specific menu changes.

We are also moving the Food and Nutrition website into the PWCS division website to make navigation easier and improve access to nutrition resources. The current website, pwcsnutrition.com, will automatically redirect to the new location.

For more information, please contact the Food and Nutrition Department at 703-791-7314.

Canvas is an important tool for helping families stay connected to their child’s learning. As a Canvas Parent/Observer, you can view assignments and due dates, monitor grades and teacher feedback, review course announcements, use the calendar, and customize notifications to help your child stay organized and on track.

Below, we’ve provided several Canvas Parent & Observer resources, including step-by-step guides, short videos, information about the Canvas Parent App, and PWCS-specific support. These resources are designed for families of K–12 students and are fully applicable to our middle school families.

For additional support, families can also access the PWCS Canvas Parent Portal for guidance on accessing Canvas and linking parent accounts. Right here at GVMS, our School Parent Liaison, Mrs. Dacales, is also a valuable resource for families who may need additional assistance. She can be reached at DacaleER@pwcs.edu.

Families can access assessment results for Standards of Learning (SOL) and WIDA ACCESS in the Test History section of ParentVUE, and detailed assessment results for SOLs and the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) through the Virginia Assessment Parent Portal.

Step by step directions are linked below:

For students with a peanut allergy, Prince William County Schools (PWCS) provides designated, non-contact tables in the cafeteria. While the school system permits students to bring their own peanut products for lunch, those items are restricted from the designated nut-free table at GVMS.

Cafeteria procedures for allergies

• Designated tables: Each cafeteria provides a "peanut-free" table, which may also be free of other nuts.
• Food sharing is prohibited: Students are not allowed to share food with others.
• Signage on serving lines: The Food and Nutrition Department has placed signs on the cafeteria serving lines that include icons identifying if a menu item contains any of the top nine allergens.
• Cross-contamination training: All food service staff receive training on risk-reduction procedures and preventing cross-contamination

Schools shall discourage students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times. Food allergies can result in an allergic reaction in which the student’s life is threatened. Given concerns about allergies and other restrictions in certain children’s diets, food and beverages should not be shared.

No Shared Food Items: Parents will not be permitted to bring in food items for their child to share with others during the school day. This policy helps us maintain a safe and secure environment for all students.

Individual Food Items: If you wish to bring food for your child, you may do so with the understanding that the food is solely for your child.

No Outside Food Deliveries: Delivery services such as Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc., are not permitted. Allowing these deliveries increases the number of people entering our building, which poses a safety and security risk.

Visiting for Lunch: If you would like to come to GVMS to eat with your child, please provide us with advance notice. We are happy to accommodate by reserving the conference room for your visit. Should your child wish to invite a few friends, please contact the grade level administrator and the front office ahead of time. We will coordinate with the parents of those children to receive permission in advance. Please avoid last-minute arrangements.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we strive to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for everyone at GVMS.

Middle school interscholastic athletics follows the Virginia High School League (VHSL) eligibility rules, and in addition to the VHSL eligibility rules, the following applies to interscholastic athletics, marching band, and drill team:

• To be academically eligible, a student must pass a minimum of five classes and fail no more than one class for the nine-week grading period. The student shall be declared ineligible for the next grading period when not meeting this standard. This rule applies to practice as well as game participation. Students will begin or end academic eligibility or ineligibility on the Monday following the end of the grading period workday. Transfer students must comply with this standard, and grades from the transferring school must be reviewed to determine eligibility before participation by the Athletic Coordinator. Students who become eligible may begin game participation on Monday following the end of the workday for the grading period.
• Participation in middle school athletics is a privilege. Students are expected to abide by school expectations and the student Code of Behavior. Should the principal or principal’s designee determine that a student is not in compliance with school expectations or the student Code of Behavior they may at their discretion limit or suspend the right to participate or attend extracurricular activities.

If your child plans to try out for a sport during the 2026–27 school year, please ensure they are registered in Arbiter before the athletic season begins. Registration must include a current physical (if required) and completed concussion training. Arbiter registration must be updated every school year, even if the physical has not expired.

If you have questions, please contact our Athletic Directors:

• Steve Cadolino: cadolisx@pwcs.edu

• Yolanda Hooten: hootenya@pwcs.edu

For more information visit the Gainesville Middle School athletics page

Parents/guardians must register their student-athlete online to participate in PWCS school sports.

• Parents/guardians must create or update their Arbiter account to complete the online athletic registration process for the 2026-2027 season.
• Concussion training is now done through the Arbiter registration.

New Sports Physical Exam Forms

A state law that took effect on July 1, 2025, resulted in significant changes regarding sports physicals.

• Student-athletes must use the updated PWCS Middle School Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Evaluation Form (says revised May 2025 in the top left corner).
• Sports physicals using the new form will be valid for 14 months.
• Schools will no longer accept paper sports physical exam forms; only scanned/digital copies submitted through the student's online athletic registration will be accepted.

New this school year, we are adjusting our after-school pick-up locations to help reduce traffic on Mondays and Thursdays and create a smoother process for our families.

🏃 Athlete Pick-Up: Kiss & Ride near the athletic fields

🎯 Clubs & Activities Pick-Up: Bus loop. Club and activity sponsors will be present in the bus loop to supervise students and support the pick-up process.

When using the bus loop, please pull all the way forward to the end of the loop and continue moving forward as space becomes available. This is essential to keeping traffic moving and preventing backups.

Thank you for partnering with us to make after-school dismissal safe, efficient, and easier for our families!

In our continued efforts to ensure both safety and efficiency, we are asking for your support with traffic flow during after school activities and athletics pickup.

Please follow the pickup times communicated by club sponsors and athletic coaches. This staggered dismissal is an important step to help manage our high volume of traffic.

For athletics after school pickup, we will be blocking the middle lane with cones and a posted sign (example shown below). All vehicles should enter the secondary parking lot and form two lanes, as indicated by the visual provided. This adjustment allows us to bring more vehicles into the lot and reduce congestion on Limestone Drive.

We also ask that you do not enter GVMS against the established traffic flow. Please stay to the right and avoid crossing into oncoming vehicles. Entering in the wrong direction is dangerous for both drivers and students.

By everyone following this process, we can keep traffic moving smoothly and ensure a safer dismissal for all students. Thank you for your cooperation and partnership in supporting our school community.

Parents: As a reminder or first time information for our 6th grade students and parents, please review the below information for students attending after school athletic events as spectators:

Dismissal: Spectator Students must go home their usual way at the end of the school day. To attend an after-school event, spectator students must then be dropped off by a parent or guardian for the event.

Waiting at School is not permitted: Students who are not participating in the game as athletes, must not stay on school grounds to wait for the event to begin. Please see above for process.

No Bag Policy: As a reminder, there is a no-bag policy for game attendees. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to keep our schools safe.

Behavior Expectations: All students attending the event are expected to adhere to the PWCS Code of Behavior. Any infraction of these expectations can result in loss of school privilege of attending after school events and activities.

Student Pickup: Parents are required to pick up their child immediately following the event. Ride Sharing through Uber, Lift etc. is not Permitted for students.

Post-Event Transportation: Students are not permitted to walk home or to any other location during or after the event. Pickup must be by a parent, guardian, or approved carpool.

Ticket Price is $1 for students and $3 for adults. Cash only - Please bring small denominations.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!

• All games are scheduled for 5:15pm or as close to that time as possible pending the arrival of the opposing team.

• Ticket prices are $3 for adults and $1 for students (K-12) - Senior citizens are FREE (62+) - you don't need to ask for ID

• Tickets are CASH ONLY and exact change is strongly recommended

• School system employees with badges are FREE (PWCS, Manassas City, Manassas Park)

• PWCS has a NO BAG POLICY for indoor and outdoor sporting events.

• Fans should remain in the stands/bleachers and off the track for all outdoor sporting events

• Fans can come over and watch the field events at track meets without interfering

• Good sportsmanship is the expectation for all coaches, players, and spectators at our events.

If you are an Android user, please do not judge us… I recently discovered that I was no longer receiving text messages from GVMS, the Elementary School, or PWCS. I followed all division recommendations, checked every setting I could find, and still nothing.

As a parent, I finally stumbled across a fix that worked for me. This is not an official division communication or directive — just a helpful tip I wanted to pass along in case it helps you too:

How to Check and Restore Messages:

1. Open Google Messages

2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner

3. Select Spam & blocked

4. If you see any messages from GVMS or PWCS listed there, open one

5. A pop-up will appear — tap Not spam

6. Repeat the steps above for each communication you would like to restore to not spam

As soon as I did that, texts from the schools immediately started coming through again. I never intentionally blocked or marked them as spam, so it appears Google Messages may have done this automatically.

If you have been missing text updates, this may be the solution.

Thank you for taking a moment to check , as we want to ensure every family stays connected with timely information and reminders.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5304181380?pwd=YUttd1dORE9qNzE5cFVYbmxyWktsdz09&omn=81798392365

Meeting ID: 530 418 1380
Passcode: N8ww3C

The purpose of a school advisory council is to provide opportunities for members of the school community to participate in the decision-making process at the local school level. A primary function of the council is to serve as an advisory body to the principal and school leadership team.

The school advisory council function is connected to the Prince William County Schools Strategic Plan, supporting Commitment 3- Family and Community Engagement.

SAC Meetings - Following PTO Meetings

First Meeting - Welcome, Introduction to the school continuous improvement plan

Second Meeting- This is a rescheduled date due to home sporting event at GVMS-Enrollment, staffing, approved budget

Third Meeting- Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals

Fourth Meeting - Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals. Focus on Student attendance and how to improve from parent feedback.

Fifth Meeting - Proposed budget, Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals

Sixth Meeting - Proposed budget, Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals

Seventh Meeting - Update on CIP goals

Eighth Meeting - Adopted budget, Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5304181380?pwd=YUttd1dORE9qNzE5cFVYbmxyWktsdz09&omn=81798392365

Meeting ID: 530 418 1380
Passcode: N8ww3C

PWCS is preparing to implement updated assessment, grading, and reporting practices beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The updates reflect revisions to Policy 661 and its associated regulations, following a multi-year review that included research and feedback from students, families, teachers, principals, and division leaders. These changes are designed to improve consistency, clarity, and accuracy in how student learning is measured and reported across the division.

Key updates include:

• More consistent grading coherence across all PWCS schools, with grading regulations consolidated into three clearly defined levels.

• Standardized assessment weighting by school level:

  • Elementary: 40% formative / 60% summative.

  • Middle and high: 30% formative / 70% summative.

• Updated grading scales for grades 6–12, including the addition of minus grades.

• Clearer expectations for reassessment, late work, homework, and gradebook reporting.

• Greater emphasis on mastery, feedback, and student growth over time.

• Improved alignment with neighboring school divisions and higher education institutions.

• Consistent alignment with accommodations and supports, including IEPs, 504 Plans, and English learner services.

Standardized assessment weighting reinforces the role of classroom practice and teacher feedback while emphasizing mastery of learning goals. While both formative and summative assessments have long been used in PWCS classrooms, the updated regulations establish grading coherence across schools.

Revisions to the grading scale for grades 6–12 will improve accuracy in reporting student performance, reduce the impact of small percentage cutoffs, and better align PWCS grading practices with those used regionally and at the college level.

Additional clarifications address reassessment opportunities, late work, homework practices, final grade calculations, and consistent gradebook reporting expectations.

Each nine-week grading period, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students by recognizing those who have achieved outstanding academic performance. Our Honor Roll program has two levels:

1. Principal’s Honor Roll

• Students who earn all A’s across every subject in which they are enrolled will be recognized on the Principal’s Honor Roll. This level celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement.

2. AB Honor Roll

• Students who maintain an overall “B” average with A’s and B’s in their subjects can earn a place on the AB Honor Roll. Students are allowed one C as long as it is balanced by at least one A in another subject.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work our students put in each quarter and look forward to honoring those who strive for excellence in their academics!

At Gainesville Middle School, we are interested in taking positive steps to help your child have a successful school year. We offer an after-school support program called Homework Club. It will be available on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Students can use this time to get academic assistance, complete assignments, retakes and study for upcoming assessments. An Activity Bus is available for all students or parents can opt to pick up students at the 4:30 dismissal time. Walkers are not allowed to walk home because the crossing guard is not on duty.

Each student in attendance should be prepared to work with their iPad, charger, headphone (earbuds), and any other necessary materials. At each session, participants will have the opportunity to work on the following: homework, projects, retakes, missing assignments or study for upcoming tests.

If you would like your child to participate in this program, please complete and submit this form. It will be necessary for your child to read and sign the last question which details the work and behavior expectations of attending Homework Club. It must be filled out BEFORE your child attends their first session of Homework Club.

Students are not required to attend on a regular basis and are free to come as needed. We look forward to seeing hardworking and motivated students at Homework Club.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. McElwee - McElweMR@pwcs.edu

Link to sign up - parents must fillout form for students to attend.

Mrs. Jessie Castles - Director of School Counseling - castlejm@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Jacquelyn Leif - Last Names A - Co - leifjm@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Erin Abbott - Last Names Cp - He - abbotte@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Beth Kunstel - Last Names HF - Mo - KUNSTELBC@pwcs.edu

Ms. Alexis Hawkins - Last Names Mn - Sa - hawkinam@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Destiny Garner- Last Names Sb - Z - GarnerDE@pwcs.edu

Mrs. Tina Perez - Registrar - pereze1@pwcs.edu

Please remember that schedule changes are a rare occurrence due to the master scheduling process. We are unable to honor all scheduling requests and will not make changes to Encores. Below are examples of approved and denied schedule change requests.

Examples of Approved Schedule Change Requests:

• Missing a class period
• Scheduled for duplicate class
• Scheduled for the wrong academic level class

Examples of Denied Schedule Change Requests:

• Request to have or not have a specific teacher
• Request to be in class with friends
• Request to change lunches
• Request to change an Encore class (Art, Drama, Tech/Engineering, FACS, and Journalism, etc.)

Student schedules will be released through StudentVue and ParentVue on August 18th after 4 pm. Student schedules will not be visible until the Back to School Packet is completed. Our Counseling Department strives to ensure accurate scheduling of each student however; mistakes and errors do happen. If after reviewing your student's schedule you believe a mistake or error has occurred, please use the form below to submit a Schedule Change Request.

Please remember that schedule changes are a rare occurrence due to the master scheduling process. We are unable to honor all scheduling requests and will not make changes to Encores. Below are examples of approved and denied schedule change requests.

Examples of Approved Schedule Change Requests:

• Missing a class period
• Scheduled for duplicate class
• Scheduled for the wrong academic level class

Examples of Denied Schedule Change Requests:

• Request to have or not have a specific teacher
• Request to be in class with friends
• Request to change lunches

• Request to change an Encore class (Art, Drama, Tech/Engineering, FACS, Language and Journalism, etc.)

SY26-27 GVMS Schedule Change Request Form – Fill out form

Prince William County Public Schools is introducing new features to the parent controls for library materials within PWCS’ library management system.

Parents will receive notifications about the student selected library materials checked out by their student that day.

These emails will be sent automatically to the primary parent/guardian email address, ensuring you stay informed about your student’s reading activities. This feature will be activated for all PWCS students. Please note that there is no option to opt out of these email communications.

Please visit the “Parent Library Controls” webpage for more information.

GVMS students can relax in the De-stress Nest on Mondays and Fridays after eating lunch. The De-stress Nest is self-guided and is designed to immerse students in calming, creative activities.

Transportation’s Late Bus Notification web page is now available for parents and schools. The page will list buses that will take 15 minutes or more to start their run.

https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/transportation/bus_delays

PWCS has replaced the "Here Comes the Bus" app with "EZ A2B," a new and improved bus tracking tool. This change enhances the efficiency and reliability of our transportation services by providing families with accurate and timely information.

Dear Families,

Your student's path to a thriving future starts with the Student Vision Profile. Log in to ParentVUE to access this interactive document with information about your student(s). In the Student Vision Profile, you will find:

• Information about students’ personal values and career interests (from Naviance assessments).
• Career pathway information.
• PWCS high school specialty program information.
• Information about the profile of a PWCS graduate and tips for students and families to ensure academic success.
• Suggested action steps for the student and parent/guardian for each post high school path (college, career, military, world of work).

Do not hesitate to reach out to your student's school counselor for more information about planning for life after high school.

The Student Vision Profile is a personalized report that compiles student data, such as graduation information, test scores, and Naviance survey results, to provide insights into postsecondary readiness for college and careers. An updated version of the Student Vision Profile is now available for students in Grades 6-12 in the “Documents” section of ParentVUE and StudentVUE, reflecting progress and assessments completed between August and November 2024. Families are encouraged to use this tool to explore postgraduate options, and our school counselors and career advisors are available to assist with planning for a successful future.

Student iPads will be distributed the first week of school. Please ensure that your first-day packet is completed online through ParentVUE before the first day. Additional details will be shared in Hawk Highlights. Each student will receive an iPad, a charger, and a case with a built-in keyboard and trackpad. Students are encouraged to keep their chargers at home and charge their devices overnight, as the battery life is sufficient for a full school day. They should also bring USB-C compatible headphones or regular headphones with a USB-C adapter, since the iPads only support USB-C connections. Please note that replacement chargers are not available, so it’s important that students take care of the one provided.

Parents/guardians have the option to purchase low-cost student device insurance through the PWCS-approved third-party vendor, Securranty.

If purchased, the insurance covers unlimited repairs or replacements for everything from broken screens, lost chargers, and accidental damage, with a zero deductible for one year on a school-issued device. The insurance cost is $29.95, which may be significantly less than repair or replacement costs without insurance.

Replacement costs (up to $308) for damaged or lost devices can be found in the PWCS Parent/Student Digital Device Handbook.

Insurance must be purchased within 30 days of your student receiving their device (and before any failure, damage or loss occurs to the device).

Using training and rehearsal, drills are intended to help prepare students and staff to act in a calm and orderly manner in the event of an emergency.

Fire Drills

Two drills shall be conducted during the first 20 school days of every school year, and at least one drill each month for the remainder of the school year.

Tornado Drill

In every public school, there shall be at least one tornado drill every school year so that students may be thoroughly practiced in such drills. The drill will take place in March to coincide with the Statewide Tornado Drill.

Earthquake Drill

One drill shall be conducted anytime in October to support the Great SouthEast Shakeout earthquake drill.

Lockdown Drills

Schools will have four lockdown drills in total. At least two lockdown drills shall be conducted during the first 20 days of every school year Two additional drills shall be conducted after the first 60 days of the school session.

Notification of lockdown drills to the parents and guardians of enrolled PWCS students should be made at least 24 hours' notice before the school conducts any lockdown drill; however, nothing in this section shall be construed to require such notice to include the exact date and time of the lockdown drill.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to share an important update regarding the use of cell phones and wireless devices while at school. The new PWCS Cell Phone-Free Education Policy is designed to support students in their academic success by removing major distractions and promoting face-to-face social interactions and connections.

We believe that a cell phone on a desk or in a pocket provides too much of a distraction for our students. When the device dings or buzzes, the minds of even the most conscientious students begin to wander. Studies tell us that it can take a brain up to ten minutes to reengage after responding to cell phone distractions. As we have all encountered, phones are not only distractions for their owners but also distractions for teachers and classmates.

Middle and High School Students

• 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.

• 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.

• Dual-purpose watches are allowed, but wireless/cellular features must be turned off during instructional times.

Wireless communication devices may be used on school buses if they do not distract the driver, compromise safety, violate other school bus rules and regulations, and/or violate prohibited conduct identified in the Code of Behavior.

Visit the PWCS Cell Phone and Electronic Device Guidelines webpage for more information.

We appreciate your support in creating a focused, engaging, and safe learning environment for all students.

As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students, we are pleased to announce that we will continue utilizing our weapons detection system on day one of welcoming our students to GVMS. This advanced technology will enhance our existing security protocols and help us quickly identify potential threats, ensuring the safety of our students and staff.

• The building will open to students at 7:50 AM, 25 minutes prior to the start of the school day.
• We will have three entries into the building while all other doors will be locked. Those entries will be:

• Door 1 (Main Entry) - Bus Riders
• Door 2 - Kiss and Ride and Students with Instruments
• Door 18 - Bus riders
• Once the school day begins, all visitors and students arriving after the bell will enter through Door One and will go through the screening.

To prepare ahead of the use of the technology in your school, families are encouraged to help reduce the possibility of “false alerts” on everyday items. While none are prohibited, using these guidelines will ensure quick entry for everyone:

• Select clear and plastic school supplies over covered/concealed and metallic when applicable.
• Use three-ring binders with plastic spines/rings (non-metal).
• Use plastic (versus metallic) BPA-free water/coffee bottles.*
• Use hard plastic eyeglass cases (versus metal).
• Students should pack lightly and limit the number of items in bags or other equipment.
• Keep superfluous metallic items at home (game consoles, beauty products, USB drives).
• Umbrellas will be passed around the technology via a staffed table.

• Watch this video to learn more about entry through the system.

Further Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this screening technology can be found on the PWCS website. If you have any questions or concerns about this new security measure or any other aspect of our school’s safety protocols, do not hesitate to contact us. Your partnership and support are vital in making our school community safe and conducive to learning.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to working together to create a safe and nurturing environment for all our students, staff, and families.

During the 26-27 school year, GVMS will provide all students an option to utilize a locker. Students will also be able to carry their backpacks throughout the school day for easy access to their supplies. We provide students with designated times throughout the day when they can access their lockers. These times are selected to minimize congestion in the hallways during large full-school hall exchanges and to help students organize the materials they need for a portion of their day. More about the locker plan will be shared at the back-to-school webinar.

• All students will be assigned lockers at Open House. If you are unable to attend Open House, your student will receive their locker on the first day of school.
• If you are not able to attend Open House, students should bring their backpacks, something to write with, write on, and either a packed lunch or lunch money. Lockers can be stressful on day 1 for students!
• Students are allowed to decorate their lockers at Open House.
• Lockers have locks attached to them and combinations are reset each year.
• Any issues with lockers at Open House will be directed to the front office to fill out a form. Our security team will work on fixing the lockers promptly.

OPENING A LOCKER: It's a great idea to have your student practice opening a locker prior to the start of school. Below is a document with a QR-code that takes you to a lock simulator. A little practice will help make Open House and the first few weeks of school easier with lockers.

How do recent changes to Virginia law affect weather-related and other emergency closures in PWCS?

During the 2021 legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill (House Bill 1790/Senate Bill 1132) allowing up to 10 unscheduled remote learning days (full or partial) to apply to the 180-day or 990-hour instructional time requirement when the closure is due to severe weather and other emergencies. Per Virginia Department of Education, if school divisions are able to provide instruction and services to each student on these days, the instructional time can be counted toward the length of the school term and core instruction hour requirements for the school year.

According to Regulation 404.04-1, “School Closing Due to Hazardous Conditions,” school and office buildings are closed, and the division operates virtually when the Superintendent or the designee determines a Code Orange. Code Orange may be implemented if school buildings must close and operate virtually for an extended period, such as five or more school days to ensure continuity of learning for our students.

• • Normally scheduled in-person classes will occur remotely according to the Code Orange established bell schedule and class times.

  • All students and staff will follow the class/subject schedule they would have followed on that calendar day and the times posted by their individual school.

  • Students will log in to their classes using Zoom in Canvas.

  • In the event of a long-term closure, teachers may provide “new learning” as a part of the instruction.

  • Students enrolled in Virtual Prince William and Virtual Virginia should follow their normal daily virtual schedule.

  • During remote instruction, students will need to turn their cameras on and participate in the class to be counted as present. Blurred or other backgrounds can be utilized by students.

  • Teachers should take attendance in each class using the Hub as normally done using the typical codes.

  • Families will need to contact the Help Desk for any technology challenges.

  • Beginning October 15, students, teachers, other instructional staff, and administrators should take home their assigned laptop or iPad and needed instructional materials on a nightly basis.

  • If a student forgets their school-issued device, they may use another device or phone to access most applications online, including Canvas and Office365.com.

  • Families of preschool-aged students receiving ECSE services will be contacted to indicate the needs for a device.

  • Families needing assistance with home internet should contact their school to receive a school-issued take-home hot spot.

  • All Section 504/IEP accommodations that are applicable to the virtual setting should be implemented. School staff should coordinate the provision of IEP services in a way that mirrors how they would be provided in person (e.g., co- taught and pull-out services, related services, etc.).

  • If a school has a concern with a student who is unable to access virtual instruction due to the nature their disability, they should consult with their cluster staff to discuss alternate access and/or the need to consider compensatory services. This should apply only to a very small number of students.

  • English learner and gifted services that are applicable to the virtual setting should be implemented. These services should mirror, to the greatest extent possible, the model of services provided in person.

  • School counselors will receive specific guidance on the provision of counseling lessons in the event of the need for remote instruction.

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Meals are available for free for eligible students in Prince William County Public Schools. In order to receive these benefits, you must apply for meal assistance every year. Applications filed last year are only good for the first few days of school. Children from households that meet Federal Income Guidelines are eligible for free meals.

Read Federal Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions – English

Read Federal Guidelines and Frequently Asked Spanish - Spanish

The fastest way to apply for free meal benefits for your child is to apply online:

Application in English

Application in Spanish

Online applications are typically processed within 48 hours of submission.

Households receiving SNAP or TANF for their children or who have foster children may not have to fill out an application. School officials will notify those households of children who do not need to apply. If you do not receive notification by August 12th, 2024, you must contact the Food and Nutrition Department, or submit an application.

Questions or concerns about your bus route? Submit a request below.

Stay in the know! Check or Modify your SchoolStatus communications settings: Check your Subscription Status - text STATUS to 939393

Subscribe to School Messages - text START to 939393

Unsubscribe from School Messages - text STOP to 939393

GVMS Club Information will continue to be updated on the school website over the next few weeks. Click the Clubs link below and the GVMS student announcements for more information.

The activity buses for after-school clubs will begin on Monday, September 9, 2024. Activity buses run at 4:45 on Mondays and Thursdays as long as the school is in session.

PWCS uses the “Say Something” Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) designed specifically for students in grades 6-12 and staff to report any type of serious or potentially violent concerns of unsafe behavior or threats of harm to self or others. Say Something is a youth violence prevention program from the national nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise and is provided and sustained at no cost to PWCS.

“Tipsters” can send reports on anything from school threats they’ve seen or overheard to personal crises including sexual harassment, self-harm, and depression. The system enables school administrators and those in law enforcement to create effective interventions and intervene upon at-risk individuals to help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other forms of threatening behavior.

All tips submitted receive an immediate response by one of the highly skilled crisis counselors at the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center; this person then determines the necessary support steps. When credible tips are received that are life-threatening and require immediate attention, the crisis center will notify school-based representatives, even after hours. And, in cases of imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement. Users can submit a tip by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW or by visiting www.saysomething.net. The free app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store, where students can submit tips instantly.