August 23, 2026

We are excited to welcome our students back tomorrow, August 24, for the first day of the 2026–27 school year! Our staff has been working hard to prepare for a great opening, and we look forward to seeing our hallways and classrooms filled with Lions once again.

We want every student to start the year feeling prepared, supported, and ready for success. Below are a few important reminders to help everyone have a strong start.

First Day Schedule

Our first day of school will be a Maroon Day with the following schedule:

Period 2 → Advisory (Period 8) → Period 4 → Period 6

iPads & 9th Grade Planners

All students will receive their iPads during Advisory on the first day of school.

In addition, all 9th-grade students will receive a student planner as part of our efforts to help students develop strong organizational and time-management habits as they make the transition to high school. Additional information about iPads, chargers, loaner devices, and device insurance can be found below.

Cell Phone Policy Reminder

Enforcement of the cell phone policy begins on the first day of school. As a reminder, cell phones, headphones, earbuds, and other wireless communication devices may not be used during the school day, from bell to bell. Students with an approved accommodation will have a specific PWCS-issued pass identifying their accommodation. We appreciate the partnership of our students and families as we work together to maintain clear and consistent expectations and create a school environment where students can remain focused, engaged, and ready to learn. Please review the complete cell phone policy and additional information below.

Every Minute Counts: Being On Time to Class

Being on time and ready to learn is an important part of student success. Every minute of instructional time matters and contributes to keeping our students on track for on-time graduation. We will conduct our first practice tardy sweep on Friday, August 28, with regular tardy sweeps beginning Monday, August 31. Tardy sweeps will take place multiple times throughout the school day to reinforce the expectation that students arrive to every class on time and ready to learn.

Students caught in a tardy sweep will receive progressive consequences, which may range from a warning to after-school detention and additional consequences for repeated tardiness.

Families can help by reinforcing a simple but important expectation with students: when the bell rings, be in class and ready to learn.

Friday Night Lights are Back! 🏈

We hope you'll join us Friday, August 28, for our first home football game of the season! Come out, show your Lion pride, support our student-athletes, and help us kick off the year with a great school-community event. Friday's Theme is "Neon Day" and guests are invited to wear bright neon colors. We're also excited to have our wonderful "Pride Pals" cheer with us that evening. More information on theme nights can be found below.

A special THANK YOU to our SAVE Club student volunteers who worked hard this past week painting the bleachers and helping us create a brand-new Student Section in our stadium! We appreciate their time, energy, and Lions pride in getting this space ready for Friday night's home opener. 📣 Students—this section is for YOU! Our new Student Section is located in the middle of the stadium, directly under the press box. We can't wait to see it filled with Lions bringing the energy and cheering on our team Friday night!

Our Boosters have also created an awesome new concessions menu for this season—be sure to check out the flyer below!

We are looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, connection, and Lion pride. Thank you to our families for your continued partnership and support - let's make 2026–27 a great year!

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

• 👤 Updated Administrator & Counselor assignments
• 📲 Student iPads and Recommended Device Insurance
• 🏫 Back to School Packets
• 💉 Immunization Information
• ✏️ General School Supplies
• 🏈 🏐Sports Tryouts
• 🚗 Parking Permits & Senior Parking Spot Painting
• 🚌 Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
• and more!

• August 24: First Day of School (2026-27 School Year)
• August 28: Senior Sunrise 6:00am, First Home Football Game vs. Potomac HS
  
• September 4: No School, Labor Day Weekend Holiday
• September 7: No School, Labor Day Holiday
• September 9: Back to School Night 5:30 - 8:00PM
  

Gear up for the first game of the season! Join us on Friday, August 28th at 7:00 PM as our team takes on Potomac High in an epic home opener. Make sure to bring your appetite because our concessions stand is officially upgraded! Along with classics like hot dogs, nachos, and hamburgers, we’re serving up fresh new additions:

• Warm pretzels, sweet cookies, and fresh popcorn
• Signature Lions Lip-Smacker Flavored Lemonade
• Special guest Anita's Snow Cone Food Truck serving up icy treats all night long

Come hungry, bring the noise, and let's cheer our team to victory!

• Chargers: Each student will receive one charger, which includes the charging cord and charging block. Please note that we do not have extra or loaner chargers available. The replacement cost for a lost or damaged charger is $50. We strongly recommend that students keep their chargers at home and charge their iPads each night.
• iPad Assignment: Each iPad is assigned to an individual student and will remain with that student throughout their high school years. If a student returns the iPad at the end of the school year, the same device will be reissued to them the following year; a different iPad will not be provided.
• Lost or Stolen Devices: Families are responsible for replacement costs associated with lost or stolen devices. I strongly recommend purchasing the $29 annual insurance plan, which provides coverage for lost or stolen devices, including the charger. Additional information about the insurance plan can be found below.
• Charging at Home: We recommend that students keep their chargers at home and charge their iPads each night so they arrive at school ready for learning. For students who need an emergency charge during the school day, charging stations will be available in the cafeterias and Senior Lounge before and after school and during lunch periods.
• Loaner iPads: A limited number of loaner iPads will be available for students who temporarily need a device. Please note that loaner iPads will not be available during the first two weeks of school.
• Students who borrow a loaner iPad are responsible for the device and must return it by the end of the school day. Loaner devices may not be taken home overnight. If a loaner is not returned, the student may be charged the applicable lost/stolen device replacement fee.
• Because loaner availability is limited, students should make it a daily habit to bring their assigned iPad to school fully charged and ready for use.

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).

Student schedules are available through ParentVUE or StudentVUE VUE and students will receive a paper copy in their 2nd period class. 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!

Early Release Eligibility: 12th grade students (Cohort 2027) 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 students participating in VHSL sports/activities 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.

• A - Bas
• Counselor: Ms. Botkin (botkinha@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Nash (NASHSJ@pwcs.edu)
• Bat - Cor
• Counselor: Mr. Ellis (ellism@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Nash (NASHSJ@pwcs.edu)
• Cos - Fn
• Counselor: Ms. McQuillan (McQuilSA@PWCS.EDU)
• Administrator: Mr. Gillespie (GillesRG@PWCS.EDU)
• Fo - Har
• Counselor: Ms. Faust (FausthJJ@PWCS.EDU)

• Administrator: Mr. Gillespie (GillesRG@PWCS.EDU)
• Has-Loo
• Counselor: Mr. Brandonisio (brandojm@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Dr. Putt (puttjl@pwcs.edu)
• Lop - Mer:
• Counselor: Ms. Jefferson (JEFFERET@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Dr. Putt (puttjl@pwcs.edu)
• Mes - Perd:
• Counselor: Mr. Taylor (TAYLORDM@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Mathison (MathisCC@PWCS.EDU)
• Pere - Rod:
• Counselor: Ms. Ochoa-Castro (ochoacgq@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Mathison (MathisCC@PWCS.EDU)
• Roe - St:
• Counselor: Ms. Goodman (GoodmaBJ@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Macdonald (MacdonKM@pwcs.edu)
• Su - Z:
• Counselor: Ms. Lewis (LewisJ@pwcs.edu)
• Administrator: Ms. Macdonald (MacdonKM@pwcs.edu)

Prince William County Public Schools is committed to supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. As part of this work, students in grades 3-12 will participate in the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Snapshot, a brief student questionnaire that helps us better understand how students experience and use important life skills. Please visit the SELS information page for more details.

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

• The annual Back to School Packet opened 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 in the security office on the first floor. 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:

• September 26: 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (following Senior Breakfast)
• Contact Ms. Nash to schedule an earlier date if necessary.

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.

Welcome to the new school year! Whether you are joining the Lions Activity Boosters Club for the first time or returning for another dynamic year, thank you for stepping up to support our students. Your time, energy, and dedication directly enrich the educational, athletic, and extracurricular experiences of every student at Unity Reed.

Mark Your Calendar

• First Meeting: Monday, August 31st at 6:00 PM

• Location: Unity Reed (first floor cafeteria) - Zoom Option May be available for some meetings

For more information, contact The Lions Activity Boosters Club Board

labcunityreed@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/labc_unityreedhs/

• 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