Honoring Educators During Teacher Appreciation Week
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) concluded its annual Teacher Appreciation Week from May 5 to May 9, 2025, recognizing educators’ critical role in shaping student futures. Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade praised teachers for their dedication, stating they serve not only as instructors but also as mentors and role models who inspire learning and growth.
Throughout the week:
- The community and students expressed thanks through letters, social media, and school visits.
- PWCS showcased video tributes of students returning to thank former teachers.
- The division announced the 2025 Outstanding Educator Awards, celebrating excellence in instruction.
Academic Excellence and Student Achievements
PWCS students earned recognition in academics, arts, athletics, and technology, reflecting a district-wide commitment to excellence.
Academic Milestones
- Battlefield High School’s Model Judiciary Team secured its third consecutive win at the Virginia Supreme Court Round.
- Featherstone and Kerrydale Elementary Schools received the Highest Achievement Award from the Virginia Board of Education.
- Colgan Sr., Freedom, Gar-Field, Potomac, and Woodbridge High Schools received the Continuous Improvement Award.
- National Merit Finalists from PWCS were announced in March 2025.
- PWCS reported a 94.3% on-time graduation rate for 2023–24, up 2.6% from the previous year.
- Reading proficiency improved across grades three through eight.
Artistic and Athletic Accomplishments
- Over 100 students qualified for the 2025 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra.
- Amy Dignan, a physical education teacher at Patriot High School, received the 2025 Teacher of Excellence Award.
Innovation in Career Readiness and Digital Access
PWCS expanded access to work-based learning and strengthened technological equity:
- Documented 751 internships, surpassing internal goals.
- Partnered with 366 businesses for Career and Technical Education (CTE) placements.
- Secured 3,430 summer jobs for juniors and seniors over the past three years.
- Implemented robotics programs in every school.
PWCS also received the 2024 Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity from the Consortium for School Networking. The division distributed over 91,000 devices and internet hotspots, addressing digital access gaps. Tools like SchoolStatus Connect and SchoolStatus Attend improve communication and track student engagement.
Looking Ahead: Graduations, Staffing, and Support
PWCS will celebrate its graduating Class of 2025 at various venues between May 17 and June 5. In addition:
- A job fair is scheduled to recruit instructional staff for May 17, 2025.
- Retiring employees will be honored on May 13, 2025.
- Free telehealth services are offered through Hazel Health during Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Summer academic support and enrichment program registration is ongoing.
2025 PWCS High School Graduation Schedule
| Date | High School | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17 | Governor’s School @ IP | 10 a.m. | Colgan High School Auditorium |
| May 28 | C.D. Hylton | 2 p.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| May 28 | Battlefield | 7 p.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| May 29 | Gainesville | 9:30 a.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| May 29 | Forest Park | 7 p.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| May 30 | Woodbridge | 9:30 a.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| May 30 | Potomac | 2 p.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| May 30 | Brentsville District | 7 p.m. | Brentsville District High Stadium |
| May 30 | Charles J. Colgan Sr. | 7 p.m. | Colgan High School Stadium |
| May 31 | Osbourn Park | 9:30 a.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| May 31 | Freedom | 2 p.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| May 31 | Gar-Field | 7 p.m. | EagleBank Arena |
| June 2 | Unity Reed | 1 p.m. | Jiffy Lube Live |
| June 2 | Patriot | 7:30 p.m. | Jiffy Lube Live |
| June 5 | Independence Nontraditional | 6 p.m. | Hylton Center for Performing Arts |
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