As August arrives, we find ourselves in a time of transition, the final stretch of summer and the start of a busy season ahead. From preparing for the first day of school to taking advantage of Virginia’s annual sales tax holiday, there is a lot happening across Prince William County. This month’s newsletter brings you the latest on community events, helpful resources, and updates that matter to you and your family.
Whether you’re soaking up the last weeks of summer or getting ready for the fall, I am here to help you stay informed and connected.
Protect Our #1 Ranked Schools
Last week, I spoke at the Protect Our #1 Ranked Schools press conference in Richmond. Other leaders of the General Assembly and I spoke up about the recent attacks the Trump and Youngkin administrations have been imposing on our public universities.
Our public universities, including George Mason University, have been successful in educating domestic and international students. I am disheartened by the actions of the Board of Visitors that have aided in the ousting of successful presidents who have led their campuses to national rankings and unprecedented investments in education.
Back to School
Prince William County Public Schools will begin the 2024-2025 school year on Monday, August 18th, and there is still time to register your child and pick up supplies for the new year.
If you would like to register your child for Prince William County Public Schools grades K-12, information on the process can be found here.
What’s New This School Year
- PWCS’ new cell-phone free education policy takes effect at the beginning of the new school year.
- PWCS’ is replacing Clever with the new PWCS Portal, where students and their parents will have access to education apps and programs.
- Families can now track their child’s bus on the new EZ A2B bus tracking app (replacing Here Comes the Bus).
- Changes have been made to student-athlete participation requirements to comply with new state regulations, enhance safety, and streamline processes.
- All students will be provided an iPad or laptop. Students in preschool through grade 8 will be provided iPads, and high school students will be provided laptops.
- Families can opt in to free mental health telehealth services from Hazel Health in the Back to School Packet.
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Pre-School Registration
The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism’s state-licensed preschool program is open for registration. The program provides thoughtfully planned experiences and opportunities that stimulate learning in all developmental areas: social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. Please click here for more information and the registration site to register your child.
School Supplies
If you have already registered your child or they are returning for another great year with friends and teachers, you can find their school and grade’s supply list on https://www.pwcs.edu/parents/backtoschool.
Back to School Community Event
Join Prince William County Public Schools and the Prince William County Community Foundation for a free family event this Saturday, August 2nd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Gar-Field High School. Enjoy resources and services available, including free school supplies, food, healthcare information, career opportunities, and more. Meet school staff representatives from across the county, including Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade.
To view more information on the community event, click here.
Student Vaccines
With a new school year approaching, ensure that your child is up to date on vaccines by the August 15, 2025, deadline. Parents and guardians may obtain immunization compliance information in ParentVUE or contact your school for assistance with setting up an account.
Immunization appointments can be scheduled with your healthcare provider, Prince William Health District (Woodbridge and Manassas), Mason and Partners (Manassas Park), urgent care, the Greater Prince William Health Center (Dumfries, Manassas, and Woodbridge), the Inova Cares Clinic (Manassas), or local pharmacy for your child to receive the missing immunization(s). Appointments are currently available at all locations.
Virginia Annual Sales Tax Holiday
This weekend is the annual 3-day sales tax (August 1st – 3rd) holiday for the Commonwealth. During the sales tax holiday, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products without paying sales tax.
What Items are Eligible:
- School supplies, clothing, and footwear
- Qualified school supplies – $20 or less per item
- Qualified clothing and footwear – $100 or less per item
- Hurricane and emergency preparedness products
- Portable generators – $1,000 or less per item
- Gas-powered chainsaws – $350 or less per item
- Chainsaw accessories – $60 or less per item
- Other specified hurricane preparedness items – $60 or less per item
- Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products
- Qualifying Energy Star™ or WaterSense™ products purchased for noncommercial home or personal use – $2,500 or less per item
Detailed lists of qualifying items and more information for retailers can be found in the Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines.
Manassas African American Heritage Festival
Join our neighbors in the City of Manassas for the 34th annual African American Heritage Culture and Arts Festival this Saturday, August 2nd, from 11 AM to 6 PM on the grounds of Metz Middle School.
Celebrate African American history, culture, and arts with the African American Foundation of Prince William County at this family-friendly event. Enjoy over 125 vendors and exhibits, including live music, arts and crafts, job expos, delicious food, and more.
National Night Out
The Prince William County Police Department will participate in the annual National Night Out celebration this year on Tuesday, August 5th, and encourages County residents to spend the evening outside with their neighbors as a symbol that they care about their neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods will be hosting events throughout the County and invite police officers and other law enforcement personnel for refreshments. To find a celebration near you, please visit the link.
Prince William County Fair
Join your neighbors at the Prince William County Fair, from Friday, August 8th through Saturday, August 16th, at the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas. The County is always proud to host the largest County Fair in the state of Virginia.
The annual event in Manassas includes livestock exhibits, home arts exhibits, tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, live music, and a variety of midway shows.
Games and carnival rides are provided by America’s #1 Carnival Company. Prince William County 4-H Clubs participate in numerous activities and demonstrations. Upwards of 90,000 to 100,000 spectators are expected to pass through the turnstiles this year.
To find out more information and purchase tickets, please click here.
2025 Endorsements
As the 2025 campaign season begins to ramp up, my re-election campaign has received some exciting endorsements. I am excited to announce endorsements from: the Virginia Education Association, Planned Parenthood, and Giffords.
