It’s officially August! Sadly, this means we are nearing the end of the summer season. However, this does not mean Prince William County is slowing down. There are many events happening this month including the first day of school, the annual sales tax holiday, and concert series and so much more! In this month’s newsletter I will cover this and many other pieces of information important to you and our community.
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program Update
On July 18th, the General Assembly convened for a Special Session regarding the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). As I mentioned in my July newsletter, Madam President Pro Tempore, Senator Louise Lucas, and I were pleased to introduce House Bill 6004 and Senate Bill 6012 on July 3rd to address the concerns raised regarding the changes made to VMSDEP earlier this year. These identical bills fully repeal the changes made to VMSDEP and related tuition waiver programs. The legislation also allocated an additional $90 million to offset the costs of the programs for our higher education institutions.
Back to School
Prince William County Public Schools will begin the 2024-2025 school year on Monday, August 19th, 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.
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 www.pwcs.edu/schools/index.
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 3rd from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Unity Reed 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.
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 site to register your child.
Student Vaccines
With a new school year approaching, ensure that your child is up to date on vaccines by the August 15, 2024 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), or local pharmacy for your child to receive the missing immunization(s). Appointments are currently available at all locations.
There will also be two vaccine clinics on Tuesday, August 6th, and Thursday, August 8th, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Rippon Middle School, 15101 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191
The following vaccines will be available while supplies last: Meningococcal ACWY (rising 7th and 12th graders), Tdap (rising 7th graders), HPV (rising 7th graders), and Hepatitis A (rising 2nd graders). Please bring your child’s current immunization record. If your child has Medicaid or private insurance, please bring your current Medicaid or insurance card.
Virginia Annual Sales Tax Holiday
This weekend is the annual 3-day sales tax (August 3rd – 5th) 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.
Seals on Wheels
Join the Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Seals on Wheels at the Central Community Library on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM.
This mobile service, the first of its kind in Virginia and the United States, was created by Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline C. Smith. It provides convenient access to court services such as marriage licenses, deed copies, name changes, oaths, and more. Seals on Wheels will visit communities in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park all year. Save time and money by accessing these services near your home.
To view upcoming Seals on Wheels stops, please click here.
Become and Elections Officer
Friday, August 2nd, is the last day to register to apply to become a Prince William County election officer. If you are interested in giving back to our community, don’t wait—apply today! Virginia relies on our poll workers to ensure our elections run smoothly during early voting and on Election Day.
Roles for Election Officers may include:
- Greeter
- Pollbook Officer
- Ballot Officer
- Voting Equipment and Booth Officer
- Chief Officer
- Assistant Chief Officer
- Electoral Board Member
If you’re interested in applying for a position, please click here.
Manassas African American Heritage Festival
Join our neighbors in the City of Manassas for the 33rd annual African American Heritage Culture and Arts Festival this SATURDAY August 3rd, 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.
Fridays @ Five
The fun continues all through August with Prince William County Parks & Recreation’s concert series “Fridays @ Five.” Come and end the week with friends and family at the free live outdoor concert series at the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza.
It’s the perfect place to bring friends and family or even meet new people in the community. Grab a drink or try one of the food trucks, and let the kids enjoy face painting!
Below are the concert dates:
- August 2nd at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM– Lloyd Braun Band
- August 16th at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Perfekt Blend
- September 6th at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Karaoke Night with Perfekt Blend
- September 20th at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Karaoke Night
How to Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have questions or concerns. Feel free to contact us directly at the district office; our email is info@delegatetorian.com, and our telephone number is 703-785-2224.