News from the Nest

Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS)   

Career Day 

We are hosting our annual Piney Branch Career Fair on Friday, October 23rd, 2026. Volunteers can choose to speak to one grade level or stay with us for the entire day.  

This special event is designed for our Kindergarten through 5th grade students, giving them a chance to explore the wide world of careers through the eyes of our amazing parent community. 

We’re looking for parent volunteers to share their career journeys, tools of the trade, or even lead a hands-on activity. Presentations can be simple, fun, and tailored to young learners. No public speaking experience required—just your enthusiasm! 

Interested in joining us?  Please sign up so we can begin planning the schedule. 

Thank you for helping us make Career Day a meaningful and memorable experience for our students. We can’t wait to see the incredible variety of careers represented this year! 

Career Day Schedule: 

9:30-10:25AM  2nd grade

10:25-11:20AM  Kindergarten

12:05-1:00PM  1st grade

1:00-1:55PM  5th grade

1:55-2:50PM  4th grade

2:50- 3:45PM  3rd grade

Please reach out to Courtney McAfee at [email protected] and/or Kelly Nicewonger at [email protected] or 571-261-5300 for questions 

Fall Picture Day 

Picture is coming to Piney Branch on September 23rd. Preorder your pictures using the link below using the code PINEPREPAY.  

Click this link to preorder Fall Pictures 

Attendance Notice

We are excited to welcome you to a new school year filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and engagement! We care about your student’s success. 

Did you know? 

Attendance is the number one predictor of both dropout and graduation rates. Establishing the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever and helps to reduce stress, strengthen connections with friends and teachers, and support academic success. 

Attendance in PWCS 

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) follows the provisions of Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 22.1-254) regarding compulsory attendance for all school-aged students. 

PWCS uses an attendance management system that carefully tracks attendance and ensures that parents are notified in a timely and consistent manner when students are absent from school. 

Attendance letters are mailed to notify parents of: 

• Truancy status when students accrue three unexcused absences. 

• Excessive excused absences. 

• Chronic absentee status when students are absent 10% of instructional days based on where we are in the school year. 

Learn more about PWCS attendance letters. 

Detailed information about attendance communication, types of absences, late arrival/early dismissal, and more is on the PWCS Attendance Guidelines webpage. 

Important Attendance Updates for 2026-27 

Reporting your child’s absences 

Please notify the school before or at the start of the school day when your child will be absent. Parents are responsible for submitting written or electronic communication citing the reason(s) for the absence to the school no more than five school days following the date of the absence. 

To report your student’s absence you can call the school at 571-261-5309 or email [email protected] 

Planning an appointment? 

We understand that some absences are unavoidable, however, we encourage parents and guardians to schedule appointments on scheduled days off for students throughout the school year. View the 2026-27 school calendar webpage to view days off for students. 

We are committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment and understand there are times when your child may need to stay home due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances. If you need assistance or resources to have a successful school year, please contact us at 571-261-5300. We value your partnership and look forward to a successful school year together! 

Musical Auditions 

During the first week of school, the title of our spring musical was revealed to be "Elephant and Piggie's 'We Are in a Play!' Jr."! All interested 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade student can sign up to audition using this link below. There is an informational packet on the Elephant and Piggie bulletin board.  

Elephant and Piggie ‘We Are In A Play’ Information Packet in English

Elephant and Piggie “We Are in a Play!’ Jr.” Information Packet SPANISH 

Sign up here for an audition for the Spring musical 

4th and 5th Grade Chorus Club 

If your 4th or 5th grade students are interested in joining our PBES Chorus please, use this link to sign up: 2026-2027 PBES Chorus Sign-Ups – Fill out form. There is also an informational packet on the Chorus bulletin board.   

PWCS School Device Insurance 

PWCS has arranged discounted device insurance to help families avoid repair or replacement costs if a school-issued device is damaged, lost or stolen.  

What is covered?                                                                    

• Accidental damage, including drops, cracks, and spills 

• Lost or misplaced devices 

• Theft or burglary 

• Damage from fire, flood, or vandalism 

Please see the link below to register for the Securranty School Device Protection 

Register here for School Device Protection.  

Back to School Packet 2026-2027

The annual Back to School Packet, where parents/guardians can review emergency cards, update contact information, and complete annual policy reviews and acknowledgments. All families should complete the Back to School Packet by Friday, September 12, 2025. The information you provide will allow school staff to ensure your student's safety this school year. 

Log in to the ParentVUE app or the ParentVUE website using your ParentVUE user name and password. Once logged in to ParentVUE, click the Online Records button at the top of the screen. Please call the office if you need assistance or do not have an active ParentVUE account. 

Beginning of Year Lockdown Drills

Per PWCS regulation, we are required to hold our four Lockdown drills this year; the first being in the first 10 days of school, and the second in the first 20 days of school.  The purpose of this drill is to prepare students and staff for our procedures if there is any danger outside or inside the building. We understand that these drills can be a little scary for students, so classroom teachers will be talking to their classes and walking them through our procedures. Just like when we practice fire drills, these drills are necessary to make sure all students know what to do in case of an emergency.

We will have our first required drill during the second week of school and the 2^nd drill during the month of September. Preschool and kindergarten students will not participate in the first drill. Both drills will be announced to staff and students.

Boxes of Basics

Boxes of Basics is a non-profit company that our social worker here at Piney Branch works with closely to help provide clothes for some of our low-income families. Piney Branch is now a donation center and we’re asking the community for any new or gently used clothes for sizes newborns through 16-youth. For more information about Boxes of Basics you can visit their website.

PWCS Code of Behavior 

At Piney Branch Elementary, we are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment for all students. We encourage families to review the Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Code of Behavior, which outlines student rights, responsibilities, behavioral expectations, and available supports. The Code of Behavior also emphasizes the important partnership between schools and families in fostering student success. For your convenience, we have included links to both the online Code of Behavior and a downloadable PDF version in this newsletter. We encourage you to review these resources with your child as we begin the new school year. 

Cell Phone Policy

Prince William County Public Schools remains committed to the research-based step of the Cell Phone-Free Education Policy. In August 2025, all schools implemented a bell-to-bell policy that limits cell phone use during the instructional day. This decision, shaped by community input and a successful pilot across 33 schools, is rooted in a shared goal: creating classroom environments where students are fully present—mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Essentially, elementary school students’ phones must be turned off and be stored away, smart watches must remain in airplane mode throughout the day – communication, even with parents, is prohibited by the Code of Behavior. Please reach out if you have further questions.

The student-created slogan, “Stop the scroll, take control,” reminds us that this policy is about empowerment, not restriction. It is about reclaiming focus, restoring meaningful human connection, and giving our students every opportunity to thrive. For more information, I invite you to review the PWCS FAQ page. We are grateful for your engagement and look forward to continuing this important work together.

School Meals 2026-2027

Applications for free and reduced-price meals are now available on the PWCS Nutrition Site. Below, please find the USDA-approved school meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year:

Breakfast

• Student full price - $1.80
• Adult price - $2.95

Lunch

• Elementary school student full price - $2.80
• Adult full price - $5.05
• A la carte –
  • Milk, $1
  • Bottled Water $1.00
  • *Cookie $1.00
  • *Packaged Snack $1.00
  • Side Dish $1.50
  • *Strawberry Shortcake $2.50

(* one per day )

Kiss N’ Ride (Car Drop-off) - Please Read Carefully

If you are new to Kiss N’ Ride (car drop-off) and require a hang tag or are a KNR veteran and need a replacement tag, please come by the office 9am-3pm daily, or at supply drop-off/orientation events. ID will be required. If you want to double-check your number, please call the office and we’ll be happy to help you.

For safety and efficiency, parents using Kiss N’ Ride must adhere to Kiss N’ Ride procedures: 

• Students must exit on the right side of the car only 

• Drivers must remain in their cars 

• Drivers must follow the direction of staff members to pull completely through the loop and unload only when directed by staff 

• Students should prepare to quickly exit vehicles once they pull into the loop – we unload through the entire sidewalk area 

• During loading, drivers should pull forward to the buckle zone at the end of the loop if students need assistance buckling 

• Remain alert and please refrain from cell phone usage while in the Kiss N’ Ride loop 

• When exiting school grounds during arrival and dismissal –no left turns 

• Never pass other vehicles on the left, remain in the line unless directed by staff 

2026-2027 Bell Times & Bus Information

Piney Branch bell times remain 9:20 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  Kiss n’ Ride drop-off will begin at 9:10am. For more information check the PWCS Transportation webpage for updates.

Preliminary bus stop information will be available in ParentVUE the week of August 14.

Information on how to access The Hub’s StudentVUE and ParentVUE applications can be found on The Hub page of the PWCS website. 

Bus Tracking App

The EZ A2B app, integrated with EZRouting, allows families to view student bus information and receive notifications about bus stop arrivals and delays.

Kindergarten Bus Transportation Information

PWCS ensures the safest transportation protocols possible to safely get our newest students to and from school. Please review the PWCS Kindergarten Bus Transportation page to learn how we implement this system.

PTO News

September is in full swing, and we’re gearing up for one of the best nights of the year — Carnival Night on September 11! Registration for fall music lessons with Musically Creative is still open, and we hope you’ll also mark your calendars for our first PTO meeting of the year on September 16. There’s so much to look forward to this month, and we can’t wait to see our Cardinal community come together.   

Carnival Night Friday, Sept.11 from 5-8 p.m.

Our second annual PTO Carnival Night is coming up on Friday, September 11!  Get ready for a night of nonstop family fun — race through inflatable obstacle courses, ride the trackless train, bounce to your heart’s content, take on 20+ carnival-style games to win prizes, dunk your teachers and administrators in our dunk tank, explore service vehicles like fire trucks and police cars, enjoy classic concessions, and much much more. Carnival Night will be a night to remember! 

While our wristband pre-sale event is now closed, wristbands will be available for purchase at the event for $25 per person. Please remember that all attendees must have a wristband to enter. This is not a drop off event. All students must be accompanied by an adult. Visit our event page for all the details. 

We are still looking for a few parent volunteers to help us set up. Please sign up today if you're interested and available. 

Music Lessons Registration is OPEN 

We are excited to be partnering with Musically Creative to offer fall piano, guitar, electric guitar, and voice lessons for beginner through intermediate level students. Classes are engaging, confidence-building, and taught by experienced instructors who help kids learn at their own pace. Register today to take advantage of early‑bird rates through August 31, making this the perfect time to sign up and secure a spot for the new season of music‑making. Learn more and register today! 

PTO Meeting 9/16 from 7-8 p.m.

It's our first meeting of the year! Join us to learn about upcoming PTO events, volunteer opportunities, membership options, and more. Meetings are open to the entire Piney Branch community regardless of membership status and will be held throughout the year in the school library. Free childcare will be provided by our NHS students from Gainesville High School to make it easier for families to attend. Plus, save the date for future meetings.  

Can't attend in person? Join us via Zoom. 

2026 Fall PTO Calendar of Events & Moments 

Check out what's new and save the date for our marquee fall events. 

September 

• 9/11 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. 2ND ANNUAL PTO Carnival Night - Tickets will be available for purchase soon! Rain date: Sep 1 

• 9/16 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. PTO Meeting @ PBES Library - We will have free child care provided by our NHS Students from Gainesville High School to make it easier for parents to attend. 

October 

• 10/9 IT'S BACK! Movie Night + 50/50 Raffle - Admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the 50/50 Raffle will support school initiatives. 

• 10/21 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PTO Meeting @ PBES Library - Free child care will be provided. 

• 10/30 Color Craze Run - Keep an eye out for our fundraising kick-off! Rain date: Nov 6 

December

• 12/11 NEW! PTO Event TBA - Stay tuned... more details will be announced shortly. 

More exciting events will be announced later in the year. Bookmark our events page to get updates in real time. *Events and dates are subject to change. 

PTO Sponsored Initiatives 

In addition to PTO events, we sponsor initiatives that support our students, teachers, staff, and community. Check out some of our upcoming initiatives for the 2026-2027 school year and see what's new this year. 

• Fall Music Lessons 
  Now enrolling beginner and intermediate level students for piano, guitar, electric guitar, and voice lessons. Early bird pricing ends Aug 31st. 

• Piney Branch Elementary School Spirit Wear  
  NEW! Designs for the 2026-2027 school year are now available for purchase online through Sep 8.    

• Teacher Appreciation Events & Moments 
  We sponsor monthly teacher appreciation events to ensure our teachers, administrators, and staff know how grateful we are for all they do. 

• 2026-2027 Yearbook 
  Enjoy photography, design, storytelling, or simply want to help celebrate our school community? We welcome you to join the PTO Yearbook Committee. Email the committee to learn more or express interest at [email protected]. 
• Square 1 Art Fundraiser  
  More information coming soon. 

Support the PTO!  

There are many ways to support the PTO - choose the option(s) that fit your schedule and commitment level. 

• Volunteer at one of our marquee events or chair a committee! 
• Become a member for as little as $10! Attending meetings or participating in events is appreciated, but NOT required!
• Make a financial contribution to support our events and initiatives! The PTO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We appreciate your contributions. All donations can be sent to the PTO via Venmo @PineyBranch-ElementaryPTO. 

 Learn more about how to support the PTO. 

Piney Branch Elementary School PTO Facebook

Follow the Piney Branch Elementary School PTO Facebook page! Get event updates, connect with fellow members, and catch all the latest news. Join our social community!

Thank you for supporting the PTO! 

Visit the PTO Website! 

 **PTO Websites (Webpages) and social media accounts are not managed, approved, or sponsored by the Prince William County Public Schools.

Community Flyers/Announcements 

Cub Scouts  

Cub Scouts is a year-round program for boys and girls in grade levels K-5th. Scouts and their families enjoy participating in safe, age-appropriate activities like camping, service projects, life skills, games, and other fun activities that guide them through Scouting’s core values, give them a sense of personal achievement, and prepare them for life. To register your student or learn more information about the Cub Scouts you can click the link below.  

Learn more or and register for Cub Scouts here 

GHS Cardinal Dance and Cheer Clinic 

Registration is now open to sign up your student in grades Kindergarten through eighth for the GHS Cardinal Dance and Cheer Clinic on September 20th from 9-2. Learn dance and cheer techniques with the Gainesville High School Dance Team, and Cheerleaders. Learn a halftime routine to be performed at the September 25th football game. All participants will receive a t-shirt, cheer bow, and pizza lunch. For questions please contact Coach Kilmer at [email protected]. See link below to register. 

Register here for GHS Cheer and Dance Clinic