News from the Nest

Fall Running Club 

Calling all 1st and 2nd grade runners! The fall Running Club is open to students in grades 1-2 only. (There will be a spring session for grades 3-5.) We meet Mondays and Wednesdays after school until 5:00 p.m. Students participating should be able to attend both days. We will show off all our hard work with a mile fun run on October 25th. More details will be available closer to the date. 

If your student is interested in joining, please fill out the form below by Sunday, September 6 at 7 p.m. Our first practice will be Wednesday, September 9! If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Blue at [email protected], Mrs. McAfee at [email protected], or Mrs. Daniels at [email protected].  

PBES Running Club Fall 2026 

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. 

Robotics

Our Robotics Teams are seeking experts in ecology, wildlife biology, and conservation to interview as part of their Innovation Project work this year. If you or someone you know has experience in one of these fields and would be willing to share their expertise with our students, we would love to hear from you! 

Please contact Jennifer Roberts at [email protected] for more information. 

Thank you for helping support our young innovators! 

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.

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 

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 )

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.

PTO News

Welcome back, Cardinals! The first day brought so much energy to the building, and our community set the perfect tone with a fantastic Chalk the Walk—thank you to everyone who helped fill the sidewalks with bright colors and uplifting messages.  

There’s a lot happening in the weeks ahead, from events to important updates. Be sure to read through this newsletter to stay connected and informed. 

Music Lessons Early Bird Registration until 8/31  

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! 

Carnival Night Pre-Sale Open Through Sep 8 

Our second annual PTO Carnival Night is coming up on Friday, September 11, and it’s shaping up to be a evening packed with games, attractions, music, treats, and more.  

Every guest needs a wristband to enter. Wristbands serve as your all‑access pass to enjoy the carnival fun. Wristband pre‑sales are open now through September 8 at 5:00 PM, giving families the chance to save $5 per person on unlimited activities. Purchasing ahead makes arrival easy and ensures your family can dive right into the excitement.  

Grab your wristbands today and get ready for one of Piney Branch’s newest and most popular back-to-school traditions. Visit our Carnival Night event page for all the details. 

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. 

• Sprout School Supply Kits The PTO Board is busy delivering orders to each class room so our students' supplies are ready when they arrive Aug 24. 

• Piney Branch Elementary School Spirit Wear NEW! Designs for the 2026-2027 school year will be dropping soon. Be sure to keep an eye out for our online store opening 

• Teacher Appreciation Events & Moments If you want to help spread joy to our staff, we welcome you to join the Teacher Appreciation Committee. Email [email protected] to learn more or express interest 

• 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. 

Become a PTO Member | 2026-2027 School Year

If you haven't renewed your annual PTO membership yet, we invite you to check this item off your to-do list before the school year ends! Become a PTO Member today—for just $10 for an individual or $20 for a family—and make a difference in our school community!

Members are not required to participate in meetings or events if you don't want to. Your level of involvement is completely your choice. Your membership grants you voting rights so you can vote on the initiatives that are important to you and your financial contribution helps fund our mission to support the students, teachers, staff, and families of Piney Branch Elementary School.

We hope you will join today!

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! 

• 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 

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