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News from the Nest

September 16, 2026

Piney Branch ES - Kind, Caring, Courageous Cardinals Who Soar

Piney Branch Logo

We can’t thank our PTO board and volunteers enough for hosting such an outstanding community event last Friday night. Their months of planning and hours of hard work made for a memorable experience – even if we were trapped at PBES by the Iron Maiden concert traffic! Being together, enjoying simple games, bouncing happily, and eating junk food makes for such a special way to start the school year for our community, and serves as a fantastic fundraiser for our school too! We hope that everyone will be able to join the PTO and attend their first meeting tonight at 7:00pm in the library. Please excuse Mr. Thorne and Ms. Sobers’ absence, we have another engagement we must rock out at. Ms. Howland, our new PBES AP will be part of the meeting and will have a chance to meet you all. 

We will hold our student centered Back to School Nights on Sept. 29 (PreK-2) and Oct. 1 (3-5). Students will attend with parents and guide the evening. It's an open house format with our doors welcoming you anytime between 6:00pm and 7:30pm. While you're here, the PBES Book Fair will be open in the library as well. This year's event will be cashless. 

Sincerely, 
Steve Thorne, Monica Sobers, and Megan Howland 

  • Fall Picture Day 
  • Battle of the Books
  • Purple Star
  • Fall Book Fair 

Fresh Takes

Purple Star  

Do you have a military-connected student? A military-connected student is a child of a service member who is in the military, National Guard, or the Reserves. The Purple Star committee is designed to support our military-connected students, as they face the unique challenges of military life, by connecting them with other military-connected students. We have two Purple Star opportunities for our military-connected students. Sign up below! 

Students in all grades can come to our Purple Star Fun Days. We will be meeting three times this year in Mrs. Bartoli’s classroom. At the first meeting we will eat donuts, play board games, and chat with other military connected students. At the second meeting we will have a guest presenter from the Marine Corp Museum. The last meeting will be a “boot camp” that our Purple Star Ambassadors will be organizing for our younger military-connected students. 

Students in 4th and 5th grade can also be Purple Star Ambassadors. Ambassadors are upper-grade students that are military-connected. The purpose of the group is to show support to other military students as they face challenges, like deployment; and to show pride in our military. They will meet monthly before school in Mrs. Bartoli’s classroom to work together to plan events such as our Veterans Day lunch, Month of the Military Child activities and other fun activities here at Piney.  

Purple Star Fun Days (Grades K-5) Sign-up 

Purple Star Ambassadors (Grades 4-5) Sign-up 

 

Battle of the Books/Cosmo's Book Club 

Calling all 4th and 5th grade readers!!   

If you love reading books, can read a whole chapter book in a week, have a strong memory for details, and like to compete, then Battle of the Books is the club for you!  OR  If you prefer to read books of your choosing at a slower pace and discuss them with friends, but you do not like to compete, you are invited to join Cosmo’s Book Club! Both clubs will be held at the same time/place.  Students who do not get selected for the Battle of the Books competition team will have the option to join Cosmo's Book Club as only 12 students can be selected to compete for Battle of the Books.  All books and materials are provided by the school.
 
The sponsors for these clubs will be Ms. Kennedy, Ms. West, Ms. Bartoli, and Ms. Kay.  Meetings will take place on Fridays at 8:30am beginning 10/2.  If your student has already signed up for another club on Fridays, they are still invited to apply, as we may have spots available for students who wish to read the books but cannot come to each meeting.
 
If you wish to apply, please fill out the attached link to this Microsoft form by Friday 9/25 OR complete and return the application form that your student brought home from school.  Your student will be notified by Monday 9/28 if they have been selected for the Battle of the Books team or Cosmo's Book Club. 

Feel free to contact Mrs. Kennedy with any questions at [email protected].  

Battle of the Books/Cosmo's Book Club Application 2026 - 2027 – Fill out form 

 

Fall Book Fair 

 Piney Branch will be hosting the Bookworm Central Book Fair the week of September 28th through October 2nd. Students will have the opportunity to preview the Book Fair and create a wish list on September 29th.  

Students can start making purchases during the school day on Wednesday. The last day to make a purchase will be Friday until noon. 

Family nights are listed below. We will NOT be taking cash payments this year on Family Nights.  

Tuesday, September 29th from 5:30-7 PM 

Thursday, October 1st from 5:30-7 PM 

Parent Volunteers are needed! Please consider donating some of your time to make our Book Fair a success!  

Book fair volunteer sign up link.  

 

Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS)   

Piney Branch Elementary School will be administering the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) to all 1st and 2nd graders.  Additional students identified across multiple data points in grades 3, 4, and 5 will also be tested. 
 
The testing window for grades 1-5 is opened until October 2nd.  (The Kindergarten window is from 10/5/26 - 10/30/26).   
 
Upon completion of all testing, a letter will be sent home with your child to explain testing in more detail and summarize student results. For more information, visit the Virginia Literacy Partnerships website and click on the tab “Families +”.      
 
Please feel free to contact Emily Kennedy or Cailyn West, Piney Branch’s Reading Specialists, at [email protected] and [email protected] or 571-261-5300 if you have any questions about VALLSS testing or procedures. 
 

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! 

 

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.  

 

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 2nd 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.

 

For Good Measure

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

PTO News

We were totally blown away by your enthusiasm and support for our 2nd Annual PTO Carnival Night! From dunking our brave PBES staff and PTO board members to bouncing through obstacle courses, ringing the high‑stakes bell, winning prizes, and munching on goodies all evening, the joy was contagious.  

Thank you to our incredible community for showing up, to our administrators and staff for pitching in, to our teachers for sparking excitement with students, and to our volunteers — the real heroes who made every moment possible. And to our students, who embodied what it means to be kind, caring, and courageous Cardinals, you were the heart of it all. Together, we kicked off the school year with the community spirit that makes Piney Branch shine. 

We’d love to keep that momentum going — join us at our PTO meeting this week to share your ideas and help shape more amazing events like Carnival Night. 

 

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 

  • 9/16 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. 
  • 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

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  

 

Prince William County Fire & Rescue System Annual Fall Festival 

Prince William County Fire & Rescue System (PWCFRS) will be hosting their 3rd Annual Fall Festival. This festive event encompasses various public safety agencies/organizations across the county and region. In addition, the event provides local county and regional community agencies, interactive activities, music entertainment, and food trucks. This family-friendly event provides vital information and resources to the public to keep our communities, residents, and visitors informed, educated, and safe. To learn more about this family event click the link below.  

Click here for the PWCFRS website Fall Festival Information Page 

When: Saturday, October 3rd 

Time: 12pm-5pm 

Where: Pftizner Stadium, 7 County Complex Court , Woodbridge, VA 22192 

 

 

Mark Your Calendars


  • September 21 Yom Kippur (NO SCHOOL)
  • September 23 Picture Day
  • September 29 Back to School Night K-2 
  • October 1 Back to School Night 3-5