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News from the Nest

September 23, 2026

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

Piney Branch Logo

Fall has arrived with gusto and we’re ready for it here at PBES. We have lots of fun activities, events, and traditions coming up and the chilly weather helps make everything just feel right! Many of these events ranging from the Book Fair, to Color Run, to Career Day require community support and volunteerism to succeed. Please consider contributing and taking part in these opportunities as they come along. Volunteering and contributing to PBES helps strengthen our vibrant school community.  

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 

  • Watch D.O.G.S.
  • Battle of the Books
  • Purple Star
  • Fall Book Fair 

Fresh Takes

Watch D.O.G.S. is Back

Watch D.O.G.S. is ready to start taking volunteers to come and spend a day at Piney Branch. We are asking dads, uncles, grandfathers, older brothers to volunteer their time and come and spend a day or half day at Piney Branch. Our PBES Watch D.O.G.S. coordinators have created a schedule to keep you busy and active throughout the day. For any questions you can contact [email protected]

What is Watch D.O.G.S?

  • Watch D.O.G.S. stands for Dads of Great Students, and it encourages dads of a school community to actively volunteer at their child's school and be presence of extra security, to provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.
  • To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.

How can I sign up?

Click the Sign-Up link! 

Do I need anything to volunteer? 

PTO is happy to provide t-shirts for the first five volunteers! T-shirts can be purchased at the link below.

Click here to obtain a Watch D.O.G.S. T-shirt

 

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 

  

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.  

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.

 

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 )

 

 

 

PTO News

PTO News

We have an exciting fall season planned for our community. Our 2026 Color Craze event kicks off today, bringing weeks of school spirit, student fun, and community support as we raise funds for PBES programs. And that’s just the beginning—our Outdoor Movie Night is right around the corner, offering a cozy evening under the stars for families to enjoy together, and we have a PTO Meeting in October where you can learn about upcoming events and initiatives and share your ideas 

 

2026 Color Craze Fundraising Event

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is officially live! Our Color Craze fundraising event starts today and we’re asking all PBES families to jump in and build early momentum. 

From now through October 30, students will raise funds to support our literacy and S.T.E.A.M. programs—all leading up to our colorful school‑wide run on October 30. 

Early fundraising is the key to earning this year’s biggest rewards, including brand-new grand prizes, an official 2026 Color Craze t‑shirt, and the chance to invite family members to join in the fun. 

The deadline for fundraising to earn Color Craze t-shirts and register additional participants is October 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Fundraising minimums must be met to be eligible. T-shirt order forms and additional participant registration must be completed by October 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Visit our Color Craze event page for more details! 

The fundraising deadline to be eligible for grand prizes is October 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. New this year, we have individual prizes for PBES's top three earning students—plus, top earners by grade, and grade-level prizes for the top earning classroom. Visit our Color Craze event page for more details. 

All fundraising is managed and recorded through Donately. Get started today by creating your student's fundraising page! Be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that your student's fundraising efforts accrue to earning prizes. 

With deadlines approaching quickly and all donations tallied through Donately, now is the perfect time to create your student’s fundraising page and start sharing it with family and friends. Let’s launch Color Craze strong and show what our PBES community can do together. Visit our event page to learn more about Color Craze. 

 

PTO Movie Night October 9 

Save the date for Outdoor Movie Night! On Friday, October 9, we invite you to the PBES field for a cozy outdoor theater experience. Admission is free, the field opens at 6:15 p.m., and the movie begins at 7:15 p.m.— with students voting in class (managed by their teachers!) to choose our feature film. Bring your chairs and blankets, enjoy concessions for purchase, and take part in our 50/50 raffle to support school initiatives. Mark your calendars now and get ready for a great night under the stars! 

 

PTO Meeting October 21 

Join us on Wednesday, October 21 from 7-8 p.m. in the PBES Library 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.

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. 

  • 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

Community Flyers/Announcements 

Petite Pioneers Clinic 

Next month on October 28th we will be hosting our annual "Petite Pioneers" Clinic! Open to grades K-8, our petite dancers who join us will receive a t-shirt, dinner, learn a fun Halloween-themed dance routine, and most importantly perform with us during our halftime show! The participants of the Petite Pioneers Dance Clinic will perform the dance they learned at the Patriot vs. Garfield game during halftime on Friday, October 30th at 4:30pm. Feel free to contact [email protected] with any questions. See link below for registration details. 

Click here to register for Petite Pioneers Clinic 

 

Girl Scouts

Join Girl Scouts today! Girl Scouts is hosting a discovery/ informational night for parents whose daughters are interested in joining Girl Scouts and learning about their organization. Adults and kids are invited to come to Piney Branch on Tuesday, October 6th from 6pm-7pm. RSVP using the link below. For questions you can contact Julia Funari at [email protected].  

Click here to RSVP to Girl Scouts Information Night 

 

Mobile Market 

In collaboration with Capital Area Food Bank, three of our libraries will host a market for the community. Fresh produce will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Please bring your own grocery bags. See below for the list of libraries and the dates and times they will be participating in the Mobile Market. For more information please visit the link below. 

Mobile Mart information 

Potomac: 4:00-6:00pm 

  • Monday, October 5 
  • Monday, November 9 

Bull Run: 4:00-6:00pm 

  • Tuesday, October 27 
  • Tuesday, November 24 

Central: 1:00-3:00pm 

  • Thursday, October 15 
  • Thursday, November 19 

 

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 

 

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 29  Back to School Night K-2
  • October 1  Back to School Night 3-5
  • October 12  Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Yearly Encore Events Calendar