News from the Nest
May 15, 2024
A note from Mr. Thorne and Ms. Sobers . . .
Last night the PBES PTO elected a new board to send us into the 2024-2025 school year. I want to thank the outgoing board, Lauren Main, Charissa West, Shannon Delvaux, Monica Murray and Sara Barriteau for their outstanding service to PBES and many accomplishments. Their fundraising has supported over $70k in school improvements in the last two years including the new mural in the cafeteria and the long-awaited shade structure on the playground. We look forward to collaborating working with new PTO board members.
As SOL data rolls in, we will begin analyzing results, as well as looking at the results of the 2024 PWCS School Climate survey you may have participated in. An important part of our Continuous Improvement Plan planning in May and June is the feedback and input from parents. Please keep your eyes peeled for opportunities in the coming weeks to contribute towards our plans for next year through various focus groups and work sessions.
- Field Day
- SOL Expedited Retakes May 22-June 3
- Yearbook Orders
- 5th Grade Promotion
- Teacher Requests for ‘24-’25
Sincerely,
Steve Thorne and Monica Sobers
Fresh Takes
Field Day
Piney Branch will be having Field Day on May 28 for grades K-2, and May 30 for grades 3-5. It takes a lot of hands to set up and supervise all the fun Field Day activities
May 28th K-2 Field Day Sign up
May 30th 3-5 Grade Field Day Sign Up
On field day each child will be getting a frisbee with their lunch. See FrisbEAT Menu for lunch options.
From the Clinic - Med Pickup
All medications in the clinic will need to be picked up by noon on the last day of school. Any medications left in the clinic after 12 p.m. on June 7, 2024, will be disposed of per regulation.
Robotics for Rising 4th Grade Students (Current 3rd Graders)
Attention current 3rd grade students! Ms. Roberts will start the Robotics Club for the 2024-2025 school year first thing in August, so we are collecting applications now. The club will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays before school, and there is a mandatory tournament one weekend day in November and one weekend in May. There is more detailed information on the application.
Please fill out and return the application by June 1st to be considered for the team. Please read the student and parent agreements carefully. While we would love to take everyone who applies, in order to provide a meaningful hands-on experience, participation is limited.
5th Grade Promotion
5th grade parents, we would LOVE for you to send us your students Kindergarten picture. We will be using this at promotion. In the email, please send us your student’s name, 5th grade teacher name and Kindergarten teacher’s name (even those from other schools).
Email photos to: [email protected]
Want to help out at 5th grade promotion? Sign up now:
Yearbook Committee
Yearbooks are for sale. Don't miss out on getting this yearbook.
Calling All Athletes
PWCS is having a Sports Fair on June 1 at the Kelly Leadership Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This is a free event open for all students, highlighting PWCS’ rising 6th graders, and rising 9th graders. See flyer for more details.
Reminder From the Cafeteria
As the end of the year is approaching, please take time to review your child’s lunch account balance and pay any outstanding balance on your child’s account. Balances can be paid through My School Bucks.
Morning Drop Off Protocols
Our morning bell rings at 9:10 allowing students to come into the building. The late bell rings at 9:20. As a reminder, if there are no staff members outside to help children into the building, please come into the building to sign your student in tardy.
Class Requests for 2024-2025
While we remain focused on closing out the school year successfully, we also start to look ahead and plan for the coming 2024-2025 school year. While we do not accept or honor parent requests for specific teachers, we happily accommodate requests for the characteristics of a teacher your child would most benefit from, as well as students to pair and separate your student with. Please email Mr. Thorne, [email protected], these requests directly.
Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) Assessment
Piney Branch Elementary School will be administering the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) to all Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students and to 3rd grade students who do not have scores in the system or whose progress is being monitored. The testing window is from April 22 - May 17. Make-up testing will continue throughout the testing window as needed. A letter will be sent home with your child to explain testing in more detail. For more information, visit the PALS website at and click on the tab “Families +”. Please feel free to contact Emily Kennedy, Piney Branch Reading Specialist, at [email protected] or 571-261-5300 if you have any questions about PALS testing or procedures.
2024-25 Kindergarten Online Registration Open
The 2024-25 online registration is now open. Kindergarten students who are five years of age or older by September 30 are eligible for enrollment in kindergarten. You will need to upload your child’s birth certificate, primary proof of residency (deed, lease, mortgage statement), two proofs of residency (utility bills, driver’s license, car registration, etc.), and an updated physical and immunization record. Online registration information can be found on the PWCS Kindergarten Registration website.
After your registration has been processed, you will receive information about our Meet & Greet.
Virginia SOL Testing
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has created the Virginia Assessment Program to help measure students’ academic progress in the Standards of Learning (SOLs). The SOLs indicate the Commonwealth of Virginia’s expectations for what students should know and be able to do in the subject areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history/social science. Copies of the
SOLs are available online at the VDOE website.
Each year, students at various grade levels are expected to participate in SOL testing or alternative assessments unless specifically exempted by state or federal law, or by Virginia Board of Education regulations. In grades 3-8, most students will participate in some type of SOL testing or assessment annually. Some SOL tests, like the Integrated Reading and Writing test, are only given to students in grades 5, 8, and 11. According to VDOE, parents may also request to have their high school student participate in additional testing beyond what is required by state and federal law if they are currently enrolled in a related course. Once testing is complete, information about your student’s performance will be shared with you.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Sobers [email protected]
Our Piney Branch Students will be testing on the following dates:
- Expedited Retakes May 22-June 3
For Good Measure
Attendance/Dismissal
When you email your child’s teacher regarding their absence and/or dismissal changes, please include the office ([email protected]) just in case your child’s teacher has a substitute teacher. Absences can be reported by calling 571-261-5309. All changes of dismissal should be sent to your child’s teacher/office before 2:00 p.m. For the safety of our students, early dismissals need to take place before 3:15 p.m.
The remaining days off for students this year:
- May 27 – Memorial Day
2024-2025 Intentions Survey
We want to take a moment to share some information. You may have been receiving various text messages regarding taking a quick survey regarding your intentions for our upcoming school year. It is important that you answer this quick questionnaire to help us plan and prepare our school with the exceptional staff required for your students' educational success. If you have already answered the survey all future messages can be ignored, your data has already been received and entered.
SCA Collection for Bethany House
SCA's next service project includes a collection for a Women's and children's shelter called Bethany House of Northern Virginia. They are collecting the following items from now until May 23rd. Please note that items must be new.
- Toothpaste, Toothbrushes
- Soap, Shampoo
- Lotions
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Cleaning Supplies
- Trash bags
- Toilet Paper
- New Blankets
- New Sheets
- Food gift cards (McDonalds, Aldi, Walmart, Subway, Giant)
- Drug Store gift cards (CVS, Walgreens)
- Clothing gift cards (Target, Kohls)
Lost and Found
As the end of the school year is approaching, please take time to review your child’s closet for any missing items as they may be at our school’s over flowing lost and found.
Watch D.O.G.S. is Back!!!!
The Watch D.O.G.S need you! Calling all dads looking to provide support at our school. The Watch D.O.G.S. program helps provide positive male role models for students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. Meanwhile, you will provide an extra set of eyes and ears to enhance school security, reduce bullying, and provide a greater sense of campus safety allowing students and teachers to focus on learning and instruction. You will help by supporting lunch, recess, hallways, encore, and security around the school. Should you have any questions about this exciting program, please reach out to Jim Pawlak at [email protected]
If you are ready to become a Watch D.O.G.S, follow the link to sign up!
Preschool Registration 2024-25 School Year
Preschool applications open February 1st!
Families apply online by completing an Online Application. (Spanish version)
Applications may also be completed in-person or via phone. Families should call the preschool office with any questions.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 703-791-8708
The preschool program has income limits. During the online application, families are asked to upload proof of family income, a copy of the child's birth certificate, and at least one proof of address. Other information will be requested if a child is accepted. Information on the application and approval process is available on the PWCS Preschool Application website. Selections begin in April and continue until classes are filled.
Preschool Registration Information (English)
Preschool Registration Information (Spanish)
Preschool Registration Information (Farsi)
Preschool Registration Information (Arabic)
Preschool Registration Information (Urdu)
Accessing PBES Resources Outside of School
You can access our PBES resources like Canvas, Office 365 and Clever from almost wherever you are. Please see the following help videos to:
Mark Your Calendar/Upcoming Events
- May 27- Memorial Day
PTO News
5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
5th-Grade Parents -- Please email your child's kindergarten photo for use during the 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony. Include your student’s name, 5th-grade teacher's name, and kindergarten teacher’s name (even those from other schools). Email photos to: [email protected]
After the 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony, the PTO sponsors a 5th Grade "Grad Party" at the school, during the school day. This event is for students only and is a fun opportunity for our 5th-graders to bond with their classmates, play games (including a Virtual Reality room!), enjoy snacks, etc.
For 5th-grade families who are able, we request a $10 donation to help cover the cost of the event. You can send payments electronically via Venmo to @PineyBranch-ElementaryPTO (preferred). Alternatively, you can send cash/check to school in an envelope labeled 5th Grade Graduation with your child’s name on it. All fifth grade students will participate, regardless of funds contributed.
Click here to sign up to volunteer at the party.
Click here to donate supplies to the party.
Teacher Appreciation Week
The PTO thanks everyone who donated to make Teacher Appreciation Week so fun for our amazing staff!
May 15 PTO Election
Thanks to everyone who attended and Zoomed in for our last PTO meeting of the 2023-24 school year!
Please welcome your new PTO Board for the 2024-25 school year:
President: Chris Gallegos
Vice President: Sara Agne
Secretary: Susie Bacus
Treasurer: Stephanie Davis
Member at Large: Malia Hayes
Join the PTO
Support our school and get free PBES swag by joining the PTO! Join online on our website!
Please visit www.PineyBranchPTO.com for all information related to the PBES PTO.
*This Website (Webpage) is not managed, approved, or sponsored by the Prince William County Public Schools.
Community Flyers and Announcements
Mental Health Workshop
On May 18th there will be a Mental Health Workshop from 10-12pm at Freedom High School. See flyer for more details.
Gainesville High School Volleyball Summer Camp
Gainesville volleyball team is hosting a summer camp during June 11-13 from 3-6pm for rising 3rd through 8th graders boys and girls. This is a great opportunity to have fun with the sport, learn volleyball fundamentals, and game play! Register here.
If you have any questions please email [email protected]
Kwon’s Champion Summer Camp
Kwon’s is hosting another summer camp this year. See website for details.
Learn to Swim
Summer is right around the corner; pool days and beach days are upon us. Swin Kids of Gainsville offers many classes for different ages and levels to learn about water safety and swim lessons. Register at Swim Kids.
Camp Invention
Piney Branch Elementary will host a one week Camp Invention during the week of June 17-18– June 20-21, 2024. Camp Invention is not open on Juneteenth.
This camp encourages growth mindset and social-emotional growth with a deep focus on STEM activities. Camp Invention works with Prince William County Public Schools to ensure that this camp can come back each summer and bring these awesome skills to our community. For more information, visit the website.