News from the Nest
May 29, 2024
A note from Mr. Thorne and Ms. Sobers . . .
This is a busy time of year celebrating the conclusion of a successful school year. We have lots to be proud of including an all time high in reading achievement for Piney Branch (85% of our students passed the reading SOL beating our previous high of 83%). Parties and field day are in full swing and the teachers and staff are having just as much fun as the kids. Next Wednesday we send off the 5th graders with our Promotion Ceremony. Families may start lining up (bring some water and an umbrella to keep cool) at 9:30 a.m. Doors will not open until 10 a.m.
Despite all of the “fun” we have in store for our students, classrooms have some of the most valuable learning opportunities of the year happening – keep attendance strong and be sure your students don’t miss out! Remember, June 7 is a short day. Children will be on a modified lunch schedule, and dismissal is at 12:30 p.m.
Included in this Nest
- Field Day
- SOL Expedited Retakes May 22-June 3
- Yearbook Orders
- Medication pick up
- Teacher Requests for ‘24-’25
Sincerely,
Steve Thorne and Monica Sobers
Fresh Takes
Field Day
Field Day! Thank you SO much to the parents who've so generously given their time already. We REALLY need additional volunteers to help set up the water activities at 11:45 AM. Even if you can only come for 15-20 minutes, that would be so helpful. We also really need parent volunteers to help run the water activities from 1:45-3:15 PM. If you can help, please sign up below.
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.
Sprout Boxes Are Available for Order
The PTO is partnering with Sprout School Supplies for the 2024-2025 school year. This is a great and EASY way to complete your back-to-school school shopping. Please go to the PBES School Sprout Website to order supply kits: and use school code: PBES001
The store will be open until July 9, 2024. All boxes will be delivered to Piney Branch and your student’s teacher in August! Thank you for supporting the PBES PTO!
Discovery Enrichment Programs
The last day for parents to register elementary students for Discovery Enrichment programs during the summer is May 24th. See the link below for registration details,
Discovery Enrichment Programs - Prince William County Public Schools (pwcs.edu)
Yearbooks for Sale
For those who ordered before the deadline, yearbooks have begun shipping (gradually). There's not always a method to the madness of whose ships when, so don't panic if your neighbor's arrives quickly and yours takes a little longer. The yearbook is still for sale at the link below, but delivery is no longer guaranteed before the school year ends. Buy a Yearbook.
If you have questions about your order or shipping status, please contact Picaboo directly, as the PTO is not involved with ordering, payment, or shipping. All of that is handled directly between the customer and Picaboo.
Picaboo Customer Support Phone #: 609-227-0107
From the Clinic - Med Pickup
All medications must be picked up from the school clinic by noon on June 7. Medications not picked up will be discarded. No medications are held in the school clinics over the summer.
New Medication Administration Forms and/or Health Treatment Plans are required each school year. Forms may be obtained from the clinic or on the PWCS Student Health webpage. Please contact our school nurse with any questions.
Nurse Denise is asking for donations of boys' and girls' size 7/8 for shorts or pants. If your child has outgrown these sizes, we would appreciate it if you could donate them to the clinic.
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
We're still missing approximately 20 5th-graders' photos for the promotion ceremony. If you haven't already, please email your 5th-grader's kindergarten picture along with their 5th-grade teacher's name and kindergarten teacher's name 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, a photo booth, etc.
For 5th-grade families who are able, we are asking for 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.
Want to help out at 5th grade promotion? Sign up now:
**Reminder: If you ordered a graduation sign and still haven't picked it up, please collect yours from the Main Office ASAP**
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- June 7th Last day of School early release at 12:30
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.
New 2024-2025 PTO Board
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
Stage Door Dance Studio
Stage Door Dance Studio will be hosting several different themed summer camps. Please see flyer for details.
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.
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.