News from the Nest
July 31, 2024
A note from Mr. Thorne and Ms. Sobers . . .
While summer seems to have moved along quickly, it also seems like it’s been a very long time since Piney Branch was filled with the energy, enthusiasm, and joy of our students. We look forward to their return! Please see our work week welcome back events below, which includes kindergarten orientation, new PBES students orientation, Supply Drop-Off Open House, and a virtual opportunity to meet teachers and see classmates. On August 6, 2024, Parent Packets will go live in ParentVUE. Completion is required to see your student’s teacher assignments and transportation information through ParentVUE. Please call the office if you require assistance completing the Parent Packet in ParentVUE. As a reminder to new students, immunization records are legally required to start school. We are loading up this Cardinals thrill ride for a spectacular new school year and look forward to welcoming all of our students back on August 19. Enjoy the ride!
- Parent Packets
- Orientation Dates
- Virtual Teacher Meet and Greet
Sincerely,
Steve Thorne and Monica Sobers
Fresh Takes
Back to School Packet
The Back to School Packet will be available on ParentVUE beginning August 6th. Having up-to-date emergency contact information for our families is vital. We need all families to complete the annual Back to School Packet. Until this packet is complete, parents/guardians will be unable to access valuable information in ParentVUE. If you do not have an active ParentVUE account, please call our office.
Upcoming Dates
We’re excited to see the new faces that will be will walking our halls soon, and welcome our returning students with open arms. Please make sure you mark your calendar for upcoming dates.
- Virtual Class Meet & Greet and Parent Orientation – morning of August 14 (individual teachers will be reaching out with their zoom links and availability)
- KG Student Orientation & Supply Drop – Aug 15th @ 9:30 a.m.
- New Student Orientation & Supply Drop (Grades 1-5) – Aug 16 @ 9:30 a.m.
- Supply Drop Off (1st-5th Grade) – Aug 16
Last Names – A-C 9:30-10:00
Last Names – D-H 10:00-10:30
Last Names – I-M 10:30-11:00
Last Names N-S 11:00-11:30
Last Names T-Z 11:30-12:00
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 2 required lockdown drills in September. For the first drill preschool and kindergarten students will not participate.
2024-2025 Bell Times & Bus Information
Piney Branch bell times remain 9:20-4:00. 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.
Kiss N’ Ride (Car Drop-off)
If you are new to Kiss N’ Ride (car drop-off) and require a hang tag or are a KNR vet and need a replacement tag, please come by the office 9-3 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.
Health Treatment Plans & Medication Dropoff
Students requiring health treatment plans and medication while at school should plan to make arrangements with Nurse Denise beginning August 12th.
School Meals 2024-2025
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 2024-25 school year:
Breakfast
- Student full price - $1.60
- Adult price - $2.75
Lunch
- Elementary school student full price - $2.60
- Middle school student full price - $2.75
- High school student full price - $2.85
- Adult full price - $4.65
- A la carte –
- Milk, $1
- Bottled Water $1.00
- *Cookie $1.00 (one per day )
- *Packaged Snack $1.00 (one per day )
- Side Dish $1.50
- *Strawberry Shortcake $2.50(one per day )
For Good Measure
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
- Morning of August 14 - Virtual Class Meet & Greet and Parent Orientation
- August 15th @ 9:30 a.m. - KG Student Orientation & Supply Drop
- August 16th @ 9:30 a.m. - Supply Drop Off (1st-5th Grade)
- August 19th – First Day of school
PTO News
New 2024-2025 PTO Board
We are excited to see what the new PTO board has in store for us the year. Stay tuned for their first PTO meeting to be announced.
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.
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