News from the Nest
April 24, 2024
A note from Mr. Thorne and Ms. Sobers . . .
Today we celebrate the invaluable contributions of our administrative assistants at Piney Branch. To Joann, Colleen, Ivette, Marie, and Sandra, the people who do all of the things, literally at the same time, PBES says THANK YOU!
Next week we officially begin state testing season for students in grades 3-5. Each week, students will participate in the reading and math SOL. 4th graders will also take Virginia Studies and 5th graders will take science. Please be sure to review the test schedule and communicate with your student’s teacher any disruptions you anticipate or encounter as testing progresses. It’s always safer to reschedule a student’s test than to ask them to take it under less than ideal circumstances. Sickness, family emergencies, and loads of other things impact our student’s ability to show up and perform. We hope for all our students to put their best foot forward, so please collaborate with us to set them up to SOAR!
- SOL Dates - revised
- Last Call for Transfer Requests
- 5th Grade Promotion
- Teacher Requests for ‘24-’25
Sincerely,
Steve Thorne and Monica Sobers
Fresh Takes
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:
- April 30/May 1- 3-5 Reading SOL (test is given over two days)
- May 8/9 - 3 & 5 Math SOL (test is given over two days)
- May 8 – 4th grade Virginia Studies SOL
- May 15 – 5th grade Science SOL
- May 15/16 - 4th grade Math SOL (test is given over two days)
- Expedited Retakes May 22-June 3
Field Day
We will be looking for volunteers to help with Field Day on May 29 (K-2) and May 30 (3-5)! Stay tuned for more info!
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:
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)
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
LAST CALL!! 2024-25 Transfer Requests
Transfer season for the 2024-25 school year is now open and will close on April 30, 2024. If your student is at Piney Branch on a transfer, a form needs to be completed each school year. See PWCS Regulations 721-1 for more detailed information about the reasons for student transfer. Transfer Request and Daycare Verification.
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
We have accumulated a lot of lost and found ranging from water bottles, lunch bags, sweaters and coats. Any time you come to the school please take a moment to stop by and look for any lost items your child may have left behind.
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!
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
- April 30/May 1- Reading SOL Grades 3-5 (test is given over two days)
PTO News
PTO Meeting
Meet us in our school library on May 14th at 6:30 for our last PTO meeting this school year.
Teacher Appreciation
We will be celebrating our annual teacher & staff appreciation week May 6-10th. The theme is WE’RE NOT PLAYING GAMES-WE APPRECIATE YOU TO PIECES!
Monday- Have your student bring in a healthy granola bar for their teacher thanking them for leading them down the trail of success.
Tuesday – Have your students bring a coffee or donut gift card or a morning treat.
Wednesday- Have your student bring in a handwritten note to thank a teacher or staff member.
Thursday- Have your student bring in a school supply that your teacher needs.
Friday- Have your student bring in a picture or special drawing for your teacher or staff member.
These ideas are all optional suggestions to participate in the daily themes/activities. IF you have other ideas or would like to show your appreciation to teachers and staff in different ways- please feel free. We can’t wait for all the fun to begin!
Yearbook Committee
Yearbooks are now available for presale. Order by May 3 to receive the yearbook before the end of school. Yearbooks can still be purchased after May 3 at a higher cost.
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 and Wellness Expo
Come join The National Coalition 100 Black Women, Inc. As they celebrate “Mental Health and Wellness Expo,” on Saturday, April 27th at Freedom High School from 10:00-1:00. See flyer for more details.
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.