Early Release

On Friday 6/12 PWCS is a scheduled early release day and Piney Branch will dismiss at 12:25 p.m.

5th Grade Parents

For tomorrow’s 5th grade Promotion Ceremony doors open at 10:00 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10:15 a.m.  

If you are planning on taking a sibling to the promotion ceremony, please do not send them to school in the morning.  You will keep your child with you and then sign them in late afterwards. Per admin we will not be dismissing siblings prior to the promotion. 

Important App Update

Starting June 30, 2026, ParentVUE, StudentVUE, and the EZ A2B bus tracking app will be updated by their vendors. After this date, the current versions of these apps will no longer work. To get ready for summer school and the 2026–27 school year, please download these updated apps as soon as possible. 

ParentVUE And StudentVUE 

ParentVUE and StudentVUE are moving to new versions. Families should search for the apps labeled “(New)” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can also download them from the PWCS website using the links below: 

Download the new version of ParentVUE 
Download the new version of StudentVUE 

EZArrival (Formerly EZ A2B) 

The EZ A2B bus tracking app is now called EZArrival. Families should search for “EZArrival” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or download it directly here 

Summer Office Hours

During the summer PBES office hours will be open from 8-4.  

Lunch Change

On Thursday, the cafeteria and gym will be occupied for the 5th grade promotion ceremony and celebration. Additionally, Friday is an early release day for the last day of school. 

Due to these events, lunch schedules will be adjusted for all grade levels, and lunch visitors will not be permitted on Thursday or Friday. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Sprout School Supplies Order

Save time and money on back-to-school supplies and support your school community with Sprout School Supply Kit. Place an order before July 7th and have your student’s school supplies to be sent directly to your student’s new classroom ready to start the 26-27 school year! You can place orders at Sprout Supplies Website. Please be sure to enter the school code shown below.  

School Code: PBES001 

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration will open for the 2026-2027 School year on Monday March 16th. Please visit the PWCS website to register your rising kindergartener for the next school year. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the school registrar Ms. Joann. 

Medication Pickup

All medications currently stored in the school clinic must be picked up by a parent or guardian no later than 12:00 PM on June 12th. Any medications remaining after this time will be safely disposed of in accordance with school division policy. 

To help reduce wait times and ensure a smooth process, families are encouraged to pick up non-emergency medications prior to June 12th. 

Important Immunization Requirements for SY 26-27

Students who do not meet the immunization and/or physical examination requirements for the current school year will be excluded from school until the requirements are met. 

Please review your student’s immunization status in ParentVUE. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your School Nurse or Registrar. 

PWCS Summer Meal Program

PWCS is pleased to once again support students and families with free summer meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Food Service Program. While school is out, children and teens, ages 18 and under, may receive breakfast and lunch at multiple school sites across the division. Meals are funded by the USDA and must be eaten on-site. 

New this year, Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School will also offer a to-go meals option, allowing families to pick up weekly meal kits through the USDA program with no cost to families. Families interested in this option are encouraged to complete the short planning form by May 29. The form is optional and used for planning purposes only; families who do not complete it may still pick up meals while supplies last. Additional details are available on the PWCS Summer Meals webpage. 

Does Your 3rd or 4th Grader Enjoy Music? Join the PBES Chorus!

Complete this form if your rising 4th/5th grade student is interested in joining our PBES Chorus with Mrs. Nichols for the 2026-2027 school year. Rehearsals are Tuesday mornings from 8:15-9:10 a.m. All information, updates, and reminders will be communicated through School Status. A detailed rehearsal and concert schedule will be communicated soon. 

For rising 5th grade students: 
1. If your student participated in chorus as a 4th grader and would like to continue next year, please still complete the sign-up form again for the 2026-2027 school year. 
2. Rising 5th grade students are able to participate in BOTH chorus and strings. Strings and Chorus perform at joint concerts throughout the year.  

End-of-Year HMH Growth Measure Results

2nd through 5th graders recently completed the End of Year HMH Growth Measure. Score reports will be sent home this week.  The HMH Growth Measure is a research-based computer adaptive test that measures a student’s language and reading comprehension and provides insight into your child’s performance through several measures.  

• Scaled Score: The HMH Scaled Score is the primary score showing how the student performed on the Growth Measure, reflecting both the items the student answered correctly and item difficulty.  
• Performance Level-Categories for the Scaled Scores: Scaled Scores are categorized, and color coded to reflect up to five Performance Levels.  
• Grade Level Equivalence (GLE)- Grade Level Equivalence (GLE) provides a quick glance of grade-level readiness in various categories.  
• Lexile Interval-The Lexile® Framework for Reading is a tool for matching student performance to appropriate texts and is based on their HMH Growth Measure Reading score.  

The Student Proficiency Indicator (SPI) is included in your child's score report if they have taken the HMH Growth Measure assessment more than once in a school year to show how well they meet grade-level proficiency expectations without comparing them to peers.  

There are three SPI categories: Did Not Meet, Met, and Exceeded. The SPI tracks student performance throughout the year with measurements from the beginning to the middle of the year (BOY – MOY), middle to the end of the year (MOY – EOY), and beginning to the end of the year (BOY – EOY).  

 How You Can Support Your Child’s Learning  

Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS)

The VALLSS end of year testing window for grades K-3 will occur throughout the end of April and into mid-May.    

All students in kindergarten and 1st grade will be reassessed. In 2nd and 3rd grade, any students who have a Student Reading Plan will be reassessed. Additionally, any students who were identified as "Moderate Risk" on the mid-year VALLSS assessment will be reassessed. 4th and 5th grade will not participate in spring VALLSS testing.  

Upon the completion of the testing window, a letter will be sent home with your student to explain testing in more detail, if they were assessed. For more information, visit the PALS Legacy website. 

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. 

5th Grade Promotion Information

• Thursday, June 11 at 10:15 AM 
  5th Grade Promotion Ceremony 
  Line may form after school arrival ends at 9:20AM - Do not approach the school prior. Doors will open for families at 10:00 AM. 

• Thursday, June 11 from 1:30–3:00 PM 
  5th Grade End‑of‑Year Party 
  Sponsored by our PTO. 

Support 5th Grade Promotion Party

We are asking the support of the 5th grade community to help contribute to make the Promotion Party a HIT! 

• Donate a food item. Please consider signing up to donate a food item through our SignUpGenius so we can offer students a fun and well‑rounded variety of treats. Sign up to donate a food item. 

• Volunteers to chaperone! We are looking for parent volunteers to attend the class party as volunteers to help the PTO and the committee execute this event. Sign up as a chaperone today. 

There are so many fun ways for you to celebrate your 5th grader. Read on to get all the details about yard signs, the promotion ceremony slide show, and yearbook ads. 

Yard Signs

If you ordered your yard sign on or before May 20th your yard has been delivered to the front office. Office hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.   

Attention 5th Grade Families - Course Catalog

Dear Parent/Guardian:

The PWCS Middle School Course Catalog and the PWCS High School Course Catalog for the 2026-27 school year is now available. The course catalog is a resource provided to support the design of each student’s academic schedule to prepare them for launching their thriving future. Families will find information about specialty programs, career pathways, and post-secondary education options, in addition to descriptions of all the courses offered in PWCS middle and high schools.

Translations are provided in several languages to ensure ease of use for all families. Look for more information on the scheduling process for your individual student from our school counseling team.

For more information, please contact Jascinda Jurgensen, executive administrative assistant, at [email protected], or call 703-791-7253.

Lunch Accounts

Please be sure to check your student’s lunch account and pay any outstanding balances. Balances can be paid through My School Bucks. If you have any questions please contact Ms. Merida. 

AI Enabled Glasses

To ensure consistent implementation across the division, school principals are expected to communicate this new guidance to students and families through their school newsletters beginning March 25.   

Elementary Schools and Combination Schools (K–8, Traditional)   

• AI-enabled glasses may not be worn or used at any time during the school day.   

• Devices must be turned off and stored upon arrival at school and remain stored until dismissal.   
• Storage means the device is not worn on the face or head and is placed in a backpack, in the student’s locker, in a locked pouch, or in a designated place in the classroom.   

Prohibited Uses (All Students)   

The following uses of AI-enabled glasses are always strictly prohibited on school property, school buses, and school-sponsored events:   

• Audio, photo, or video recording of students, staff, or visitors without explicit permission.   

• Use in restrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas.   

• Livestreaming or AI-assisted analysis of people or environments.   

• AI impersonation or altered media involving students or staff.   

• Accessing or creating content that is obscene, harassing, threatening, or disruptive to a K–12 learning environment.   

Transportation (All Students)   

AI-enabled glasses on school buses are permitted when used in compliance with prohibited use and:   

• They do not distract the driver.   

• They do not compromise student safety.   

Assessments   

The wearing of AI-enabled glasses is always prohibited during any assessment to include daily class assessments, nationally normed external tests such as the SAT, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge, and Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessments.   

Enforcement and Consequences   

Violations involving AI-enabled glasses will follow the same progressive discipline structure used for cell phone violations, in alignment with the PWCS Code of Behavior, including:   

• Device surrendered   

• Parent/guardian notification and pick up   

• Disciplinary referrals   

• Additional disciplinary actions for repeat or severe violations   

Exceptions 

Exceptions to the use of AI-enabled glasses are limited and considered on an individual basis. Requests are reviewed through established IEP or Section 504 processes when necessary to support a student’s documented needs.  

Need Tech Support? We've Got You Covered

If you’re a parent looking to get started or troubleshoot common tech issues, we highly recommend checking out these helpful videos: 

• Logging Into PWCS Applications 2025  

• Finding Canvas Parent Observer Pairing Code 

• What is Canvas?  

• Finding Important PBES Information 

If you need further assistance, please contact the Instructional Technology Coach, Jennifer Roberts at [email protected] 

PTO News

What an unforgettable night! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first‑ever end‑of‑year celebration, One Last Wave. Seeing our community come together — singing, dancing, and cheering on everything our students have accomplished — was the perfect way to close out an incredible year. 

As we ride that wave of excitement into the final days of school, we want to make sure every family is set up for a smooth transition into the fall. With the last day of school coming up on Friday, June 12, please take a moment to complete a few quick steps so you stay informed and ready for the year ahead.

Secure Your PTO Membership for the 26-27 School Year

Joining the PTO for the 2026–2027 school year is one of the simplest ways to support our students and strengthen our community. Membership is now open — $10 for individuals or $20 for families — and every dollar directly funds PTO-sponsored events and initiatives that make our school year vibrant and memorable. While volunteering or attending meetings is never required, we welcome anyone who wants to participate in whatever way works for them. Learn more about how to get involved. 

School Supply Boxes

Make back-to-school prep breeze by ordering your Sprout School Supply box for the 2026-2027 school year! Our customized, teacher- approved kits ensure students have exactly what they need on the very first day. No last minute shopping required. Orders can be placed now at Sprout using school code PBES001. The deadline to place orders is on July 7th so be sure to secure your order today.  

Late Yearbook Orders

If you missed the PTO’s yearbook order deadline, there’s still time to secure a copy for your student. Families can place their orders directly through Candid Color, who will continue handling yearbook sales. All ordering details and contact information are available on our PTO website, and the Candid Color team can assist with any questions.  

5th Grade Promotion 

The 5th Grade Promotion ceremony is Thursday, June 11. If you have a 5th grader, be sure to look out for notices from the school directly and visit the PTO 5th Grade Promotion page for more details.

   Thank you for supporting the PTO. 

As we head into summer, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible Piney Branch community. Your energy, generosity, and partnership have made this school year truly special, and we’re so proud of everything our students have accomplished with your support. We also want to give a heartfelt thank‑you to our dedicated staff, administrators, and teachers for their unwavering commitment, care, and guidance — our school thrives because of you. Thank you for showing up, lifting each other up, and helping our students grow in every way. We can’t wait to see what we’ll create together next year. 

Sincerely,  

Chris, Sara, Stephanie, Maria, and Jaime 

**PTO Websites (Webpages) are not managed, approved, or sponsored by the Prince William County Public Schools.

Swim Kids

Join us for Summer Swim Camp! Swim Kids swim classes are conveniently offered at 6 Prince William County locations.  

Visit the SwimKids website to register for a class 

Summer of Creativity with Musically Creative

Register now for the summer with Musically Creative. Musically Creative offers guitar, piano, strings, voice classes for ages 6 through adults. 

PWC Hunger Free Food Drive

43% of Prince William County residents face food insecurity. More than 2 out of 5 residents aren’t always sure where they’re next meal is coming from. Of those Prince William County residents experiencing food insecurity, 34% aren’t eligible for SNAP benefits while 43% have children in the household. On Saturday June 13, 2026 PWC will be hosting a Rally and Food Drive to gather food, or fund donations to stock their food pantries. 

Donate here to help stock food Pantry     

Grizzly Fall Registration

The Grizzly organization is happy to start the fall 2026 season and registration is now open for tackle football (ages 7-14), cheer (grades K-8), and flag football (ages 5-6). See link below to register. 

Tackle Football registration 

Cheer Registration 

Flag Football Registration 

Lifetime Kids

Summer camp registration is now open for 2026 summer season. Come explore fun weekly themes, flexible booking, swim lessons and summer swim team, Friday field trips, sports, arts and crafts and so much more. See the link below to register below. 

Register here for Lifetime Kids Summer Camp  

PWC Library Summer Reading

Beginning June 15th visit any of the PWC libraries to pick up Summer Reading Tracker or register online at PWC webpage.  

Learn more about the PWC Summer Reading Program here.  

Up Next Basketball and Performance Training

Help enhance your kid’s Basketball, leadership skills, speed, agility, and performance training. Up Next is open for children ages 7-14, Monday through Friday from 9am-2pm. 

Register here for Up Next Summer Camp 

Kwon's Champion School Summer Camp

Summer registration is now open! Our goal is to provide families with a safe, structured, and engaging summer experience where students can build confidence, discipline, and positive character while having a lot of fun. 

Register your child here for Kwon’s Champion School 

Tony Skinn Basketball Camp

The Tony Skinn Basketball Camp is open to ages 6-14 where campers get to improve their basketball skills with the George Mason players and coaching staff. Each day is designed to maximize the camper's offensive and defensive capabilities in a creative, safe, and fun environment!! 

Register your student here for Tony Skinn Basketball Camp 

Alphabest Summer Camp

School may be out, but AlphaBEST is still on! We understand that working parents don’t get the summer off, which is why we’ve created AlphaBEST Summer Excursions. Your little explorer can enjoy a full summer of wonder-filled activities, both indoors and out. To keep things fresh, each week features a different theme, like Rescue Volcano, where the fun erupts at every turn. Summer Excursions allows your kids to reconnect and recharge, right in your own school district. 

To enroll your child, or to simply learn more about the Summer Excursion opportunities available in your district, just follow the link below. 

Register your student for Summer Camp Here 

Gainesville Dance Center Summer Camp

Our summer camp creates a safe, engaging environment where children explore, discover, and grow, through meaningful experiences, friendships, and fun. Visit our website and see all the fun summer camps we have available.  

Register for Summer camp here 

 Camp Under the Stars

Under the Stars Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Northern Virginia.  Join us for summer camp in the Prince William National Forest in Dumfries, Virginia. 

Our mission is to provide a supportive, inclusive camp community that values each child's uniqueness, celebrates our differences, and respects nature and the planet. 

Register your child for Camp Under the Stars Here 

William and Mary Leadership for Change Academy

We’re excited to share some important updates as we look ahead to the upcoming seasons at William & Mary!

Saturday SEP Registration is Now Open! 
Registration for our Saturday SEP programs is officially open. We look forward to welcoming students for another engaging session filled with enriching learning experiences. 

Summer Registration Coming Soon 

Summer program registration will be opening shortly, and we are excited to offer a variety of engaging day and residential programs for Summer 2026. 

Summer Day Programs (SEP) 

July 1–3 
July 6–10 

Our Summer SEP Day Programs provide students with enriching, hands-on learning experiences led by experienced instructors. Students will explore exciting topics, build new skills, and connect with peers in a fun and supportive environment—all while returning home each day. 

We are thrilled to offer two exceptional residential camp opportunities for Summer 2026: 

William & Mary Leadership for Change Academy 

June 28 – July 5 

The Leadership for Change Academy is an immersive residential experience designed to empower young leaders through leadership development, debate, and history. Rooted in William & Mary’s tradition of civic engagement and academic excellence, students explore how leadership has shaped key moments in history—and how those lessons can inspire meaningful change today. 

Through interactive workshops, historical case studies, hands-on debates, and team-based challenges, participants will: 

• Strengthen communication and critical thinking skills 

• Analyze complex issues from diverse perspectives 

• Learn from influential leaders and movements 

• Build confidence and leadership capacity 

Students leave the academy equipped with the tools to lead with integrity, innovation, and purpose—ready to make an impact in their communities and beyond. 

Camp Ignite 

July 5 – July 18 

Camp Ignite offers motivated students a unique opportunity to dive deeply into a subject they are passionate about while learning from expert instructors and connecting with like-minded peers. This once-in-a-lifetime experience sparks curiosity, independence, and a drive to explore the world around them. 

At Camp Ignite students will: 

• Push their academic boundaries 

• Engage in advanced coursework 

• Build meaningful peer connections 

• Learn in a supportive, inclusive residential community 

Hosted by the Center for Gifted Education, Camp Ignite supports talent development across the lifespan, helping high-ability students reach their full potential academically and personally. Through the William & Mary Youth Talent Search Program (W&M-YTS), students are encouraged to discover and develop their strengths.