Provided by Prince William County Schools (PWCS)
Some in-person programs have been canceled due to closures resulting from the coronavirus pandemic,. However, students still have a variety of summer program options designed to keep them engaged and involved in learning until school begins again this fall.
There is something for students at every grade level, with options targeted toward a specific need or interest. Below is a comprehensive list of 2020 summer program offerings.
PWCS Virtual Summer School Program:
The virtual summer program, open to elementary and middle school students, will be held July 6-24. Registration is underway through 4:30 p.m. on June 12. (There will be no in-person registration.) Parents and guardians of K-8 students were sent an email from the PWCS Summer School Office with information about registering with a Microsoft form. Summer school principals will be in touch with registered families regarding the virtual summer school program by June 24. Summer school is free for students who meet the criteria for remediation. Others who would like to attend may do so at a cost of $260. Learn more on the Summer School webpage.
Operation Graduation:
For current seniors only, Operation Graduation-Grad Academy will be held June 22-July 31. Registration is underway through 4:30 p.m. June 12. Grad Academy is for seniors who did not meet course requirements to graduate in June but can still graduate in August, provided they complete courses and any associated tests within the established time frame. Seniors who complete graduation requirements by July 31 will be eligible to participate in their base school’s graduation ceremony. Due to the coronavirus, there will be no late or in-person registration. There is no charge for this program. To register, complete the application for Operation Graduation-Grad Academy on the High School Summer School webpage.
Virtual Prince William (VPW):
Registration for VPW, the School Division’s online high school course program, is underway. VPW courses are available for students entering grades 9-12 in need of remediation or first-time credit. Registration will close at 9:00 a.m. on June 15, and the summer session will be held June 22-July 31. The summer VPW program is different from the summer school program. Visit the VPW webpage for additional information.
PWCS Summer Reading Program:
The PWCS Summer Reading Program encourages students to continue reading through the summer to practice their independent reading skills. Through continued reading, students build their vocabulary, broaden their ideas and experiences, enjoy new stories, and learn. To participate in this free program, students follow the guidelines below for their grade level: grades K–2, five books; grades 3–5, three books; and grades 6–12, two books. Visit the Summer Reading Program page for more information and lists of grade-appropriate books.
Prince William Public Library Summer Reading Program:
From June 15-July 15, the Prince William Public Library offers a summer reading program. The age range for the children’s program is from infant through grade 5, and the age range for the teen program is for students in grades 6-12. To participate in this program, you must register online or download the Beanstack Tracker App. There is no charge for this program. Learn more on the Prince William Public Library website.
Virtual Virginia Summer Session:
Offered by the Virginia Department of Education, Virtual Virginia summer sessions will be offered from June 17-28. Registration is underway and ends June 17. Virtual Virginia is offering 52 online courses including core subjects, world language, and elective courses. The enrollment fee for all students is $375 per student per course. Find a list of the courses offered for summer and summer session FAQs on the Virtual Virginia Summer Session webpage.
The programs below have been shared directly with the families of students to fulfill a specific requirement, need or concern.
Newcomer class for English learners:
The Office of English Learner Programs and Services will offer newcomer classes for high school students who have had a year or less of instruction in U.S. schools. The class focuses on English language learning and includes math and other subjects. This class will be offered to students who meet the criteria. School counselors select the students who meet the criteria for this free class.
Title I Summer Thrive Program:
This is a free program that distributes 50 pre-created packets of reading and math materials to Title I teacher specialists for distribution to families based on school data and the needs and abilities of the students. This year, the packets will be mailed directly to students’ homes. Meetings with parents to discuss the importance of summer learning, review materials, and answer questions will occur virtually.
SunRise Program:
The SunRise Program is a free kindergarten readiness program for children who have not attended preschool or been in a formal daycare setting. Children are selected by their schools. The program will be held July 6-24. SunRise is usually provided at three central-based summer schools in the county. This year, teachers will meet with parents and children between 30 and 60 minutes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on a virtual platform to address kindergarten readiness skills. SunRise also provides parents with information on a variety of other topics, including communication and behavior skills through online videos.
Girls Wearable Tech Camp:
The Girls Wearable Tech Camp is funded through a grant from Qualcomm and will be held virtually July 27-31. The camp is for girls in grades 6-8 who attend Stonewall or Parkside Middle Schools and have been selected by their principals. Each morning and afternoon session will have 10 girls and two teachers. The camp will focus on promoting interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects through engaging activities to lead participants toward taking more computer science electives.
English Learner High School Academy:
The English Learner High School Academy offered by the Office of Student Management and Alternative Programs (OSMAP) will be held June 22-July 31. This free program prepares English learner (EL) students in grades 9-11 to take algebra, geometry, functions, data analysis, and English 9. Students requiring help with English language instruction to succeed in mathematics courses have been chosen for this program.
