Provided by Prince William County Schools (PWCS)
Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community:
The educational success of every student is at the heart of our mission and our PWCS Vision 2025 Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan. Our commitment to learning and achievement for all is grounded in what is referred to as the “instructional core.” This is a focus on the three most critical areas that help improve student learning: teacher, student, and content.
The first focus, teacher, is to determine how student learning is consistently facilitated. The second focus, student engagement, centers on active student participation and interest in learning. Third, course content/curriculum, focuses on what is being taught to provide relevant and rigorous learning.
To ensure consistent implementation of the instructional core across all schools and at all levels, PWCS is training all school-based administrators to conduct “instructional rounds.” This process helps both school and division leaders work together first-hand to improve academic achievement through developing solutions and supports that are most relevant to the classroom. The goal of instructional rounds is to identify common successes that can be replicated as models for other schools, as well as areas that may require further support at the school or Division level.
I have had the opportunity to participate in instructional rounds throughout the School Division, including recently at Unity Reed High School, Woodbridge High School, Beville Middle School, Gainesville Middle School, Parkside Middle School, and Ellis Elementary School. Every school visit provides me with opportunities to meet and collaborate with outstanding school leaders and educators dedicated to improving classroom instruction. I look forward to our continued engagement with instructional rounds at additional schools this year.
Before closing, I want to share that the School Board voted this week to adjust the 2021-22 school calendar, moving the May 3 holiday to May 2. As you may recall, this year’s adopted school calendar incorporated additional holidays reflecting the diversity of the PWCS community. Eid al-Fitr is one of four additional holidays and PWCS planned to observe this holiday on Tuesday, May 3. However, to better support this holiday’s observance, the School Board voted to move the holiday to Monday, May 2.
We are fortunate to have a wonderfully diverse community and are pleased that we can all be respectful and inclusive of varying beliefs and backgrounds. Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D. Superintendent Prince William County Public Schools
