• Welcome Note
• High School Specialty Program Promotional Video
• High School Specialty Program Informational Sessions
• High School Specialty Programs Visits to Potomac Shores
• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
• PWCS CTE Transfer Programs
• College Funding Information Parent Night at Potomac Shores
• College Fair Flyer
• ECMC The College Place Information
• Volunteers Needed! 8th Grade Career Day on March 15th
• Contact Information for 8th Grade Counselors and Director

Welcome to 8th grade! There is a lot of information to share as we help your child transition to High School. It may seem early to have this conversation, but we truly believe it's never too early to know what is ahead and to help my students prepare for their futures. The choices and decisions they are making now as 8th graders will affect their High School options.

We will be meeting with 8th-grade classes in November to discuss the Transition to High School and High School Specialty Programs. If you or your child is interested in finding out more information about the programs offered, please attend one of the information sessions below. *Pre-registration is required.

Prince William County Public Schools is pleased to offer a wide range of high school program opportunities for our students. All rising 9th grades will be scheduled for their base high school. If a student would like to participate in a specialty program (either at their base High School or at a school other than their base High School) they MUST apply and be accepted into that program.

In addition to specialty programs, students may apply to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology located in Fairfax, or to the The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, a two-year program for selected high school juniors developed by PWCS, Manassas City, and Manassas Park Public School Divisions in cooperation with George Mason University. The program is located on George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus.

Prince William County-wide general information sessions:

• October 11 @ 7:00 p.m. (virtual) (Register for Zoom Session) offered in English and Spanish
• October 13 @ 7:00 p.m. (virtual)(Register for Zoom Session) offered in English and Spanish
• October 27 @ 7:00 p.m. (virtual) (Register for Zoom Session)
• To request American Sign Language or language interpretation services, please complete this form.

Together WE Will!

Ms. Korman & Mr. Lang

Please check the website for the most updated information, or to double-check dates/times.

Applications are due February 1, 2023, except for Colgan High School which is due December 14th, 2022.

Please visit the Specialty Program Application Process Website to learn more. Applications open on November 1st.

Prince William County-wide general information sessions:

• October 11 @ 7:00 p.m. (virtual) (Register for Zoom Session) offered in English and Spanish
• October 13 @ 7:00 p.m. (virtual)(Register for Zoom Session) offered in English and Spanish
• October 27 @ 7:00 p.m. (virtual) (Register for Zoom Session)
• To request American Sign Language or language interpretation services, please complete this form.

School-Specific Information Sessions:

• AP Scholars Program, Woodbridge High School

1/12/23 @ 6:30 p.m. (in-person WSHS Auditorium)

• Cambridge Programme, Potomac High School

10/26/22 @ 6:30 p.m. (in-person)

1/18/23 @ 6:30 p.m. (in-person)

• Center for Bio Technology and Engineering, Osbourn Park High School

12/6/22 @ 6:30 p.m. (in-person OPHS Auditorium)

1/9/23 @ 6:30 p.m. (in-person OPHS Auditorium)

• Center for Environmental and Natural Sciences, Freedom High School

Dates TBD

• Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Colgan High School

Audition dates: 1/7, 1/14, 1/21(snow date)

***This application will be due in December.

• Center for International Studies and Languages, Hylton High School

1/11/23 @ 7:00 p.m. (in-person)

• Information Technology, Forest Park High School

11/10/22 @ 7:00 p.m. (in-person)

1/19/23 @ 7:00 p.m. (in-person)

• International Baccalaureate Programme, Gar-Field High School

11/14/22 @ 7:00 p.m. (in-person)

1/10/23 @ 7:00 p.m. (in-person)

• Law and Public Saftey, Gar-Field High School

11/14/22 @ 7:00 p.m. (in-person GHFS Auditorium)

1/10/23 @ 7:00 p.m. (in-person GHFS Auditorium)

• Pre-Governor's School, Osbourn Park High School

12/6/22 @ 6:30 p.m. (in-person OPHS Auditorium)

1/9/23 @ 6:30 p.m. (in-person OPHS Auditorium)

Prince William County Public Schools JROTC hosts programs for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines at nine high schools. These leadership education programs are designed to teach leadership skills, character development, self-discipline, and citizenship. Students are encouraged to enter the program in the ninth grade in order to receive the full benefits of the four-year program.

Find out more information here.

Scheduled so far:

Center for Fine and Performing Arts- Colgan High School

• 10/19 in lunches

Cambridge Program- Potomac High School

• 10/27 during 1st period in the Auditorium

Gar-Field High School: IB, Plumbing, Culinary, Law and Public Safety, Environmental Engineering

• 11/1 in lunches

Building Trades- Patriot High School

• 11/1 in lunches

Center for Environmental and Natural Sciences- Freedom High School

• 11/3 in lunches

IB Program- Unity Reed High School

• 11/4 in lunches

Biotech/BioMedical- Osbourn Park High School

• 11/4 in lunches

Advanced Placement Scholars, Aviation Maintenance Programs- Woodbridge High School

• 11/7 in lunches

Information Technology - Forest Park High School

• 11/10 in lunches

The application opens on Monday, October 24 and closes on Friday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m. Please go to their website for the application, eligibility requirements, and any specific questions.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) students explore their career interests while gaining valuable knowledge and skills that prepare them for their career and post-secondary studies. All high schools offer a variety of CTE courses in 8 program areas as well as one or more admission-based CTE programs. Each course includes an opportunity to earn a recognized industry credential.

Please visit the CTE website for additional and the most up-to-date information. The specialty application due date is Feb. 1, 2022. Transportation is provided from an express bus stop.

• Information Nights
• TBD

Automotive Technology- Hylton High School

• Information Nights
• 11/1/22 @ 7:00 p.m.
• 1/11/23 @ 7:00 p.m.

Aviation Maintenance- Woodbridge High School

• Information Nights
• 11/16/22 @ 6:30 p.m. in WSHS Auditorium
• 1/12/23 @ 6:30 p.m. in WSHS Auditorium

Biomedical Sciences-Osbourn Park High School

• Information Nights
• 12/6/22 @ 6:30 p.m. in OPHS Auditorium
• 1/9/23 @ 6:30 p.m. in OPHS Auditorium

Building Trades- Patriot High School

• Information Nights
• 11/15/22 @ 6:00 p.m.
• 1/10/23 @ 6:00 p.m.

Cabinetmaking- Hylton High school

• Information Nights
• 11/1/22 @ 7:00 p.m.
• 1/11/23 @ 7:00 p.m.

Cosmetology- Woodbridge High School (11th and 12th grade only)

• Information Nights
• 11/16/22 @ 6:30 p.m.
• 1/12/23 @ 6:30 p.m.

Culinary Arts- Gar-Field High School (11th and 12th grade only)

• Information Nights
• 11/16/22 @ 6:30 p.m.
• 1/12/23 @ 6:30 p.m.

Cybersecurity-Potomac High School

• Information Nights
• 11/14/22 @ 7:00 p.m.
• 1/10/23 @ 7:00 p.m.

Electricity- Unity Reed High School

• Information Nights
• 11/16/22 @ 6:30 p.m.
• 1/12/23 @ 6:30 p.m.

Firefighting- Unity Reed High School (12th grade only)

• Information Nights
• 11/16/22 @ 6:30 p.m.
• 1/12/23 @ 6:30 p.m.

Medical Coding/Billing- Freedom High School

• Information Nights
• TBD

Pharmacy Technician- Freedom High School

• Information Nights
• TBD

Plumbing- Gar-Field High School

• Information Nights
• 11/14/22 @ 7:00 p.m.
• 1/10/23 @ 7:00 p.m.

Practical Nursing- Osbourn Park High School (12th grade only)

• Information Nights
• TBD

T.V. Productions- Hylton High School

• Information Nights
• 11/1/22 @ 7:00 p.m.
• 1/11/23 @ 7:00 p.m.

Welding- Potomac High School

• Information Nights
• 10/26/22 @ 7:00 p.m.
• 1/18/23 @ 7:00 p.m.

ECMC The College Place-Richmond partners with local high schools and community service organizations to help people of all ages pursue opportunities for education beyond high school. We provide information, assistance, and encouragement to help individuals achieve their education goals. To us, “college” means any form of post-secondary education beyond high school, that includes career and technical education programs, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, apprenticeships, military and the workforce. We provide workshops, trainings, and individualized post-secondary support for schools, community-based organizations, and youth-serving groups to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and resources to pursue their dreams of career success.

Understanding Federal and State Financial Aid: Comprehensive overview of all the federal and state financial aid available to students in VA for pursuing education after high school

October 5 @ 4pm

https://ecmc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrf-uprzIoGdfd0eilusOJKuETllMgnzZF

CTE Opportunities in VA: Learn about career and technical education in VA and some programs that offer training for short-term credentials in in-demand career fields for little to no-cost for most Virginians.

October 6 @ 5pm

https://ecmc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMud-2uqj4jG9y3Ct1WgBVP-xqL6iCCXt5y

Preparing for College for Middle School Parents: Helpful information for supporting middle school students through career exploration and helpful information about preparing for college admissions and paying for college.

October 7 @ 4pm

https://ecmc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkf-2oqjgpHNZEn-0FHf6ksozTMwV4p6jm

Accessing College as Student with a Disability: Insight into the higher education for students with disabilities, with information on student advocacy and appropriate academic adjustments.

October 7 @ 5pm

https://ecmc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwpfuyupzsrGteHc7OvK3tnFje01QSC0S3e

Reminder: Visit the new ECMC The College Place-Richmond resource webpage for program updates, college prep resources, and workshop recordings! Check it out and let us know what you think: https://sites.google.com/view/tcprichmond/home

Potomac Shores Middle School will be hosting our 2nd Annual Career Fair this year on

March 15th from 8:30- 10:30!

We will be looking for parents that would be willing to share their careers with our 8th-grade Seahawks. If already interested in participating, feel free to reach out to Ms. Korman and she will add your name to share additional information as soon as we have it!