AMAZING TEACHERS

Prince William Teacher Debuts 'Snow Monkey' Comic Book

Comic writer Jason Shaw displays a preview of "Snow Monkey" issue 1, with the Aaron Bartling cover, and Red5's Free Comic Day edition, at Fair Winds Brewing Co., April 27.
Jason Shaw, Osbourn Park English teacher, will celebrate his comic debut with the release “Snow Monkey,” issue no. 1 on May 7, with a book signing at Comics & Gaming in Gainesville …
Deb Hansen (center) and fellow actors attending Atlantic Acting School are on their way to see "Awesome 80s Prom," in New York City.

Changing Directions : Local Theater Director Deb Hansen Encourages Everyone to Play their Part 

Hansen decided to direct the musical “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play,” but not in the traditional manner. Rather than having the cast of 19 adults and four children just stand at microphones, Hansen plans to have them move about the intimate space.

An Epic Journey: Haymarket teacher’s poetic anthology weaves myth and modernity

Michele Evans of Haymarket debuts "Purl" at an intimate book reading.

In the Ancient Greek epic poem “The Odyssey,” Odysseus’ men strap him to the mast of the ship so he could hear the sirens’ song without being enticed and lured into a watery …

AMAZING STUDENTS

Gainesville Student Launches Sports Photography Business

Gainesville High School sophomore Aided Munoz was inspired after taking Photography I with Julianne Huddleston. She took that education further, learning from her grandfather, a professional photographer, and teaching herself as much as she could about cameras before enrolling in Photography II. 
At senior nationals, Sarah Everhardt finished third in the free skate competition with a total of 130.16 points. She was sixth in the short program with a score of 63.21 points.

Anonymous No More: Meet Battlefield Ice-Skating Star Sarah Everhardt

Sarah Everhardt has a secret identity. Most people who attend Battlefield High School with the young woman, do not realize she is a world-class ice skater.

Bristow youth athlete Jeremy Pierce displays 'All Star Energy'

Jeremy Pierce, 13, of Bristow, a rising eighth-grader at Gainesville Middle School is a national caliber youth lacrosse player and multi-sport athlete, who also plays football, runs track and has a second-degree black belt in martial arts.

Driven: Teen finds his voice – and speed – on the track 

Anthony Louis

In the high-speed world of competitive go-kart racing, where many drivers are backed by sponsors and trucks packed with mechanics, 15-year-old Anthony Louis shows up with a canopy, a pickup truck and something far more valuable: raw talent and relentless drive.

Education News
Public, charter, or private? How your pick changes your child’s special education rights
Understood reports that choosing a school for a neurodivergent child affects their special education rights. 
Still getting emails from your old job? You're not alone
Sagiss reports that 79% of former employees retain access to work accounts post-employment, risking sensitive data exposure. 
Despite rise of AI, more skilled trades training needed, industry leaders say
The 74 reports that despite AI's rise, industry leaders urge enhanced training for skilled trades, highlighting a need for 1.7 million workers annually.
3D printer safety in classrooms: 8 ways to protect students
UL Research Institutes reports on 3D printer safety in classrooms, outlining 8 tips to reduce exposure to hazardous pollutants generated during printing.
Once globally preeminent, US universities are sliding into decline
The Hechinger Report reports that U.S. universities, once global leaders, face a decline due to funding cuts, fewer international students, and rising competition from abroad.

Where AI could reshape the most jobs

SmartAsset reports that some U.S. states face high job exposure to AI disruption, with Washington at 5.7% and Mississippi at 1.9%.

All eyes on flag football: Two new Army teams honor 80-year legacy ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut

(BPT) - Key takeawaysEighty years after Soldiers at Fort Meade, Maryland, invented "touch and tail," the Army launched its first men's and women's flag football teams through its All-Army Sports …

Online career training is growing – does it work?

The Hechinger Report reports on the growth of online career training programs, noting varied student experiences and concerns about their effectiveness and oversight.

Small business & Entrepreneurship
45% of execs limit human AI oversight to high-stakes work, or don't have any oversight at all
Zapier reports that 45% of executives limit human oversight of AI to high-stakes work, with many giving AI full autonomy, risking costly mistakes.
How to do payroll: A step-by-step guide for small business owners
Mercury reports on essential payroll steps for small businesses, covering calculations, deductions, compliance, and the importance of payroll software to avoid errors.
Year-end checklist for small businesses: 15 steps to start in November
Intuit QuickBooks reports that one in three U.S. adults plan to start a business in 2026. 
Could your side hustle survive going viral?
InCorp reports that sudden viral success can overwhelm unprepared small businesses. 
Thanksgiving economics: How one holiday moves a season's worth of spending
Plus500 reports Thanksgiving significantly impacts economic trends, with rising travel and retail sales. 2026 expects 5.5% retail growth, driven partly by higher prices.
Schools and education information

Beyond the classroom: How learning and AI fuel entrepreneurship

(BPT) - Artificial intelligence is changing the rules of entrepreneurship, breaking down traditional barriers and opening new doors for aspiring business owners. This National Entrepreneurship Month, …

A smarter social plan for Small Business Saturday and beyond

(BPT) - Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28) celebrates the 36,207,130 small businesses in the U.S. that give communities character and form the backbone of the American economy. For business owners, it …

The hidden workforce behind American manufacturing

(BPT) - Discussions about strengthening domestic production typically focus on factory infrastructure, supply chain resilience and sourcing raw materials. Often left out of the conversation is the …

Every Child Deserves a Great Education

Every Child Deserves a Great Education
(NewsUSA) - A parent should never be afraid to walk into their child’s school. Yet nearly one in five Hispanic parents say they have skipped or avoided a school event in the past year because of …
Education & Careers

Five Army Veterans Show How Soldiers Make an Impact After Service

(BPT) - Key takeawaysMore than 8 million military Veterans work in the U.S. civilian workforce today.U.S. Army Veterans possess a unique skill set of adaptability, resilience, leadership, teamwork, …

Superintendent churn comes with a cost for students

The 74 reports that stable leadership in school districts leads to improved student performance, with districts like Compton Unified benefitting from consistent leadership.

What research shows about studying techniques and recall

Quizlet reports that research shows self-testing improves memory retention more than rereading materials, despite students feeling more confident when rereading.

Most afterschool programs offer STEM learning, but rural students lack access

The 74 reports that while most afterschool programs offer STEM learning, rural students face limited access, with only 39% participating frequently compared to urban peers.

When this small town was given $1 million, child care was the top priority

The Hechinger Report reports that Seward, Alaska, prioritized child care after receiving a $1 million donation, boosting licensed slots by 150% to support local families.

Bring History to Life with Experiences That Feel Real

(Feature Impact) Reading books and watching documentaries can be good ways to learn about history, but there's something particularly meaningful about immersive experiences that allow you to step inside the stories that shaped the world.

5 Ways to Make a Difference in Your Community

(Feature Impact) For individuals looking to make a difference where they live, community involvement doesn't have to start with a large commitment. Consider these five options to get involved.

Where Curiosity Builds Trade Skills: 5 Ways to Help Kids Discover the Skilled Trades

(Feature Impact) Parents, educators and mentors can encourage young people to broaden their horizons as they plan their futures and build awareness around careers in the skilled trades with these tips.

CAREER

Changes in the Labor Market: What to Expect in the Next Quarters of the Year?

Individuals work at computers in a modern office environment.
We have teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to outline the trends, challenges, and opportunities in the labor market in 2023.
PWEA members advocate for fair contracts for teachers via collective bargaining.

PWEA Teacher Claims PWCS Seeks to Curtail Association's Bargaining Power

The Prince William Education Association is working to firmly establish its role in the contract negotiation process, but its leadership alleges Prince William County Schools does not want to concede power to employees beyond what is mandated by the state.

I-66 EMP and SPARK Mark Continued Partnership With Check Presentation

Manassas, Va.  – Symbolizing its steady commitment to supporting education in Prince William County, today I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), builder and operator of the 66 Express …

PWEA Contract Negotiations Bring Teachers New Hope

PWEA members meet to discuss the upcoming school year.

The beginning of the year brings a mix of giddy anxiety, but with unfilled positions, PWCS teachers wonder what they will be up against.