This year's back-to-school feeling will be a lot more normal Wednesday for the more than 7,000 students at nine schools in Manassas City. The school system is launching its new five-year strategic plan focusing on how it can best meet the needs of the students and staff, especially coming off of a very disruptive couple of years.
“These are all of our kids, regardless whether you teach kindergarten or whether you teach 12th grade, whether you are a bus driver or whether you are a custodian. These are all of our kids and we all have an important role to play in their lives," said Executive Director of Student Achievement Craig Gfeller.
Changing and succeeding in any condition is the theme as Manassas City schools open up Wednesday. This year, the school system has hired liaisons to help each of the schools connect with families. Reading and math support teachers have been hired, but like so many school districts, Manassas City does have some challenges with teacher staffing. They say they are still hiring staff and focusing on high-quality teachers and bus drivers.
At Osbourn High School this year, new bathrooms have been installed and crews are currently finishing up the new athletic field.
As far as COVID-19 and returning to classrooms, school leaders do not believe students will see or feel many remnants left over from the pandemic years. Social emotional support has been increased this year, officials say.