Principal's Advisory Council

I. Welcome and Introductions

• Please remember to sign in using the QR code
• Brief Introductions
  • Adrianna Berk, Chair of Colgan PAC, asked everyone to introduce themselves

II. Chairperson's Time

• Review and Approve May 2025 Minutes
  • Motion to approve May 2025 Minutes - approved with amendments. Corrections included clarification regarding special education program data and proper listing of attendees.
• Description of this Council and goals for 2025/2026
  • The Chairperson of the PAC, Colgan, explained what the PAC is, its requirements for PACs according to PWCS, and how Colgan’s PAC exceeded these requirements when it was reviewed last year. The PAC serves as an open forum for parents and community members to:
    • Discuss schoolwide concerns
    • Stay updated on policies, staffing, and budgets
    • Provide feedback to school leadership

III. School Stakeholder Reports:If you are attending the meeting as a representative of one of these groups, please let the chairperson know prior to the start of the meeting

• CFPA Boosters
  • Successful Back-to-School Bash with more than 15 student performances and a strong turnout
  • Ongoing membership drive and merchandise sales
  • Provided dinner for faculty during Back-to-School Night
  • Fundraising events (e.g., Chick-fil-A, Chipotle nights) will support student travel and senior scholarships.
  • Notable support for the choir’s representation in London and the band's trips.
• Athletic Boosters
  • Transition in leadership due to outgoing officers; new team in place and working closely with new Athletic Director.
  • Supported fall sports season with concessions and events.
  • Continue to fund uniforms, equipment, buses for championships, and student scholarships.
  • Plans for a spring craft fair, following the fall event, which was canceled due to scheduling conflicts and low volunteer turnout.
  • Requesting additional parent volunteers and student helpers to fulfill community service hours.
  • Confirmed percentage of sales from food trucks supports athletic programs. We are working with different options, but at the same time, we need to be mindful of not diluting their possible revenues to keep them engaged.
• SACI (Superintendent's Advisory on Instruction) Report
  • First meeting scheduled for October
  • Claudia Smith will bring back county-level updates and voice concerns from Colgan families. Parents were encouraged to email Claudia with schoolwide issues for discussion at SACI.
  • SACI often receives early information on major initiatives, such as rezoning, budget changes, or capital projects.

IV. Principal's Time

• School Overview and Academic Highlights: Principal reviewed Colgan’s 2024-25 data and emphasized that SOL scores represent only one aspect of school performance. Success is defined by multiple indicators, including academic growth, participation, and school culture.
  • Demographics (as of August 2025)
    • Total students: 2908
    • Students with disabilities: 10.9%
    • English Learners (EL): 5.6%
    • Hispanic: 22.5%, Asian: 11.1%, Black: 18%, White: 39.5%, American Indian/Pacific Islander: 1.1%
  • Performance Data
    • On-time graduation rate: 98.4% (goal: 95%)
    • Chronic absenteeism: 13.16% (decrease of 10.23%)
    • EL dropout rate: 1%
      • Principal noted that students who withdraw during 9th grade or return to another country are still counted in the dropout rate for that cohort.
  • Advanced Coursework
    • AP participation has grown to over 1,000 students. Last year we started new AP courses, such as AP Seminar (available to 10th graders), AP Precalculus, and AP African American Studies. Students continue to perform well in advanced courses and SOLs.
  • Science Curriculum Update
    • All students must take one science SOL under federal guidelines. The state now requires all Biology students to test, while Earth Science is being phased out. Students not yet ready for Biology are placed in Environmental Science, which serves as an accessible introduction for EL and other students.
• Introduction to the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP):
  • Aligned with the Division Strategic Plan, Colgan will focus on four primary goals:
    • 1. Increase Reading SOL pass rate for Students with Disabilities (SWD)
      • Target: Raise pass rate in self-contained English 11 from 38% to 50%.
      • 100% of SWD in English 11 will receive evidence-based instructional strategies.
    • 2. Increase Graduation Rate for English Learners (EL)
      • EL students are closely monitored throughout the year, with early interventions for academic or credit issues.
    • 3. Support 9th-Grade Success and Retention
      • Last year, 14 students were retained; this year’s goal is no more than 10.
      • Focus on early identification of students struggling to transition to high school.
    • 4. Strengthen 9th-Grade Student Relationships with Trusted Adults
      • Gallup Poll and EOS (Equal Opportunity Schools) surveys are used to assess whether students feel supported by staff.
      • A pilot mentorship program is being implemented to connect more 9th graders with caring adults.
  • CIP committees of staff, administration, and parents will meet regularly to review progress.
• New School Year Updates
  • School Climate and Culture Highlights
    • Celebrations and Recognitions
      • Colgan was recently featured in local media alongside robotics, cheer, and band programs, with strong engagement from the community and School Board Chair.
    • Cell Phone Policy
      • Implementation has been very successful.
      • Fewer infractions; students are more engaged during lunch and class transitions.
      • Teachers report improved consistency and focus in classrooms.
    • Back-to-School Night
      • Attendance was lighter than previous years, and parking challenges were noted.
    • Facilities and Staffing
      • Capacity: Currently operating at 142% capacity (2,908 students vs. 2,100 building capacity).
      • Classrooms: Every available space, including staff dining areas, is in use; 35 teachers are “floating” between rooms.
      • Staffing: Overall staffing remains strong despite regional shortages.
      • Budget: Final student count (as of September 30) will determine budget allocations.
      • Redistricting: Expected discussions will resume as the opening of the 14th high school has been delayed again.
  • Graduation 2026
    • Date: Friday, May 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM
    • Location: EagleBank Arena
    • Tickets: Each graduate will receive 10 tickets (venue capacity: ~7,000).
    • Parent survey results were slightly in favor of EagleBank; Friday evening is considered a prime time slot.
    • Time slots will rotate among schools in future years

V. Round Table Time: Presentation Discussion

• Virtual/Hybrid Meeting Options: Mixed feedback was received, with several parents preferring in-person meetings for engagement, while one parent noted that virtual options improve accessibility for working parents. Hybrid model (in-person + online viewing) will be explored.
• One of the upcoming meetings falls during a day off for students. School is open, though it’s a student holiday; PAC voted to hold the meeting.
• Communication Issues: Some families did not receive SchoolStatus messages or Senior website updates. Parents are encouraged to verify contact settings and notify the administration if issues persist.
• ASL Accommodation Concerns: The removal of an ASL interpreter was raised. The administration clarified that this was a Central Office ADA decision, not a school-level one. The interpreter remains in place through the end of the month while technology-based accommodations are reviewed.
• Graduation Theme: To be discussed at a later meeting.
• Student Participation: Parents are encouraged to bring students to future PAC meetings to share their perspectives.

VI. Open Comments

• a time to bring up issues for discussion for our next meeting- Open discussion of the issue will be limited until appropriate information can be gathered.

Meeting adjourned at 8:35pm

I. Welcome and Introductions

• Please remember to sign in using the QR code
• Brief Introductions
  • Adrianna Berk, Chair of Colgan PAC, introduced Colgan’s Administrators present at the meeting and welcomed everyone to introduce themselves briefly.

II. Chairperson's Time

• Review and Approve September 2025 Minutes
  • Motion to approve September 2025 Minutes - approved with changes to clarify “Graduation 2026” wording.
• School Stakeholder Reports
  • SACI
    • Our first meeting got off to a full-throttle start with a Vision 2030 work session. Representatives gathered at several tables to brainstorm priorities. Strong themes arose, such as:
      • More project-based/inquiry learning; balance screens with pen-and-paper and hands-on work.
      • Life skills (finance, time management) and responsible AI use.
      • Behavior/discipline consistency; restorative practices; belonging.
    • Dual Enrollment: division working to expand offerings with NOVA, including UCGS (30 credits) pathways.
    • History verified credit: portfolios/inquiry tasks can meet verified-credit requirement (SOL still a possibility).
    • Calendar survey for 2026–27 is open; members are encouraged to submit feedback.
    • Next SACI meeting in November will have the Superintendent present the “State of the Schools.” Members may funnel questions to the SACI rep.
  • Athletic Boosters
    • Fundraisings are ongoing; the Boosters are partnering with the new Activities Director (Mr. Wooten).
    • Football game attendance is strong
  • CFPA
    • Supporting CK’s memorial service (snacks/food for participating students).
    • Zombie Prom musical (Thu–Sat): concessions support; volunteers welcome.
    • CFPA Info Night: providing staff dinner.
    • Trunk-or-Treat: Oct 24 (boosters supplying candy).
    • Targeting Oct 27 for first in-person boosters meeting (TBD room/time; watch web/socials).
  • Student Leadership
    • Supporting Trunk-or-Treat and CFPA promo on social media
  • Others

III. Principal's Time

Dr. Healey, Principal at Colgan HS, presented the following

• Enrollment and Demographics
  • The September 30 official count showed a decrease of 9 students year-over-year; grade sizes show uneven enrollments (larger 10th vs. 9th/11th/12th).
  • Economically disadvantaged is now over 25% for the first time (actuals are likely higher due to under-submitted forms, so characteristic of high schools more so than other grade schools).
• Senior Class
  • Here is some data gathered on the prior senior class’s (Class of 2025) planned pathways at graduation (Note: “Anticipated” reflects self-reported plans from senior exit data (spring). Actual fall outcomes can shift due to summer melt, changed finances, or late decisions):
  • 55% intended to enroll at a 4-year college/university
  • 32% intended to enroll at a 2-year/community college, and
  • The remaining ~13% reported workforce, military, gap year, apprenticeships, or undecided.
  • Top College Destinations
    • The most common matriculations were VCU, GMU, and JMU, with graduates also heading to 100+ additional colleges nationwide. This indicates broad placement beyond a few in-state favorites and suggests a diverse range of academic/financial fit choices.
• Events And Operations
  • Homecoming weekend was successful; about 1,700 students attended the dance.
  • PSAT Day (9th –11th graders) this Thursday; seniors asynchronous.
  • Student laptops: Windows 11 rollout caused issues on older devices; the county is reimaging the laptops that need it back to Windows 10, and swaps are in progress.
  • Instructional Rounds (walkthroughs looking for schoolwide trends) are scheduled for the following Monday.
  • Trunk-or-Treat: school-run activities across Oct 23–24; CFPA event on Oct 24.
  • Check-in conferences: Mon, Nov 3, 8:30–10:30 AM (drop-in, just 5 minutes per teacher).
  • Campus wildlife: a juvenile fox was frequently spotted; the central office/animal control was notified. Students should not approach it.
• Student support for the recent bereavement: Following a student’s passing, the division’s crisis team provided additional counselors to our school. By family request, Colgan’s choir and guard will participate in the memorial, with staff support and parent permissions.

IV. Round Table Time: Presentation/Discussion

• Virtual Meeting Options and Discussion
  • Hybrid meeting option: Group agreed to pilot a virtual listen-in option (Teams/Zoom) in addition to in-person.
    • Not recorded; join link distributed by email, sign up to manage access.
    • Chat/hand-raise moderated; camera shows the room (no speaker tracking yet).
    • Soft launch next meeting and expand if it works smoothly.

V. Open Comments

• ASL teacher accommodation: handled by the division ADA office; the county is trialing alternative supports (principal to update when known and able).
• Homecoming logistics
  • Temperature/HVAC struggled with large crowds—the school will request a lower set-point for future dances.
  • Traffic flow tweak suggested: keep water near the main floor; move lemonade to the other hall to reduce bottlenecks.
• Book challenges: students asked about student voice in the review process. The principal explained that current regulations require the review and is a division-governed process. Therefore, changes cannot be started at the school level.
• Dress code: no current changes; students encouraged to route proposals via Student Voice Committee/School Board student rep.
• A parent commented that Federal employees may see delayed checks pending resolution (for awareness only).
• Future agenda request: Presentation on SEL/mental health supports & suicide prevention: what Colgan and PWCS provide, how families can access help. (Admin to schedule.)

I. Welcome and Introductions

• Please remember to sign in using the QR code
• Brief Introductions
  • Adrianna Berk, Chair of Colgan PAC, introduced Colgan's administrators present at the meeting and welcomed everyone to briefly introduce themselves.

II. Chairperson's Time

• Review and Approve October 2025 Minutes
  • Motion to approve October 2025 Minutes approved
• School Stakeholder Reports
  • SACI
    • Our second meeting will take place after this one. Therefore, we will have a longer report from SACI at our next meeting. On October 13, 2025, Dr. McDade will present the State of Schools.
  • PTSO
    • PTSO is working on selling all of their ornaments
  • Athletic Boosters
    • They are actively working on membership after the low numbers they had after Covid.
  • CFPA
    • Nothing to report
  • Student Leadership
    • Kareena Grover represented the Student Leadership
      • Colgan High School celebrated its first-ever student representative to the School Board, Kareena.
      • Kareena shared her experience in the role, emphasizing her goal of amplifying student voices, particularly students who may be hesitant to speak up. She described participation in Student Voice Committee meetings as a meaningful and empowering experience.
      • Kareena announced a Student Voice Committee Q&A with Superintendent Dr. McDade, scheduled after school (2:30–3:30 PM). The session is open to all students and adults, with no registration required, to maintain accessibility and a safe environment. The event aims to encourage student engagement and discussion, including topics such as cell phone use and school climate.
  • Others

III. Principal's Time

• Dr. Healey, Principal at Colgan HS, presented the Budget and Enrollment update

• • • Budget Updates
      • Enrollment and Funding
        • Actual student enrollment exceeded projections by approximately 24 students, resulting in additional funding.
        • The school’s adopted allocation was approximately $30.5 million, with an actual budget of about $30.8 million, yielding an increase of roughly $276,000, most of which is already allocated to instruction.
        • Colgan carried over approximately 1% of its budget, consistent with division guidelines and sound fiscal practice.
      • Budget Structure
        • Approximately 91–92% of the high school budget is allocated to staffing.
        • Additional funds were largely reinvested into staffing, including the creation of extra course sections to manage class size.
        • Some teachers voluntarily teach a sixth section, receiving additional compensation, which helps avoid reshuffling student schedules later in the year.
      • Staffing and Program Considerations
        • Hiring challenges in certain subject areas (e.g., Science and Business) were discussed, including certification constraints.
        • Central Office funds Teachers for Tomorrow classes as part of the division’s strategic plan.
        • Colgan’s stable, high enrollment supports proactive staffing decisions, unlike schools experiencing enrollment declines.
      • Facilities, Capital Improvements, and Crowding
        • Colgan is currently over capacity by approximately 800 students, primarily due to the original boundary design rather than specialty programs.
        • While the building remains in good condition, crowding impacts hallways, traffic flow, and teacher planning space.
        • The school utilizes multiple trailers; the possibility of replacing them with modular classroom units was discussed as a long-term option.
        • Capital improvements such as turf replacement, LED lighting, and major renovations are managed at the county level.
        • The division has worked to make capital improvement decisions more equity-driven, prioritizing older schools with greater needs.
    • SOL Updates
      • The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has approved higher SOL cut scores for English and Math, though implementation details are still pending.
      • A phased-in approach is under consideration to avoid sudden impacts on students, with the current year proposed as a transition year.
      • A new designation,“Approaching,”may count as passing for graduation and accreditation during the phase-in period.
      • These changes would primarily affect current 10th-grade and younger students.
      • The district is addressing increased rigor through continued investment in High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). 
    • Instructional Resources and Student Support, a group discussion based on questions
      • All high school students have free access to Khan Academy, including SAT-linked test preparation.
      • The school plans to expand awareness and use of Khan Academy, particularly for juniors preparing for the in-school SAT.
      • Discussion included the benefits of integrating test prep during the school day versus after-school sessions to improve access and participation.
      • Varsity Tutors and other division-provided academic supports were highlighted as underutilized but valuable resources.
    • Flex Time and Advisory Update and Discussion
      • Ongoing discussion continues regarding the structure and consistency of Flex/Advisory time.
      • Feedback indicated variation in how flex time is used across classrooms, leading to student confusion.
      • A committee, potentially leveraging the Student Voice Committee, will be formed to review flex models used at other schools and recommend improvements.

  IV. Round Table Time: Presentation/Discussion

  V. Open Comments

  • • • The School Board has approved a new grading policy, including guidance on late work and retakes.
      • The accompanying regulation outlining implementation details has not yet been finalized.
      • Teachers are required to clearly communicate any grading changes to students and families and obtain administrative approval before implementation.
      • Concerns were raised about inconsistency across classes; further clarification and communication are forthcoming.
      • The PTSO was recognized for ongoing support of staff, including providing breakfasts for teachers.
      • Community questions addressed crowding, boundaries, facilities, grading, and student support resources.
      • Families were encouraged to submit future agenda items via email.
      • Meeting adjourned with appreciation for continued parent, student, and staff engagement.

  Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm

  Remember to sign in using the QR Code if you haven't already

  **Next meeting: Monday, January 12, 2025 at 7pm in the Colgan Library**

  The January PAC meeting will feature the Director of School Counseling, who will focus on student mental health supports. No December PAC meeting will be held.

I. Welcome and Introductions

• Please remember to sign in using the QR code
• Brief Introductions
  • Adrianna Berk, Chair of Colgan PAC, introduced Colgan’s Administrators present at the meeting and welcomed everyone to briefly introduce themselves.

II. Chairperson's Time

• Review and Approve November 2025 Minutes
  • Motion to approve November 2025 Minutes- approved
• School Stakeholder Reports
  • SACI
    • There were three sets of Superintendent’s Advisory Council on Instruction (SACI) meetings to report on:
      • November SACI: “State of Schools” update; Vision/roadmap toward 2030; innovation and appropriate use of AI.
      • December SACI: district instructional shifts over the last two years (less memorization/multiple choice; more critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, evidence-based reasoning; longer written tasks/projects).
      • January SACI: focus on behavior supports; code of behavior; mental health/MTSS; and a parent exercise on behavior incident coding/decision-making.
    • Technology/security highlights shared
      • Reported extremely high volume of cyberattacks; student data protection emphasized.
      • Reminder: activity on school devices is monitored; reports are reviewed and followed up by school staff.
    • Accreditation update
      • “Conditional accreditation” was described as administrative (not academic) and not affecting diplomas.
      • The Division’s appeal was reported as successful just before today’s meeting; PWCS has received its accreditation restored.
      • The next February meeting will focus on the implementation of the new grading policy approved late last school year. Members encouraged to search “PWCS SACI” to view agendas/presentations/annual report.
  • PTSO
    • Nothing to report
  • Athletic Boosters
    • Next meeting announced:3rd Wednesday at 7:00 PM in Room 1405B (near the gym).
    • Call for volunteers/new board participation as some long-time volunteers are transitioning out.
  • CFPA
    • Update relayed from Erica McPherson, Boosters President:
      • Auditions upcoming: January 17 and January 24.
      • Volunteer opportunities posted online/social media.
      • Scholarship applications open: $1,000 awards; criteria include service, volunteerism, extracurriculars, teacher evaluations, and written responses reflecting character.
      • Tree planting project ongoing in memory of Candace King (more details to come).
      • Contact infor to be included in notes
  • Student Leadership
    • Student(s) raised the following concerns and/or updated the Council as follows:
      • There are still grading concerns after analyzing the changes. Students expressed appreciation for the principal’s email communication, which helped reduce anxiety about the mid-year changes. Concerns range from grade inflation to incorrect averages between two quarters to the value of taking a final exam if there will not be any visible effects on the final grade.
      • There was a positive reaction to the Vision 2030 presentation at the school board.
      • Ongoing concerns/questions on rezoning, fully understanding AI implementation, and timing of related courses.
      • Countywide student leadership outreach: middle school workshops (leadership development), exploring expansion to elementary, and a “quiet leadership” initiative to engage less-visible student leaders.
  • Others

III. Principal's Time

• This time was postponed, allowing additional time for our guest presenters.

IV. Round Table Time: Presentation/Discussion

• Claire Handville, Director of School Counseling- Counseling Services for Students
  • Counseling & Student Support Services Overview
    • The counseling team presented a handout outlining services and explained the following key points:
      • 12 caseload counselors, plus a college/career counselor, school social worker, school psychologist, and Horizon therapist support.
        • Services grouped into three main "buckets":
          • Individual counseling: academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary planning.
          • Classroom lessons: grade-level lessons embedded in classes (e.g., suicide awareness, bullying prevention, planning topics).
          • Small groups: each counselor runs at least two groups (approx. 8 students; 4–6 weeks; ~45 minutes/session), based on student/parent needs assessments and referrals.
        • Family engagement events are held throughout the year (celebrations and informational nights).
        • Short-term counseling with referrals to community providers as needed.
        • Strong focus on new-student 9th-grade transition supports (not just first-day orientation).
  • Q&A on Counseling/Student Supports
    • Regarding classes taught by the Counseling department and those students who might have missed those push-in classes: For students not in the “push-in” class, make-up sessions are offered multiple times to ensure students still receive the required lessons.
    • Ambassadors Program: Transition supports discussed for students coming from private school, homeschool, or overseas moves are still needed, beyond the assistance provided to English Learners (EL) students through the Ambassadors Program, or to the military-affiliated students through the Purple Club:
      • Existing student ambassadors support was described for English Learners only.
      • Parents suggested expanding “ambassador” style supports to other groups (e.g., international/foreign service families who don’t fit EL or military categories).
      • Staff acknowledged the suggestion and discussed the potential expansion.
    • Identification of students needing help and how this happens:
      • Referrals from students, parents, teachers, and counseling check-ins during academic advising.
      • Tip line discussed: Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (anonymous reporting; can trigger rapid response, including law enforcement for urgent threats, if warranted).
    • 9th-grade connection/trusted adult initiative:
      • Survey data showed that 9th graders reported lower levels of “adults care about me” than older students, even though all reported levels seem quite high.
      • The school filtered students who did not identify a trusted adult and created a staff mentoring/check-in program (teachers/counselors/librarian volunteers) to build relationships and connect students to activities.
  • Grading Policy/Gradebook Updates
    • The principal explained the division's context:
      • The school board adopted a new grading policy, while detailed regulations to implement it are still being developed; schools are balancing existing regulatory practices with the new policy direction.
    • Grade display/rounding changes:
      • Reported that many grades changed due to a system/rounding adjustment; teachers were required to manually align Marking Period 1 grades back to the originally posted grades where needed.
      • Moving forward, grades display with two decimal places and do not auto-round by default (teacher discretion may still apply in certain cases).
    • Quality points explanation (as presented):
      • “Quality points” are used to make grade ranges more “equitable” and reduce the disproportionate impact of very low early grades on recovery across the year.
      • Clarified distinction: quality points are not the same thing as GPA, and GPA calculation itself was described as unchanged.
    • Senior reassurance
      • Principal stated grades would be verified, and transcripts/GPA reporting would proceed appropriately, with internal checks before transcript submission.
    • Open items/questions noted for follow-up (some directed to SACI):
      • Whether final exam exemption rules may change under new regulations.
      • Whether SOL test performance will be incorporated into course grades next year and how that will be structured (percentages/details not yet finalized, per discussion).
      • Need for clearer guidance/consistency if teacher discretion remains, past this year. One parent noted that the discretionary decision about whether to round is counterintuitive to prioritizing a more standardized PWCS.

V. Open Comments

• Business partnerships: question raised about listed partners (e.g., “Dunkin’ Donuts,” Hylton Performing Arts Center—per transcript) and what they mean for students; tabled for a future report due to time left in this meeting.
• Local development rumors: A question was raised about a possible data center near the school; no confirmed information was shared during the meeting or with our school. The administration noted that some nearby land is protected.
• AI (artificial intelligence) rollout questions:
  • Questions were raised about upcoming AI tools (including “Copilot,” referenced as the starting point for this year’s HS students) and how and when student training modules would be delivered.
  • Notes suggested training would be self-paced in Canvas, but timeline/details were not fully confirmed during the meeting.

I. Welcome and Introductions

• Please remember to sign in using the QR code
• Brief Introductions
  • Adrianna Berk, Chair of Colgan PAC, introduced Colgan's Administrators present at the meeting and welcomed everyone to briefly introduce themselves.

II. Chairperson's Time

• Review and Approve January 2026 Minutes
  • Motion to approve January 2026 minutes was approved.
• School Stakeholder Reports
  • SACI
    • Claudia shared questions/concerns to bring to an upcoming Thursday SACI meeting focused on the new grading system, including:
      • Averaging issue: System appears to average using the top/bottom of a range rather than “in-between” values. For example, if 3.5 and 4.0 both count as an “A,” when averaging, the system may not reflect any number in between, but only one or the other.
      • Motivation/impact concerns: High-performing students may be pulled down; mid-range may benefit; uncertainty about impacts on student behavior and achievement, as explained by one of the math-centered students who has been analyzing the data.
      • Final exam value question: If semester/year averages compress into ranges, does a final exam meaningfully affect the final grade?
      • Communication/rollout: Desire for clearer guidance materials (e.g., a one-pager) rather than a single long email; the community would like clearer communication before the year started; concerns about the “train has left the station,” but stakeholders still want clearer support and a better rollout process in the future.
  • Athletic Boosters
    • Winter sports concessions and team requests are wrapping up.
    • Spring season is approaching; boosters need volunteers to staff the concession stand
    • Boosters are working to ensure concession procedures are clear and consistent
    • Action: Tim/Melissa to forward booster update details to Claudia for inclusion in written minutes and sharing
  • Student Leadership
    • Limited activity due to snow-related interruption
    • AI training/course released; concerns and confusion reported
    • Reduce time for implementation due to the snow week
    • Some students did not complete it; unclear consequences
    • Positive note: a recent student engagement event, described as “career”-type, went well, with strong participation and engagement from underclassmen.

III. Principal's Time

• Recognition and school pride: Dr. Healey shared that a 2020 Colgan graduate (Lea Crigger) performed as a dancer in the Super Bowl halftime show and recently led a master class with students.
• Regarding last month’s question about our school’s business partners, Dr. Healey reviewed the formal list that PWCS maintains and Colgan’s listed partners include (as discussed):
  • Performing Arts Center partner providing activities/shows (general description)
  • Lockheed Martin (donations, workplace learning experiences, internships, pathways that can support students financially)
  • Prince William County Service Authority (support items such as reusable water bottles; also student-supportive initiatives)
  • Additional partners mentioned (e.g., management group, sound studio partnership with music students)
• Discussion noted the difference between formal “business partners” (official process) vs. recurring community partners/externship sites that support students annually.
• Dr. Healey noted the division also has a larger CTE partner list (countywide) used for externships.

• School Performance and Support Framework
  • Administration provided a handout and overview based on last year’s cohort data:
    • Colgan was in the “Distinguished” category (90+ points).
    • Out of 13 PWCS high schools, several were distinguished; others were on track; two were off track but close.
    • Colgan scored 91.5 overall with component breakdown shared (mastery, graduation, readiness).
  • Notes from discussion
    • “Bonus points” can push categories above the nominal maximum (e.g., advanced performance).
    • English Learner progress measurement is based on WIDA testing; small subgroup sizes can create large swings.
    • Reminder: many indicators are cohort-based, so improvements may take years to appear in the data.
• Budget and School Updates
  • Dr. Healey summarized the superintendent’s proposed budget and emphasized PWCS is redesigning the school funding model.
  • Main themes described
    • Simplifying allocation rules, improving transparency/understanding
    • Clarifying school-level flexibility and “guardrails”
    • Reducing administrative burden so school leaders can focus on instruction.
  • Colgan enrollment projection shared
    • Colgan projected slightly higher next year (about +53 students mentioned).
  • Budget process timeline referenced
    • School budgets due February 18
    • School Board approval target March 18
    • Board of County Supervisors approval target April 21
  • Discussion touched on capacity, the cancellation of the previously discussed new high school plan, and ongoing conversations around program expansions and other strategies (vs. boundary changes).
• Facilities/Space Needs (discussion)
  • Dr. Healey noted interest in maintaining facilities as the building ages (e.g., turf lifecycle, cafeteria seating wear).
  • Student/parent comments raised concerns about CFPA space constraints, especially dance studio capacity, and the challenge of growth in program enrollment.

IV. Round Table Time: Presentation/Discussion

V. Open Comments

• AI Training Implementation (PWCS)
  • Clarified that the county required a self-paced AI training course, and the school will follow up with students who have not completed training; plan to track completion and report progress later.
  • Colgan’s implementation choice was to assign this training as homework to avoid consuming more instructional time after the snow disruptions.
  • Reported issues/concerns:
    • No clear county-level consequence for non-completion.
    • Students/parents raising concerns (including at least one parent’s request to opt out).
    • Schools cannot simply disable access for non-completers or for individual opt-out requests
• Website Blocking on School Laptops (AP Seminar/AP Research)
  • A student representative raised concern that research topics (e.g., school shootings, gaming topics like Fortnite) are blocked on school devices, limiting productive class research time.
  • Request: consider allowing approved exceptions for certain courses/students or allowing students to use personal devices for research.
• Virtual Learning During Snowstorms
  • Question raised about why virtual learning is not used for snow days.
  • Response included:
    • PWCS has built-in snow days; within state-required instructional levels.
    • Equity concerns: uneven home internet access.
    • Ongoing psychological/engagement challenges from COVID-era virtual learning.
    • Virtual learning considered more when closures exceed built-in days.

I. Welcome and Introductions

• Please remember to sign in using the QR code
• Brief Introductions

II. Chairperson's Time

• Review and Approve February 2026 Minutes
• School Stakeholder Reports
  • SACI
  • PTSO
  • Athletic Boosters
  • CFPA
  • Student Leadership
  • Others

III. Principal's Time

• Updates
• AP data from 2025 school year and upcoming information

IV. Round Table Time: Presentation/Discussion

V. Open Comments

• a time to bring up issues for discussion for our next meeting- Open discussion of the issue will be limited until appropriate information can be gathered.

I. Welcome and Introductions

• Please remember to sign in using the QR code
• Brief Introductions

II. Chairperson's Time

• Review and Approve March 9, 2026 Minutes
• School Stakeholder Reports
  • SACI
  • PTSO
  • Athletic Boosters
  • CFPA
  • Student Leadership
  • Others
• PAC Elections

III. Principal's Time

• School Updates
• Flex Time/Bell Schedules

IV. Round Table Time: Presentation/Discussion

V. Open Comments

• a time to bring up issues for discussion for our next meeting- Open discussion of the issue will be limited until appropriate information can be gathered.