The National Education Foundation (NEF) recognized the students and staff of New Directions with the 2011-2012 National Stem Education and CyberLearning Model School Award.  New Directions was selected for recognition based on a nationwide review of schools that implement a comprehensive program of mentoring, motivation, digital learning, and STEM education.  The award was presented to our students by Dr. Appu Kuttan, Chairman and CEO of the NEF.  Mr. Milton C. Johns, School Board Chairman At-Large and Dr. Steven L. Walts, Superintendent of Schools, provided words of praise to our school.  Ms. Lisa E. Bell, School Board Vice Chairman (Neabsco District), Ms. Betty D. Covington, School Board Member (Potomac District), Ms. Alyson A. Satterwhite (Gainesville District) and Mr. Michael Mulgrew, Associate Superintendent for High Schools, attended the celebration.  Students and staff continue to lead and transform education not only in PWCS, but on a national level!

The New Directions Student Leadership Team was awarded a $250 grant to organize a middle school program that addresses the Search Institutes' 40 Developmental Assets.  Students will visit a middle school 3-4 times and present skits to introduce the assets.  The grant will be used to provide items promoting the 40 Developmental Assets middle graders can wear at school and in the community. Our student leaders continue to model positive behavior and resilience for both students and adults in the Prince William County community.

The Student Leadership Team and Mentor Program students celebrated staff during a luncheon on Friday, December 9th.  Students painted and crafted individual holiday ornaments for each New Directions staff member.  Students included a card with personal observations along with the handmade ornament.  Acknowledging the value of others is part of the culture of our school!

New Directions competed in the annual SeaPerch Underwater Robotics competition at Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Center on December 1, 2011.  The Barracudas and Sharkinators swept the Team Collaboration Event with 1st place awards.  Each team removed and carried more buoys than all other schools with student designed and built robots.  As result of their success, the Barracudas ranked 3rd overall as a team and qualified for the national competition!  All 3 teams finished in the top 10 out of 64.  The New Directions Robotics Team of Montgomery Banks, Connor Freche, Emerson Guzman, Carlos Lefler, Alfredo Villarreal, James Walls, Sam Ubago, and Harry Yirrah represented our school with style and a winning attitude-and it showed!  Carlos and Alfredo will represent New Directions at nationals!

Seniors at New Directions provide weekly community service at Ellis Elementary School.  Students work in the classrooms, cafeteria, main office, and throughout the building.  Community service, a part of each student's graduation portfolio, helps build the skills needed to be an effective and caring citizen.  Everyone benefits when people share a bit of themselves through service!

On a monthly basis, the Family Literacy Club holds evening sessions that focus on public speaking, writing, and reading.  Students and their families, along with staff and their families, work together to promote communication skills through poetry, essay writing, and interactive activities.  The impact of the spoken and written word when shared by multiple generations is powerful, moving, and very memorable for all participants.

The New Directions Knitting Club creates scarves for Prince William families in need using knitting and crocheting techniques.  Staff and students craft the garments as a team.  The club provides a valuable community service while creating a wonderful atmosphere for students and staff to work together on a common goal.  Our students think of others and it shows!

New Directions hosted over 275 family members at our Fall Open House.  Students and their families have dinner with staff, participate in class sessions with teachers, and tour the school.   New Directions hosts a Spring Open House as well.  These bi-annual events have become very popular as a result of the inviting atmosphere staff creates…not to mention the great food!  We have committed and supportive families and they deserve the best!

New Directions kicked off the month of September enrolling over 460 students in our school program.  Our school counseling and support teams worked together with families to complete enrollment and student orientations in a very effective manner.  As a result, students were able to begin classes as scheduled and start the year off right!