Patriot High School, in Nokesville, is ready to have students gracing its halls. Principal Dr. Michael Bishop is excited to welcome students. Patriot’s final orientation is scheduled for Aug. 31, 6-8 p.m. A pep rally is planned for Sept. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.; classes begin Sept. 6. Patriot High School, at 10504 Kettle Run Road in Nokesville, can be reached at 703-594-3020. Its website is patrioths.schools.pwcs.edu. Photo by Sudha Kamath

Nokesville's Patriot High School and T. Clay Wood Elementary School banned together to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the adjacent schools. The June 28 ceremony drew a standing room only audience of students, staff, parents and guests, filling Patriot High School’s state-of-the-art auditorium. Many dignitaries attended the evening event as well. Here, students of T. Clay Wood, which will open in the fall, ready to cut the ribbon officially opening their school.

Kettle Run High School in Nokesville in Fauquier County held its second graduation ceremony on June 2. The school's dignitaries addressed the class of 2011 before they received their diplomas. This photo shows the school's first graduation ceremony, in 2010.

Prince William County Police Department's crime report for May 26, 2011.

Prince William County Police Department's crime report for May 24, 2011.

Prince William County Police Department's crime report for May 23, 2011.

Brentsville Supervisor Wally Covington donated $5,000 to Parkside Middle School as matching funds for the school's single-event fall fundraiser. The money will go to technology upgrades at the Manassas school in Prince William County. Covington made good on his promise at the opening night of the Manassas school's "Beauty and the Beast" presentation in early May. Covington is shown here reading to school children at another area Prince William County school, Pace West, earlier this school year.

Farmers markets are open now, and others are opening soon, to provide locals with homegrown tomatoes, berries, corn and other produce. Some markets even have local vendors who sell their crafts and wares. Read all the details about local farmers' markets in the May 13 Manassas Observer. And, check out the list of area markets and when they're open.