Molly Williams, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Frederick County Public Schools facing potential $2.8M budget shortfall

1 week ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

—WINCHESTER — The Frederick County School Board met for a work session on Tuesday to discuss options for tackling a potential $2.8 million funding shortfall in its fiscal year 2026 budget. Last week, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors approved $113,873,537 in local operating funds for Frederick County Public Schools a $1.2 million shortfall from the division's request for approximately $115 million. Earlier this month, Virginia Gov.
Innovation Center students design accessible playground for John Kerr

1 week ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

WINCHESTER — Physical and occupational therapy students at the Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center behind John Handley High School kicked off Friday with a surprise worth celebrating. Winchester Public Schools Director of Early Childhood and Special Education Hayley Mullins, along with other division officials, announced that the accessible playground the students had designed recently received full funding and approval from the Winchester School Board.
Going swimmingly: Fifth graders dive into swim lessons at DMIS

1 week ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

WINCHESTER — A new physical education unit for fifth graders at Daniel Morgan Intermediate School (DMIS) in Winchester has made quite a splash.
Widget Cup brings connection, joy and talent to Innovation Center

2 weeks ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

WINCHESTER — The sound of whirring machinery, buzzing power saws and the shutter of camera lenses filled the air at the Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center behind John Handley High School on Thursday as the eighth iteration of the Widget Cup got underway.
Sherando band playing at Disney World today

2 weeks ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

Sherando High School's marching band has traded Virginia's chilly April weather for sunny Orlando, Florida, as it prepares to march in a parade at Walt Disney World this afternoon. The band arrived in Florida on Tuesday evening, their trip a culmination of a year-and-a-half-long process that included applying and being accepted, choosing music, fundraising and rehearsing. Director Joel Cosner said the performance, and the trip as a whole, is a great opportunity for students.
Unconventional lessons reward positive behavior at Handley

2 weeks ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

WINCHESTER — Students at John Handley High School took the reins when it came to their classes Wednesday afternoon during the school's third annual choice incentive day. From changing a tire, to cooking pancakes and dumplings, to trying out yoga and meditation, students got to select from over 60 unconventional options when deciding how to spend the end of their school day.
Winchester School Board hears proposed special ed plan

2 weeks ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

WINCHESTER — Winchester Public Schools Director of Special Education Services Hayley Mullins presented the division's proposed special education annual plan to the Winchester School Board during a work session Monday night. WPS's special education department is anticipating a $12.4 million budget in fiscal year 2026, including about $9.4 million in local funding, $1.9 million in state funding and $1.1 million in federal funding.
Clarke County High School presents 'Chicago' April 4-6

2 weeks ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

BERRYVILLE — Clarke County High School is set to transform this evening into “a noisy hall where there’s a nightly brawl” as students perform the teen edition of the musical classic “Chicago.”“I love [‘Chicago’], but the original is a little risque for high schoolers to do,” said Christine Brewer, the show’s director.
Sheriff: Reported weapon threat involving Orchard View Elementary unfounded

2 weeks ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

A Frederick County Sheriff's Office investigation found there was no immediate threat to students or staff at Orchard View Elementary School after an alleged threat involving a weapon was reported to the school's administration Thursday night, according to a letter sent to families Friday by Principal Michael Dardaris.
Millbrook High's 'Anastasia' opens Friday

3 weeks ago | winchesterstar.com | Molly Williams

WINCHESTER — Millbrook High School students invite you to take a trip back in time to the rise of the Bolshevik regime as they perform the musical classic “Anastasia” this weekend. The audience will join Anya, an orphaned girl with amnesia, as she journeys from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Paris to rediscover her lost past.