F.B. Meekins Hosts Open House for Prospective Parents
F.B. Meekins Cooperative Preschool invites prospective parents and their students to an Open House, where they can tour the school facilities, meet teachers and fellow parents and pick up a Fall 2009 school semester application.
Meekins’ preschool program provides students between the ages 2 – 5 with a warm, nurturing and creative-learning environment. The open house will take place between 10 a.m. – noon this Saturday, Jan. 10 at the school (900 Maple Ave. E., Vienna). For more information, visit the school online at www.fbmeekins.org or call 703-938-3588.
Last Marshall Military Awareness Event Today
A community forum with guest speaker Colonel Evin Planto is today, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. in the George C. Marshall High School auditorium (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). The lecture, one of two events organized by Marshall seniors Amanda Flynn, Rachel Neubauer and Kelly Skahan, aims to raise awareness about the experiences of soldiers stationed overseas. Planto is a member of the Army Reserves and has been stationed in Baghdad, Iraq as a part of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Members of the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions, as well. For more information, send an e-mail to amandagrace2612@hotmail.com.
Fairfax County Accepting Applications for Magnet Program
Beginning now through March 2, Fairfax County Public Schools is accepting applications for the 2009-10 elementary school level magnet programs: kindergarten – grade 5 for Bailey Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences and grades 1 – 6 for Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences. Student selection for spots in the programs is based on lottery. Eligible students must be working at or above grade level in language arts and mathematics, and must demonstrate positive interpersonal and school behaviors. There will be informational meetings in February, and applications can be postmarked no later than the March 2 deadline. For more information and the online application form, visit www.fcps.edu/news/magnet.htm, or contact Debbie Jones at 703-846-8740 or dljones1@fcps.edu.
Mason Students, Faculty Celebrate Diversity & Party
Members of George Mason High School’s “Be the Change” Club, which promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the school and social environments, held a celebratory fete this Wednesday, Jan. 7 to reward students and organizers who participated in the club’s activities last semester. Acting Principal Mary McDowell and other officials joined Joel Block, who teaches mathematics at Mason and sponsors the club, to speak before the students who assembled in the school cafeteria. Current members also hosted members of last year’s graduating class who had helped found the club at the high school. All-girl rock band High Minded, led by club member Katie Potrykus, provided musical entertainment with original pieces, and the school furnished snacks for guests, too. Organizers also accepted donations to help further the club’s cause.
Three Oakcrest Seniors Attend Medical Lecture
Three Oakcrest Upper School students attended the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Holiday Lecture with Nobel Prize winners Drs. Eric Kandel and Thomas Jessell. Seniors Mollie Kelly, Kathleen Ouyang and Grace Tatlonghari, who are interested in medical and science careers, were recommended for nomination by Upper School science master teacher Dr. Arundhati Jayarao. The two-day conference “Making of Your Mind: Molecules, Motion and Memory” discussed issues ranging from the history of brain research to disorders affecting the brain. Upper School Director Christie Principe was proud of the girls’ chance to take part in the scientific discussion. “We want our girls to take part in that larger conversation,” she said.
Stuart H.S. Choral Boosters Present Concert & Desserts
The J.E.B. Stuart High School Choral Music Boosters is putting on its fifth Annual Broadway Desserts night on Saturday, Jan. 10, with two shows: a matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening performance at 7 p.m. A dessert reception precedes both shows, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively. The Broadway Desserts performance will include show tunes sung by the Stuart High Madrigal Chamber Singers, the Trebel Choir, Women’s Choir and Men’s Choir. Advance tickets will be available today, Jan. 8, during A and B lunch periods, and cost $4 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets will also be available at the door before the performances for $5 per student and $10 per adult. For more information, call Stuart High at 703-824-3900.
Fairfax County Superintendent to Hold Budget Conference
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Jack D. Dale is holding a press conference for the proposed Fiscal Year 2010 school district budget at 10:30 a.m. today, Jan. 8, at the Gatehouse Administration Center I (8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church). Dale will discuss highlights of the proposed budget, in addition to detailing specifics and answering questions from the media. The budget will be presented to the Fairfax County School Board at 7 p.m. later that evening at Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church). The proceedings of the board meeting can also be seen on Channel 21 in the Cox Communications cable service area.
