School News & Notes: January 14 – 20, 2010

Fairfax County Sets Public School Budget Hearings

Fairfax County Public Schools announced two public hearings, Jan. 25 and 26 at 6 p.m., for the FY2011 school budget. The hearings will be in the auditorium of Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Rd., Falls Church). Residents can reserve a spot on the speakers list by signing up online or calling 571-423-1075.

Falls Church’s Jessie Thackrey, a key figure in the creation of Falls Church City’s independent school system, visited the kindergarten class of teacher Nan Hof on Monday, and received the honor of “Star of the Week.” Thackery, who is 96, shared stories from her childhood and her favorite book growing up, “The Perhappsey Chaps,” first published in 1918. The classroom was named in her honor last year through a fundraising campaign for the Falls Church Education Fund. (Photo: Courtesy Karen Acar)

Falls Church High Hosts Gang Awareness Seminar

The Falls Church High School Parent Resource Center is hosting a gang awareness seminar in the school’s Little Theater (7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20.

The presenters are Special Agent Eric Vega from the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force and Robert “Tito” Vilchez, Gang Task Force coordinator for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. The presentation will explore the gangs active in this area, why youth participate in gangs, warning signs and available resources. The public event will be translations in Spanish and Vietnamese. Refreshments and child care will also be available.

The Mary Ellen Henderson band performed their Winter Concert last Thursday in the middle school cafetorium, under the direction of teacher Connie Jenkins. (Photo: Courtesy Karen Acar)

Art Reflections Contest Concludes With Reception

The Falls Church Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is holding an Art Reflections Contest reception at ArtSpace (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20.

The contest drew from artists ranging from preschool to fourth grade, and received 42 submissions. The theme this year was “Beauty is…” and allowed participants to interpret the theme in several categories, which included drawings, paintings, photos, literature and musical composition.

The judges panel is comprised of Shaun Van Steyn, Liz Day and gallery owner Mary O’Donnell, as well as other community notables. The reception will recognize the winners in each category. Food and beverages will be provided.

For more information, please contact Tiffany Cureau, the chair of the Art Reflections program, at 703-434-2800.

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