GMHS Robotics Encounters Setbacks at Nationals
The George Mason High School (GMHS) Robotics Team 1418 placed in the last five places of nearly 80 teams at last week’s FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) 2010 Championship in Atlanta. In remarks made to the News-Press, Team Sponsor John Ballou said his team “had to eat a humble pie,” after rushing a mere half hour following the pre-competition inspection to reassemble their electronics.
GMHS Robotics Encounters Setbacks at Nationals
The George Mason High School (GMHS) Robotics Team 1418 placed in the last five places of nearly 80 teams at last week’s FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) 2010 Championship in Atlanta. In remarks made to the News-Press, Team Sponsor John Ballou said his team “had to eat a humble pie,” after rushing a mere half hour following the pre-competition inspection to reassemble their electronics.
“We even had to defend against the attacks of three other robots simultaneously in our sixth match. We won our seventh contest, but our robot was moving much less easily and our drivers were at a loss over why we could not play as fast and assuredly as we have in previous competitions,” said Ballou.
Despite the team’s setbacks, Ballou added he is “extremely proud of the effort they put in at nationals and of the great heart they showed.”
Mason High IB Art Show Ends Tonight
Tonight, Thursday, April 22, is the last time those interested can view the George Mason High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Student Art Show. It’s open to the public from 7 – 9 p.m. on the stage of the school’s auditorium (7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church).
The IB program offers a rigorous and comprehensive education during the last two years of high school. Eight in 10 George Mason students participate in the IB Diploma Program. For more information on the art show, call 703-248-5500.
MEH Student Council to Host Haiti Relief Dinner
The Mary Ellen Henderson (MEH) Middle School Student Council Association (SCA) will host a Haiti Relief Pasta Dinner on Friday, April 30 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria (7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church), it was announced this week. The SCA will serve pasta, salads, desserts and drinks. Music will be performed by MEH jazz band and other students. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Advance tickets are on sale and may be purchased by mailing a check to: MEHMS Haiti Relief Effort, c/o Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, 7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043. All proceeds will go to F.C. City School Haiti Relief Effort. For more information, e-mail Rory Dippold at dippoldr@fccps.org.
Thomas Named Support Staff Employee of the Year
LaBryan “Coach T” Thomas of Mary Ellen Henderson (MEH) Middle School was named the 2010 Falls Church City Public Schools Support Staff Employee of the Year. The news coming only a month after he lead the George Mason High School girls basketball team to a second consecutive state title.
Thomas is a building and grounds maintenance technician for MEH, but is well known throughout the school division. He has served as a coach for boys’ basketball, baseball and football. He was also recognized this year the Bull Run District Coach of the Year and was cited for the respect he enjoys among his peers outside of the school division.
McLean H.S.’s ‘12 Angry Jurors’ Premieres Tonight
McLean High School’s spring play, “Twelve Angry Jurors,” kicks off tonight, Thursday, April 22 at the school’s Burk Theatre (1633 Davidson Rd., McLean). The local drama departments presents its version of the classic courtroom drama about a tense jury room where an “open and shut” murder case that becomes much more complicated.
Nightly performances run through Saturday, April 24, each day at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for regular seating and $20 for premium. For more information, call 703-714-5700.
H.S. Students Tutor Low-Income Children for Free
Students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Kevin Cao and Colvin Wang, are starting a student service group that will be offering free tutoring to elementary school-aged students. They are looking for kids from low-income families who need academic help, but all are welcome.
It will be held at the Mason District Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale) on Sundays from 4 – 6 p.m., starting April 25. For more information, e-mail Cao at kevincao95@gmail.com or call 571-215-0467.
TJHSST Named 2010 Intel School Distinction Finalist
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is one of 18 schools nationwide named as finalists in the 2010 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards. As a finalist, TJHHST will receive a $5,000 award from the Intel Foundation. The program is designed to honor schools that implement innovative math and science programs.
5th Annual Jaguar 5K Begins Saturday Morning
The 5th Annual Jaguar 5K Run-Walk and Kids’ One-Mile Fun Run will take place at Falls Church High School (7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church) this Saturday, April 24. The fun run begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. Students, parents, teachers and community members are welcome to compete in the run. There is a $25 charge to compete in the 5K, and a $10 fee for children under the age of 13 participating in the fun run.
Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers, top two Falls Church High runners, top scoring team and top three finishers in each age group. For more information, visit www.jaguar5k.com or call 703-207-4023.
McLean’s Oakcrest School Excels in Va. Math League
Oakcrest School, an independent school for girls grades 6-12 in McLean, competed in the 2009-2010 Virginia Mathematics League contest, placing seventh out of 96 schools. Additionally, senior Colleen O’Donnell finished in second place out of 1,920 students. Fellow seniors Marie Keith finished 19th and Cecilia Zischkau finished 26th.
The Oakcrest chapter of the Math Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, requires that students participate in the Virginia Math League. The Math League is dedicated to bringing challenging mathematics materials to students. Schools can then compete in competitions statewide. Over 1 million students participate in Math League contests each year.
