<lst>Know something that should be featured in School Notes? Awards? Special events? School fairs? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991. Or call Jon Whiten at 703-917-6422.
Messiah United Methodist Church's Child Enrichment Program has openings in the 2- and 4-year-old classes for this fall. Four-year-old classes are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and the 2-year-old class is on Mondays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more, call Betsy Findley at 703-569-3033.
The Fairfax County Park Authority is responding to community changes with additional programming to meet the needs of youngsters who are educated at home. New daytime classes, ideal for homeschoolers, will be offered this fall at Providence and South Run RECenters. Some classes for the approaching school year include: Outdoor Science, which explores flight, weather, geology and space in an outdoor setting; Explorations in Chemistry; Explorations in Astronomy; and Explorations in Botany. Register at any time until the day the class begins. Classes will be canceled due to low registration. For more, call 703-324-8548 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
TOT Preschool of Sydenstricker United Methodist Church is registering children from 3-5 years old for 2005-2006. Degreed, experienced teachers staff our half-day program at 8505 Hooes Road, Springfield. For more, call 703-644-6384 or e-mail tot@sumcidsciples.org
Girl Scouts. Two groups open to girls between 5 and 11, and 11 and 17 years old, all year round. Activities include high-adventure outings such as rock climbing, white water rafting and back packing, international and national travel, internship opportunities on capitol hill, theater, art, science, technology and making friends. For more information call Betsy Kiger at 1-800-523-7898, ext. 578, Sharon Fontanella at 703-451-4680 or Dale Hook at 703-866-1840. Visit www.studio2B.org or www.gscnc.org.
Applications are available for The Richmond Symphony Orchestra League's 36th annual Student Concerto Competition. The competition is open to Virginia residents in elementary through senior high school grades who play the following instruments: piano, violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba or harp. Winners will be chosen in each category. The first place piano winner will be awarded $100 and the opportunity to perform at the Champagne and Chocolates event on Sunday, March 26, 2006. First place winner in the instrumental category will also receive $100 and a performance with the symphony. For applications or more information, call Shelby Murphy at 804-788-4717 or e-mail smurphy@richmondsymphony.com. Applications must be received by Nov. 30.
Fairfax County Public Schools maintains a toll-free telephone hotline for emergency messages, with information in three languages. 1-800-839-FCPS (3277) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the event of school closings or delays or other emergency situations, information can be obtained by dialing the toll-free number from anywhere in the region. Messages are available in English, Korean and Spanish.
Fairfax County Public Schools has expanded support services for families of students with disabilities. Parents can now access the services of a special education ombudsman for guidance and support. The eight ombudsmen are part of a network that provides assistance to parents who are navigating the special education process and feel they could benefit from the advice and knowledge of a more experienced and specially trained parent. Parent ombudsmen can provide information about the special education process and services provided by Fairfax County Public Schools, as well as information about special education regulations, procedures, and policies. They may collaborate with parents to assist them in resolving problems. They may also attend Individualized Education Program (IEP) or school-based meetings to help parents and staff members reach consensus regarding the special education process. For more information, contact the Parent Resource Center at 703-204-3941. For a listing of the eight ombudsmen
visit www.fcps.edu/DSSSE/ombudsmen/index.htm.