Send announcements to the Alexandria Gazette Packet, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos are encouraged. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
The T.C. Williams High School Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Drill Team and Color Guard, honored with an invitation to march in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade on Jan. 20, is seeking the community’s help to purchase winter coats, gloves and a new banner, as well as snacks and water for the long day. Approximately $6,500 to $7,000 will be needed to pay for the items for the 56-cadet group. Those interested in contributing may make their checks payable to T.C. PTSA and note "JROTC" in the memo line. Mail your contribution to: T.C. Williams PTSA, c/o T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St., Alexandria, Va. 22302-3001. If you have questions, contact T.C. PTSA President Julie Carey at miket17752@aol.com.
The T.C. Williams High School 2009 Calendar features photographs of the new school taken by current T.C. Williams students. All proceeds from sales will be used to fund future publications. Calendars are $10 each and can be purchased in the main office of the school, 3330 King St., Alexandria, or on line at www.wearethetitans.com.
Students entering grades nine through 12 are invited to spend a day with a student host at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School, Upper School campus, 1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria. Call for reservations: 703-212-2706. Visiting days are Jan. 12 and Feb. 9.
Alexandria Tutoring Consortium needs volunteer tutors to work with 1st and 2nd grade ACPS students. Tutors focus on improving literacy skills in one-on-one sessions with students. 703-549-6670 ext. 119, www.alexandriatutors.org.
Messiah Lutheran Church is offering pre-school for children ages 2-4. Call 703-765-5003 or visit messiahelca.org for more.
Campagna Center introduces Afternoon Adventures for children in half-day preschool to receive childcare at John Adams Elementary, 5652 Rayburn Ave. or Jefferson Houston Elementary, 1501 Cameron St., from 3-6 p.m. $14/day. To register, visit www.campagnacenter.org or 703-549-0111 ext. 112.
Three Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) teachers received National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The newly certified teachers are Suzette Adams, counselor at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology; Jennifer Larsen, first-grade teacher at George Mason Elementary School; and Celia Ochs, second-grade teacher at James K. Polk Elementary School.