Education

Great Falls Classical Ballet Performs Revamped Nutcracker This Weekend

Fifty-five dancers will be performing in the show on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at McLean High School.

The Margaret Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet in Great Falls has performed the Nutcracker ballet for decades. Though the studio’s founder –Margaret Haddad— retired last year, her 50-year legacy of teaching classical ballet in the community will continue through one of her students: Casey Jones. Jones started dancing under Margaret Haddad’s instruction in 1994. By 2001, Haddad inducted her into the studio’s teacher training program.

Herndon: Citizen Committee Rejects Cellphone Tower Next to Crossfield Elementary

Committee Denies Cell Tower Application

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee voted 3-2 to deny an application to build a cellphone tower on Crossfield Elementary School property on Fox Mill Road in Herndon. "This is about money, not anything else,” says Griffin, who is a father of a fourth grader who attends the elementary school.Milestone Communications towers on county school properties has generated more than $13 million of income over the last 20 years for the school system, says Forkas. The proposed tower would generate approximately $40,000 of revenue a year for the school system once at least three carriers agree to use the tower, he says.

Springfield: Key Center Teacher Publishes Counting Book

If Barney, the big purple dinosaur, motivates one of his students to learn to count, Ka’ala Rapoza won’t stand in the way. But Rapoza, 37, also recognizes the need to balance age-appropriate teaching tools with the skill being learned.

Fairfax: Educational program part of FACETS plan to prevent homelessness

On a weekday afternoon, young Fairfax resident Demetrius Dowling works independently on an extra math word problem. A few rows behind him, George Mason University senior and volunteer Rebecca Curtis spends time on a division problem with Yasir Abuelhassan, also from Dowling’s neighborhood.

Fairfax County: FCPS Testing Water Quality in Schools

Drinking water at 40 public schools in Fairfax County has been tested for safety, a release from FCPS said.

Fairfax County: School Board Formalizes Search for New Superintendent

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent. Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids.

Springfield: Discovering the Value of Intelligence

Thomas Edison High School production explores deep themes of "Flowers for Algernon."

“Flowers for Algernon” is a play based off of a science fiction novel of the same title, written by Daniel Keyes. The novel was first released as a short story in 1958 and due to its popularity, was released as a full book in 1966. David Rogers then adapted the novel into a play in 1969.

Springfield: New Principal at Irving Middle

Cindy Conley will oversee a school with 1,057 students and about 125 staff members.

With 16 years in education, Cindy Conley, age 40, of Woodbridge was named the new principal of Irving Middle School in Springfield on Aug. 17, 2016, replacing Danny Little, who retired. She will oversee a school with 1,057 students and about 125 staff members in the West Springfield Pyramid.

Sangster Hosts Veterans Day Assembly

Viewpoints: Burke Students on Meaning of Veterans Day

Of the 970 students and 665 families at Sangster, which serves parts of Burke, Fairfax Station and Springfield, Principal Lisa Reddel said 175 families are associated with the school’s Military Spouses Group that welcomes newcomers and supports new to the area military families getting settled.

FCPS Get2Green Program Receives Climate and Energy Leadership Award

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is recognized with a 2016 Climate and Energy Leadership Award in the Educational Institution category for its Get2Green program. FCPS is the 10th largest school district in the nation with over 220 facilities comprising 197 schools, 11 centers, and other support buildings.

Deepening Boundaries in Alexandria

Community expresses concerns about lack of diversity in proposed redistricting.

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) need to redistrict. But among parents, teachers, and students there are deep concerns that the redistricting hadn’t done enough to balance the diversity of the schools.

Vienna: A True Adventure

James Madison High School’s production of ‘Deadwood Dick’ engages the audience.

Hop on your horses and gallop on over to James Madison High School, because a night of cowboys, card games, true love, and lively fun awaits at their production of “Deadwood Dick.” Based on a popular series of nineteenth century dime novels by Edward L. Wheeler, “Deadwood Dick” follows the tradition of old Western melodrama, filled with mustached villains, dashing heroes, and lovely, woe-ridden heroines.

Vienna: New Town of Vienna Police Officer Graduates from Academy

Officer Rachel E. Rohr graduated from the 67th Session of the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy. The Academy curriculum includes, but is not limited to, 320 hours of academic studies including crisis intervention, assisting individuals with mental illness, de-escalation techniques and first aid training; 94 hours of firearms training; 84 hours of emergency vehicle operation; 110 hours of physical training and 130 hours of defensive tactics training.

TheatreMcLean Presents ‘Don’t Drink the Water’

McLean High School's award-winning theatre company, TheatreMcLean, presents Woody Allen’s hilarious slapstick comedy “Don’t Drink the Water.” Playing for one weekend only, Nov. 18-20, at McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean.

McLean: Potomac School Debate Coaches Receive National Honor

The Potomac School’s current debate coach and a former coach were recognized for their work during the Holy Cross School (New Orleans) Invitational Tournament, which ran from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2. Potomac Speech and Debate Coach Harry Strong received the Brother Melchior Polowy, C.S.C. Excellence in Coaching Award.

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