Education

Attracting New Businesses, Improving the Economy

City of Fairfax establishes Technology Zone

The City Council has now established a citywide Technology Zone. Board Co-Chair Fred Cornett said, “Most cities of our size in Northern Virginia have Technology Zones – there are 40 total in the commonwealth. So to level the playing field, it would be beneficial to us to have a Technology Zone Ordinance to at least have what everybody else has in their tool kit.”

Fairfax Rotary Club Celebrates 85 Years

Serves people at home and abroad

“It’s about the Rotary motto, ‘Service above Self,’” explained Tuininga. “We also donate financially to the Boys and Girls Scouts programs and to the Fairfax Police Youth scholarship.” The Rotary Club of Fairfax had just 16 members when it was chartered in 1931 by local businessmen and community leaders. Today, it’s 75 members strong, has a long history of service to the City and just celebrated its 85th anniversary.

Having Adventures, Finding Family

Fairfax students are in ‘James and the Giant Peach Jr.’

When 10-year-old James loses his parents, he has to live with his two mean aunts. But things get better when he discovers a magic potion that grows a gigantic peach. Alliance Theatre’s upcoming musical, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.,” is about courage and self-discovery.

Mount Vernon: Friends and Family Reflect on Michael M. Skinner

Memorial service set for Saturday at MVHS.

Pat Hynes remembers Michael M. Skinner as an administrator was one of those people who “the kids all love, and sort of fear a little.”

Fairfax County: Garza FCPS Departure Impacts Stuart Name Change Working Group

Responding to a student-led group petitioning to change the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, the Fairfax County Public Schools board voted over the summer to create a working group that would consider the community concerns and look into the logistics of a potential name change.

Week in McLean

Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors

New Principal of Orange Hunt

A native New Yorker, Karen Tuttle, age 44, was named new principal of Orange Hunt Elementary School in Springfield, on Sept. 14, 2016. Waples Mill School Counselor Kate Crane said "When I think of Karen, I think of a warm smile, constant encouragement, a positive attitude, creative problem solving and a drive to work tirelessly to do what’s best for kids. Karen makes it a priority to build meaningful and genuine relationships with all members of the school community. "

McLean High Named Crown Award Finalist

School receives one of the highest national honors in scholastic journalism.

McLean High School's "The Highlander" was named a national Crown Award finalist by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) -- one of the highest honors in scholastic journalism across the country for overall excellence. "My students don’t put as much effort as they do into the newsmagazine just for the awards they might win—they do it because they genuinely care about creating a high quality publication that will inform and entertain their readers, said Benedict.

Library Jubilee Fundraiser in McLean

200 guests attend Dolley Madison Library's 'Squeeze'-themed party.

"We raise money to enhance the library beyond the taxpayer funded budget, which includes the library," said Brian Engler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fairfax Library Foundation.

Bulova: Vote Yes

A legally binding commitment 70 percent would go to Fairfax County Public Schools.

I was elected chairman in 2009, just as the Great Recession settled over this country like a stubborn storm cloud. The market value of property in Fairfax County plummeted, resulting in historic reductions in both residential and commercial tax revenues. At the same time, more people than ever turned to the county for assistance. Former County Executive Tony Griffin’s prediction, in the throes of the Recession years, that “this will be our new normal” has proven prescient.

Madison High Musicians Perform at Thoreau Middle

Sixteen different musical selections were performed ranging from “African Adventure" by Robert Sheldon, to selections from “Fiddler on the Roof.” The Madison High performers played a live show at Thoreau Middle School.

Six Area Students Named Regional Finalists in Siemens Competition

Six students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) have been named regional finalists in the 2016 Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology. The Siemens Competition is the nation’s premier research competition for high school students and is administered by Discovery Education.

Advice from the Pros

Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.

From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.

Discussing the Election with Children

Local educators offer suggestions for navigating a complicated political climate.

While Colleen K. Vesely has watched televised debates and political events with her children throughout this election season, an event during which the American Civil Rights movement was discussed stands out. It was a concept her 3-year-old daughter didn’t grasp, of course. But Vesely used the moment as opportunity to start guiding her children through this year’s election season.

Fairfax: Revolutionizing Education

Local company, scientists address the demand for more computer-science education across K-12 and universities.

The Washington Business Journal recognized Scriyb, LCC as the Best Innovation of 2016; a great stepping stone for a local company with a lot of promise.

The Connection