Education

Keeping the Best and Adding the Vision in One Arlington Middle School

New principal leads Williamsburg Middle.

It was the third day of school and Gordon Laurie, new principal at Williamsburg Middle School, began his day when a father dropping off his son explained to Laurie that his son couldn't work the combination on his locker. Laurie told him he would take care of it.

Arlington Taking Care of the Whole Child

School Board details its priorities.

If a school system is only taking care of a student between when a student arrives on a bus and when they leave, they are failing that child. At least, that’s the logic behind the 2015-16 Arlington School Board’s priorities.

Burke and Fairfax: Robinson Students Welcomed Back

New and returning students at Robinson Secondary School were welcomed on the first day with a corridor of cheerleaders, blaring music and an inflated ram tunnel leading to the front doors. And the smiling face of their principal, Matthew Eline, who joined the cheerleaders and held a sign saying “May I help you?”

Fairfax County: Garza Tours on the First Day of School

Though she visited several schools on the first day of the new year, Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent only received one welcome banner. That was from the articulate student leaders at Mantua Elementary School, who told her “sense of community” and “great teachers who encourage creativity” were among their favorite things about the school.

Springfield: West Springfield Welcomes Spartans

Unsuspecting underclassmen may have heard rumors of a nonexistent “third floor” at West Springfield High School. Soon enough, principal Michael Mukai pointed out, there will actually be one.

Lorton, Fairfax Station, Clifton: South County Welcomes Stallions

South County High School principal Matt Ragone has been having “a blast” since he got to the school in the middle of last year.

Mount Vernon Brief: MVHS To Host School Budget Information Meeting

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is encouraging the public to help in the development of the FY 2017 budget. Because projected costs for items such as enrollment growth, state mandated retirement, health insurance costs, and employee salary increases are outpacing projected revenues, FCPS anticipates a significant budget shortfall for school year 2016-17 (FY 2017). To balance the budget, FCPS may have to cut, reduce, or redesign current programs.

Mount Vernon Brief: Esther Manns Named Interim Principal at MVHS

Esther Manns, who has served as an assistant principal at Mount Vernon High School since 2004, has agreed to serve as the interim principal for Mount Vernon High School.

Burke: Technology Welcomes Back Students

Nativity Catholic School focuses on advanced technology and innovation.

Located just off Old Keene Mill Road, Nativity Catholic School has been recognized as the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence since 2008.

Fairfax: ‘Privileged to Join the Lanier Family’

Lenart takes reins at middle school.

Erin Lenart, Lanier Middle School’s new principal, always pictured herself as an educator. Raised in Tennessee, her first dream was to become a teacher.

Centreville Snapshots: First Day of School

Kindergartner Gavin Reeder reacts to his first day of Kindergarten at Bull Run Elementary.

Centreville/Chantilly: The Sweet Sounds of Summer

Franklin Middle holds annual band and orchestra camp.

Each summer, students flock to Franklin Middle School’s Band & Orchestra Camp to fine-tune their musical skills and learn new ones. And Camp Director Lawrence Walker bases one of his philosophies for it on a simple proverb.

Centreville/Chantilly: Students Improve Music Skills, Make New Friends at Orchestra Camp

Learning’s fun at band and orchestra camp.

Whatever their reasons were for attending Franklin Middle School’s Band & Orchestra Camp, the results for the students were the same — knowledge, improvement and fun. Rocky Run Middle seventh-grader Alexander Alvarez and his sister Christina, a Poplar Tree Elementary sixth-grader, attended for the first time. Both play clarinet and had a great time there.

Potomac: Students Join ‘Walk with Pope Francis’

Students at Our Lady of Mercy School take pledge.

On Aug. 31, the first day of school, students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Potomac made a promise that will remain in their hearts and memories.

Arlington: Much To Discover at Discovery Elementary

Meeting construction deadlines, new school welcomes students this week.

A new school often is thought of as “added to” the neighborhood. Dr. Erin Russo, founding principal of Discovery Elementary School located beside Williamsburg Middle School, disagrees. She says the new school is, and will remain, “of” the community it serves. Russo underscores the point by describing citizen involvement over the years between concept and completion.

The Connection