365 - art?

again, what is it - my kids art! 

365 - Ahhhhh

I love Ah Love Oil & Vinegar in Shirlington! 

NEW EIGHTH PERIOD ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT COURSES AT T.C. WILLIAMS

FROM ACPS: 

NEW EIGHTH PERIOD ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT COURSES AT T.C. WILLIAMS  The new Academic Enrichment course at T.C. Williams provides an after-school extended learning opportunity for students in English, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2.  The course is designed to support the conceptual learning currently taking place in English and math classes.  Each course provides the additional time needed for more in-depth investigation of concepts and the opportunity to revisit difficult concepts.    The Math Academic Enrichment course is structured to help each student achieve success through incremental development and continued practice and review. Students will understand, organize, build, solve, and reflect by making meaningful connections and using real world applications. Students will complete an interactive set of activities that align with the material being presented by the student’s math teacher. In addition, this course will equip students with a solid foundation in problem-solving and critical thinking for greater success in their current and future mathematics courses.     The English Academic Enrichment Course is designed to help students understand the importance of literacy in the 21st century. The course will focus on areas of analyzing text and printed materials, recognize and explain research based skills, understand and produce original writing materials, and language acquisition. Student will also be required to reflect on their daily learning and create a plan for acceleration.     Academic Enrichment courses are held twice per week from 3:30p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Courses are taught according to the following schedule: English – Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday Algebra 1 – Monday/Wednesday Geometry – Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday Algebra 2 – Monday/Tuesday   The shared goal for each course is that students master the skills and concepts needed to experience greater success in their content area course.  To register for an Academic Enrichment course, please see your school counselor.  For more information please contact: Pierrette Hall – Academic Principal – Math/Science 703-575-3401 or Kathy Taylor – Academic Principal – English/Histor 703-824-6814.

Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission Schedules Public Hearing

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

For Immediate Release: February 10, 2011

Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission Schedules Public Hearing to Receive Public Comment on the Beauregard Small Area Plan

The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 16, 7 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center located at 901 Wythe St.

The purpose of the public hearing is to obtain public comment on the Beauregard Small Area Plan. After discussion on the proposed Beauregard Small Area Plan, the Commission will hear comments from City residents on any other park and recreation related issue not previously discussed in a public hearing by the Commission. The regular meeting of the Commission will follow.

The Beauregard Small Area Plan is being undertaken by the City to identify options for the future Beauregard planning area located in the City's West End, including the proposed Transitway Corridor C from Landmark Mall to the northern City limits along Van Dorn St., Sanger Ave. and Beauregard St. Staff from the Department of Planning and Zoning will present the draft master plan, with additional staff from the Departments of Transportation & Environmental Services and Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities available to answer questions.

Individuals who are unable to attend the public hearing can view the Beauregard Site Plan athttp://alexandriava.gov/BeauregardPlan,  and send written comments to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Attention: William Chesley, Deputy Director, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314, or e-mail william.chesley@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the American with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, please call William Chesley at 703.746.5426 (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mailwilliam.chesley@alexandriava.gov.

Interesting Women Part 2

More interesting women with interesting jobs  ---- 

Michelle Lore

Yoga Instructor

www.mindfulyogastudio.com

Anne Alger

inventor

http://annalger.info

http://annalger.info/patent-holder/introducing

Kellie Meehan
CARES - Children's Academic Resource & Educational Services
www.caresresources.com




Laine Hardman
Tidy Up Now
http://www.tidyupnow.com/


Elynn Simons
Artist & Math tutor
http://elynnsart.com/


Mary Beth Buchholz
Free Spirit Floral
www.freespiritfloral.com


Eleanor Seline
Dot the i's
ebseline@mac.com

365 - Party People

These "party people" look cute but they don't work for s@*#! They are supposed to stick to your drink glass.  They fall off.....
Thankfully they weren't expensive!

One Love by Bob Marley

One Love! One Heart! 
Let's get together and feel all right. 
Hear the children cryin' (One Love!); 
Hear the children cryin' (One Heart!), 
Sayin': give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; 
Sayin': let's get together and feel all right. Wo wo-wo wo-wo! 

Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One Love!); 
There is one question I'd really love to ask (One Heart!): 
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner, 
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own beliefs? 
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/bob+marley/one+lovepeople+get+ready_20021748.html ] 
One Love! What about the one heart? One Heart! 
What about - ? Let's get together and feel all right 
As it was in the beginning (One Love!); 
So shall it be in the end (One Heart!), 
All right! 
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; 
Let's get together and feel all right. 
One more thing! 

Let's get together to fight this Holy Armagiddyon (One Love!), 
So when the Man comes there will be no, no doom (One Song!). 
Have pity on those whose chances grows t'inner; 
There ain't no hiding place from the Father of Creation. 

Sayin': One Love! What about the One Heart? (One Heart!) 
What about the - ? Let's get together and feel all right. 
I'm pleadin' to mankind! (One Love!); 
Oh, Lord! (One Heart) Wo-ooh! 

Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; 
Let's get together and feel all right. 
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right; 
Let's get together and feel all right.

Things that have irritated me lately

Ok, so here's another edition of what's ticked me off lately ---

-- people that don't acknowledge that you have held a door for them - they don't say thank you, nod, or smile in your direction and they really piss me off if they are talking on a cell phone and just walk through the door you have held open.  argh...

--people (my kids!) that leave things open - cabinets, drawers, medicine cabinets, car doors, on and on.

-- people that don't pick up their dogs poop.  enough said.

--spammers - twitter spammers, e mail spammers - I DON'T WANT your shit! just STOP it!

365 - monochromatic

I suck at making lunches!

City of Alexandria to Host Informational Meeting on Proposed Enhancements to Holmes Run Trail Play Areas

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

City of Alexandria to Host Informational Meeting on Proposed Enhancements to Holmes Run Trail Play Areas

The City of Alexandria invites the public to attend an informational meeting concerning proposed changes to the existing play areas located on the Holmes Run Trail between Duke Street and Van Dorn Street.  The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on February 22 at Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4643 Taney Ave.

Staff will provide recommendations for removing and/or replacing existing playground equipment.   These recommendations are being proposed to improve compliance with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Public Playground Safety Handbook and the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Standards for Accessible Design.  For questions or more information, contact Judy Lo, at 703.746.5490 or email judy.lo@alexandriava.gov.

For more information on the Consumer Product Safety Commission Public Playground Safety handbook, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/325.pdf.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Judy Lo, at 703.746.5490 or e-mail judy.lo@alexandriava.gov. 

Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp Now Enrolling

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

Hey, Kids, Discover How to Really Dig History!

Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp Now Enrolling

Alexandria Archaeology is hosting an archaeology camp for kids this summer, and applications are now being accepted. Campers will learn professional excavating, recording, and artifact-processing methods as they help uncover the Alexandria’s buried past while protecting historical resources.

Campers will assist City archaeologists at an actual excavation site at Fort Ward Historical Park (4301 Braddock Road) in Alexandria. The site is part of a former African American neighborhood located near the Civil War fort, and was used as a schoolhouse, then a church, and later, a residence. Part of the building has been uncovered, and campers will help to excavate more of the structure with an eye on finding out new information about the structure and the people who studied, worshiped, and lived in it. Other activities include special field trips to historic sites like Mount Vernon and ice cream stops!

The camp is open to children ages 12 through 15. There are two one-week sessions, which run from Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20, and from Monday, July 23 through Friday, July 27. The camp day starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., and campers supply their own drinks and lunch.

Camp costs $400 per session with some scholarships available. Space is limited to just 15 campers per session, and a non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to hold a slot. Each camper will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

To register for camp, visit www.AlexandriaArchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.

The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is located on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 North Union Street, #327, in Old Town Alexandria.

For more information, call the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703.746.4399 or visitwww.AlexandriaArchaeology.org.

Deadline to Register and Update Virginia Voter Registrations: February 13

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

For Immediate Release: February 8, 2012

The legal deadline to register to vote in the March 6 Republican Presidential Primary is Monday, February 13 at 5 p.m. Voter Registration applications submitted by mail must be postmarked on or before February 13. The same deadlines are in effect for Virginia voters who are registered, but have moved within the city of Alexandria, or within Virginia. Voters who do not update their registration records prior to the February 13 deadline risk being ineligible to vote in this Primary.

Voter cards for new or transferred registrants will be mailed within one week of the registration date.

Checking Registration

Alexandria voters who are not certain if they are registered at their current address can go toalexandriava.gov/Elections and click on “Am I Registered and Where do I Vote?” or call the Alexandria Office of Voter Registration at 703.746.4050.

New Registrations

The Alexandria Office of Voter Registration offers the following voter registration methods:

•  Complete the application online at alexandriava.gov/Elections, print it out (and sign it) and mail it to the Alexandria Office of Voter Registration, 132 N Royal Street, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314. Applications must be postmarked on or before February 13.
• Pick up an application at Alexandria Libraries or the City’s Community Relations Office (Room 1900 at City Hall).
• Register in person at the Alexandria Office of Voter Registration or at Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Customer Service Centers.

Address Updates

Virginia registered voters who need to update their addresses may:

• Complete the form on the back of their old Voter I.D. card and mail or fax it to the Alexandria Office of Voter Registration; or,
• Complete a new voter registration application and mail or fax it to the Alexandria Office of Voter Registration.
  The Office of Voter Registration FAX number is 703.838.6449.

Absentee Voting

Absentee voting is now in progress. Visit alexandriava.gov/Elections or call 703.746.4050 for information on absentee voting and other election information, including sample ballots and precinct information.

For more information, contact Tom Parkins, General Registrar, at 703.746.4050 ortom.parkins@alexandriava.gov

Alexandria Boards/Commission Vacancies

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT JACKIE HENDERSON AT 703
746-4550
CITY CLERK AND CLERK OF COUNCIL

The Alexandria City Council is seeking applicants to fill the following vacancies on City
of Alexandria boards, commissions and committees.  Council will act on these
vacancies at the February 28, 2012, City Council meeting.  All applicants must complete
a Personal Data Record Form and return it to the City Clerk’s Office or file the form
electronically via the City’s website no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 17,
2012.  Applications received after this deadline will not be forwarded to City Council.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee – one vacancy for a builder or developer of
residential property, due to an administrative action.  The Committee, whose members
also serve on the Housing Master Plan Advisory Group, meets on the first Thursday of
each month at 7:00 p.m. for Housing Master Plan business.  Separate Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee meetings will be held at 6:30 the same evening on an as-
needed basis.   In the event Committee business is expected to take longer than 30
minutes, a special meeting will be held on an alternate date convenient to the majority
of members.  Approximately four to five hours per month are required of Committee
members.

Alexandria ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Program) Board – This is an existing board
but its members will now be appointed by City Council. One vacancy for a public
defender representative. The Board meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of the month
at 4:00 p.m.

Alexandria Gang Task Force – one vacancy for a member from and representing the
youth of the City, due to a resignation.  The Task Force meets quarterly during the
weekday evening.  Approximately two hours per meeting are required of Task Force
members.

Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee – two vacancies for citizen members, one
due to an expired term and one due to an expiring term.  The committee meets on the
second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.  Approximately four hours per month are
required of committee members. 

Alexandria-Gyumri Sister City Committee – six vacancies for citizen members, five
due to resignations and one due to an expiring term. The committee meets at 7:30 p.m.
on the fourth Tuesday of the month.  Approximately three hours per month are required
of Committee members.

Citizen Corps Council – six vacancies: one representative of the Emergency Medical
Services Council, Medical Reserve Corps or a person with emergency medical
response experience, due to an administrative action; one representative from the
Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross due to a resignation; one representative
of an Alexandria civic association due to a resignation; one for a representative of the
Alexandria business community, due to an expired term; one member designated by the
Alexandria School Board due to a resignation; and one representative of the Crime
Prevention Council, or an individual with law enforcement or crime prevention
experience, due to a resignation.  The Council meets on the fourth Monday of the month
at 7:00 p.m.  Approximately four hours per month are required of Council members.

Commission on Aging – two vacancies for citizen members who are under 60 years of
age, one due to an administrative action and one due to a resignation.  The
Commission meets on the second Thursday of every month, except in July and August,
from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Approximately four to six hours of work per month are
required of Commission members. 

Commission on Employment – two vacancies for two business representatives from
among recognized area businesses, including minority owned and small businesses,
due to resignations.  The Commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month at
8:00 a.m.  Approximately five hours per month are required of Commission members.

Commission on HIV/AIDS – eight vacancies:  one Alexandria chapter of the American
Red Cross representative, due to an administrative action; one high school student who
currently attends any high school located in the City due to an administration action
(ordinance change); one member from and representing the Inova Alexandria Hospital’s
Department of Pastoral Services; two citizen-at-large members, one due to a
resignation and one due to an administrative action; one member who is a practicing
physician due to a resignation; one member from and representing the Community
Services Board due to an expired term; and one member from and representing the City
of Alexandria Public Schools due to an expired term. The Commission meets on the
third Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.  Approximately three hours per month are
required of Commission members.

Commission on Information Technology – three vacancies:  one for a member
representing a provider of local telephone communication services in the City of
Alexandria due to an expired term; one School Board representative, due to an
administrative action; and one member representing the holder of the City’s cable
television franchise, due to an administrative action.  The Commission meets on the
second Monday of every month.  Approximately two hours per meeting are required of
Commission members.

Commission on Persons with Disabilities – six vacancies:  two citizen members, one
due to a resignation and one due to an administrative action; three disabled citizen
members due to resignations; and one representative of the business community, due
to a resignation. The Commission meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of
every month.  Approximately six to ten hours a month are required of Commission
members.

Community Policy and Management Team – one vacancy for a representative of a
private organization or association of providers of children’s or family services which
provides such services within the City on a continuing and consistent basis, due to an
expiring term.  The Team meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. 
Approximately two hours per month are required of Team members.

Community Services Board – three vacancies:  one for a licensed physician
representative due to a resignation; and two citizen members due to resignations. The
Board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.  Approximately eight
hours per month are required of Board members.

Convention and Visitors Association Board of Governors – one vacancy for a
restaurant owner/manager representative, due to a resignation.  The Board meets on
the third Monday of the month.  Approximately three hours per month are required of
Board members.

Economic Opportunities Commission – three vacancies:  one for a representative of
business, industry, labor, religious, welfare or other private groups and interests certified
by the Commission, due to a resignation; and two for representatives of low income
individuals and families in the City of Alexandria, who must be democratically chosen as
an EOC representative by the low-income members of the respective organization or
geographic area, due to resignations.  The Commission meets on the third Wednesday
of the month at 7:00 p.m.  Approximately four hours per month are required of
Commission members.

Emergency Medical Services Council – one vacancy for a representative of the
Emergency Nurses Association from Alexandria Hospital due to an expired term. The
Council meets quarterly at the call of the chair.

Environmental Policy Commission – one vacancy for a member from the Alexandria
business community, due to an expiring term.  The Commission meets for a work
session on the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. and a regular meeting on the third
Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.  Approximately 15 hours per month are required of
commission members. 

Fort Ward Ad Hock Advisory Group - (appointments will be made by the City
Manager) One vacancy as follows: one at-large citizen member who has shown a
knowledge and keen interest in Fort Ward.  The Advisory Group will meet on an as-
needed basis and is limited to a two-year period.  Approximately three hours per month
are required of members.

George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee – eight vacancies: one
member nominated by the Alexandria Jaycees, due to an administrative action; two
business community representatives nominated by the Chamber of Commerce, one due
to an expired term and one due to an expiring term; one member nominated by a
veterans organization other than the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion,
due to a resignation; one member nominated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars due to a
resignation; one member nominated by the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations
due to a resignation; one member nominated by the Masonic Fraternity and one
member who attends high school in the City of Alexandria, due to a resignation.  The
Committee meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.  Approximately three
to five hours per month are required of Committee members.

Historic Alexandria Resources Commission – five vacancies: one member from
Planning District II, due to a resignation; one representative from the Alexandria Society
for the Preservation of Black Heritage due to a resignation; one representative from
Landmarks Society/Stabler Leadbeater due to an expired term; and one representative
for the Torpedo Factory Artists Association, due to a resignation.  The Commission
meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.  The Commission does not meet
in the summer.  Approximately two hours per month are required of Commission
members.

Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission – two vacancies:  one vacancy
for a citizen member due to a resignation and one due to an expiring term.  The
Commission meets at the call of the chairperson.

Human Rights Commission – one vacancy for a Landlord-Tenant Relations Board
representative due to a resignation.  The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the
month at 7:00 p.m.  Approximately five hours per month are required of Commission
members.

Landlord-Tenant Relations Board – one vacancy for a landlord or representative of a
landlord, due to an expiring term.  The Board meets on the first Wednesday of each
month at 7:00 p.m.  Approximately five hours per month are required of Board
members. 

Local Emergency Planning Committee – one vacancy for a representative of the
broadcast or print media, due to an administrative action.  The Committee meets
quarterly at the call of the chair.  Approximately two hours per meeting are required of
Committee members.

Public Health Advisory Commission – two vacancies: one for a representative from
the Inova Alexandria Hospital, nominated by the Hospital due to a resignation; and one
physician practicing in the City nominated by the Alexandria Medical Society due to a
resignation.  The Commission meets on the third Thursday of the month at 5:30
p.m.  Approximately four hours per month are required of Commission members.

Sister Cities Committee – five vacancies: two for representatives of the Alexandria-
Gyumri Sister City Committee due to resignations; and three citizen members, one due
to a resignation, one due to an expired term, and one due to an expiring term. The
Committee meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. and participates in
the Christmas Walk and Scottish games.

Social Services Advisory Board – one vacancy for a citizen member, due to a
resignation.  The Board meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. 
Approximately six hours per month are required of Commission members. 

USS Alexandria Liaison Committee – one vacancy for a representative of the U.S.
Navy League due to an expired term.

      * * * * * *

Please note that the term “expiring term” means the position vacancy is due to a term of
an incumbent that is about to expire, and the incumbent may or may not reapply for the
position.
All applicants must comply with City Ordinance No. 2452, which states that no
appointee shall reside outside of the City of Alexandria unless a residency waiver is
granted, and City Ordinance No. 2641, which states that City employees may not apply
for vacancies on boards, committee or commissions that relate to the responsibilities of
the department in which they are employed.
Applicants may only submit an application to one committee at a time.
Members of the Human Rights Commission are available to assist any person or attend
any meeting to explain the board and commission application process.  To request such
assistance, contact Jean Niebauer at 703 746-3140.
For further information about the vacancies or responsibilities of these boards and
commissions, contact Jackie Henderson in the City Clerk/Clerk of Council Office at 703
746-4550.

Alexandria Sanitation Community Mtg RE: Four Mile Run, 2/22

ROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

The Alexandria Sanitation Authority (ASA) and the City of Alexandria will hold a community meeting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 22, at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 West Reed Avenue to provide information regarding upcoming improvements to the Four Mile Run Pump Station located at 3650 Commonwealth Avenue. The improvements include replacing existing sanitary sewer infrastructure and providing an artificial turf play area and public restrooms. The City Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities will assume maintenance and operation of the recreational facilities once they are installed by ASA. ASA representatives will attend the meeting to answer questions concerning the ASA facilities and City representatives will be available to answer questions concerning the recreational facilities.

For additional information concerning the project, please contact Lorna Huff at ASA, 703.549.3381or Katye North, City Department of Planning and Zoning at 703.746.4666.

New Restaurants in the Old Generous Georges Location

I've just learned that two restaurants will be going in to the old Generous Georges building on Duke St.
The two restaurants will be:

"The Esquire Dog" -  a quick service dining option. It will feature artisanal hot dogs and hand cut fries, as well as in the morning, beignets. There will also be seasonal sausages rotated through the menu. 

"Ginny's"  -  a high end Southern bistro. The name is meant to evoke the state of Virginia. The cuisine will be a refinement of Southern staple and will feature quality regional purveyors such as oysters from the Rappahannock, country ham's from Smithfield and the pick of quality wines from all over the state. 


Both establishments could be open as early as late Summer and are being run by the My Husband Cooks Hospitality Group, LLC


I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to trying these new restaurants and seeing something in the space along Duke St. 

Alexandria Library Celebrates 75th Anniversary as Public Library System

Alexandria Library Celebrates 75^th Anniversary as Public Library System

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

For immediate release: February 7, 2012

On August 20, 2012 the Alexandria Library will officially celebrate 75 years as a public library system. In recognition of the 75^th Anniversary, Alexandria Library will host a number of special programs throughout 2012. 

Alexandria Library opened as a public library system on August 20, 1937 with the construction of the Barrett Branch Library. However, the Library originally began as a subscription library, founded on July 24, 1794 by the Alexandria Library Company, and members were required to pay a fee. 

A kick-off event was already held on Saturday, January 28 at the Beatley Central Library hosted by the Alexandria Library Special Collections Division. Robert K. Krick, author and former Chief Historian of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, gave a lecture titled “Robert E. Lee and His Detractors in the Age of the Anti-Hero.” Special Collections also displayed a newly acquired letter penned by Robert E. Lee himself. 

“We look forward to commemorating 75 years as a public library system,” said Library Director Rose Dawson. “Throughout 2012, the Library will host a number of programs and events to mark this milestone. Like the rest of Alexandria, the Library has fascinating history.”

Join the Alexandria Library throughout 2012 to celebrate 75 years of history and also look forward to the future of this vibrant library system! Contact Library Administration at (703) 746-1701 for information or questions about the celebration of their 75^th Anniversary.

365 - Spring?!

spotted today in my neighbors yard.  

Is it really February 7? 

Home School Students Participating on Public School Teams

While most of the time I agree with John Kelly's Washington Post column, today I have to disagree with with it.

Virginia home-schoolers can’t have their cake and eat it, too

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-home-schoolers-cant-have-their-cake-and-eat-it-too/2012/02/06/gIQAv9QAuQ_story.html

There are many reasons why a student is not in public school, some for religious reasons or other reasons stated in Mr. Kelly's column, but most of the reasons I have seen are that the current public schools are too big for most children or can not meet their educational needs.  Many of these children need to have a more structured environment and less sensory overload.  The sheer number of times that a student needs to move throughout a day is mind blowing, and some children and teens just can't handle that.  Some can't handle a class of 25-30 students with 1 teacher.  Some can't handle the behavior issues from other students that are present in almost every classroom.  Some just can't handle a school with 700-2000 students in it.

So why can't that child, who happens to be home schooled, participate in sports at their public school?  Their parents pay taxes towards that school, the books and materials, the athletic equipment and the teachers, coaches and staff salary, just like everyone else in the neighborhood.  Are we going to say that just because I choose a job and to work from home, I shouldn't drive on the streets into DC or Old Town?  I pay for those streets.

Some folks say that there are other sports opportunities for the students that are home schooled.  There are recreation leagues or city leagues.  I beg to differ - not all sports have leagues outside of public schools - golf, crew and track for example.   Where else could these athletes compete?

I think that unless and until the City or public school system is going to refund the taxes paid by the parents (cost of educating 1 student for a yr), of a home schooled student, that student should be guaranteed the right to try out and participate with their peers on a high school athletic team.

So, Mr. Kelly, they are not having their cake and eating it to.

Trace Your Civil War Ancestor at Fort Ward Museum March 10

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Trace Your Civil War Ancestor at Fort Ward Museum March 10

Experts from the National Archives to Share Genealogy Resources

Commemorate the Civil War Sesquicentennial by finding out about your own Civil War ancestors! Learn how when experts from the National Archives and Records Administration present “Tracing Your Civil War Ancestor” at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10.

Archives specialists Constance Potter and Katherine Vollen will review some of the many Union and Confederate records and resources for researching Civil War ancestors, and will provide guidelines for how to get started. In their illustrated presentation, the speakers will cover record searches for Civil War servicemen in the army and navy, including military service and pension records, enlistment registers, rendezvous reports, and cartographic records.

Constance Potter is a reference archivist at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C. Katherine Vollen is an archives specialist in the Research Support Branch of the National Archives. Both speakers specialize in Federal records of interest to genealogists.

This lecture will be held in the Museum library. Cost for the program is $10 per person, and reservations are suggested due to limited space. Please call the Museum at 703.746.4848 to make reservations.

Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. It was the fifth largest installation within the extensive network of forts known as the Defenses of Washington, which was built to protect the Federal capital during the Civil War.

For more information, please call Fort Ward Museum at 703.746.4848 or visitwww.fortward.org.

Sock Hop Benefit for The Miracle Fund of Alexandria 2/25

for more information go to: http://www.miracleleagueofalexandria.com/
or http://www.kelleycares.org

ACPS Kindergarten Open Houses

FROM ACPS:

DID YOU KNOW  that kindergarten registration for next school year begins in the spring? To kick off the season, each elementary school will host an open house, at which parents and community members may ask questions and familiarize themselves with the schools. Schools will offer tours and a chance to meet with teachers. If you or a family you know has a rising kindergartener, please plan to be there. Schools are assigned based on your home address. You can use to the online Attendance Zone Locator (http://www.acps.k12.va.us/enroll/zonelocator.php) to determine your neighborhood school. Families and students who are new to ACPS are also welcome. The start of the kindergarten registration period will be announced soon.  In the meantime, the kindergarten open house schedule is as follows:
 
Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy - February 15 at 9 a.m.
Matthew Maury - February 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Samuel Tucker - March 1 at 12:30 p.m.
James K. Polk - March 2 at 8:30 a.m.
Cora Kelly - March 2 at 9 a.m.
Patrick Henry - March 2 at 11 a.m.
Douglas MacArthur - March 7 at 9:15 a.m.
William Ramsay - March 15 at 9 a.m.
Mount Vernon - March 21at| 9 a.m.
Jefferson-Houston - March 22 and April 19 at 9 a.m.
John Adams - March 23 at 9 a.m.
Charles Barrett - March 26 at 1 p.m.
George Mason - May 18 at 1 p.m.  

365 - Still going strong

My Christmas Poinsettia is still looking good, despite the warm weather. 

ACPS Parent Resource Center Presents A Parent's Guide to Medicaid Waivers

Anne R. Lipnick Family Resource Center

Special Education Family Engagement Series

 

Parent’s Guide to Medicaid Waivers

February 9, 2012

7:00–8:30pm

Minnie Howard Campus
Media Center 

      
Come learn about Medicaid Waivers, one of the best ways to make long-term care supports available to your child. Waivers are free state support systems for individuals with disabilities. In this workshop, we’ll explore the supports they offer as well as instructions on how to apply and qualify.

Presented by: Savina Avila, The Arc of Northern Virginia

 

For more information contact:

Johnathan Harris at jonathan.harris@acps.k12.va.us or

Mónica Sanjur at monica.sanjur@acps.k12.va.us

703.824.6750

Petition to Rename Monroe Avenue Bridge the Judy Utterback Lowe Memorial Bridge

FROM THE DEL RAY CITIZENS ASSOCIATION: 

Petition to Rename Monroe Avenue Bridge the Judy Utterback Lowe Memorial Bridge

Although well-known as a tireless advocate for the Del Ray Citizens Association, Judy Lowe was an equally tireless defender of the City of Alexandria and vocal advocate of civic engagement citywide.

Much as the Monroe Avenue Bridge carries a major thoroughfare, connecting Alexandria to itself and surrounding jurisdictions, Judy connected people with people, ideas with action, and causes with advocates.

Please support this effort to rename the Monroe Avenue Bridge the Judy Utterback Lowe Memorial Bridge!


To participate in the petition effort, go to 
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/The_Judy_Utterback_Lowe_Memorial_Bridge 

Please feel free to forward this information to interested parties.

Sincerely,
David Fromm
Treasurer