Alexandria Mom's Calendar of Events

Friday, July 13, 2012

Suspect Identified in Counterfeit Case

FROM ALEXANDRIA POLICE:


ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600
NEWS RELEASE
JULY 13, 2012 #12-040
2:30 P.M. DONALDSON

UPDATE:  Suspect Identified in Uttering Case
The suspect in the surveillance video was identified as Jay Michael Linford, 48, of Gilbert, Arizona.  A warrant has been issued for Linford on one count of Uttering.  He is currently facing charges in Arizona on an unrelated case.
Alexandria Police Seek Help Identifying Suspect in Uttering Case
Alexandria Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect involved in the uttering of a counterfeit check.  On June 7, 2012 at 2:13 P.M., the unidentified suspect walked into the United Bank, located at 301 S. Washington Street, and cashed a counterfeit check from a company based out of Washington, DC.  At approximately 3:17 P.M. the same day, the suspect went to a United Bank located at 2300 Ninth Street South in Arlington County and attempted to cash a second check, but was denied by the teller.  The suspect left the bank before police arrived. 
In both cases, the suspect used a fake Maryland driver’s license.  The suspect is described as a white male, in his forties, approximately 5’8” with a medium to heavy build.  He was wearing a flannel shirt with dark jeans and brown shoes.
Anyone with information about these cases or recognizing the man in the photos is asked to call Detective Daniel Plank of the Criminal Investigations Section at 703.746.6251.
Detectives would like to remind witnesses that they can remain anonymous.

ACPS Enrollment Options

FROM ACPS: 




ACPS ENROLLMENT OPTIONS CHANGE AS SCHOOLS NEAR CAPACITY
  
Alexandria Va.  —  Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) enrollment for the 2012–13 school year was projected to increase by about 3.3 percent, or approximately 412 students. However, summer registrations for kindergarten have been especially heavy and have resulted in the need for additional sections at some schools. The capacity issues will make it difficult to place children new to Alexandria in their home schools. 
 
The addition of new classes at any grade level is nearly impossible, as principals have been using all available space. ACPS is working closely with the city to develop a short-term solution to add “learning cottages” at two elementary schools. During the last three years, enrollments have risen from 10,600 in the spring of 2008 to 12,400 this spring, a 17.4 percent increase. Nearly 30 new modular construction classrooms have been added in the last three years, and plans are under way to construct a new building at Jefferson-Houston School starting this coming school year and at Patrick Henry the following year.
 
ACPS and federal education policy have traditionally allowed families some flexibility in selecting an elementary school. That flexibility is now greatly reduced. Under the ACPS Modified Open Enrollment policy, parents could register new kindergarten students between April and June 15 (June 1 for modified calendar schools) to ensure placement at their neighborhood schools or schools of their choice for the upcoming school year. In March, the Alexandria City School Board gave Superintendent Morton Sherman flexibility to increase kindergarten class size caps by up to two students to accommodate new registrants. New kindergarten registrations as of the June deadlines were honored as the school capacity levels were not exceeded, and there was no need for a lottery. 
 
ACPS has processed 119 transfer requests for the 2012–13 school year based on school modified open enrollment, administrative transfers and sibling placement. As parents continue to register students during summer, Dr. Sherman has put on hold the placement of any additional administrative transfer requests. This option will be continually reviewed on an individual level throughout the summer, but most administrative transfer requests will not be considered until mid-August. About 95 requests for administrative transfers from nine elementary schools will be kept pending.
 
“As with most Northern Virginia school divisions, we continue to see rapid enrollment increases,” Dr. Sherman said. “We expect our enrollment numbers to reach higher than 12,800 students as school opens this year. Our planning has been on target, with only about a 1-2 percent variation from projected to actual enrollments. Because we take pride in personalized attention to each family, we know that individual children and their families make up these numbers and percentages. Therefore, we pledge to continue our practice of having Coordinator of Pupil Placements Karl Smith personally talk with elementary families, even though the reality is that fewer and fewer requests for transfers can be met. In fact, placement at some neighborhood schools has become quite difficult.”
 
The Virginia Department of Education recently applied for and received a waiver from certain provisions of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The requirement to offer the corrective action known as Public School Choice, or "Choice," has been eliminated.
 
Although ACPS will not accept new Choice transfers, children who received a Choice transfer in a previous school year may continue to stay at the transfer school through the highest grade offered in that school. In the absence of Choice, ACPS will continue to offer limited transfer opportunities under the administrative transfer process. However, transfers may not be available to all desired schools depending on capacity. Administrative transfers may only be accepted with certain conditions, for example:
 
  • Good attendance and behavior standards must be met and maintained.
  • Transportation is not provided.
  • Families must demonstrate a sufficient need, such as proximity to a child care provider or guardian’s place of work, or a desire to opt in to a dual-language program.
 
“All of our elementary schools offer exceptional opportunities for students. We have the lowest elementary class sizes in the Metro D.C. area. Our new curriculum focuses on high expectations for all students as we meet the demands of still emerging 21st-century skills, and our teachers, principals and staff are caring professionals who work hard to ensure student success,” Dr. Sherman said. “We will work with families to enroll students in their neighborhood schools as capacity allows and to address special needs and requests appropriately as they arise.
 
“There is no doubt that capacity issues throughout ACPS will continue to be a major focus in the coming months. We appreciate the candid and positive conversations we are having with the city manager as we try to address short-terms needs and to update our long-term facility plans.”
 
For more information about modified open enrollment, visit our website at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/budgets/moe/. For more information on administrative transfers, please see School Board Policy JC-R at: http://www.acps.k12.va.us/admintransfer.php
Questions regarding administrative transfers may be directed to Karl Smith via email at karl.smith@acps.k12.va.us.
 

365 - hat

another way to keep cool - wear a big hat

Thursday, July 12, 2012

School Board Didn't Approve any Meeting Minutes


Alexandria School Board Approved No Meeting Minutes In 2012

2012 STATE PERFORMANCE PLAN/ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR VIRGINIA


FROM PEATC: 



2012 STATE PERFORMANCE PLAN/ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR VIRGINIA (SPP/APR)
(GRANT YEAR 2010-2011 — ISSUED JUNE 27, 2012)
Congratulations to Virginia for their grade of “meets the requirements of Part B of IDEA” for the 2012 state determination letters!
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each state to report to the public on state-level data and individual school division-level data and to report on whether the state and the divisions met state targets described in the state’s special education State Performance Plan (SPP). An example of an indicator is “Graduation”—the percent of youth with IEPs graduating from high school with a regular diploma.  For more information, check out the links below:

The 2012 report for Virginia can be viewed at:

Office of Special Education Programs Response to SPP/APR:

Table:


Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Majestic Fun in Manassas - Fun for Autistic Children

FROM PEATC (Parent Education Advocacy Training Center): 




Have you heard of Majestic Fun located in Manassas?

Majestic Fun is a fun and entertaining place for kids with autism to go to and have a great time.  They have a Special Care Provider for Autistic families.  The owner, Katie, has over 35 years of experience working with autistic children and adults.  With 3 hours session, she will help kids to adapt and accept the different things around them.  She will help kids to focus and stay on task.  Kids will have group socialization while learning important skills that will help them to function in everyday life while still having a great time.

For more information check out their website and/or call them.



Tommy and Katie
Owners of Majestic Fun
Where All Ages Can Have Fun
www.MajesticFun.com
8490 Centreville Rd
Manassas, VA 20111
571-292-2157

**Disclaimer:  Posting of this information does not infer an endorsement by PEATC of the program and/or the facility.  This resource is offered for informational purposes only.  

365 - turtle

seen on today's walk

ACPS Sponsored Back to School Health Fair


FREE Physicals for Uninsured Children
Saturday, July 21st 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Arlandria Health Center 2 East Glebe Road Alexandria, VA 22305 

This Is “FOR NEW STUDENTS ONLY”
Pre-school Elementary School Middle School High School


Please bring all of the following to your appointment: 
Immunization records 
Health history and allergy information
A parent or guardian must be present


For an appointment call: (703) 535 – 5568


ACPS Seeks Tutors



ACPS SEEKS TUTORS FOR THE AVID PROGRAM DURING 2012-13 SCHOOL YEAR

Can you help make college a dream come true for our Alexandria students? 
Are you a college-age student or community member seeking a tutoring experience in your local community? 
The ACPS Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program is in search of individuals willing to work 15-20 hours in a secondary school during the school year. 

Alexandria police seek help in counterfeit case


ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600
NEWS RELEASE
JULY 11, 2012 #12-039
1:30 P.M. DONALDSON

 Alexandria Police Seek Help Identifying Suspect in Uttering Case
Alexandria Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect involved in the uttering of a counterfeit check.  On June 7, 2012 at 2:13 P.M., the unidentified suspect walked into the United Bank, located at 301 S. Washington Street, and cashed a counterfeit check from a company based out of Washington, DC.  At approximately 3:17 P.M. the same day, the suspect went to a United Bank located at 2300 Ninth Street South in Arlington County and attempted to cash a second check, but was denied by the teller.  The suspect left the bank before police arrived. 

In both cases, the suspect used a fake Maryland driver’s license.  The suspect is described as a white male, in his forties, approximately 5’8” with a medium to heavy build.  He was wearing a flannel shirt with dark jeans and brown shoes.

Anyone with information about these cases or recognizing the man in the photos is asked to call Detective Daniel Plank of the Criminal Investigations Section at 703.746.6251.

Parent Meeting for Patrick Henry Principal Search




Purchasing Democracy Forum



Purchasing Democracy:
The Role of ALEC in Writing Our Laws
A Forum Discussion Featuring:

Moderator:
Patrick A. Hope, Virginia General Assembly Delegate & Co-Chair Virginia Progressive Caucus


Speakers:
Kim Anderson, Director, Center for Advocacy, National Education Association 
Diallo K. Brooks, Director, Field Mobilization, People for the American Way 
Doug Clopp, Deputy Program Director, Common Cause 
Tom Perriello, Former Congressman (VA-5)
Anna Scholl, Executive Director, ProgressVA 
Naomi Walker, Director, State Government Relations, AFL-CIO


Thursday, July 12, 2012, 7-9 PM

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association 4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203 
Metro: Orange Line, Ballston Station Free Garage Parking in Building after 5 PM - Enter from Taylor Street Map: http://mapq.st/KqMXxi


Please join us as Delegate Patrick Hope moderates a discussion to illuminate the American Legislative Exchange Council's national mission, strategy and tactics to position corporate profit and power ahead of public interest by writing state laws.

Sponsored By: Fairfax County Democratic Committee National Affairs and AFL-CIO-Virginia; NOVA Labor; ProgressVA; People for the American Way; National Education Association; Progressive Democrats of America-Virginia; NoVa Council of MoveOn; Primary Matters Coalition; NAACP Alexandria, Arlington & Prince William Branches; the Democratic Committees of Arlington, Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church City, Manassas & Manassas Park; and 8th Congressional District Democratic Committee

This event is FREE of charge.

Live Webcast at www.InsideScoopProductions.com Send Q&A Questions Live to InsideScoop@nova.org 
Twitter: @NoALEC_Virginia
RSVP at bit.ly/NCTZ38 or on the facebook event: goo.gl/UlJrQ 
Event organizer: Sandra Klassen, Chair, FCDC National Affairs Committee

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

365 - Bunny


7-11 FREE Slurpee Day Tomorrow

 7/11 (tomorrow) is 7-11 Celebration at 7-Eleven stores.
 All day long, you can get a FREE 7.11 oz. Slurpee, while supplies last. 



Police Make Arrest in Sexual Battery Case


ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600
NEWS RELEASE
JULY 10, 2012 #12-038
11:00 A.M. DONALDSON

 Alexandria Police Make Arrest in Sexual Battery Case
Alexandria Police have arrested a man accused of committing sexual battery.  On July 5, police were called to the 3400 block of Mount Vernon Avenue for the report of a man who had entered a business and rubbed his groin area against a 45 year-old female.  The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.  Officers searched the area and located the suspect a short distance away.  Jonathan Koonce, 31, of no fixed address, was charged with Sexual Battery and Providing False Information to Avoid Prosecution. 
During the investigation, detectives determined that Koonce exposed himself earlier the same day at another business in the 3400 block of Mount Vernon Avenue and rubbed his genitals against two women.  He was charged with two additional counts of Sexual Battery in that case. 
The investigation continues and police believe Koonce may be responsible for other similar cases in the area. 
If you have any information about these cases or similar cases in the area, please call the Criminal Investigations Section at 703.746.6711.

Monday, July 9, 2012

365 - tunnel


Feedback needed on Patrick Henry Principal Selection


PATRICK HENRY COMMUNITY CAN PROVIDE PRINCIPAL SELECTION FEEDBACK ON JULY 12
Don't forget that ACPS wants to hear from parents, students and community members regarding selection of a new principal for Patrick Henry Elementary School. A meeting will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, in the school cafeteria, 4643 Taney Ave., Alexandria. A light dinner will be served. Superintendent of Schools Morton Sherman, Chief Human Resources Officer Kevin North and Chief Academic Officer GwenCarol Holmes will be on hand to answer participants' questions. For more information, visit http://www.acps.k12.va.us/digest/patrick-henry.pdf . Provide input online at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/hr/survey.php .

Comcast outdoor Film Festival July 13 & 14

Friday, 7/13 & 7/14 7:30 pm
Waterfront Park, 1 Prince Street


The featured movies will be Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol on Friday evening and We Bought a Zoo on Saturday evening. 
Feel free to bring a blanket or low chair to enjoy free movies in the heart of Alexandria. 
Moviegoers are encouraged to come early and enjoy food from vendors such as Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Chick-Fil-A and Domino’s Pizza. A portion of the food sales will benefit Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, Alexandria Chapter a non-profit organization in the City. 
Visitors to the historic district are encouraged to bike, walk or take Metro to the King Street Station and take the King Street Trolley to the festival. The free King Street Trolley will operate between the waterfront and the King Street Metro until midnight. 
Park gates open at 7 p.m. and the movie will start at approximately 8:30 p.m.




Rating Agencies Reaffirm Alexandria’s Bond Ratings


FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 



Rating Agencies Reaffirm Alexandria’s Bond Ratings
For immediate release: July 9, 2012

Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service have reaffirmed the City of Alexandria’s bond ratings of AAA and Aaa, respectively. The City has maintained these top grades from both major bond rating agencies since 1992.
Bond ratings (expressed in letters from “AAA” to “C”), are grades given to bonds that indicate their credit quality.  Private independent rating services provide these evaluations of a bond issuer’s financial strength, or its ability to pay a bond’s principal and interest in a timely manner.
In reaffirming the City’s AAA bond rating, S&P cited the City’s “[d]eep, diverse, and strongly performing local economy, which serves as one of the anchors of the greater Washington and northern Virginia regions,” “strong financial management,” as well as a “low debt burden for debt-to-market value.” S&P also rated the City’s financial management practices “strong,” which is the highest rating given in the financial management category. “We believe the city will likely maintain its strong reserves and strong financial oversight.”
S&P gave the City a “stable” outlook, owing to the City’s “very strong and diverse local economy, strong financial management, and moderate-to-low debt.”
Moody’s assigned the City a “negative outlook,” based on its “indirect linkages to the weakened credit profile of the U.S. government,” for the second year. In August 2011, Moody’s announced that 161 Aaa-rated local governments, including the City of Alexandria, were assigned a “negative outlook” due to indirect and direct financial and economic relationships of these localities with the federal government.
In reaffirming the City’s Aaa bond rating, however, Moody’s Investors Service stated that the “Aaa rating reflects the city's strong and vibrant tax base, sound and stable financial condition, conservative budgeting and favorable debt profile,” and cited Alexandria’s “large and wealthy tax base with proximity to DC,” and a “conservatively managed budget with sound reserves.”
“This positive response from the rating agencies is a reflection of the City’s strong financial management, as we continue to work together to ensure a sustainable economy for our city,” said Mayor William D. Euille, “Regardless of the state of the nation’s economy over the past several years, Alexandria has been able to maintain our longstanding, solid financial reputation, and we are extremely proud of the consistently high bond ratings to affirm it.”

Christmas in July in Old Town


Sunday, July 8, 2012

365 - Scout


Jefferson Houston Community Meeting


REVIEW DESIGN OF JEFFERSON-HOUSTON AT COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
The Alexandria City School Board and Superintendent Morton Sherman invite all Jefferson-Houston School families and community members to a Conversation on the Jefferson-Houston School of the Future from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 15, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 905 Wythe St., Alexandria. Participants will review the evolving exterior views of the new Jefferson-Houston School and provide feedback to help guide the ongoing design. Light refreshments and child care will be available. For more information, visithttp://www.acps.k12.va.us/board/jh-project or contact Project Manager Jay Brinson at jay.brinson@acps.k12.va.us or 202-266-3412. Everyone is encouraged to attend!