Alexandria Mom's Calendar of Events

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

End of Year Teacher Gifts

Originally posted May 2012



So, it's that time of year again, time to thank the teachers for putting up with your kid for another year   teaching your child.


Here are some that we have put together as a class over the last few years - (I know preschool is easier than grade school)

Its been easy - we just ask about $10 from each family to contribute towards this "themed" gift.  Some families only give $10, some give more, whatever they can and want to contribute.  We pool the money and get each teacher a themed bag.  We usually tailor it to the teacher's interests.   It's great and it looks like so much more than just a gift card from each family.


-Large pool bag filled with flip flops, buckets, gift cards to book stores, plastic drink glasses, visors, sun screen, beach towel, etc.

-Large tote bag filled with gardening items - shears, small shovel, gloves, gift card to Home Depot, packets of seeds, etc.

-Large tote bag filled with cooking items - measuring cups & spoons, apron, gift card to Williams Sonoma, hand towels, cook book, etc.

-Large tote bag filled with children's books (for the just out of school teacher starting their library) - having some of the books autographed by the authors is great!

-Large tote bag filled with pet items - leash, balls, squeaky toys, rain boots for the owner, gift cards to pet supply stores, etc.

-Tote filled with camping items - mosquito spray and netting, flashlight, batteries, hiking guide books, pillow, water bottle, etc.

It is great if you can get the kids to decorate or personalize the bag - hand prints on the bag or write their names.


Other items that have been "hits" with teachers:

  • note cards
  • thank you notes
  • children's books signed by the author
  • various gift cards to Amazon, Great Harvest Bread store, St. Elmo's, Dairy Godmother, AMC Movie theater, etc. 


Some of the things that teachers have said they don't like or appreciate (have too much of) - anything with an apple or teacher on it.


What are some of the gifts you've given?

Update - Police Arrest Suspect in Homicide


3rd UPDATE: Alexandria Police Arrest Suspect in Homicide

Alexandria Police have arrested Arlington County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Patterson, 44, and charged him with Murder in the homicide of Julian Dawkins. Earlier today, the Commonwealth’s Attorney requested that detectives apply for an arrest warrant for Patterson.  The warrant was issued this afternoon and Patterson was taken into custody at a residence in Spotsylvania County this evening. 
No further details about the arrest are being released at this time.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Star Wars

I saw this near Bradlee Shopping center today.  My kids had fun with this one!
(force be with you)

Summer Quest Reading Challenge: "Dig Into Reading"

FROM THE ALEXANDRIA LIBRARY:

Calling all kids! Beginning Monday, June 17, 2013, you can sign up for Alexandria Library's summer reading program! If you are between the ages of just born and 5 years old, you can sign up for SummerQuest, Jr. You will receive an early literacy activity sheet where you can color in vegetables and complete the activities. When you are finished, show us your completed sheet and receive a surprise! Kids between the ages of 6 and 12 get to sign up for the SummerQuest reading challenge. SummerQuest participants also track the books they read and receive a special prize after reading ten books. Prizes may be picked up betweenJuly 15 and August 31. For all SummerQuest and SummerQuest Jr. events, the Library has invited a group of special guests to entertain with music, magic and much more! Check the events calendar for more information. 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Do you see a cat?


Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities to Gather Public Input on Draft Plans for the City’s Six Large Parks


For Immediate Release: May 28, 2013

Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities to Gather Public Input on Draft Plans for the City’s Six Large Parks

Over the past nine months, over 535 Alexandria residents provided feedback on the City’s large parks, including Four Mile Run Park, Simpson Park, Chinquapin Park, Holmes Run Park System, Hensley Park, and Brenman/Boothe Parks. Park Planning staff has used the feedback develop draft plans for each Park. The draft plans will be available for viewing and comment on the City website in Mid-May. There will also be opportunities for comment and discussion at the following workshops:
  • May 29, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pmBen Brenman/Boothe Parks Improvement Draft Plan Review, Samuel Tucker School, 435 Ferdinand Day Dr., Multi-Purpose Room - REMINDER
  • June 5, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pmChinquapin Park Improvement Draft Plan Review, Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Rd.
  • June 12, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pmSimpson Park Improvement Draft Plan Review, Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Multi-Purpose Room
  • June 19, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pmHensley Park Improvement Draft Plan Review, Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Gold Room 1

We want to hear from you!

For additional information, visit http://www.alexandriava.gov/65170 or contact Dana Wedeles, Park Planner, at 703.746.5491 or Dana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov.
The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Dana Wedeles at 703.746.5491 (Virginia Relay 711) or e-mailDana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov

The City of Alexandria to Gather Public Input on a Management Plan for the Fort Ward Park and Museum Area


For Immediate Release: May 28, 2013

The City of Alexandria to Gather Public Input on a Management Plan for the Fort Ward Park and Museum Area

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Office of Historic Alexandria are working with the consultant team of Lardner/Klein to develop a management plan for the Fort Ward Park and Museum Area. The purpose of the management plan is to integrate the work developed by the Fort Ward Stakeholder Advisory Group and the City of Alexandria into a coherent management strategy with recommendations for how to sustain, maintain and interpret the site for the benefit of all.

The management planning effort is just beginning and now is the first opportunity to weigh in and help shape the outcome. Please join Lardner/Klein at Fort Ward Park to share your thoughts on what the site means to you and what is important to preserve, what are appropriate recreation activities to have in the park, how do you use the park, what do you dislike about the park, how has the park use changed over time, etc. The team will be at Fort Ward Park on Saturday June 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, June 5 from 7:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to hear from the public.

If you are not able to attend, please send us your feedback. Visitwww.Alexandriava.gov/65170 to provide feedback on how you “see” the park.

For additional information, contact Laura Durham, Open Space Coordinator, at703.746.5493 or laura.durham@alexandriava.gov.