Tropical storm warning issued

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA


Tropical Storm Warning Issued for the City of Alexandria

For immediate release: August 26, 2011

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Washington, DC metropolitan region, including the City of Alexandria. As Hurricane Irene moves up the coast, tropical storm conditions, including heavy rains and gusty winds, could begin as early as Saturday evening. Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to be in the range of 30 to 40 miles per hour, with wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour.

A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect for the Washington, DC metropolitan region from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning, with total rainfall amounts of two to four inches. A storm surge of two to three feet could cause minor coastal flooding at high tides on Saturday. With the possibility of a storm surge and tidal flooding, sandbags will be available to Alexandria businesses and residents beginning today, August 26, at 11 a.m. The City will have trailer trucks loaded with sandbags at three locations:

The intersection of King and Lee Streets in Old Town
George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave.
Cora Kelly School for Math, Science, and Technology, 3600 Commonwealth Ave.
The City is monitoring weather conditions and is preparing to open its Emergency Operations Center over the weekend. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/storm or call 703.746.4800.

More Encouraging Words

Additional ENCOURAGING words/messages to give your child ~~

- Your skills are really improving;

- How kind of you to share toys with your friend, that’s very generous.

- You are taking such good care of your pet. He’s so lucky to have you!

- Now THAT’S what I call a thorough job! Thanks for picking up your toys.

- That’s a great effort

- Keep at it; I know you’ll figure it out. How can I help?

- You are such a good learner!

-I’m impressed by your concentration.

-I remember when you were first learning that. You’ve come a long way.

-You’re so fun around the house; life would be boring without you!

-What would I have done without you today? Thanks for cleaning the house with me.

-I’m so proud to tell people I’m your mom (dad).

-You’ve really improved! That’s great!

-It’s wonderful to see you so happy

-I appreciate your attention to detail. You are one sharp cookie.

-Your patience is commendable. Keep at it; I know you’ll get it yet.

-I’ve never thought of it that way. How creative!

-You’re doing a great job of controlling your anger.

-You’re on the right track! That’s using your brain.

-You’ve put a lot of careful thought into that.

-you’re getting the hang of it! Your practice is really paying off.

-Now THAT’S an interesting point. Thanks for sharing it.

-Your attitude is very respectful attitude. I appreciate that.

-You solved your problem; how clever!

-That is wonderful! Your confidence is really showing!

-How sensitive you are to your brother’s feelings.

-Your dependability makes life so much easier for me.

-I love your sense of humor. How do you think up those jokes?

-You hang in there when the going gets tough. You’re a strong person.

-Look how much progress you’ve made. You should be proud.

-Hey, relax for a while; you deserve a break.

-What a good memory you have. That effort deserves a high five!

-I really enjoyed your performance. No one could have done it better.

-Keep trying; I know you can work this frustrating problem out.

-How calm you were when you got that bad news.You are really maturing.

-It’s a real gift to me when you do your chores without being reminded.

-I have to hand it to you; you did exactly what you set out to do.

-Congratulations, you can be proud of your achievement!

-I LOVE watching you grow up. You never cease to amaze me.

-You are such an interesting person. I can’t imagine lifewithout you

City prepares for Hurricane Irene

City of Alexandria Advises Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Irene

For immediate release: August 25, 2011

The National Hurricane Center currently forecasts Hurricane Irene to reach the Alexandria area this weekend. The National Weather Service predicts that Virginia could experience damaging winds and flooding in low-lying areas beginning Saturday through Sunday.

In advance of forecasted severe weather, residents should review storm preparation procedures to handle possible flooding, high winds, downed tree limbs, and power outages.

Flooding
With the possibility of a storm surge and tidal flooding, sandbags will be available to Alexandria businesses and residents beginning Friday, August 26, at 11 a.m. The City will have trailer trucks loaded with sandbags at three locations:

The intersection of King and Lee Streets in Old Town
George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave.
Cora Kelly School for Math, Science, and Technology, 3600 Commonwealth Ave.
Residents are also encouraged to prevent flooding and sewer backups in their homes and businesses by taking the following steps:

Clear eaves, drains and sewer openings to prevent clogging.
Check gutters and downspouts; clearing debris from them if necessary.
Inspect sump pumps to ensure they are working properly.
Move furniture and other items from basements to upper floors if located in areas of the City subject to sanitary sewer backups.
Power Outages
Residents should keep recommended emergency supplies on hand to be effectively prepared for extended power outages. To report power outages, residents must call Dominion Virginia Power at 1.888.667.4357. If a power outage occurs, candles should not be used under any circumstances because they are a fire hazard.

Commercial building owners, managers, and engineers should check the emergency generators for their properties, and ensure they are in proper working order.

Downed Trees and Tree Limbs
If a tree or major tree limb debris falls onto City streets, contact the Alexandria Police Department at 703.838.4444 to report it so the trees can be removed.

Emergency Preparedness
Plan to be self-sustaining for at least three days by stocking your pantry with food that doesn’t require refrigeration and ensuring that you have one gallon of water per person per day. Be sure to have emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights and a portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries; first aid kit; a non-electric can opener; essential medicines; cash and credit cards; and sturdy shoes. For more emergency preparedness tips, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

Other Safety Measures
Residents should bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture, and other items that could be blown by high winds or become dangerous projectiles. Pets should also be brought inside for their safety.

The City is monitoring weather conditions and is preparing to open its Emergency Operations Center over the weekend. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/hurricane or call 703.746.4800.

Hurricane preparedness

Tips learned over the years
Besides the usual stuff- water, batteries, etc...

Be prepared to be without power---

- fill bathtubs up with water
- take empty water bottles and fill almost full of water, put them in the freezer in any and all available space so that the freezer is full and you are less likely to loose any food.
- tape the freezer and refrigerator closed so that you and your kids aren't tempted to open it.
-make sure your computer is backed up and all cell phones are charged.

I'm sure I'll come up with more but that's it for now...

Words to Encourage Your Child

Here is a list of words you can use to help and encourage your child: 

Being positive goes a long way! 

WOW!

Great Job!

You’ve got it!

Awesome!

Outrageous!

You’ve got talent

Super!

Fantastic!

I see what you’ve done

You’ve really improved

You’re working really hard

Right on

Outstanding

You’re the best!

Nice work

Wonderful!

Fabulous!

You can do it!

You did it!

You’re really good at this

Good job

Good work

Keep it up

Clever

I like the way you did that

Incredible

Impressive

Nice work

I’m proud of you

That is really creative

Bravo

I’ve really enjoyed being with you or working with you

High five!

High Ten!

That’s cool!

I’m touched,

Your cool!

That’s funny!

Awesome!

I can see you like what you’re doing!

Great!

Your smart

That was fun!

I like your sprirt!

I like your attitude!

You really shine!

Woopie

Yahoo

Thank you!

You outdid yourself

You learned something new

Earthquake update information from the city of Alexandria

City of Alexandria Earthquake Update:  August 24, 2011

In the aftermath of yesterday's 5.8 magnitude earthquake, Alexandria's Office of Code Administration has received no reports of major damage from the public. All City buildings have been surveyed, with generally minor damage reported.  Gadsby’s Tavern will be closed, as structural engineers are currently evaluating the building.  Portions of City Hall, including the Sister Cities Conference Center rooms on the first floor, are closed.  The City's Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is currently inspecting all City roadways and bridges. 
Residents or property owners with concerns regarding the safety of their homes and buildings should follow these procedures:
Residential structures:  Residents should survey their home for new cracks in brick facades and chimneys, foundation/basement walls and interior finishes around openings for windows and doors. If you have concerns about your home’s structural stability, please contact a structural engineer or licensed contractor.   
Commercial structures:  Property owners with concerns about the safety of their commercial buildings should please contact their building's engineer, a structural engineer, or a licensed contractor.
If you believe your building is in a hazardous condition, please evacuate the building and call the Department of Code Administration at 703.746.HELP (4357).  If you smell gas, evacuate the building immediately, and then call 911 after evacuating.  To contact Washington Gas, call 703.750.1000.
Visit alexandriava.gov/Earthquake  for more information

Getting Ready for School - Part 3

Things your child may be worried about~~~

Talk to your child about these things, walk through their day and let them how everything will work. Get them prepared before they have a chance to get too anxious. 

How will I get to school? (riding a bus or carpool)

Explain the route (picking up other children), how they will get off the bus and get into the school and to their classroom. 

Make sure they know how to act on the bus or in the car.

What if I miss you? 

Let your child know that it’s ok to miss you. You will miss them too! You are both doing your job – their job is to go to school just like mommy and daddy have to go to work. (Or mommy has to go to the grocery store or clean the house). Everyone has a job to do and their “job” is to go to school and have fun!

The 7th Annual Silent Auction Event to Benefit Alexandria's Breast Cancer Surgical Fund

• Since 2005, Women Mean Business has hosted the Walk to Fight Breast Cancer Silent Auction that benefitted the Walk Fund.  To date, Women Mean Business has raised over $63,500 for the Alexandria's Walk To Fight Breast Cancer.  This year the proceeds will benefit the ABCSF, Alexandria's Breast Cancer Surgical Fund.  The funds raised will provide surgical treatment for Alexandria residents who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are uninsured or underinsured. 

• The Women Mean Business Silent Auction will be held at The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Alexandria-Historic District, 625 First St, Alexandria, VA 22314 on Friday, September 23, 2011, from 6-8 

  The event includes a silent auction, live auction and a raffle for an evening at the Kennedy Center.  Appetizers, dessert, wine and beer are included in the admission price.

  Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. 

  To make a donation, purchase tickets, advertise or for more info, go to www.womenmeanbusiness.info or call 703-660-0674
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Getting Ready for School - Part 2

For Preschool, Kindergarten  ~~

*Label everything - jackets, coats, sweaters, sweatshirt, lunchbox, sippy cup/water bottle, etc…

* remember to put your child in an outfit that is easy to get in and out of/pull up and down – both for the teacher (if your child is not potty trained) and for your child. (so your child doesn’t have any accidents at school because they couldn’t get their clothes off fast enough)

So, no belts, snaps, buttons on pants – just elastic waists on pants.

For girls leggings are great. 

* No backpacks or bags unless the teacher requires it. The only thing your child will usually need is a lunchbox/snack bag. 

*Use lunch boxes that are like bags and have a Velcro top or are easy to zip open and closed. Remember your child will be opening it themselves!

     You can always tuck a note or picture into your child’s lunchbox 

*Don’t send items in their lunchbox that your child can’t open themselves i.e. juice boxes, yogurt etc.. 

*Nutritious snacks/lunches please! And pay attention to your schools policy for snacks and lunches – i.e. NO peanut products

*Dress your child appropriately for school – keep in mind they’ll go outside everyday and they’ll do messy art projects. Don’t dress them in an outfit that if it gets dirty or messy, will upset them or you. 

Children go outside everyday unless it is below freezing, snowing, raining or has rained/snowed significantly over night and there is just too much water and mud on the playground, so dress them appropriately for the weather every day – hats, coats, jackets, etc.. And in clothes that you won’t mind getting paint on etc..

*No sandals or open toed shoes without socks – the mulch and pebbles from playgrounds get in and bothers the little toesies.

*When you drop your child off in the morning, the best things is STOP, DROP and ROLL. Quickly drop them off and scoot out of sight. Do not go into the classroom/playground to get them settled or engaged in something, and then try to sneak out. That usually makes it worse, once they look up and can’t find mommy or daddy. 

The teacher will get your child engaged and involved, that is her job! 

The teacher or another staff member will let you know if there is a problem and your child is not settling in. 

Remember it will take some time, for everyone.

*Do not pick your child before the designated class/school ending time. When one child sees a parent, they all start wanting their parents. And make sure you are there promptly at the closing time – don’t be late! Again, when one parent shows up it sets them all off and if you’re the last one to pick up, your child will most likely be very unhappy. 

*If you need to pick up your child early, please let the staff/teacher know in the morning. That way they will make sure that he/she is ready and that there is minimal disruption to the class.

*If someone else is picking up your child, let the teacher know in the morning. Children do get upset if their routine is changed. 

*If there are any changes in your home life (new caregiver, move, new pet, parent traveling, visiting relatives, etc), please let the teacher know. It does effect your child’s day. 

*Make sure to check your child’s lunchbox (or backpack) every day for any notes about your child’s day, school announcements, upcoming events, newsletters, and any other school related information. 

Some Books to read with your child:

The Kissing Hand

Ms. Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten

Froggy Goes to School

Miss Malarkey Doesn’t Live in Room 10

The Night Before Kindergarten

When I was Five

When I was Little

Leo the Late Bloomer

BRAC News Bulletin - #3

Meeting Reminder: The BRAC-133 Advisory Group will host a special meeting on September 7.  The sole purpose of this meeting is to offer information regarding the Environmental Assessment (EA) process currently underway for the proposed HOV/Transit Ramp at I-395 and Seminary Road.

The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Landmark Mall, (5801 Duke St.) in the West End Community Redevelopment Room on the second level of the Mall. The room is located next to the Sprint Kiosk. Access to this meeting room is best gained by parking on the second level of the parking deck and entering through the Macy’s Court Entrance.

Getting Ready for School

I write this from my experiences as the mom of two special needs boys, as a former preschool teacher, and a PTA President. These are just some tips to help get you and your child ready for school, whether it’s preschool or elementary school.

Going to school is a big step and a change for everyone, even mom and dad. 

One of the best ways to prepare your child for school is to be prepared yourself. Your child will look to you, if you are confident, they will be too. 

Know—

- the school calendar – holidays, special events, etc..

-the school/class hours

-your child’s class schedule – post it on the refrigerator for everyone to see

-the drop off and pick up process, bus schedule, and/or car pool schedule

-the schools playground, before school and after school rules

-how to reach the school by phone and e mail

-the schools lunch room rules and policies – no peanut products?

-the schools electronics policy – ipods, cell phones, gameboys

-how the school communicates emergency announcements

-how the school communicates other information – newsletters, e mails,

flyers in backpacks, etc..

-how best to communicate with your child’s teacher – e mail or phone

-what the school dress code is

Make sure you have all the school supplies, Kleenex, etc. before school starts! And don’t send all your child’s school supplies in with him/her on the first day. Try to drop them off at school before school starts. This way your child isn’t trying to carry everything and do everything on their first trip to school. 


If possible, make a visit to the school and the classroom.  You can drop off the supplies and familiarize your child with where the bathroom is located, where the lunch room is, how to get to the library etc.. 

Get involved – volunteer as a room parent, join the PTA/Parent Association, just get involved! It really does make a difference. Your child will see you at school and see you enjoying being a part of their world. The teachers will appreciate you and your time. And believe it or not, it does have an impact on how and how often the teacher interacts with your child.

more to come ......