365 - Fall

We'll be watching this tree and taking a picture as it changes colors this Fall.

LEARN HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

FROM ACPS: 

LEARN HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

So, you want to start a business but don't know what do you do next? Join the Family And Community Engagement (FACE) Center for a FREE six-week workshop designed to help you gain insight into business finance, credit worthiness, budget preparation, business accounting, business plan preparation, corporation structures, venture capitalism and the use of technology to maximize business development and management. "START IT UP: An Introduction to Entrepreneurship" takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Oct. 10 through Nov. 14, at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. 

This class is open to parents, community members and T.C. Williams students. 

Register today! 

For more information on other upcoming workshops offered by the FACE Center, please visit us online or call 703-824-6865.

365 - sloppy

Absentee Voting Open for Eligible City of Alexandria Voters

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Absentee Voting Open for Eligible City of Alexandria Voters

For Immediate Release: September 21, 2012

Absentee voting for the November 6 Presidential Election begins today, September 21. Many Alexandria voters are eligible to vote absentee, but relatively few take advantage of this option. There are several qualifying circumstances. For example:

• You commute and work for 11 of the 13 hours the polls are open. (Take into account those days when traffic is heavy or the weather is bad and it takes longer than usual to get to and from work.)
• You are a caregiver for a confined family member.
• You are unable to go to the polls in person on Election Day because of an illness or disability.
• You will be absent from Alexandria on Election Day because of personal business, work, school, or vacation.

To learn more about these, and other circumstances in which absentee voting is an appropriate option, visitalexandriava.gov/Elections and click on “Absentee Voting,” or call 703.746.4050.

Absentee Voting In Person

You can cast your absentee ballot in person at the Alexandria Voter Registration Office,
132 North Royal Street, Suite 100, or by mail. In-person absentee voting hours are as follows:

• Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed October 8)
• Saturdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, and November 3, 8 am to 5 pm.

Extended Evening hours for in-person absentee voting:

• Tuesday, October 16,  8 am - 8 pm
• Wednesday, October 17, 8 am - 8 pm
• Thursday, October 18,  8 am - 8 pm
• Thursday, October 25,  8 am - 8 pm
• Friday, October 26,  8 am - 6 pm
• Monday, October 29,  8 am - 8 pm
• Tuesday, October 30,  8 am - 8 pm
• Wednesday, October 31, 8 am - 8 pm
• Thursday, November 1, 8 am - 8 pm
• Friday, November 2,  8 am - 6 pm

Beginning Thursday, October 25, there will also be in-person absentee voting at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke St.), during the following hours:

• Thursday, October 25,  12 pm - 8 pm
•  Friday, October 26,  12 pm - 6 pm
• Saturday, October 27,  10 am - 5 pm
• Monday, October 29,  12 pm - 8 pm
• Tuesday, October 30,  12 pm - 8 pm
• Wednesday, October 31, 12 pm - 8 pm
• Thursday, November 1, 12 pm - 8 pm
• Friday, November 2,  12 pm - 6 pm
• Saturday, November 3, 10 am - 5 pm

The deadline for voting absentee in person is Saturday, November 3, at 5 p.m.

Absentee Voting By Mail

If you wish to absentee vote by mail, download an application from alexandriava.gov/Elections, or contact the Voter Registration Office to have an application mailed to you.

• The last day to apply to have an absentee ballot sent by mail is Tuesday, October 30. The application must be received (via mail, fax, or scanned e-mail attachment) in the Registration Office by 5 pm on that day.  Applications should be sent to:

Alexandria Voter Registration Office
132 North Royal Street, Suite 100
Alexandria VA 22314
703.838.6449 (fax)
E-mail: Anna.Leider@alexandriava.gov

• Mailed absentee ballots must be received by the Voter Registration Office on or before Election Day, Tuesday November 6, at 7 pm.

In Alexandria, the November 6 ballot will include: U.S. President and Vice President; U.S. Senate and House of Representatives (8th Congressional District); two Proposed Amendments to the Virginia Constitution; Alexandria Mayor and City Council; and Alexandria School Board.

For complete information on the November 6 Election, including voter registration deadlines, sample ballots, and campaign finance reports, visit alexandriava.gov/Elections. 

Math words and what they mean

Math words and what they mean:

words that tell you to ---

ADD   are:
sum
total
all together
increased by
added to
in all
more than
combined
plus

SUBTRACT are:
difference
less
fewer
subtracted from
minus
how many fewer
how many more
how much less
how many are left
exceeds
decreased by

is means = 

about means estimate

Alexandria Police to Conduct Roaming DWI Enforcement

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
3600 WHEELER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22304
703-746-6600

NEWS RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 #12-058
10:30 A.M. DONALDSON

Alexandria Police to Conduct Roaming DWI Enforcement

On September 22, Alexandria police will conduct a roaming DWI enforcement effort to deter and apprehend intoxicated drivers.  The DWI crackdown will begin at 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 22, and will continue until 6:00 A.M. on Sunday, September 23.  Motorists will be stopped and drivers will be checked to assure that their abilities to drive have not been impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Chief of Police Earl L. Cook reminds drivers that the maximum penalty in Virginia for the first conviction for driving under the influence is 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine and a 12-month suspension of driving privileges. In addition, there are mandatory jail terms associated with these offenses, depending upon the blood alcohol content of the driver. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administrative fees may apply as well.

For further details, please call the Public Information Office at 703.746.6600.

365 - Clean

ACPS Special Education Parent Survey

ANNUAL SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT INVOLVEMENT SURVEY AVAILABLE ONLINE

All parents of school-aged children and youth who receive special education services in Virginia’s schools are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education’s annual Parent Involvement Survey. This survey is not intended to measure satisfaction with the special education program, but is designed to determine whether or not the school facilitated parent involvement. If you are unable to take the survey online, your child’s school will provide paper versions for your use. All responses will be sent directly to the Virginia Department of Education. For additional information, contact Patricia Haymes at the Virginia Department of Education, 804-786-0116. This online survey will be available through June 30, 2013, in English y en Español, here.

Join a Community Conversation!

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

Calling All Alexandrians:  Join a Community Conversation!

The City is launching a new initiative, "What's Next, Alexandria?," to begin a community conversation about how Alexandrians can best participate in shaping the city's future.

The City needs your thoughts and ideas, and invites you to participate in the first step in this conversation -- a community poll, hosted by ACTion Alexandria -- to provide your input on civic engagement, both in terms of your personal experience and your suggestions for improvement. The poll, which is now open, will stay open for one month. At a kickoff meeting in November, the community will discuss the poll results, and the challenges and opportunities for improving the participatory experience in Alexandria.

Take a few minutes to answer the 10 short questions in the community poll, and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. Stay engaged and become part of the community conversation. Your voice is important in ensuring we have a productive discussion in developing citywide principles of engagement for guiding future City initiatives.

For more information about the "What's Next, Alexandria?" initiative, please visit:www.alexandriava.gov/WhatsNext.

City Searches for Individuals to serve on Poet Laureate Selection Panel

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

For Immediate Release: September 20, 2012

City of Alexandria Searches for Individuals to serve on Poet Laureate Selection Panel

The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts is in search of individuals to serve on the Poet Laureate Selection Panel. Individuals with experience in arts education, business, or who are civic leaders, arts patrons and artists are encouraged to apply. All volunteers will serve three-year terms. Individuals who are interested in serving should send a letter of interest and vita to the Office of the Arts/Alexandria Commission for the Arts, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314, or send to aca@alexandriava.gov.

The Poet Laureate role to promote an appreciation of poetry as an art form, encourage the creative writing and reading of literature, and promote literacy through poetry. The individual will serve as Poet Laureate for three years and receive a modest honorarium.

The Commission and the Office of the Arts, a division of the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, work together to promote and cultivate the arts in the City of Alexandria. For more information, visitwww.alexandriava.gov/arts or call 703.746.5588. 

Math Rhyme

Here's a little help with remembering how to "round"

0-4 fall to the floor (go back, go down)

5-9 climb the vine (go to the next #)

365 - Ahoy Matey

talk like a pirate day.....

Girls Volley Ball Coach Needed

FROM NEIGHBORHOOD LISTSERV: 



If you, or anyone you know, is interested in coaching girls volleyball this fall, please contact the person below.

Thanks.


Tamika Coleman
Recreation Manager ˆ Youth Sports
Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Office: 703.746.5402 Fax: 703.746.5585
Youth Sports Hotline: 703.746.5597
Email: tamika.coleman@alexandriava.gov
Website: www.alexandriava.gov/recreation

Public meeting on the Union Street Corridor Study

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA: 

The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services will hold a public meeting on the Union Street Corridor Study on September 19 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in City Hall on the 1st floor in the SisterCities Conference Room 1101.

The public is invited to learn about the Union Street Corridor Study being conducted and provide input on recommendations being proposed.  The goal of the study is to assess conditions within the area and make recommendations which will support and promote a safe, lively and compelling waterfront where pedestrians, bicyclists and all users can feel safe and comfortable, minimizing intermodal conflicts.

The study is being conducted in coordination with a number of previous studies, initiatives and plans produced by the Departments of Transportation & Environmental Services and Planning & Zoning. 

Meeting materials will be made available at http://alexandriava.gov/tes/info/default.aspx?id=62680.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact Faye Dastgheib at faye.dastgheib@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.4139.

Resources for Parents

Here are some resources that I've come across over the years


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

            Learning Disabilities on line – www.ldonline@weta.com

            ChADD – Children and adults with AD/HD – www.chadd.org

            Schwabb Learning – www.schwabblearning.org

            All Kinds of Minds – www.allkindsofminds.org

            LD resources – www.ldresources.com

            Parent Education, Advocacy & Training Center (PEATC) – www.peatc.org

            Common Sense Media - www.commonsensemedia.com

            Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center – www.asdec.org

            Center for Applied Special Technology -  www.cast.org  

TODAY - City of Alexandria Capital Bikeshare Launch Event

City of Alexandria Capital Bikeshare Launch Event

When:  Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 11:45 a.m.

Where:  Alexandria City Hall, Market Square
               301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

               

Who:     Mayor William D. Euille and members of Alexandria City Council will recognize the City’s launch of Capital Bikeshare.

What:   The City of Alexandria recently installed eight Capital Bikeshare stations at the following locations:

• Prince St / S Union St
• King St / N Royal St
• King St / S Patrick St
• Commerce St / S Fayette St
• N Saint Asaph St /Pendleton St
• N Henry St / Pendleton St
• Braddock Road Metro
• King Street  – Old Town Metro

Alexandria’s residents and visitors can now participate in the largest bikesharing program in the United States, with more than 175 stations and 1,670 bicycles across Washington, D.C., Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. Capital Bikeshare users can pick up or drop off bicycles at any station in the region.

The resource for all of Alexandria's transportation options is the City’s Local Motion program.  For more information about Capital Bikeshare, visit alexandriava.gov/LocalMotion.

365 - Cookies

News and Info from THE ACPS Parent Resource Center

FROM THE ACPS PARENT RESOURCE CENTER: 

The Family Resource Center Thursday morning support group will meet this week  
10:00 am-Noon, Minnie Howard, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria

Please join us for coffee, bagels, and sharing.

September 22: Sensory Friendly Movie--Finding Nemo

AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy new current in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. For more information:http://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

September 23: TOPSoccer Season Begins

2:00-3:15pm, Chinquapin Park, next to TC Williams High School, 3210 King Street, Alexandria, VA

The Alexandria Soccer Association TOPSoccer 2012 Fall Season begins this Sunday. TOPSoccer is a non-competitive soccer skill building program for youth with and without disabilities.The season is scheduled to run for eight weeks through November 18. For more information contact Peter Abed 703.231.7354 or peter.abed@gmail.com or the Alexandria Soccer Association 703.684.5424.

September 25: The Autism Support Group Returns

10:00-11:00am, Family Resource Center, Minnie Howard, Room 134, 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria 

The Parents of Students with Autism Support Group offers parents of children with autism an opportunity to meet other parents within the school system to share resources and information. And engage in knowledgeable conversation with members of the ACPS Autism team.

September 25: Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

7:00-9:00pm, Minnie Howard Media Room,  3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA

This is SEAC's first meeting of the school year. Among the items on the agenda will be a short presentation on the building plans for the new Jefferson-Houston school and children with disabilities. Please plan to attends. For more information please contact co-chair Janet Reese jreese3286@aol.com.

September 28-29: IDEA/IEP Seminar - Become a More Powerful Advocate!

Mason Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003

Join us for an extensive 2-day IDEA/IEP seminar based on a curriculum developed for the Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education.

Featured Speakers:
• Hank Millward, Coordinator of Complaints Services, Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
• Gloria Dalton, Parent Ombudsman, VDOE
• Emily Fallings, MEd, Virginia Assistive Technology Services Coordinator
• Patrice Cunniff Linehan, Ed.D, IDEA Partnership
• Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia
Register now to become a more powerful advocate for your child. $40 registration includes meals, parking, educational door prizes, & handouts!

For more information contact Jennifer Greiner at jenniferg@dsanv.org or call 703-615-0187

The Virginia Ability Alliance maintains a calendar of local events . For more information:http://www.thearcofnova.org/info-referral/calendar/

Youth Topics is a service of the Center for Children and Families, Department of Community and Human Services, City of Alexandria. 

Sign up to receive the Youth Topics Newsletter: https://enews.alexandriava.gov/index.php?CCheck=1

Register for the Learning Disabilities Association of VA's 2012 Conference:

October 13: Learning Disabilities & Transition to Higher Education: What Students, Families, Professionals Should Know…

8:15am-2:00pm Marymount University, Reinsch Library

With the increasing numbers of students with learning disabilities seeking admission and being admitted to colleges and universities, it’s important for students and their families to be informed about the processes, legal information, and procedures that enable successful preparation for transition from secondary to postsecondary education. Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Getzel, director, postsecondary initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University. For more information:http://www.ldavirginia.org/events.html

SAVE THE DATE: ADHD ACROSS THE LIFESPANOctober 20,  8:00am–12:30pm, Virginia Tech, Northern Virginia Center, 7054 Haycock Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22043
A half-day mini-conference for parents of children with ADHD, adults with ADHD, educators, mental health professionals. Each presentation geared to all audiences. CEUs and recertification points for professional counselors and teachers.To register and for more information:http://wordsmth.tripod.com/chaddofnorthernvirginia/

Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Publishes Navigating the Special Education SystemGuide for Parents
Navigating the Special Education System is the second of three resources developed as part of OAR’s “Autism in the Schoolhouse” initiative.  The first, Kit for Kids, is a colorful, interactive program that teaches typically developing elementary and middle school children about their peers with autism.The final piece, Understanding Autism: A Guide for Secondary Teachers, is a one-hour DVD designed to help teachers support students with autism in general education settings.The project is currently in production and set for completion in December.For more information: http://www.researchautism.org/resources/reading/index.asp#Sped

The Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) Announces its New Bilingual Information Specialist
PEATC is proud to announce that Daniela R. Ancalle has been hired as a Bilingual Information Specialist. For more information: http://www.peatc.org/peatc.cgim?template=about_us.staff

El Centro para Padres que Abogan por la Educacion Especial de Sus Hijos (PEATC en las siglas en ingles) annuncia un nuevo especialista bilingue de information: PEATC esta orgulloso en anunciar que Daniela R. Ancalle ha sido contratada como especialist en informacion bilingue. Para mas informacion: http://www.peatc.org/peatc.cgim?template=about_us.staff

Tornado Watch

For immediate release: September 18, 2012

A Tornado Watch has been issued for the City of Alexandria until 7 p.m. tonight. The National Weather Service is forecasting that severe storms will move through the City of Alexandria, and the entire Washington metropolitan region, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. today. These storms could bring damaging winds up to 55 miles per hour, isolated tornadoes and localized flash flooding. Rainfall of up to 1.5 inches is expected; up to two inches of rainfall is possible.

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
Residents are 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 1.866.366.4357. If a power outage occurs, candles should not be used under any circumstances because they are a fire hazard.

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

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 will respond appropriately as conditions warrant.  For tornado preparedness information, please visit http://alexandriava.gov/Tornado.

Heres a tip I learned a few years ago.

Teachers don't take the time or the energy to initiate an e mail to parents (unless of course there is a real problem).  But if you write to them, they are required to respond to you within a specific time period, usually 24 hrs. 

Create a task or event on your calendar to remind yourself once a week to write an e mail to your child's teacher(s).  Ask how last week went, ask about any upcoming assignments or tests, ask what you can do at home to support your child and his/her teacher,  and just see how your child is doing.

This way you'll stay on top of things before there is an issue and nothing should take you by surprise.

Commission for the Arts Seeks Public Comment on Temporary Mura

Alexandria Commission for the Arts Seeks Public Comment on Temporary Mural for Sports Equipment Facility Wall near the the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts invites the public to provide comment on a proposed temporary mural for the Sports Equipment Facility located near the Miracle Field League of Alexandria and the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson Street. The display will be available for review and comment from through Monday, September 24.

Bruce Scallon’s and Howard Connolly’s proposals are on display. One of these proposals will be selected as the winning design for the temporary mural. According to the City’s Policy on Acquired Art, temporary art is displayed for only two years. The Kelly Cares Foundation and the Miracle Field of Alexandria are funding the costs for the mural. Public comment is sought on these two proposals. Comments will be given to the Public Art Committee and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts prior to the selection of the artist.

Comments can be offered at the Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center, in a notebook near the display, during normal operating hours, or by email to aca@alexandriava.gov  with Miracle Field Mural in the subject line. All comments received by September 24 will be reviewed by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.

For more information and questions on the Miracle Field Mural, contact the Alexandria Commission for the Arts at703.746.5588 or aca@alexandriava.gov.

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 Cheryl Anne Colton with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5565 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov. 

365 - Chalk

City of Alexandria Again Named One of 100 Best Communities for Young People

City of Alexandria Again Named One of 100 Best Communities for Young People

For Immediate Release:  September 17, 2012

Alexandria was again named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People. The national award, presented by ING, was given to the City in recognition of  its outstanding and innovative work in addressing the high school dropout crisis and for its programs and services that make the City a great  place for youth to live, learn and grow.

Alexandria, a five-time 100 Best winner, enhances the quality of life for its youth through various academic and after-school programs. The Alexandria City Public Schools is in the second year of a five-year Strategic Plan to close the achievement gap through pre-school and special education programs, individual achievement plans, more course offerings and a new curriculum. This strategic plan recently won a Magna Award, a national program sponsored in part by the National School Boards Association, which recognizes best practices and innovative programs that advance student learning.

Outside of school, youth benefit from the Fund for Alexandria’s Child, which promotes community awareness and support for foster children and youth at risk of abuse and neglect. Monies raised by the Fund allow these children to participate in activities that other children take for granted such as dance, art or karate lessons, summer camps, field trips, scouting and team sports. At-risk preteen girls in Alexandria can join the Space of Her Own mentorship program to take classes on healthy habits, communications and art. At the end of the program, each girl refurbishes her bedroom with her own art projects. 

In recognition of this achievement, Alexandria will receive a $2,500 grant, signage identifying the community as one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People, and access to America’s Promise Alliance’s community development resources.

For more information, contact Ron Frazier, Director of Youth Services, Department of Human and Community Services, at 703.746.5967 orron.frazier@alexandriava.gov.

City Council Candidate Debates/Forums

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012 from 7-9 pm
Sponsored by the Old Dominion Boat Club
at the Old Dominion Boat Club, 1 King Street


Monday, Oct. 10, 2012, 7 pm
Sponsored by the Old Town Civic Associationat Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, 530 South Saint Asaph Street


Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, 6:30-9:00pm
Sponsored by ACTion Alexandria, Alexandria NAACP, Patch, and the Departmental Progressives Clubat George Washington Middle School, Auditorium, 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria


Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, 6:00-9:00pm
Sponsored by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerceat the Minnie Howard campus of T.C. Williams H.S., 3801 Braddock Road, Alexandria

Volunteer!

There are many opportunities to volunteer in Alexandria, but there is nothing like making the difference in the life of a child.  

Please consider giving your time to one of the following organizations.

Alexandria Tutoring Consortium 

Tutor elementary students one to two times a week until May.

Training and lesson plans/curriculum provided.

www.alexandriatutors.org

703-549-6670 x 119

Alexandria Mentoring Partnership

Mentor a child and change two lives!

703-746-4144

Center For Alexandria's Children

www.centerforalexandriaschildren.org

703-746-6018

365 - Adventure