8/29/02
The first day of school in Fairfax County, Sept. 3, promises to be full of adventure for area high school students. With renovations, budget cuts, and the future of the new South County High School still uncertain, here's a glimpse of what's to come at area schools.
HAYFIELD SECONDARY SCHOOL
The total school renovation is shaping up but as of the first day of school, the only area that will be complete is the new front office, which is now located near the drop-off circle near the gym. Enrollment for the school, which includes grades 7-12 is 3,759, which breaks down to 1,400 on the middle school side and 2,359 on the high school side. Fort Belvoir is their business partner and the high school is presently without an associate principal. Their previous associate principal, Bill Oehrlein, has taken over as principal of Washington Irving Middle School and the spot will be vacant as of the first day, Sept. 3. Back to school night is Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. for the high school.
LAKE BRADDOCK SECONDARY SCHOOL
The new staff at Lake Braddock includes a college and career counselor, Amy Carroll. Business partners include Outback Steakhouse, DZD Computer Services, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, McGray Associates and McDonald's which are partners cluster-wide. The back to school night is Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.
LEE HIGH SCHOOL
Their renovations are complete at Lee, with their new front office just inside the door this year making it more accessible. New lockers are being installed as well. Back to school night is Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. According to principal Don Thurston, enrollment is up to 1,942 so far, which is up about 100 students from last year.
"We're growing," he said.
Their business partner is Lockheed Martin, which participates in mentoring and in the school's science fair.
ROBINSON SECONDARY SCHOOL
At 400 students over capacity, Robinson has an additional six portable classrooms for a total of 12 to handle the students. The student enrollment is 2,900. Film study and Shakespeare are two additional subjects being offered. Robinson's business partner is Inova Fairfax Hospital, according to Principal Anne Monday.
"They offer opportunities for career exploration in the medical field," she said.
Back to school night for grades 9-10 is Sept. 25 and for 11-12, it is Oct. 2, both at 7 p.m.
WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Technological capabilities are expanding at West Springfield with the introduction of video conferencing equipment and another wireless computer lab, according to principal David Smith.
"We'll have the capability to bring the computer lab to the student," Smith said.
The number of students is expected to increase from 2,250 at the end of last year to over 2,300. There will be an additional autism class and a few learning disabilities classes and the 26 advanced placement classes will remain the same.
Business partners include Outback Steakhouse, DZD Computer Services, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, McGray Associates and McDonald's.