Parent Empowerment
<bt>In an effort to close the gap in minority student achievement, a parent-empowerment conference will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at Chantilly High, 4201 Stringfellow Road, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. It's sponsored by the Parent Minority Advisory Committee of Bull Run Elementary's PTA and the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee.
The aim is to assist parents in better aiding their children's academic achievement. There will be informative sessions and focused workshops to help parents understand and manage specific challenges crucial to their children's success. There will be several guest speakers and free child care is provided, plus a continental breakfast and box lunch.
To register, call 703-227-1402 and leave a message indicating the names of conference participants, number of children ages 3-10 requiring child care and telephone-contact information. On-site registration will also be available. For more information, call Benny James at 703-742-2794.
<sh>College Savings Plan Available
<bt>"CollegeAmerica," a new Internal Revenue Code Section 529 college savings option from the Commonweath of Virginia, will be administered by the Virginia College Savings Plan.
CollegeAmerica is a partnership with the American Funds, the third largest mutual fund company in the United States. The program will allow families to save for all major higher education costs including tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, computers and supplies, by giving investors the choice of 21 American Funds in five share classes.
This becomes the third Section 529 college savings option offered in Virginia, along with the Virginia Prepaid Education Program and the Virginia Education Savings Trust.
The Virginia Prepaid Education Program locks in future college costs for today's students in the ninth grade or lower. It is guaranteed and can be used anywhere in the country. The 2002 enrollment period is open through May 1.
The Virginia Education Savings Trust offers a selection of 12 investment options. It is open year round and can be used for all major expenses at colleges throughout the country.
For more information on the prepaid or savings trust programs, call the Virginia College Savings Plan at 888-567-0540, option 2, or visit the Web site at www.Virginia529.com. Information about the CollegeAmerica program can be obtained by calling American Funds at 800-421-9900 ext. 529 or on the Web at www.americanfunds.com.
<sh>Schools Employees Donate
<bt>Fairfax County Public Schools employees raised $358,085 for the 2001 United Way Campaign, an increase of $33,560 from last year. The school system placed third in total giving for the entire Fairfax County-Falls Church region. In addition to the annual drive, numerous school participated in special events or fund-raisers for the United Way September 11 Fund.
<sh>Wheelan to Visit Groveton
<bt>Virginia Secretary of Education Belle Wheelan will visit Groveton Elementary School in Mount Vernon Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 2:30 p.m., to discuss why "African American History is American History," as part of Black History Month.
Wheelan is the first black woman to hold the post of Virginia Secretary of Education and formerly served as president of Northern Virginia Community College.
<sh>Folsom Scholarship Deadline
<bt>The Datatrac Scholarship Committee is accepting applications for the 2002 Folsom Scholarship Funds that are available to high-school seniors. The award amount is $5,000. The deadline for applications is April 15 and the award decision will be made May 15.
Applicants must provide an official copy of their high school transcript; a minimum of two letters of reference; a copy of their letter of acceptance from either a trade school, two-year accredited institution or certification or licensure program; statement of financial need; a 500 words or less essay on education and career goals and the applicant must attend an institution in their state of residency, either Maryland or Virginia.
Applications can be send to Datatrac Scholarship Committee, 14120 Newbrook Drive, Suite 200, Chantilly, VA 20151.
<sh>Student Film Festival
<bt>MHz Networks, is launching the MHz Shortz Student Film Festival, featuring two categories: live action and animation. Students may enter in two age groups: 7 to 11 year olds and 12 to 18 year olds. MHz Shortz also features a category for teachers.
All entries must be submitted by March 15. Later this spring, students and teachers can see their films broadcast on the public television network.
Entries must be a maximum of 10 minutes in length and contain all original music and images. All entries must be submitted on either VHS, BetaSP or DV format.
The entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges, which will include people from all aspects of media and film making. For more information or for an application, visit www.mhznetworks.org.
MHz Networks (MHz & MHz2), formerly known as WNVC and WNVT, is an independent, public television network, is available on broadcast channels 56 and 53, all major cable systems and the local channel line-up on the DISH Network and DIRECTV.
<sh>Schools Events Calendar
<bt>Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
School Health Advisory Committee meeting. Devonshire Center, 2831 Graham Road, Falls Church.
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7-9 p.m.
A Parent Forum on Drug Awareness. The forum provides information that will help parents understand the culture children are faced with and what factors are critical to help them abstain from drugs. The guest speakers are Sean Blair and Scott Koeningsberg from the Northern Virginia Counseling Group; Judge Teena Grodner from Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. For additional information, call Susan Devine at 703-591-4219. Frost Middle School, 4101 Pickett Road, Fairfax.
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee meeting. Pimmit Hill Center, 7510 Lisle Ave., Falls Church.
Thursday, Feb. 21, 8 a.m.
Professional Technical Studies Advisory Committee meeting. Walnut Hill Center, 7423 Camp Alger Ave., Falls Church.
Thursday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Public hearing, boundaries. Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Thursday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.
School Board regular meeting. Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Monday, Feb. 25 - Friday, March 1
Northern Region Basketball Tournament involving 16 boys and girls teams with winners advancing to state tour. Public is invited, admission is $6. For more information, call 703-426-2125. At local high schools and GMU Patriot Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School and the Computer Learning Center Partnership will be holding a grand opening of the school's computer lab. The lab is available to students after school Tuesday through Friday, 3-5 p.m., and on Saturdays. Students from the community in grades seven through 12 can use the lab from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and on Saturdays. For more information, contact principal Reggie Romaine or assistant principal Deraine Doss at 703-619-2800. Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School, 4015 Fielding St., Mount Vernon.
Thursday, Feb. 28, 7: 30 p.m.
Fairfax High School Advanced Theatre students will perform a play, "One-Act at Fairfax High School Theatre." The public is invited and the cost of admission is $3. For more information, call 703-219-2351 or visit www.fxplayers.org. Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax.
Monday, March 4
Nurturing Parenting Program. Department of Family Services, Prevention of Fairfax County is holding a Nurturing Parenting Program for Hispanic Families, for parents and their children up to 4-years-old, to teach nurturing skills and to reinforce strengths, values and culture. No cost, but registration is required. For more information, call 703-324-7405 or 703-324-7723. St. Anthony's Catholic Church.