Book Challenges Fail
<bt>Two book challenges brought by the Ess family of the Alexandria area failed Monday night when the School Board opted to not take any action on the book, "Growing Up Chicana/o," by Tiffany Ana Lopez and a majority failed to support restricting "How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents," by Julia Alvarez to high-school students only.
The Esses had requested both books be removed from all elementary and middle schools and prohibited from future use at those levels.
Rita Thompson (At large) garnered four votes — the final vote was 4-7 along party lines — in her attempt to limit "The Garcia Girls" to high school. There are 44 copies of this book found within the school system, including three copies in middle schools — one at Franklin and two at Herndon — and no copies in elementary schools. The remaining copies are at high, secondary, and alternative schools and one center.
"We have no evidence this book is appropriate for middle school. The book while very interesting is not appropriate for our immature middle schoolers," Thompson said.
The board members failed to make any motion regarding "Growing Up Chicana/o" thereby defeating the challenge. Thirty copies of the book is available in middle, high, secondary and alternative schools throughout the county. There are no copies at the elementary-school level.
The School Board will hold a special meeting on two more challenges brought by the Esses, Tuesday, April 29, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at the Burkholder Center, 10700 Page Ave., Fairfax. The books being challenged are "Thousand Pieces of Gold," by Ruthanne Lum McCunn and "When I was Puerto Rican," by Esmeralda Santiago.
<sh>A Taste of Literacy
<bt>The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia will be holding a fund-raiser, "A Taste of Literacy, A Celebration of International Culture and Cuisine," Friday, April 25, from 6:30-10 p.m., at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Ballston.
The event will feature NPR cultural correspondence, Vertamae Grosvenor, a silent auction, international music and dancing. Reservations include admission, beer and wine, and a sampling of international cuisine from local restaurants. Advanced reservations are $40 per person, $75 per couple. Tickets at the door are $45 per person or $80 per couple. For tickets, call 703-575-7900 or for more information, visit the Web site at www.lcnv.org.
<sh>FCPS Events Calendar
<bt>Wednesday, April 9, 7 p.m.
School Health Advisory Committee meeting. Devonshire Center, 2831 Graham Road, Falls Church.
Wednesday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.
* Minority Achievement Oversight Committee meeting. Walnut Hill Center, 7423 Camp Alger Ave., Falls Church.
* Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities meeting. Belle Willard Center, 10310 Layton Hall Drive, Fairfax.
* Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee meeting. Bryant Alternative High School, 2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria.
Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.
School Board regular business meeting, bond. Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Monday, April 14-Friday, April 18
Spring vacation for all Fairfax County Public Schools students and teachers.
Friday, April 18
Holiday for 12-month employees.