TJ Applications Due
<bt>Applications for eighth-grade students interested in applying to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are now available at all public middle schools, many private schools and the Jefferson admissions office at 703-750-8335.
To apply, a student must currently be in the eighth grade and live full-time with a natural or adoptive parent in one of the following participating school divisions: Fairfax, Arlington, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the city of Falls Church. The deadline for submission of completed applications is Monday, Nov. 3. Because Nov. 3 is not a school day in some participating school divisions, it is recommended that students return applications to their middle schools on or before Oct. 31.
Detailed information is available on the Jefferson Web site at http://information.tjhsst.edu/admissions. Students and parents may visit the school and learn about admissions and school programs at the annual open house on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Presentations will be given throughout the morning. Current Jefferson students will be available to answer questions about student life and visitors may tour the school and several laboratories.
<sh>AD/HD Programs
<bt>"Insights Into AD/HD" (or "AD/HD for Beginners") will be the topic of the Oct. 16 program of CHADD (Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) of Northern Virginia. The session will be conducted by Peggy Bonsee, a professional certified coach specializing in AD/HD and transition issues. Bonsee works with high-school students, college students, adults and parents.
The program will begin at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose lecture room at Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax. The program is free and open to the public.
AD/HD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is characterized by developmentally inappropriate impulsivity, attention, and in some cases, hyperactivity. AD/HD is a neurobiological disorder that affects 3 to 5 percent of school-age children.
Future programs include "Making Sense of Educational and Psychological Testing" on Nov. 20 and "Real Help for Parents of AD/HD Kids with Oppositional/Defiant Behavior" on Jan. 15.
CHADD of Northern Virginia also offers regular support group meetings for adults with AD/HD and for parents of children with AD/HD. For more information, call (703) 641-5451, e-mail nova_chadd@hotmail.com, or visit www.novachadd.org.
CHADD is a nonprofit organization that provides information and support to parents of children with attention deficit disorders, as well as adults with attention deficit disorders. CHADD of Northern Virginia serves children and adults with AD/HD in Fairfax County, Arlington County, Prince William County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, and neighboring jurisdictions.
<sh>McConnell Honored
<bt>Penny McConnell, director of food and nutrition services for Fairfax County Public Schools, has been named the Creative 5 A Day School Food Service Professional of the Year by the Dole Food Company. The award was presented to McConnell at the Sept. 25 Fairfax County School Board meeting.
McConnell was cited for designing the Give Me 5! nutrition education program for kindergarten through sixth-grade students that introduces different fruits and vegetables each month and includes classroom activities such as Give Me 5! Bingo, Kids Cooking classes and Fruit and Vegetable Derby. The nutrition program involves the entire school community, including principals, teachers, students, families, school-age child-care center participants, Head Start children and food-service personnel.
The Creative 5 A Day School Food Service Professional of the Year award recognizes American School Food Service Association members who have developed creative ways to educate students and motivate them to eat more fruits and vegetables.
<sh>FCPS Events Calendar
<bt>Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m.
School Board regular meeting. Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Saturday, Oct. 11
South Lakes High School reunion, class of 1983. Hyatt Dulles Hotel, Herndon. For more information, call 800-655-7971 or on the Web, www.GreatReunions.com.
Saturday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Robinson Secondary School reunion, class of 1973, Hyatt Fair Lakes, 12777 Fair Lakes Circle, Fairfax. For more information contact Michelle Sala at msala@cov.com or on the Web at http://group.classmates.com/reunion.invite/?circle_id=2394.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.
Speakers' list opens for the six-year divisionwide plan public hearing, scheduled for Oct. 30. To sign up call, 703-246-3646.
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 8 a.m.
School Board work session, instruction; facilities; student services; and strategic planning and evaluation. Burkholder Center, 10700 Page Ave., Fairfax.
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m.
* Human Relations Advisory Committee meeting. City Square building, 10640 Page Ave., Suite 300, Fairfax.
* School Health Advisory Committee meeting. Devonshire Center, 2831 Graham Road, Falls Church.
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Adult and Continuing Education Advisory Committee meeting. Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.