Cell Phones in
Middle Schools
<bt>The Fairfax County School Board gave staff the go ahead to create a draft policy for allowing middle school students to have cell phones on school property.
The policy will require the phones to be turned off and most likely kept in lockers during school hours.
The purpose of allowing the phones, said board members, was for emergency reasons.
"Parents want to make sure their kids are safe and this is something we need to respect," said School Board member Kathy Smith (Sully).
<sh>Read Aloud
<bt>Fairfax County Public Schools is joining with the Virginia Department of Education, the Library of Virginia and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities to celebrate Virginia Read Aloud to a Child Week, Oct. 19-25.
The Virginia General Assembly has designated the last full week in October as a time to stress and promote the value of reading aloud to children. Parents, teachers and caregivers are encouraged to participate in the week by reading aloud to children.
<sh>FCPS Events
Calendar
<bt>Thursday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m.
Professional Technical Studies Advisory Committee meeting. Edison High School, 5801 Franconia Road, Alexandria.
Saturday, Oct. 25
South Lakes High School reunion, class of 1993. Hyatt Dulles Hotel, Herndon. For more information, call 800-655-7971 or on the Web, www.GreatReunions.com.
Monday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.
Speakers' list opens for charter schools public hearing, scheduled for Nov. 17. To sign up call, 703-246-3646.
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.
Retirement reception. Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
School Board public hearing, six-year divisionwide plan. Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Thursday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.
School Board regular hearing. Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.