Arlington's Randolph Elementary School has joined the elite ranks of fewer than 200 elementary schools worldwide, 30 in the United States, by becoming one of three in Virginia that have an International Baccalaureate (IB), Primary Years Program (PYP). Randolph was officially authorized on March 10, after a four-year process of investigation, analysis, preparation and implementation.
Randolph's journey to International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Program authorization began in 2001 when then-principal Dr. Kathie Panfil proposed that Randolph explore the fairly new program as a focus for the school's exemplary project. The ensuing two-year investigation was led by the school's IB coordinator, Linda Smith, and included staff training, visits to IB PYP schools by staff and PTA representatives, and exhaustive discussions and analysis regarding the value and appropriateness of implementing an IB approach to teaching and learning at Randolph.
With support from the total school community, including the APS School Board and administration, Randolph administration and staff, the PTA and the Douglas Park community, the decision was made to fully implement the program in the fall of 2003 and pursue IB PYP authorization. This undertaking required the teaching faculty to reconfigure their teaching styles to fit with the IB PYP philosophy and approaches to teaching and learning.
Using the structure of the PYP Program of Inquiry, Randolph teaches Virginia's Standards of Learning through transdisciplinary units of study. Foreign language instruction is included in the school day. The IB PYP teaches from a global perspective and emphasizes respect for others, the development of independent study/research skills and critical thinking.
The IB Primary Years Program includes student portfolios at each grade level and culminates in a fifth-grade exhibition of student work, in which each student demonstrates the ability to reflect and take action in a purposeful and meaningful way to make a difference in the world.
Randolph's IB Authorization Celebration will take place April 29, at 7 p.m. at the school, 1306 South Quincy St. To learn more, visit www.arlington.k12.va.us/randolph or www.ibo.org, or contact Renee Bostwick at 703-228-5830.
Clare Dudley McLean, a junior from Arlington, has been named to the dean's list at St. Mary's College of Maryland for the fall semester. To earn a place on the dean's list a full-time student must earn a semester grade-point average of 3.50 or better.
2005 Elementary School Art Exhibit at the Education Center, First Floor Gallery, 1426 N. Quincy St. Ashlawn, Carlin Springs, Glebe, Jamestown, Hoffman-Boston, Randolph and Taylor. The exhibition is open through April 19, daily 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 703-228-6170.
"Under the Sea," the McKinley Elementary School Fun Fair, features games, prizes, pony rides, moon bounces, a climbing wall, face painting, a silent auction, a cafe, a bake sale and more. All games, activities and food require tickets, which will be available in advance for three for $1 or at the door for two for $1. Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The school is located at 1030 N. McKinley Road. Call Lisa Harkins at 703-241-2353.
Arlington Traditional School holds its annual Spring Fair on Saturday, April 9, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the school, 855 N. Edison St. Festivities include face painting, an obstacle course, a multitude of games, a bake sale and cash raffle. The entire community is invited to attend. Contact the chairman, Kathi Driggs, at 703-299-4284.
Ten-Star All-Star Basketball Camp. Final Applications are now being evaluated. The Camp is by invitation only. Boys and girls ages 10-19 are eligible to apply. Players from 50 states and 17 foreign countries attended the 2004 camp. College basketball scholarships are possible for players selected to the All-American Team. The nearest camp location is in Blacksburg, Va. For a free brochure call 704-373-0873.
Parents, students, and community members are invited to attend Barrett Elementary School’s sixth annual Arts and Writing Fair on April 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the school, 4401 North Henderson Road. Admission is free. The evening features a concert by the Barrett Chorus, Band and Orchestra and more than 300 examples of student artwork and composition that will be on display in hallways throughout the school, as well as a video of Barrett’s fall 2004 musical, "Follow the Drinking Gourd."
Potomac Crescent Preschool and Kindergarten Open House. Learn about Waldorf preschool education. Saturday, April 16 from 10-11 a.m. 923 S. 23rd St. Call the school at 703-624-1309 or visit www.novawaldorf.org.
The Society of Recovering Sorority Girls (RSG), through its founders, Kristina “Morgan” Rose and Deandra “Brooksie” Brooks, announce the start of Arlington's “Project Cinderella” for the 2005 prom season. “Project Cinderella” is a formal dress donation drive that will provide high school girls in need with a dress to wear to their prom. Dresses will be collected through mid-May. The organization requests that donated dresses be in good condition and dry-cleaned. Gently used prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and formal wear are all acceptable donations. All donors will receive income tax receipts from the Arlington County School District. To participate, contact Morgan and Brooksie at info@recoveringsororitygirls.com.