<lst>Know something that should be featured in School Notes? Awards? Special events? School fairs? Fax a brief write-up to 703-917-0991. Or call Jon Whiten at 703-917-6422.
Parents and students of the South County Secondary School music department wish to thank the community for its generous support during the recent "tag day" fund raiser on Sept. 17. Over 125 band, orchestra and choral students canvassed all the neighborhoods that attend SCSS and were able to collect over $12,000 in four hours. This money will help build an outstanding music program that will benefit not only the students of SCSS but the entire community as well. Visit www.fcps.edu/southcountyss for upcoming concerts.
The Halley Elementary library needs volunteers for the Fall Book Fair, specifically to set up, work during the fair, and take down. E-mail Tracy Jones at twtj@verizon.net. The Fall Book Fair is Oct. 31-Nov. 4, and Nov. 7-8, at the school, 8850 Cross Chase Circle in Fairfax Station. Call 703-551-5700.
George Mason University's Theater of the First Amendment presents a mentoring program and competition for budding Fairfax County high school playwrights. Selected applicants work with a professional playwright, director or dramaturg on play development during the fall. At the end of the mentoring program, students submit their final plays to the First Light Festival Competition for High School Playwrights. The winning entry receives a professional five-day workshop and public reading at this year's First Light Festival on Saturday, March 18, 2006. Runners-up will have selected scenes read at this event. To apply, print the application form from the www.gmu.edu/cfa/tfa and mail it with a 2-page writing sample to: First Light Festival, Theater of the First Amendment, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 3E6, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444. Application forms must be received no later than Oct. 7. E-mail smaloney@gmu.edu and include "First Light Festival" in the subject line.
Springfield-based American Direct Mail Marketing sponsors the $10,000 2005-06 "In Hope Freedom Rings" scholarship for college-bound Fairfax County students. The recipient will be selected based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities and completion of a 500-word essay on "the importance of good character and ethics in your life and their impact on others and the world in which we live." Applications are available in the Career Centers at Fairfax County high schools and at www.inhopefreedomrings.org. Inquiries can be directed to the individual Career Center at each student's high school, or to Beth Westbrook at 703-876-5248. The completed application should be sent to American Direct Mail Marketing, Inc., 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite A-312, Springfield, VA, 22152. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 26 and the winner will be notified by Nov. 18.
The Commission on the Arts supports both established and developing arts organizations by providing grants to qualified applicants. The commission also has an active school arts program that supplements and enhances regular school activities. Some of the performing groups that have benefited from grants this year include the City of Fairfax Band, the Fairfax Art League, Happy Feet Cloggers Lanier School, Acting for Young People, and Theater of the First Amendment. The commission is considering grant applications for any qualifying groups, schools or individuals.
Applications are now being accepted, closing date for applications is Nov. 15. To apply for a grant or for more information call at 703-352-2787 or e-mail fairfaxarts@fairfax.gov. Grant application forms can be downloaded from our Web site www.fairfaxarts.org.
Messiah United Methodist Church's Child Enrichment Program has openings in the 2- and 4-year-old classes for this fall. Four-year-old classes are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and the 2-year-old class is on Mondays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more, call Betsy Findley at 703-569-3033.
Fairfax County Public Schools hosts its 30th annual College Fair, Sunday, Oct. 16, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Fair Oaks Mall, 11750 Fair Oaks, Fairfax. Visit www.fcps.edu/ss/collegefairnight, call 703-876-5248 or e-mail elizabeth.westbrook@fcps.edu.
Fairfax County Public Schools presents College Night, Monday, Oct. 17, from 7-9 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road, Springfield. Visit www.fcps.edu/ss/collegefairnight, call 703-876-5248 or e-mail elizabeth.westbrook@fcps.edu.
The Fairfax County Park Authority is responding to community changes with additional programming to meet the needs of youngsters who are educated at home. New daytime classes, ideal for homeschoolers, will be offered this fall at Providence and South Run RECenters. Some classes for the approaching school year include: Outdoor Science, which explores flight, weather, geology and space in an outdoor setting; Explorations in Chemistry; Explorations in Astronomy; and Explorations in Botany. Register at any time until the day the class begins. Classes will be canceled due to low registration. For more, call 703-324-8548 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks.
TOT Preschool of Sydenstricker United Methodist Church is registering children from 3-5 years old for 2005-2006. Degreed, experienced teachers staff our half-day program at 8505 Hooes Road, Springfield. For more, call 703-644-6384 or e-mail tot@sumcidsciples.org
The 20th annual Lake Braddock Secondary School PTSA Holiday Showcase/Craft Fair takes place Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at 9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke. Admission is $3; under 18 are free.