<sh>All But One School Accredited
<bt>All but one of Arlington’s 30 schools has received full accreditation by the state of Virginia for the 2005-2006 school year, officials announced last week.
Gunston Middle School was the only school not fully accredited based on last year’s Virginia Standards of Learning tests. The school earned an “accredited with warning in the area of mathematics” status.
New math tests last year resulted in a decrease in middle school math scores across the state, Arlington officials said.
“Gunston missed the pass rate by less than 1 percentage point, and I am confident that the staff will work to address any instructional needs once they are determined,” Superintendent Robert Smith said in a statement.
School officials said they will receive detailed results for each school and grade level in the coming weeks, and will then be able to determine what areas need addressing. “Once we have the full report, our instructional team will work to determine the next best steps to continue to improve student learning,” Smith added.
<sh>Gaia Theory Conference in Arlington
<bt>On Oct. 14-15, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and George Mason University are sponsoring a conference on Gaia Theory, a scientific view of the Earth as a living system that has enormous implications for climate change.
The Gaia Theory posits that organic and inorganic components of Earth operate together as a single living system that is self-generating and self-regulating. This living system automatically controls global temperature, atmospheric content, ocean salinity, and other factors in a manner that enables life to persist.
Lynn Margulis, a professor at the University of Massachusetts, and long-time advocate of the Gaia Theory, is the keynote speaker. Many other speakers will be featured and James Lovelock, the theory’s progenitor, will participate via a video prepared for the event.
Recording artist, Paul Winter, will perform in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday evening at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theater in Arlington. Panel discussions, a teacher workshop, a reception and other activities will also be featured.
The base fee for the conference is $130, which includes all conference activities, breakfasts, breaks and reception. The event will be held at the George Mason University Law School, 3301 Fairfax Drive. Visit www.gaiatheory.org for more information and to register for the conference.
<sh>Arlington Free Clinic Gala
<bt> The Arlington Free Clinic will hold its Annual Gala Benefit at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean from 6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. The theme of this year's gala is "Moonlight in Marrakesh." The Gala will also feature a silent auction and raffle. Tickets for the gala are $250 per person and may be purchased by calling 703-979-1425 ext. 12. Visit www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org.
<sh>Oktoberfest in Shirlington
<bt>On Saturday, Oct. 7, the Capitol City Brewing Company in Shirlington is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration. The cost is $20 and the event runs from noon 7 p.m. Some of the proceeds will go to support the Arlington chapter of the American Red Cross.
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The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is hosting a “Catsablanca”-themed casino night and silent auction on Saturday, Oct. 14, to benefit the organization.
The event begins at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the historic Terminal A at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Tickets are on sale now for $80 per person or $150 per couple. Attendees can stop by the League to purchase tickets, call the League at 703-931-9241 to pay by credit card or go to www.awla.org <http://www.awla.org/> to download a reservation card. Tickets will be $100 each at the door.
Founded in 1944, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is a private, non-profit, progressive humane society with more than 60 years of experience helping animals and their families. The league is committed to the humane treatment of animals and to the promotion of animal welfare.
Each year, the League adopts more than 1,000 homeless animals into loving, responsible homes and also provides services to the community such as temporary care and refuge for homeless and suffering animals; reuniting of lost pets with their owners; preventing cruelty to animals; providing animal control services for the county; providing low-cost rabies and microchip clinics; and educating the public.
For further information, visit the League during its new hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from noon to 7:00 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m. at 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive. You can also visit our Web site at www.awla.org to see our adorable animals up for adoption.