School Notes are for awards and achievements, as well as special events. Send information to mclean@connectionnewspapers.com, or 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean VA 22102. Deadline is the Friday before publication. Call 703-917-6449 with questions.
The Kent Gardens Elementary School PTA has scheduled a meeting with Jane Strauss, Dranesville School Board member, and Audra Sydnor, the Cluster 1 Assistant Superintendent to discuss proposed Gifted and Talented Boundary issues. The meeting will take place at Kent Gardens Elementary School Library on Friday, Jan. 5 at 8:30 a.m. To understand this issue, visit www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/attendancearea.pdf. All are welcome to attend the meeting to learn more about the Boundary proposal.
McLean High School seniors have one more chance to order a senior class panoramic picture. The cost is $20 or $24 for a laminated picture and checks should be made out to Lifetouch Photography. Order forms are available in the Main Office and in the Yearbook Room (S105). Orders must be received by Wednesday, Jan. 10.
McLean High School’s first Prom 2007 meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the library. All parents and students interested in working on Prom 2007 should attend. If you have questions, please consult Prom Chairs Stephanie Russo or Jane Beddoe.
Dyer-Gunnell American Legion Post 180, based in Vienna, is sponsoring their 70th annual National Student Oratorical Contest, rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 13. Middle and high school students are encouraged to participate; scholarships are awarded at the post, district, state and national levels of competition. Contact the contest chair, Ronald Patterson, at 703-319-1095 or call Post 180’s office at 703-938-9535.
Fairfax County schools are invited to the U.S. Department of Education’s Tuesday, Jan. 16, pre-show evening reception and live public television broadcast of Education News Parents Can Use. The topic for the show is “No Child Left Behind Anniversary: Stories of Success.” Roundtrip bus transportation may be reserved for a group of 40 people that would like to attend the free reception and broadcast.
RSVP for the event by contacting Dustin Watson at 240-472-9148 or dmwatson5@yahoo.com. All guests are expected to arrive at 6:30 p.m. at WETA-TV (PBS), 2775 South Quincy St., Arlington. The show concludes promptly at 9 p.m.
The Capitol Steps are coming to Langley High School again this year. The Class of 2007 presents the Capitol Steps on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Some students will get extra credit for attending. Proceeds from the sale of the tickets will support the 2007 All Night Grad Party. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by contacting Rudi Dyster at rdyster@cox.net.
McLean High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes is hosting a book drive for children in the D.C. Children’s hospital and Fairfax Hospital. There will be a box in the library to drop off the books. The books should be new or gently used and appropriate for little children.
The McLean Community Center has offered to host two after school art workshops at Kent Gardens Elementary School this February. The MCC art outreach person will come to the school and show images of Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden, two African-American artists who told stories in their art work. The children will create collages that tell the child’s story and family history. The classes will occur on Monday, Feb. 5 and Monday, Feb. 12, 1-2:30 p.m. The outreach person will bring all the supplies and there will be no charge for the children. The Feb. 5 class is for 1st through 3rd graders. The Feb. 12 class is for 4th through 6th graders. Each class holds 20 children (6 or 7 per grade). Participation will be on a first come, first serve basis; e-mail margialessi@yahoo.com if interested.
Fairfax County Public School Inclement Weather and Emergency Closing Plans: FCPS has several schedules set up to deal with inclement weather; these are put into effect when conditions threaten the safety of children who are walking or riding school buses to schools. These schedules are: (1) Keep schools closed. (2) Open two hours late. (3) Close two hours early.
In every case of a schedule change, tune in to cable Channel 21, check www.fcps.edu, or call the FCPS hot line at 800-839-FCPS (3277). To receive this information via e-mail, sign up for the FCPS Keep in Touch e-mail notification system. Visit www.fcps.edu/news/weather.htm.