Stage Presence
Cappies recognized among arts leaders at Arts Council awards.
After Bill Strauss first approached Judy Bowns about creating a student-driven arts awards and journalism organization 16 years ago, the ensuing creative partnership resembled a pair of cartoon characters.
Police Investigating Death of Robinson Sophomore
Family, friends, school community mourn Brooke Buesking.
The Robinson community is coping with the loss of sophomore Brooke Buesking. On Oct. 15 Fairfax County Police found her body close to train tracks by Sideburn and New Guinea Roads, the Burke area where they’d gotten a report of someone being hit by a train.
Foot Action
Burke schools participate in National Walk to School Day
The “kiss and ride” lane of cars dropping off students was noticeably sparse at Cherry Run Elementary School. Principal Mark Bibbee said they average between 70 and 80 cars a day. On National Walk to School Day, Oct. 8, he counted just 25. His students and parents were pounding the pavement.
Pounding the Pavement
First annual 5K raises awareness of teen driving safety.
Robin Wallin of Alexandria has been training for this day at Cameron Run Regional Park for three months. She and sister-in-law Carolyn Wiser of Baltimore used a seat-to-5K app on their smartphones to prepare for the Oct. 4 race, encouraging each other through Facebook messaging.
Gone Girls Next Door
PSA roll-out marks one-year anniversary of “Just Ask” project.
On a sunny afternoon, a police officer pulls over a young male driver. There’s an innocent-looking, girl-next-door type in the back seat of the car. The driver responds to the officer’s basic questions with cold indifference. When questioned, the girl in the back says she’s fine. Maybe she betrays a hint of unease.
Look! Up in the Sky!
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s an unmanned aircraft system.
Parish Hall of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke was at full capacity on Wednesday, Sept. 24, for an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI-GMU) lecture by Christopher Vo titled “Drones: Our New Toys, Tools, and Robot Companions.”
Burke to Celebrate History Day
Focus on transportation, Burke School’s 75th anniversary.
The Burke Historical Society’s Annual Burke History Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11. The event will take place in Old Town Burke at The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, 9501 Old Burke Lake Road, Burke, across from the Burke Post Office, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thou Hast it Now: Robinson Speech and Drama
New teacher replaces 33-year veteran.
Megan Thrift’s classroom has over 30 doors to lock at the end of the day. There are dressing rooms, a black box theater, main stage entrances and a vault full of stockpiled stage pieces and props from decades of shows. Perhaps there’s one for each year her predecessor Chip Rome served as theater director at Robinson Secondary School.
A Different Path to a 4-year Degree
NOVA’s Guaranteed Admissions Program gives students opportunities to attend their dream schools.
Noor Naveed immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with her family shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The family settled in Northern Virginia and, years later, Naveed graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. She dreams of becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.
Later High School Start Times for 2015?
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza will propose later high school start times at the Fairfax County School Board’s business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, for the Board’s formal consideration at its business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.
Full Day Monday Challenges Discussed
The implementation of “full day Mondays” has been anything but easy for area elementary schools. The challenges that Fairfax County Public Schools faced to bring more hours to elementary students’ school year was addressed by Superintendent Karen Garza and several board members during a school board meeting on Sept. 4 at Jackson Middle School.
Portrait of a Graduate Discussed
The heart of the school system’s new strategic plan is closer to being approved. The Fairfax County School Board discussed the five component Portrait of a Graduate - with some asking for a component emphasizing a caring quality - at Monday’s work session.
New Principal Starts at West Springfield
Michael Mukai brings “champion” philosophy from Robinson.
Earlier this summer, West Springfield High School needed a principal... and a head custodian. Michael Mukai, who started on the first day of school as permanent relief for interim Principal Becky Brandt, said the two positions are more similar than different.
School Sights
First day at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
“I’m excited to see friends. And to have Mr. Waiss as a teacher. He’s supposed to be like me, so I’m excited to meet him. We’re waiting for friends, and tired.”
Lake Braddock Student Shines
Lake Braddock Secondary School’s Nathan Bender was selected to represent his school at an all expenses paid Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisburg, Va.