Fairfax Education

‘It Was Definitely Humbling’

Chinese and Fairfax High students share impressions of each other.

The teenagers played soccer, ate ice cream, joked with their friends and walked with their heads down, eyes on their Smart phones and tablets. In short, they looked just like their American counterparts – except these students live in China.

Chess Phenomenon Combines Talent and Hard Work

Greenbriar West Elementary student places second in international chess tournament.

Aasa Dommalapati, 10, of Centreville, a rising fifth grade student at Greenbriar West Elementary School in Fairfax, won the silver medal in the Girls Under 10 category at the 2014 Pan-American Youth Chess Festival held in Mexico.

Jewish Community Center Announces Fall 2014 Course Schedule

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) has announced the Fall 2014 course schedule for the Adult Learning Institute (ALI).

The End of an Era

After 33 years, Robinson’s Chip Rome retires.

It’s the end of an era at Robinson Secondary: Legendary Theater Director Chip Rome has retired. In 1981, he became the fourth drama teacher the school hired that year, and he more than provided stability. He spent all 33 years of his FCPS career there.

A Night at the Aquarium for Fairfax Youth

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington members take a private overnight tour of Baltimore's National Aquarium.

Ten students from the Fairfax branch (Murraygate chapter) of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington got a sneak peak of Shark Week by spending the night among them at the Baltimore Aquarium at the seaport in Baltimore. They spent a “night at the museum” as part of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program sponsored by COX Communications last Friday, July 25.

Workshop Promotes Science Education

On Tuesday, July 15, the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA), in conjunction with the George Mason University College of Education and Human Development, held a day-long program that focused on advancing science education in Fairfax County schools.

Helping Out and Giving Back

Paul VI grad tutors Hispanic children.

Born in Colombia, Laura Quiñones came to the U.S. with her parents at age 7. She knew English words, but needed practice talking conversationally.

Rotary Club Awards Scholarships to Fairfax High Students

The Rotary Club of Fairfax recently recognized several area students with scholarship awards for their academic achievement and community service.

Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage

‘Pippi Longstocking’ to be presented in Fairfax.

A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.”

Robinson, Woodson Students Performing in Hit Musical

They’re in “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.”

Students from Robinson Secondary and Woodson High play prominent roles in Westfield Summer Stage’s upcoming musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.” Featuring a cast and crew of 85, all performances are at Westfield High, 4700 Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly.

NASA Comes to Colvin Run Elementary

Space station astronauts speak live to students.

Students got a real hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experience by linking directly with the NASA international space station.

Fairfax Teacher to Participate in National Education Program

Patricia Becker-Sabik of Eagle Ridge Middle School in Ashburn, Angie Rollett of Chantilly High School, and Christine Watson of Daniels Run Elementary School in Fairfax have been selected from a pool of more than 400 applicants to participate in the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Summer Teacher Institute for the week of July 7-11, 2014.

Full-Day Mondays Start in September

Teachers promised planning time.

Full-day Mondays for all. After 40 years, Fairfax County Public Schools will give all elementary students "full Mondays" for more learning time — and more recess. During a School Board meeting Thursday, June 26, Superintendent Karen Garza said Mondays were cut in half for elementary students since 1972. "While not everyone tonight will embrace the change, we will engage the stakeholders," she told the board.

Youth Suicide Prevention Training Offered Online

Interactive training helps adults deal with serious issues.

Following several incidents in the community involving youth and suicide, Laura Yager, the director of partnership and resource development for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, said the community has recognized the need for youth suicide prevention.

National Championship for Fairfax High School

Robotics team captures first place in Mini-Urban Challenge.

Fairfax High School is a national champion. On June 14, at the Emerald Coast Conference Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., its robotics team won a national competition called the Mini-Urban Challenge.

Fairfax Connection