Fairfax Local

Let the Sparks Fly

So. It’s July 4, 2013. Independence Day. A federal holiday celebrating our freedom from Great Britain. The National Day of the United States.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is conducting the Countywide Transit Network Study to determine the type of transit systems needed to accommodate forecasted growth throughout the county over the next several decades.

Lt. Col. Mark Sites Sworn in as County Sheriff

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Sites has been sworn in as Fairfax County Sheriff on Monday, July 1. The Honorable Chief Judge Dennis Smith administered the oath.

New Leader at Robinson’s Helm

Matt Eline is named school’s principal; will retain Meier as football coach.

There’s a new person at the helm of Robinson Secondary School—one well equipped for the job. He’s Matt Eline, who was an assistant principal at Fairfax High for four years and principal of Rocky Run Middle School the past three years.

Tiny Dancers Holds Recital

Young dancers from Tiny Dancers twirled, tapped and chasséd their way across the stage in their performance of “Sleeping Beauty” Sunday, June 16th at Woodson High School in Fairfax.

Engagements

Justin Paul Robinson and Sarah Catherine James Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Cindy Robinson of Ashburn announce the engagement of their son, Justin Paul Robinson, 24, to Sarah Catherine James, 23, daughter of Robert and Lucy of Metuchen, N.J.

Children Dig Into Reading

Summer reading program sparks enthusiasm in area libraries.

This year’s summer reading program in Fairfax County libraries provides children and their parents with enriching opportunities they can sink their hands into.

Meier Reflects on His Decade at Robinson

Search continues for school’s new principal.

Robinson Secondary School still hasn’t found a new principal—but then, Danny Meier is a hard act to follow. He retired recently after serving 29 years with FCPS, the last 10 as Robinson’s leader.

Meier: ‘A Supporter, Leader and Listener’

Although Danny Meier’s now retired as Robinson’s principal, he left his mark on the school and his colleagues say he led it well. “He’s a great leader because he’s quick at evaluating situations and has the background to make logical decisions,” said school administrative assistant Sue Henderson. “It’s also a great loss because I’ll miss him as a friend.”

Student Wins Contest for Literature Letter

Local eighth grader Christine Wang has won first place (for grades six through eight) in the Letters about Literature contest sponsored by the Library of Congress. She wrote her award-winning letter about the book, “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang. Christine, 13, even got to read her letter recently at the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville. The book’s a graphic novel in hardcover, comic-book form. It contains three connected stories that become one at the end, and they appealed to her on a personal level.

Fairfax High Celebrates Graduation

Commencement ceremony highlights achievements of 585 graduates.

A packed basketball gym with threatening weather looming outside made for a dramatic start to the graduating Class of 2013’s commencement ceremony at Fairfax High School Thursday, June 13.

Supervisors Pass Home Day Care Ordinance

Bulova calls for town hall meeting to educate providers on new rules.

“There is a tremendous need for quality child care in the county and we want to help make sure there are a sufficient number of providers available.” -- Board Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)

Saying Goodbye to a ‘Great Place’ 

Woodson graduates challenged to remember.

W.T. Woodson High School’s Class of 2013 gathered together for the final time Thursday, June 13 at Robinson High School’s Henry M. Smith Field House for its annual commencement ceremony. Students, faculty, family members, and distinguished guests were on hand to celebrate the culmination of the school’s 50th anniversary.

Robinson Graduates Offered ‘Tips for Success’

Robinson High School seniors received their diplomas at the 2013 Commencement Ceremony held at the Patriot Center. Not only notable for its size, the graduates received over $4 million in scholarship money for their continuing education.

Springfield Boy Scouts Help Plant Trees at Burke Lake Park

New trees replace mature ones torn down by Burke Lake Dam renovation.

When the renovation of Burke Lake Dam began last fall, many residents in the leafy South Run neighborhood were concerned about the dozens of mature trees construction crews had to rip out to gain access to the dam.

Fairfax Connection