Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer
As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.
Don’t Be Among the Missing
Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.
In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote. That is to say that 1.7 million voters went missing in the Commonwealth.
Unconventional Camp Ideas
Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities
Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”
Fundraiser Planned for Animal Shelter
Each year, the nonprofit Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FFCAS) raises money to pay for things the shelter can’t afford. And in June, it holds a wine-tasting and invites the public to participate. In past years, it’s been at a beverage store. “But this time, we’re doing something totally different,” said FFCAS President Evelyn Grieve. “We’re having it at Paradise Springs Winery. And besides the wine-tasting, there’ll be appetizers, desserts and a raffle.”
Underdog Marshall Baseball Advances to Region Semifinals
Statesmen one win shy of states after 0-7 start.
The Marshall baseball team will face Lake Braddock in the regional semifinals.
The Power of Persistence
New laws will deal with mental health, campus safety.
In a little over a month, two new bills dealing with mental health and college safety will take effect in Virginia. And both are a result of the work of two members of the Angel Fund board and a small group of politicians.
Learning about Middle Ages
Representatives from the London Brass Rubbings Center visited Virginia Run Elementary School in April to present the history, people, and lifestyles of the Middle Ages.
School Notes
Peter Hawes, a 2012 graduate of the University of Mary Washington, has received a U.S. Fulbright grant for 2013-2014.
From the Performers’ Point of View
Singers, musicians talk about Chantilly’s upcoming show.
Performing in Chantilly High’s annual Jazz & Pizzazz show is more than being a student entertaining the community; it’s also about carrying on a tradition for more than a quarter of a century.
Centreville, Westfield Garner Cappies Nods
‘Cabaret’ and ‘Flowers for Algernon’ are honored.
When the winners are announced during the 14th annual Cappies Gala, June 9, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., students from Centreville and Westfield high schools will be there, eager for the results.
Poem: This is NOT America’s Next Top Model
Do you know what I hate? Ketchup
Family and Friends Mourn Trish Stach
Centreville woman dies on Mother’s Day.
It’s bad enough to lose a wife and mother; having her die on Mother’s Day only makes it worse. But on Sunday, May 12, Centreville’s Trish Stach lost her battle with breast cancer at age 59. She’d fought the disease for 15 years and ultimately died of complications from it.
Rocky Run Honors Poetry Slam Winners
Rocky Run Middle School held a Poetry Slam on May 8, and eighth-grader Charlie Flynn won first place in the humorous category. Classmate Marc Manaloto came in first in the dramatic category.
Tea Party Ticket
Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.
Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.