Items Tagged Education

On June 8th the city of Alexandria is hosting it's annual Youth Arts Festival on the grounds of George Washington Middle School located at 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22314.

MORE UPDATES: By popular demand, Old Town Theater will have another screening on June 5th so grab your tickets now before they're sold out again! 

UPDATE: We did it! We got 100 tickets in practically no time. Thanks for your help in getting this inspiring movie screened! 

The Alexandria chapter of Dining for Women wants to show the amazing documentary Girl Rising at their newly-renovated Old Town theater on Wednesday May 29, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - and they can do it only if they get 100 seats reserved by May 17.

Help make this happen by getting your tickets now!

The Reading Connection (TRC) would like to invite you to attend the Community Reading Festival on May 11 and to participate in the 2nd Arlington Kids Read Read-a-Thon.  TRC is holding a Community Reading Festival on May 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Campbell Elementary School. There will be books read aloud, a visit from Clifford, crafts and treats for all.  The event is open to the public and geared towards families with children aged 3 to 12. 

Sadly, Spring2ACTion is officially over. But today, we get to celebrate the results and the amazing generousity of our community. With your help, we raised $659,591 from 5,872 givers in just 24 hours! Thank you, thank you, thank you! None of this would be possible without YOU!  

What if we all gave one one day?

On Wednesday, April 17, our community will come together for 24 hours of unprecedented giving.

It's puppy and kitten season and the doors of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter are open to the unplanned and unwanted litters. You can help our puppies and kittens start life on the right paw by coming to the AWLA Baby Shower with a gift from our Foster Care Wish List.

Jefferson-Houston is a school on the move. We have seen great progress since the Superintendent's Transformation was put into place in Summer 2011. 

• Principal Rice-Harris has come on board with a new school leadership team and many new staff. 

• We have added 90 minutes to the school day and started a new reading program. 

• We have hired an outside partner, American Institutes for Research, to review and enhance our math instruction. 

• Most important, we have created an environment of personalized attention for each student. And we are starting to see the benefits.

Even with our most energetic and focused efforts, some students are not where they need to be academically. To give our students the extra help they need to move forward, we are creating “All Hands on Deck,” a coordinated call to our community to support them.

Become a Mentor and Change Two LivesSOHO is an creative mentorship program that serves pre-teen girls by providing yearlong mentoring through engagement in life skills instruction, creative art activities and meaningful community service projects.

What Is Alexandria Jaycees?

The Alexandria Jaycees, a chapter of the Virginia Jaycees, works to advance the community and members of the Jaycees program while providing civic, social and business training and opportunities to young adults in Alexandria. While there are hundreds of Chapters of Jaycees around the world, members develop skills and promote their communities in the four areas of community service, leadership and individual development, networking and fundraising. Founded in 1940, the 100 adults aged 21 to 40 that comprise the Alexandria Jaycees commonly are referred to as the “junior chamber of commerce” because of their partnership with the U.S Junior Chamber. The Alexandria Jaycees strive to promote community service through leadership development of its members while continuing to be one of the largest and best chapters in Virginia.

Recognized as one of the leading orchestral training programs in the nation, AYPO provides competitive world-class training and performance opportunities for musicians up to 21 years of age.

Originally posted Friday, December 28, 2012

Jeff Sypeck, TFAA Writer

As part of National Mentoring Month, ACT for Alexandria is talking about their mentors. Learn more about how you can be a mentor to someone this month: 10 Things You Can Do for National Mentoring month. 

John Porter - Executive Director

While a number of individuals have been instrumental to me in my life and in my career pursuits, initial credit for mentorship has to go to James Wilson.  Dr. Wilson presently serves as principal of the T. C. Williams Satellite Program but my first year of teaching in 1969 found me paired with Jim as a team teacher at Parker Gray Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia.  Still believing I learned more my first few months on the job than I ever learned about teaching at college, I can’t stress strongly enough the role Jim played in mentoring me through that difficult first year.  He had a wealth of experience compared to me (one year of teaching in southwest Virginia) but brought a wealth of knowledge and knowhow about working with kids.  Had it not been for James Wilson, there is a strong possibility I may not have stayed in education and been able to touch the lives of the many kids I was fortunate enough to work with during my forty years in the Alexandria City Public Schools.  Thank you James Wilson for ALL you did for me and continue to do for others.

Hmm...what was going this weekend again? Oh, right! National Day of Service and the Inauguration!

It's going to be a cold week, but Saturday is looking good which is the perfect opportunity to volunteer and do service for National Day of Service. Monday, President Obama will be sworn in. How many of you are going?

If you don't have any plans this weekend, here are some events that'll get you out and about.

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a highlight of Alexandria's Potomac River waterfront, attracting more than a half million visitors annually to 82 artists' studios, six galleries, two workshops, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, The Art League, and to public programs and special events.

What Is The DreamDog Foundation?

Works to build self-esteem, create opportunities of learning and and wellness through multi-media edu

I just wanted to remind folks that you can make charitable contributions without spending a single extra dime, and help out Cora Kelly Elementary kids all at the same time.  

Please mark your calendar and register for the next Senior Services of Alexandria speaker series event, Staying Connected: Employment and Volunteer Opportunities for Alexandria’s Seniors. This free event is being held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. – noon at the Charles Beatley Central Library at 5005 Duke Street.

Calling all Mentors! Please HELP!

The Alexandria Mentoring Partnership is currently experiencing a shortage of mentors! Our City’s children need you! If you are able to mentor/tutor a child for an average of 1 hour a week, please contact the AMP Coordinator at 703-746-4475 or by email at mentoring@alexandriava.gov for more information. Thank you!

I am sure many of you are sorting through your children's things to make way for the new stuff to come this month....The Giving Circle of Alexandria is doing a book drive for the DreamDog Foundation and we could really use your gently-used children's books.

Reach Out and Read is an evidence based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. 

Books for America, a non profit based in the Washington D.C area, is hosting a one day book give away event. We want to provide free reading material in an effort to encourage home-libraries and a love of reading. There will be both adult and children’s books available. There will be a limit of books per person. Donated books are not to be used for resale purposes.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities to fund Alexandria’s first trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to help feral cats in the city. The TNR program enlists the help of concerned citizens and feral cat caretakers to humanely reduce the sizes of feral cat colonies.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities to fund Alexandria’s first trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to help feral cats in the city. The TNR program enlists the help of concerned citizens and feral cat caretakers to humanely reduce the sizes of feral cat colonies.

Autumn is a season of transition, and each year we marvel at the leaves changing color and falling to the ground. It is only fitting that October, the peak period of fall foliage, is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. While each season is temporary, the change you will make in a dog’s life by adopting is forever. But don’t take our word for it. See why the kids in the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Youth Volunteer Program think you should adopt!

Come visit with representatives from many of the area preschools face to face and find the perfect educational opportunity for your child. Attending preschools will have a table set up with information about their school and parents will circulate in an open-house fashion. All parents are welcome and admission is free. Contact momspreschoolfair@gmail.com with questions. 

After several months of discussions and planning, the newly formed Friends of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) will hold its first meeting Saturday, November 3, 12 – 1:30 at TC Williams High School (agenda below). 

On Oct. 16, HomeMade Pizza will donate to our rowing program:

• $4 FOR EVERY LARGE PIZZA OR GLUTEN FREE PIZZA
• $2 FOR EVERY LARGE SALAD
• $1 FOR EVERY CALZONE OR FLATBREAD
• 10% OF EVERY GIFT CARD CARD SOLD

Order online at www.homemadepizza.com, then pick up your order & take home for dinner!

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need.

Come visit with representatives from many of the area preschools face to face and find the perfect educational opportunity for your child. Attending preschools will have a table set up with information about their school and parents will circulate in an open-house fashion. All parents are welcome and admission is free. 

Friday, October 19, 10:00am to 5:30pm; Saturday, October 20, 10:00am to 4:30pm; Sunday, October 21, 10:00am to 4:30pm. Thousands of books, DVDs, CDs and more. Wonderful deals and all sales benefit the Friends of Beatley Central Library. Located in the Large Meeting Room

Support the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria's 18th Annual Telethon!!

What's Next, Alexandria?

What's Next, Alexandria? is a City of Alexandria initiative to begin a conversation about how Alexandrians can best participate in shaping Alexandria's future.

The theme of the conference at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City is “Making Children and Families a Priority: Raising the Bar”.

The Beat the Odds Program of the Alexandria Bar Association Foundation awards scholarships to youth who have been served by one or more Alexandria agencies (Courts, Social Services, Mental Health, ACPS, etc.) and who have overcome obstacles to their success. A fundraiser will be held at the Little Theater of Alexandria with a Reception and Silent Auction at 6:30 p.m.

Who: Community Lodgings’ Boys Mentoring Group, Their Family and Friends

What: Food, Games, Fun!

When: Noon – 3:00pm, Saturday, Aug. 25th; Cornhole Tournament begins @ 1:00pm

Where: Family Learning Center; 607 Notabene, Alexandria, VA – *Near the intersection of Glebe and Mount Vernon Avenue*

If you live in the 45th District, you may be eligible to vote absentee for the upcoming Special Election on September 4th.

The Political Action Chair Tai Smith advises that local WPFW Radio Station (89.3FM) wishes to participate with the NAACP, Alexandria Branch at a Town Hall Meeting on August 20, from 6:30 pm to 8:03 pm, at Charles Houston Rec Center to discuss voting matters, etc..  This will be an opportunity for northern Virginia listeners to dialogue with WPFW Management, staff and board about issues aff

Whole Foods Market Old Town is hosting a Back-to-School Festival on Saturday, August 11th from noon - 4 p.m. at John Carlyle Square Park. This first time community event features many fun and educational activities to help kids and their parents get ready for the new school year. 

Help Alexandria kids start off the school year with the right tools and a big smile on ther faces by donating school supplies in bins at many local businesses around town.

Community Partners for Children (CPC) are running their annual school supply drive to help school age children of all ages in need. You can donate any of the following at participating locations: composition books, spiral notebooks, wide-rule notebook paper, pens, pencils, crayons, erasers, scissors, rulers and other items.

Soldier-led Tours of the Fort in honor of Veterans Day.Tours of the historic fort led by an interpreter in Union uniform highlight the history of Fort Ward and army life in the Defenses of Washington. Tours begin in the Museum. Program is weather dependent. For more information contact 703.746.4848 or go to our website at fortwardmuseum@alexandriava.gov.

Lecture: Infamous Scribblers: President George Washington and the Press. Harry Truman once said "the only thing new is the history we do not know." Professor Henriques shows that even George Washington was not exempt from severe attacks in the press. Washington's attitude and relationship with the press is another way of better understanding our remarkable first President.

Day camp for 12 to 15 year olds. Help Alexandria’s City archaeologists excavate a real archaeological site! Learn professional excavating, recording, and artifact processing methods. Uncover Alexandria’s buried past while protecting the City’s valuable historic resources. Choose one or two week-long sessions. $400 per session. Full scholarships available. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Day camp for 12 to 15 year olds. Help Alexandria’s City archaeologists excavate a real archaeological site! Learn professional excavating, recording, and artifact processing methods. Uncover Alexandria’s buried past while protecting the City’s valuable historic resources. Choose one or two week-long sessions. $400 per session. Full scholarships available. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Want to learn to dance like George Washington? Intrigued by the wonders of "modern" science? Then come to Gadsby's Tavern Museum's free opne house - Tavern Day! Experience Alexandria's five-star hotel of the 18th century, made famous by John Gadsby, whose guests included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Tours are led by costumed guides.

Learn about army life for Union artillerymen stationed in the Defenses of Washington at Fort Ward Museum's living history program, "Civil War Artillery with the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery." The reenactors of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery portray the duties and soldier life of a regiment that was stationed at Fort Ward during the Civil War.

What Is The Reading Connection? 

The Reading Connection (TRC) reads to kids and gives them books to instill the love of reading in them.  A love of reading can make all the difference between academic success or failure.  Last year they served 1,500 children and distributed 9,096 books.  TRC’s vision is that every child in the program will be regular and passionate readers. 

For over twenty years the Alexandria community has generously supported the annual T.C. Williams All Night Drug and Alcohol Free Graduation Celebration. Since T.C. Williams began this tradition in 1989, there have been no drug or alcohol-related graduation night fatalities.

One City.  One Day.  One Opportunity.

What if we all gave one one day?

ACTion Alexandria's biggest action of the year, Spring2ACTion, begins at midnight on May 2, and we urge you to help us make it a record breaker. Last year, we all worked together to raise $104,000. This year, our goal is to help local nonprofits raise $200,000 in just 24 hours!

Wondering where to go to expand your horizons after retirement?  Come to the next Senior Services of Alexandria Speaker Series event at Westminster Presbyterian Church on May 19.   The focus will be on "Continuing Education Opportunities for Alexandria's Seniors".  Representatives from the major adult education programs in our area will be on hand, including:  Northern

One City.  One Day.  One Opportunity.

What if we all gave one one day?

On Wednesday, May 2nd, our community will come together for 24 hours of unprecedented giving.

Spring2ACTion is one extraordinary day to support the organizations that make Alexandria amazing. ACT and ACTion Alexandria, in partnership with our sponsors, are offering up to $30,000 in cash and prizes to help increase fundraising efforts by participating organizations and individual fundraisers.  Real-time tracking will be displayed on the leader board at www.Spring2ACTion.org on May 2.

Be Generous.  Be Alexandria.