County Manager
THE CITIZEN MARCH-APRIL 2006
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| March - April 2006 |
Welcome to the New Citizen Newsletter!
Fresh Look at Spring Cleaning
Don't just trash it — recycle, reuse and safely dispose
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Cleaning out this spring? Think about recycling your old stuff instead of just trashing it. Whether you're clearing out your closet or garage, garden or flower beds, here are our best bets for recycling, reusing and safely disposing of your items.
Spring Yard Waste Collection
Preparing for planting or a springtime barbecue? Recycle yard waste into mulch during Arlington's curbside spring yard waste recycling program, from March 20 to April 28. Fill biodegradable bags or personal trash cans up to 50 pounds with the accepted items listed below. Spring yard waste collection is one day after your regular trash day (Mondays for Friday trash collection customers).
Acceptable Items
- Leaves and weeds
- Vegetable garden waste
- Plants trimmings, ivy
- Stalks, twigs, small branches
- Acorns, pine cones
- Grass thatching
Reminders
- Use biodegradable bags or personal trash cans
- Don't use plastic bags or County-issued trash carts
- Don't pack bags more than 50 pounds
Donating items is another great option for clearing out your house. Many organizations take bikes, building materials, clothes, cell phones, toner cartridges and more. Go to www.arlingtonva.us/recycle and click "Recycling Other Materials" on the right.
Spring E-CARE Event
On April 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., bring your items to the Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) at Thomas Jefferson Middle School's West Parking Lot at 125 S. Old Glebe Rd. At E-CARE, residents may also recycle shoes, bicycles, eyeglasses and small metal items.
What to Bring to E-CARE
 TVs ($20 fee), computers (monitors $15 fee), cell phones, etc. |  Latex and oil paints (25 can limit); automobile fluids and motor oil. |
 Lawn and garden chemicals. |  Household cleaners, chemicals, solvents and many other flammable, poisonous or corrosive household products. |
Can't make it on April 22?
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., you can drop off items at the Water Pollution Control Bureau at 3155 S. Fern Street, off S. Glebe Road. For a complete list of accepted items, visit www.arlingtonva.us/recycle or call (703) 228-6832.
Leaf and Wood Mulch
Arlington County recycles your leaves and brush into mulch. Free leaf and wood mulch is available for residents at these locations:
- Solid Waste Bureau at 4300 29th St., South
- 4712 26th St., North
The County also delivers mulch to your home for a fee. Request online at www.arlingtonva.us/recycle or by calling (703) 228-6570.
Arlington Chairman Chris Zimmerman Sets 2006 Priorities
At the traditional New Year's Day meeting, newly-elected Arlington County Board Chris Zimmerman highlighted six policy areas of importance for 2006:
- Planning and building for the future, including key planning endeavors such as Clarendon Sector Plan, Rosslyn Central Place, Historic Preservation Plan.
- Commitment to Arlington employees, including coping with the pressures of a competitive market.
- Affordable housing, fundamental to the kind of community we aspire to be.
- Senior living in Arlington, to ensure our commitment to inclusion extends across the life-cycle.
- Transportation, including WALKArlington projects, utility undergrounding on Columbia Pike, bicycle improvements, new elevators at the Ballston Metro station.
- Economic sustainability, including continued focus on BRAC issues.
Three new policy initiatives
- Assess Arlington's "aging readiness."
- Launch Youth Transit Initiative.
- Focus on small business.
Note: The full text of all Board Member speeches is available at www.arlingtonva.us.
Major Renovations for 17.5 Acre Greenbrier Park
Overhaul begins for heavily used athletic complex
Renovations started in February for Greenbrier Park, the primary facility for Yorktown High School. Greenbrier is also a major complex for countywide organized youth and adult sports and a facility for the surrounding neighborhoods. Renovation features include:
- New stadium complex with synthetic turf field
- New ticket booth, parking lot and running track
- Restroom/storage building and concessions building
- Bleachers (visitors & home), running track and press box
- Dark-sky lighting for fields (minimizes light spillage and controls glare and sky glow)
- Two new softball fields; one new baseball field (with dark-sky lighting)
- New interior pedestrian walkway system
Visit www.arlingtonva.us/prcr.
Public Spaces Master Plan
On Dec. 12, the County Board adopted a Public Spaces Master Plan (PSMP). This plan guides decision making for Arlington's parks and other public spaces. The plan presents a number of objectives, including five priority recommendations:
- Build North Tract
- Develop a land acquisition policy
- Emphasize planning for Four Mile Run
- Create a natural resource policy
- Maximize partnership with Arlington Public Schools
New Online CAPTrack Service
Wondering when that new sidewalk will be built? Want to plan your team's soccer schedule on that new field? Curious to know when the new park will be open? Updates on 400+ capital projects are just a click away. The County is piloting New Online CAPTrack Service CAPTrack, a new, database to track major County construction projects. You can search: by neighborhood, street name, project type, program and project phase. Click "CAPTrack" in the "Development" area at www.arlingtonva.us.
Code Corner: Thinking About a New Deck or Fence?
If the spring season has rekindled dreams of a new deck or fence, make sure your plans meet setback requirements.
Prior to construction, you or your contractor must complete a Fence Permit Request Form, available on the County Web site or from Suite 810 of the main County building. Decks require a building permit as well as reviews by Inspection Services. Guidelines for decks and fences include:
Fences
- There are specific requirements for the location of the fence depending on the configuration of your lot. These are called setbacks.
- A plat is required — a scale drawing showing the boundaries of property and the proposed fence location.
Decks
- Decks more than 4 feet high are considered part of the structure and must be counted towards lot coverage.
- Lot coverage requirements vary according to zoning district.
- Decks must respect building setbacks, which vary according to your lot configuration.
- A deck may encroach into the setback 4 feet, which could be 21 feet from the rear lot line.
- A deck may not be closer than 5 feet to any property line.
- Structural elements (i.e. support columns) of the deck must respect the actual setback line.
Note: For specifics, see the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance, Section 32.D.3.a/e or talk with County staff.
First ATM Project Improves Intersection
"ATM:" better traffic flow, not a cash machine
Have you noticed the improvements at Wilson and George Mason? Experienced smoother traffic flow and not realized why? Arlington has completed its first Arterial Transportation Management (ATM) project — the intersection at Wilson Boulevard and George Mason Drive. Improvements included narrowing the roadway by removing the free-flow right turn and adding medians. In addition, the County extended curbs widened sidewalks and crosswalks and installed two new bus shelters. This intersection was chosen because of its high level of activity and the community's desire for more safety for all users.
The goal of ATM is to enhance the safety and efficiency of travel by motorists, transit patrons, bicyclists, pedestrians and persons of all abilities through a balanced approach to the design and operation of a major (arterial) street. Arlington's ATM Study, completed last year; examined future travel demand, recommended a tool box of ATM measures and produced concept plans for 11 arterial corridors.
Depending on future funding, subsequent projects may include extending this treatment of Wilson Boulevard to North Frederick Street; the County is also studying options for Carlin Springs Road and Four Mile Run Drive.
Safety First: Bikers Beware - Thwart the Thieves
Two simple steps to help you recover your stolen bike
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Look underneath for your bike's serial number stamped on the bottom bracket. |
Each year, about 300 bikes are stolen in Arlington. Unfortunately, of those bikes recovered by police, only a small percentage are returned because it's difficult to correctly identify the owner of a stolen bicycle. Greatly increase the chance of getting your bike back by doing two simple things: register your bike with the Police Department and report it if it's stolen.Bike registration Bike registration is easy and free, and you can do it online at www.arlingtonva.us/police. All you need is your bike's information, including serial number, and your personal contact information. Once it's registered, you'll get an ID sticker to put on your bike. If your bike is ever stolen, report it to the police, and it will be returned to you if recovered.
You can also view online pictures of recovered bikes currently in police custody. If you've had a bike stolen in Arlington, it may be online just waiting for you to recognize it!
Bike safety tips
- Lock your bike whenever it's not being ridden. Most stolen bikes are not locked up. Lock up even when in a garage or storage shed.
- Use a good, solid lock. In general, U-bolt and heavy, specialty chain locks are best.
- Use more than one lock. Multiple locks make your bike a less attractive target.
- Always lock your bike to a solid object.
- Make sure to lock your frame and both wheels. Remove the front wheel and place it next to the rear wheel.
- If possible, lock your bike in a well-lit, heavily traveled area.
Anatomy of a Pothole
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1. Water from melting snow and ice seeps into the pavement and softens it. During repeated cold spells, the water in the pavement refreezes and expands, breaking up the pavement, on and below the surface. 2. When the ice melts, it leaves gaps inside the pavement, and the moisture further softens it. The soft, fractured asphalt cannot support the weight of passing vehicles and begins to break up. |
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3. As vehicles pass over the weakened spot, pieces of roadway are kicked out, creating the hole. |
Does your drive to work sometimes seem like you're navigating a slalom course? During the winter season especially, potholes are simply a fact of life. Learn how they form and how to report them.
Did you know? During fiscal year 2005, the County filled 431 potholes!
Reporting potholes Arlington County roads: Call (703) 228-6485 or go to www.arlingtonva.us/DES State-maintained roads (Glebe Rd., Lee Hwy., Columbia Pike, Route 110, etc.): Call 1 (800) 367-ROAD or fill out a VDOT online form at www.virginiadot.org/travel/citizen.asp
On the Move
Bike Your Way Around Arlington in May
Bike to Work Day
Commute to work by bike on Friday, May 19. This regionwide event encourages commuters to try bicycling to work as an environmentally clean, healthy and fun alternative to solo driving. Arlington has a pit stop in Rosslyn at Gateway Park.
Community Bike Ride
Also plan to participate in the second-annual Arlington Community Bike Ride on the morning of Saturday, May 27. This non-competitive cycling event offers two route options: a longer County tour and a shorter family ride.
A "Bike Rodeo" also will be offered for children to learn and practice safe riding techniques. For more information on both of these events, visit www.bikearlington.com.
April in Arlington — Celebrate the Environment
Join a hands-on activity, check out a workshop
In April, we honor the environment with Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 28. Celebrate these green holidays by learning more about environmental issues, doing something good for the environment — or both!
Assist with Potomac Watershed Cleanup. Join thousands of volunteers on April 8, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. More info: www.fergusonfoundation.org/cleanupmainframe.html
Help plant a tree. On Saturday, April 22, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., celebrate Earth Day by helping the Park Rangers plant a native tree at Fort C.F. Smith Park. Shovels provided; bring work gloves if you want to help dig. More info: (703) 525-0168.
Build a planter from a soda bottle. Earth Day Celebration, April 22, Noon-2:00 p.m. Learn about conserving energy, composting, reusing and recycling. Build a plant terrarium out of a recycled soda bottle and make a milk jug watering can. More info: (703) 525-0168.
Attend the Arbor Day tree planting event. More info: contact Robert Corletta at or (703) 228-1863.
- Recycle your yard trimmings. Spring yard waste is collected during March and April. The material is recycled into compost and mulch.
- Reuse your rainwater. Collect rainwater in a rain barrel or cistern to use for watering your garden. Or direct gutter downspouts so they flow into landscaped areas of your yard. Save money on your water bill; help reduce stormwater runoff.
- Start composting. Turn your yard trimmings into garden gold. Presto compost bins are available for $10 from the County.
- Try "grasscycling." Save money and time, and fertilize your lawn the natural way. When mowing your lawn, leave the cut "trimmings" on the lawn — don't bag them.
- Plant native plants in your garden. They need less water and fertilizer and provide food for wildlife in our area.
Want to make your home healthier and less polluting? Or reduce your energy bills? Interested in natural building techniques or fuel- efficient cars? Attend a "Living Lightly — Living Green" series this spring to gain fresh ideas — both big and small — for reducing environmental impact and creating a healthier environment for yourself and your family. Most of the programs are free. The locations vary and some require reservations. For a full listing of descriptions, locations, times, and RSVP information, go to www.arlingtonva.us/des or call (703) 228-4792.
Green Home Remodeling - March 11
A practical half-day workshop for homeowners and contractors on making home remodels greener, healthier, and more affordable.
EnviroYard Workshop - March 18
Hands-on experience replacing invasive plants with native landscaping.
Green Roofs - April 23
Presentation on planning and building living roofs.
Demonstrating Innovation Tour - April 29
Tour of Fairfax County's Providence District Government Building with rain garden, green roof, and permeable parking lot.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Your Home - May 16
Tips from local energy experts on making homes more energy efficient and comfortable.
Strawbale Shed Construction Workshop - May 20
An old-fashioned, new-fangled "shed-raising" using strawbales and wood beams.
Native Tree and Shrub Planting - May 27
On-site demonstration of native tree and shrub planting for stream banks and sensitive environments.
From colorful Latin dancers to marching bands, the May 13 Neighborhood Day will have something for everyone ... and their little (or big) dogs, too. This year's theme, "Many Neighbors, One Community," celebrates the vitality and diversity of Arlington's neighborhoods.
A hometown tradition, Neighborhood Day features a variety of activities — including community service projects such as stream and park cleanups, yard sales, fitness fairs and open houses. The annual Neighborhood Day Parade at 2 p.m. on Wilson Boulevard is a highlight of the day. Another popular event is the Animal Welfare League of Arlington Walk for the Animals.
Register now if your group is planning to host a neighborhood event or to march or enter a float in the parade. The deadline for parade entries is April 21. Register online at www.arlingtonva.us/nd2006. Or download and fax forms to (703) 228-7430.
Project Wildlife Watch Needs Watchers
New program in search of "observer" volunteers
Wildlife in Arlington? Yes, Virginia, an important aspect of the urban villages of Arlington is our natural resources, including wildlife.
Arlington is planning its first comprehensive inventory of natural resources, known as a Natural Heritage Resource Inventory (NRHI). The NRHI project objective is to compile, through field research, a database of flora and fauna in County parks and public open spaces.
How can you help?
"Wildlife observers" are invited to join Project Wildlife Watch. Ideal candidates live next to wooded parkland in the County, have National Wildlife Federation certified backyard habitats, or spend time each week walking or jogging in County parks.
Why is this project so important?
As our human population increases, competing interests for the remaining public open spaces becomes very keen. Data collected through NHRI will allow more careful planning of future development in existing parkland – and identify natural resources worthy of immediate protection.
To volunteer or learn more, contact Greg Zell at or visit www.arlingtonva.us/prcr.
Anglers, grab your poles! On March 16, the County will stock rainbow trout in Four Mile Run from Bon Air Park south to Barcroft Park. Kids and adults can fish for free. A Virginia State Fishing License is required for those over age 15. A trout stamp is not required, all other state regulations apply.
Arlington's trout season lasts until all the fish are caught (about six weeks). Six-trout limit. More info: (703) 228-4400.
TIP: Special teen and kid events are planned. Go to www.arlingtonva.us/prcr for details.
BizLaunch Bootcamp Gets Entrepreneurs in Shape
It's a daunting statistic:
About 60 percent of new businesses fail within their first two years. With odds like that, entrepreneurs must be as prepared as possible when starting their new business. From writing a business plan, to selecting a location, plus financing and marketing, there's so much to know and do before your first day of business. So where do you start? The County will host another installment of the popular BizLaunch Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs. The 1½ day session brings together Arlington's potential entrepreneurs with faculty from Northern Virginia Community Colleges to provide intense courses and personalized training.
By the time this bootcamp ends, attendees will have the skills they need to improve their chances of running a successful business. New this year, entrepreneurs can have an expert critique their business plan.
Event Details
- March 30 and 31 at Arlington Economic Development's offices, 1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1500.
- $80 for the two-day session.
- Register at www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/bizlaunch or (703) 228-0853.
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The Autumn Garden Hellman's summer resort guests explore the cataclysmic choices they've made in their lives. Gunston Theatre Two. (703) 553-8782, www.americancentury.org Through April 15.
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Dance Sampler
Home Ownership Fair Free workshops in English/Spanish on home buying. 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Patrick Henry Elementary School, 701 S. Highland St. (703) 228-3765
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ArtFest at Fort C. F. Smith Week-long art festival featuring an all-media art show and sale, workshops, and demos. Call Linda Maldonado for workshop reservations. (703) 528-5740, www.arlingtonartistsalliance.org Through April 7.
Tom Sawyer, the Musical Dominion Stage. Theatre One at Gunston. (703) 683-0502, www.dominionstage.org Through April 15
APRIL
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Come Celebrate National Library Week Visit your nearest Arlington Public Library! Through April 8
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Richard II Robert McNamara directs this Richard II unlike any you've seen. (703) 418-4808, www.washingtonshakespeare.org
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Bold Girls Set in Belfast, the play focuses on four women dealing with absent men, a dearth of money and an excess of violence. Keegan Theatre. Theatre Two at Gunston. (703) 527-6000, www.keegantheatre.com Through May 13
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Fiddler on the Roof Arlington Players. Thomas Jefferson Theatre. (703) 549-1063, www.thearlingtonplayers.org. Through May 6
Faust Classika-Synetic. Rosslyn Spectrum. (703) 824-8060, www.classika.org Through May 21
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Landlord Seminar For landlords with fewer than five residential properties in Arlington. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Arlington Mill Center. (703) 228-3765, TDD (703) 228-4611, or
Presidente de la Junta de Arlington, Chris Zimmerman, establece prioridades
En la reunión tradicional de Año Nuevo, el reciente electo Presidente de la Junta del Condado de Arlington, Chris Zimmerman, destacó estas seis áreas de importancia para la política del 2006:
- Planificación y construcción para el futuro — iniciativas claves de planificación tal como el Plan del Sector de Clarendon, el Central Place de Rosslyn, y el Plan Histórico de Preservación.
- Compromiso con respecto a los empleados de Arlington — saber sobrellevar las presiones de un mercado competitivo.
- Viviendas a bajo costo — fundamental para la clase de comunidad que aspiramos ser.
- Adultos de edad avanzada que viven en Arlington — paragarantizar que nuestro compromiso a la inclusión se extienda a través del ciclo de vida.
- Transporte — proyectos WALKArlington, el soterramiento de servicios públicos en Columbia Pike, mejoras para los ciclistas, y nuevos ascensores en la estación de Metro de Ballston.
- Sustentabilidad económica — un enfoque continuo sobre los asuntos de BRAC.
Tres nuevas iniciativas políticas
- Determinar la preparación de Arlington respecto al envejecimiento.
- Lanzar la Iniciativa de Tránsito para Jóvenes.
- Concentrarse en los pequeños negocios.
Truchas Urbanas
Pescadores, tomen sus cañas que comienza la temporada de truchas!
El 16 de marzo, el Departamento de Parques, Recreación y Recursos Culturales llenará de truchas arcoiris el arroyo de Four Mile Run desde Bon Air Park en dirección sur hasta Barcroft Park. Los niños y los adultos podrán pescar gratuitamente en cualquier sitio del arroyo repleto de truchas.
Los pescadores mayores de 15 años deberán tener una licencia para pesca del estado de Virginia. No se exigirá una estampa para truchas, sin embargo, se aplicarán todas las otras disposiciones del estado sobre pesca.
Se permite la pesca diaria desde el amanecer hasta la media hora después de la puesta del sol. El límite de filete es de seis truchas. Más información: Llame al (703) 228-4400, para oir un mensaje grabado que contiene consejos sobre pesca.
Como Sería un Verano sin Campamentos ¡Comience a planificar un verano fantásticamente DIVERTIDO! El catálogo sobre Campamentos del Verano 2006 del Condado, Programas de Albergue y Oportunidades de Voluntariado, ya se encuentra disponible. Recoja una copia en un centro comunitario, piscina, centro natural o biblioteca. O consulte el catálogo en línea en www.arlingtonva.us/prcr.
Las inscripciones que se reciban vía correo electrónico, correo postal, fax y en línea se procesarán a partir del 4 de abril. La inscripción telefónica comenzará el 11 de abril.
Renovate, Repair or Buy Your First Home
Programs available to residents with limited incomes
Need to renovate a bathroom or put a new roof on your house? Want to buy your first home in Arlington? Check out these Arlington programs for low- or moderate-income families, administered by AHC Inc., a nonprofit developer of affordable housing.
Home Purchase Assistance
The Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program (MIPAP) offers homebuyers loans up to $25,000 for down payment and closing costs.
With MIPAP, homebuyers must purchase a home in Arlington and cannot have owned a home for the previous three years. Homebuyers must also contribute at least $2,000 towards the home purchase and earn 80 percent or less of the area median income. (in 2005, that was $73,200 for a family of four).
Home Improvements
Since 1975, more than 1,200 low- and moderate-income homeowners have benefited from the Home Improvement Program. AHC offers low-interest loans and grants to qualified homeowners. AHC also provides construction management services for each project, from start to finish.
Typical improvements are kitchen and bathroom renovations, roof and window replacements, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and new additions. The average loan is $55,000. Loan terms vary depending upon individual circumstances; loans have fixed interest rates between 0–6 percent for a 30-year period. To qualify for this program, Arlington residents must own their home and earn 80 percent or less of the area median income.
Accessibility Grants and Emergency Repairs
The "barrier-free" grant program can provide financial assistance to improve accessibility for physically challenged homeowners or renters. This program allows low- and moderate-income clients with special needs to continue living safely and independently in their own homes. AHC installs handrails, stair lifts, wheelchair ramps and other improvements. Grants are available for up to $5,000.
AHC also offers emergency grants for very low-income homeowners needing immediate repairs to their home, such as fixing a leaking roof or broken heating/air conditioning system.
More info: (703) 486-0626, ext. 24, or www.ahcinc.org.
Summer Camp
Plan your FUNtastic summer now! Pick up the "2006 Summer Camps and Drop-In Programs" catalog at a community center, pool, nature center or library. Or go to www.arlingtonva.us/prcr - and register online too. Registrations will be processed starting April 4 (phone-ins on April 11).
Decal Contest Winner
Yorktown High School student Tim Kouril will have his winning rendition of the Arlington House appear on 155,000 vehicles next year.
Eligible for Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit?
If you're eligible for Medicare Part D (prescription drug benefit) but didn't sign up by Dec. 31, you still have until May 15 to enroll. Contact Arlington's Agency on Aging at (703) 228-1700 or
Arts Programs Flourish in Arlington Schools
APS programs, partnerships offer unique opportunities
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Yorktown students won the District Championship in the Virginia High School League One Act Play Competition on Jan. 25 for their performance in Metamorphoses, and adaptation of Mary Zimmerman's Tony-award-winning play |
Studies reveal that art education helps students be more successful in the classroom and in life. Participating in arts experiences enhances self-esteem, builds self-discipline, and reinforces societal values, such as cooperation, commitment, and working towards a common goal.
APS strives to provide a rich and extensive curriculum for all aspects of the performing and visual arts based on state and national standards in the arts. Partnerships with local organizations allow students to have an even more hands-on experience with arts education.
The fact that Arlington Public Schools was selected as one of the top 101 best communities in America for music education last year, "demonstrates our commitment to providing a rich and rigorous curriculum leading to a well-rounded education," said Superintendent Dr. Robert G. Smith. "By definition, a rich curriculum must include serious attention to the arts and humanities as well as literacy, mathematics and science."
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Fourth and fifth grade band students at Oakridge. Instrumental programs are offered at all APS elementary schools. |
"Arts Education is an integral part of the core curriculum and provides students with unique experiences not taught in other core areas," said APS Arts Supervisor Carol Erion. "The arts offer powerful tools for expression — tools for making connections between intellect and emotion, tools for bringing meaning and beauty into our lives, and tools for solving problems and communicating ideas. The arts are an essential part of human history and provide a foundation for understanding the present as well as the future."
Arlington students have a wealth of visual and performing arts opportunities available to them both during and after school. In addition to dozens of contests and showcases each year, a key initiative is the APS Humanities Project’s "Artists in the Schools" program. Each year, the Humanities Project schedules over 120 artist performances, workshops or residencies in schools, including visits from Classika-Synetic Theater, Bowen McCauley Dance, Kankouran West African Dance Company and Dixie Power Trio.
The "Pick-a-Poet and Moving Words Student Poetry Competition" (a partnership with Arlington County Cultural Affairs) places professional poets in classrooms, where they lead lessons in writing poetry. Each year, Signature Theatre’s Signature in the Schools partners with Wakefield to produce an original one-act play based on an historical period or person. The project culminates in free performances in mid-February for APS high school students.
This summer, selected high school students will participate in a new documentary apprenticeship — a partnership with Arlington Independent Media, with funding from the Arlington Community Foundation. Students receive a stipend for participation and all training, project development assistance, an opportunity to air their finished documentary on Channel 69, and a public screening of their documentary in the fall of 2006.
APS partnerships also ensure teachers get the support necessary to integrate arts into all areas of the curriculum. The Kennedy Center provides professional development opportunities throughout the year. Also, Kenmore, Drew, and Abingdon have adopted The Kennedy Center’s Changing Education Through the Arts program, which provides schoolwide professional development. Also, in May, the Ellipse Arts Center will provide a workshop for teachers. The Ellipse Arts also will provide a workshop for teachers in May, and through partnerships, the Arlington Arts Center provides summer employment for teachers in addition to summer arts programs for middle school students.
New Center Offers Classes for Parents, Children
Arlington children and residents now have access to the Drew Family English Center, located at 3500 23rd Street South in Arlington, which opened on Feb. 27. The Center provides English classes for parents and offers a Child Enrichment Program for children. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for 15 weeks. The English class cost $55. The Child Enrichment Program is free. The Center represents an exciting, new partnership between the Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP), an adult education program of the Arlington Public Schools, and the Greenbrier Learning Center, a community-based organization serving Arlington youth and families. The Center is supported through a grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia. For testing and registration dates as well as additional information, contact the REEP Office at (703) 228-4200.
Let's Give a Cheer
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Gunston Exemplary Project Teacher Harry Costner, right, accompanied two students to New York City where they received the Wingspan Arts Best Documentary award. |
- Five Swanson students earned their Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) Test on Jan. 18, becoming the first middle school students in the state to earn this certification. Four additional Swanson students took the test. IC3 is a global standard with worldwide recognition.” Business and technology education teacher Deshaye Terry worked with the students to prepare for the test.
- On Jan. 21, Gunston received the Wingspan Arts Best Documentary award in the second annual Kids Film Festival at the Lincoln Center in New York City for their student-produced Claymation (the animation of models constructed from clay or plasticine) film, B.B. King. Dozens of students were involved in the production: English classes wrote the script, art students built the sets and Claymation figures, band students recorded the music and video production, and students served as the crew — setting up and filming the more than 1,000 separate scenes that comprise the movie. The annual Kids Film Festival is a celebration of films by youth from across the country. Gunston was the only Virginia school to win an award.
Mark Your Calendar
MARCH
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Summer school registration begins (Check the Summer School Catalog for registration deadlines for specific programs).
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Budget Public Hearing. 7:30 p.m. – Ed. Ctr./Brd. Rm.
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Spring break begins. No classes.
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Classes resume.
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Last day to apply for the elementary Countywide schools or for a transfer to any elementary school
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Budget Public Hearing. 7:30 p.m. – Ed. Ctr./Brd. Rm.
The 2006-07 School Year Calendar is available at www.arlington.k12.va.us
* For a complete list of school events, including athletics and theatre and music performances visit www.arlington.k12.va.us/SCR/news_events.shtml. The community is welcome to attend!
Comings & Goings
APS Partners Honored
Six Arlington Public Schools partners were recognized at the Second Annual Mentor Recognition Dinner at the Washington Convention Center, during the Auto Show on Jan. 28. Representatives from American Service Center, Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria, Audi of Alexandria, and Brown’s Buick/Isuzu of Fairfax were honored for their contributions to Arlington Public Schools’ AYES (Automotive Youth Education Systems) program at the Career Center. Two new AYES partners, Fairfax Volvo/Honda/VW and Passport Nissan/Infinity, were also in attendance. The event was paid for by the participating automotive dealers, and honors the automotive technicians in area dealerships who mentor the summer interns from the Automotive Technology program. Students complete two years in the automotive technology program, shadow a professional, complete the application process, maintain grade and attendance standards, and interview and participate in mentor/intern training. Last summer six students participated in this program at four area dealerships.
Students Honored for Talents
On Jan. 26, 119 APS students were honored during a countywide ceremony at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The students are finalists in Arlington’s annual PTA Reflections contest. Superintendent Dr. Robert G. Smith, School Board members and County Council of PTAs President Dr. Anne Reynolds (who is also a fifth grade teacher at Taylor) congratulated the students and presented awards. The annual Reflections program, sponsored by the National PTA, stimulates creativity by recognizing achievement in music, literature, visual arts, and photography.
Earn Your GED in 90 Days Through Adult Education!
The APS Adult Education Program offers community members who are employed and at least 18 years old the chance to earn their General Educational Development (GED) certificate in 90 days or less. Community members are invited to sign up now for preparation classes in May 2006 or take the GED test, which consists of five tests that measure skills that correspond to those of recent high school graduates. The tests are offered at the Clarendon Education Center once each month, over a two-day period, in English, and offered in Spanish every month over a two-day period. For more information about dates, times, costs, and locations for classes and tests, please visit www.arlington.k12.va.us/instruct/ctae/adult_ed/gae.shtml or call (703) 228-7220.
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Find Out About Summer School Opportunities?
It’s that time of year again, and Arlington parents are reminded of the upcoming deadlines for Summer School registration.
All students who are enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 for the 2006 – 2007 school year are eligible to attend summer school programs. For some courses, there are specific grade level designations; so students must be certain they have reached the grade in school required for such courses. Grade level reference is to be the student’s grade for spring 2006 unless otherwise stated.
Summer school information, including registration deadlines and applications for employment, are available at www.arlington.k12.va.us/instruct/summer_school/. Copies of the Summer School Catalog are available in all Arlington schools and on the Web at www.arlington.k12.va.us/instruct/summer_school/downloads/catalog_2006_english.pdf. Registration forms are available in all Arlington schools as well.
For more information, please call (703) 228-7645 or e-mail
APS Summer School Enrollment dates and deadlines:
Elementary Enrichment:
3/2/06 – 3/16/06
Elementary Remedial:
3/2/06 – 5/5/06
Middle School Enrichment:
3/2/06 – 3/16/06
Middle School Remedial:
3/2/06 – 6/16/06
High School New Work for Credit:
3/2/06 – 5/5/06
High School Remedial:
3/2/06 – 6/16/06
