Falls Church City, Va Public Schools - Schools Focus

Mustang Scholastic Bowl Team on a Roll

To say the George Mason scholastic bowl team appears to be a squad on a mission would be an understatement. Undefeated through the first 5 meets so far this year, the Mustangs’ narrowest margin of victory has been 160 points; more than any other team has scored against them to date. In addition, the Mustangs rolled through the competition in the annual “It’s Academic” quiz show taping at NBC4 studios last Saturday, which will air on December 26th at 11:00 a.m. The team is currently averaging 316 points-per-game…more than 100 points higher than at this point during last year’s disappointing season. “Last year we finished second in the (Bull Run) district; the first time in the last 10 years that we haven’t won it,” Coach Jamie Scharff said. The Mustangs take their undefeated record to Madison County High School on December 7th.

Call for Curriculum Study Participants The Falls Church City Public Schools conducts regularly scheduled curriculum studies for each major program area. The science curriculum study will begin in January 2010. A parent from each of the four schools is asked to participate in this comprehensive review process. For an application to participate in the study visit www.fccps.org/sciencestudy or for more information contact the FCCPS Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (703) 248-5607. The application deadline is December 15th.

Math Night at Mt. Daniel

FCC-TV Spotlight: Entertainment Unlimited

BIE Partner of the Week Marybeth Connelly

FCCPS Community Outreach Coordinator School involvement: Develops educational partnerships between Falls Church City Schools and the local business and non-profit community. Why Marybeth is a BIE partner: “The Business in Education Partnership provides opportunities for professionals in every career to share their expertise with Falls Church City students and teachers. We want to show students that the subjects they are learning in school are relevant to the rest of their lives.” For more information about sharing your expertise through the BIE Partnership, visit www.fccps.org or contact Marybeth Connelly at [email protected].

Foundation Footnotes Reception and Auction at Quinn’s is on December 1st Everyone is invited to Quinn’s Auction Galleries in Falls Church for a reception and auction to benefit the Falls Church Education Foundation. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in donating an auction item contact Laura Nunley at [email protected] or 703-795-8667. Quinn’s is located at 431 N. Maple Avenue, Falls Church. The Falls Church Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. For information, visit www.fcedf.org or contact Donna Englander at [email protected]. School content published in The Schools Focus is written and edited by the Falls Church City Public Schools. For more information, contact the Falls Church City Public Schools Communications Office. Phone: (703) 248-5699 Fax: (703) 248-5613.

Students from Mount Daniel and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools show their parents how a “SmartBoard” works during a recent Math Night event at Mount Daniel. The screen, a cross between a computer monitor and blackboard, was purchased by the FCCPS Elementary PTA and is used for instruction in multiple elementary classrooms.

For Limited Time: Mustang Blend Coffee

Schools

Tune in to Falls Church Community Television (FCC-TV) to watch Entertainment Unlimited and dance into the holiday spirit with an Arlington Youth Dance Company performance of the timeless classic, “The Nutcracker.” This entertaining performance is sure to lighten your step and fill your visions of sugar plums. Entertainment Unlimited airs on FCC-TV at the following times: • Sundays at 8:00 p.m. FCC-TV airs on Cox channel 12, Verizon channel 35 and RCN channel 2. For a complete programming schedule, visit www.fcctv.net or call 703-248-5538.

The George Mason Music Department/Band Boosters has joined forces with local coffee roaster, Beanetics, to create a unique blend for Falls Church. The Mustang Blend has been crafted to bring music to your taste buds. One-pound bags, in whole bean or ground, are $13 and benefit the student musicians’ Spring Festival trip. To order, visit www.fccps.org/gmhscoffee or contact Susan Earman at [email protected]. Deadline to order: December 9th. Calendar for November 26-December 7, 2009

Testing 11/30 - 12/9 SOL Non-Writing (GM) November 26 – 27 Thanksgiving Break (Schools Closed / Day Care Closed) 7:00 p.m. School Board / City Council Joint Work 30 Session (MEH) December 2 5:00 p.m. Mason @ Falls Church High (Wrestling) 6:00 p.m. TJ Art Show (Mary Riley Styles Library) 7:00 p.m. Financial Aid Night (GM) 7:00 p.m. Marshall @ Mason (G Basketball) 4 6:00 p.m. Mason @ Gar-Field High (G Basketball) 7 7:00 p.m. Special Education Advisory Committee (TJ) For more calendar information, visit www.fccps.org/calendar. (MD) Mt. Daniel School (TJ) Thomas Jefferson Elementary (MEH) Mary Ellen Henderson Middle (GM) George Mason High (CO) Central Office www.fccps.org - The official site for Falls Church City Public Schools news