for the week of April 8-14, 2010
Help Keep Falls Church Streams Clean In urban areas like Falls Church, much of the land is covered by hard surfaces that don’t allow rain water to naturally filter through the ground. So, where does rain water go when it runs off roofs, sidewalks, streets parking lots, and other hard surfaces? Water enters an underground network of pipes, collectively referred to as the storm drain system, through narrow openings at the sides of the streets known as storm drain inlets. The City of Falls Church has more than 1,000 inlets leading to 140,000 linear feet of pipe which flow directly to local streams without treatment. Each storm drain inlet in the City is marked with a “No Dumping” marker to remind citizens that whatever goes into the inlet will end up in one of the two local streams (Tripps Run or Four Mile Run) and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. In the past five years, more than 2,000 tons of debris has been cleaned out of the pipes in order to improve storm drain capacity and flow. There are many steps residents can take to help reduce the amount of pollutants, debris, and trash entering local streams through the storm drain system. •C lean Up After Your Dog - Pet waste contains harmful bacteria and must not go into streams. • Don’t Be an Oil Drip - Fix vehicle oil leaks and NEVER dump used oil. Recycle oil at the I-66 Fairfax County
FY11 Budget Town Hall this Saturday
Recycling Extravaganza Set for April 24
City Manager Wyatt Shields will hold a town hall meeting this Saturday, April 10 to discuss his proposed budget for fiscal year 2011 (runs July 1, 2010-June 20, 2011). City residents and taxpayers are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions. The meeting gets underway at 10 a.m. in the Community Center. Copies of the proposed budget and Capital Improvements Program are available on the City Web site, www.fallschurchva.gov, and at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave. FY11 Budget Schedule April 10: Budget Town Hall, 10 a.m., Community Center April 12: 2nd Public Hearing, 7:30 p.m., Council Chambers April 26: 3rd Public Hearing and FY11 Budget Adoption, 7:30 p.m., Council Chambers View the complete schedule, including work sessions and meeting locations and times, at www.fallschurchva.gov. E-mail Your Budget Comments Send general government budget suggestions to budget@fallschurchva.gov. Correspondence submitted to this e-mail will be reviewed by the City and considered for the FY11 Budget, and posted on the City Web site.
Bring unwanted items to Semi-Annual Recycling Extravaganza on Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an opportunity for the community to bring electronics (including computers, printers, scanners, TVs and more), cell phones, clothing and textiles, bicycles, printer cartridges, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and medical supplies for recycling, reuse, or donation. Residents may also bring up to three file boxes of personal documents for secure shredding, at no charge! For a complete list of acceptable items and more information, visit www.fallschurchva.gov.
Beautify Your Yard with a Free Street Tree
city
Transfer Station (4618 W. Ox Rd.) for free or check with local service stations. • Don’t Over-Fertilize - Read labels carefully and apply the correct amount or spread a thin layer of leaf compost on lawns. Fertilize in the fall (if at all)! • Reduce Chemicals - Don’t use toxic weed killers and pesticides. • Free of Debris - Keep debris, including litter, cigarette butts, leaves and yard waste off the street and away from storm drains. • Dump No Waste - Only rain belongs in storm drains. •H ire Reputable Contractors - Paint waste, concrete truck rinse water and other construction waste should NEVER be dumped into a storm drain. If you see a storm drain inlet in need of a marker, please note the closest street address and call the Department of Environmental Services, Engineering and Construction Division, 703-248-5080 (TTY 711). Dumping into storm drains and streams is illegal! To report non-hazardous stream pollution or for information call the Engineering and Construction Division, 703-248-5080 (TTY 711). To report a hazardous spill (gas, oil, chemical) call 911.
City residents, would you like to add value to your property with a free tree? The Neighborhood Tree Program volunteers will plant trees on Saturday, April 10. If you would like a tree planted in your yard contact the City Arborist at 703-248-5183 or jedwards@fallschurchva.gov. The tree will be planted in the City’s right-of-way or within 15 feet of the street.
Sign up for e-FOCUS The e-FOCUS is the City’s online newsletter that highlights the City’s financial, environmental, transportation, economic development, public safety, and housing issues. Check it out or subscribe online at www.fallschurchva.gov.
Submit Artwork to the Art Show & Sale The 6th Annual Falls Church Art Show & Sale is scheduled for April 23-24. Call for entries! City residents of all ages are invited to submit original artwork to the show (limit three submissions per person). Photography, paintings (watercolor, oil, or acrylic), and drawings (pencil or pastel) of any size will be accepted. Submissions can be framed or unframed. All artwork may be submitted to the Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., beginning Monday, April 19 and no later than noon on Friday, April 23. For more information, visit www.fallschurchva.gov or call 703-248-5077 (TTY 711).
Spring Cleanup April 17 Don’t forget to include the City of Falls Church in your spring cleaning plans. The Department of Environmental Services and the Environmental Services Council invites you to join in the fun of working together to help keep the City a beautiful community! Saturday, April 17 10:30 a.m. – noon Rain or shine! Meet at the front of the Community Center (223 Little Falls St.) Free picnic lunch to follow! Call 703-248-5176 (TTY 711) to register.
www.fallschurchva.gov - The official site for City of Falls Church news
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Questions or Comments?
City of Falls Church, Harry E. Wells Building 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046 703-248-5003 (TTY 711) The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703-248-5003 (TTY 711).
A 12-year veteran educator from Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School is this year’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award recipient. The Washington Post recognized 6th grade teacher Maryel Barry (right) as one of the finest teachers in the region over the weekend by naming her the winner from Falls Church City. “I’m proud to have Maryel Barry represent Falls Church as a Washington Post awardee,” Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Lois Berlin said. “Her quiet but firm and caring demeanor creates a safe, trusting and motivating learning environment for her students.” The annual award is presented by the Washington Maryel Barry Post to one teacher from each of the 19 metro area public school divisions and one private school. The goals of the award are to recognize excellence in teaching and to encourage creative and quality instruction. Barry is credited with creating and implementing the history and language arts curriculum for classes at Mary Ellen Henderson and for leading students in both self-directed and group projects aimed at honing research, analytical and writing skills. Her tenure with the Falls Church City Public Schools started in 1996. In addition to teaching, Barry serves as mentor for new FCCPS teachers, is the creator and current sponsor of the MEHMS Grandparents Club and volunteers with the Homework Club. Barry was among seven Falls Church City public school teachers nominated for the award. She will also be recognized along with other winners from the region at a Washington Post reception in May.
FCC-TV Spotlight: In The Fight Tune in to Falls Church Community Television (FCC-TV) to watch In The Fight, a monthly half-hour program featuring the latest action from the field from all branches of the US Armed Forces. In The Fight airs on FCC-TV at the following times: • Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m. • Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. • Saturdays at 7:00 a.m. You can now see FCC-TV programming live at www.fcctv.net anywhere in the world! FCC-TV also airs in the greater Falls Church area on Cox Channel 12, Verizon Channel 35 and RCN Channel 2.
BIE Partner of the Week Dan Butkiewicz SAIC
School involvement: Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) donated funds to sponsor the George Mason High School Robotics Team. Dan serves as a mentor to the team. Why Dan is a BIE partner: “SAIC has a strong commitment to developing future scientists and engineers. As a mentor, I spent more than 100 hours working with the team. Each student brings unique talents and contributions to the project, and everyone gains real-world experience in computer programming, robotics design and construction, and most importantly working together as a team.” For more information about sharing your expertise through the BIE Partnership, visit www.fccps.org or contact Marybeth Connelly at connellym@fccps.org.
Foundation Footnotes FCEF and Elementary PTA auction now underway The Falls Church City Public Schools Elementary PTA and Falls Church Education Foundation are teaming up to raise funds to purchase SMARTboards for Mount Daniel and Thomas Jefferson Elementary schools. To make a donation, visit www.auctionforourschools.com through April 21st. Click on a SMARTboard and enter your contribution of $25 or more. The Falls Church Education Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. For more information, visit www.fcedf.org or contact Donna Englander at (703) 538-3381. School content published in The Schools Focus is written and edited by the Falls Church City Public Schools. For more information, visit www.fccps.org - the official site for Falls Church City Public Schools news.
Mason Musicians Bring Home Festival Cheese
The George Mason symphonic and concert bands, jazz ensemble and chorus relax in front of Spaceship Earth at Disney’s Epcot Center during their recent participation in the annual Disney Festival in Orlando, Florida. The musicians received five superior and excellent ratings.
Summer Enrichment Registration Extended Registration for the Falls Church City Public Schools’ 2010 Summer Enrichment Camp has been extended until April 16th to allow FCCPS students in grades 1-7 the opportunity to pursue individual interests during a 9-day enrichment academy. All instructional activities are developed and delivered by FCCPS educators. The Summer Enrichment Camp runs Tuesday, June 22 – Friday, July 2, 2010. All classes will be held at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. daily. For an application and more information visit: www.fccps.org/sec or contact Steve Knight at knights@fccps.org.
Annual GMHS Alumni Soccer Event The annual GMHS alumni boys’ soccer game is April 10th at 1:00 pm. at Moore Cadillac Stadium. After the game, the 2000 state championship team will be recognized during a reception in the high school’s Mustang Café. Admission is free. Alumni interested in playing in the game should contact Coach Art Iwanicki at iwanickia@fccps.org.
Calendar for April 8-14, 2010 Testing Now -4/9 Now – 5/7
WIDA Access for ELL (All Schools) SRI Post Test (MEH/GM)
Schools
Middle School Educator Named 2010 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher
April 8 4:30 p.m. Mason @ Stone Ridge Country Day School (G Tennis) 6:00 p.m. Mason @ Stonewall Jackson (Baseball) 7:15 p.m. Broad Run @ Mason (G Lacrosse) 7:30 p.m. Mason @ Broad Run (B Lacrosse) 9 4:15 p.m. Mason @ Flint Hill (Softball) 7:00 p.m. Essex @ Mason (B Soccer) 7:30 p.m. Mason @ Heritage (G Soccer) 10 10:00 a.m. Town Hall Meeting (Community Center) 1:00 p.m. Alumni @ Mason (B Soccer) 11 GMHS Robotics Team Fundraiser (Flippin’ Pizza) 12 Snow Make Up Day (Schools Open/Day Care Open) 6:00 p.m. West Potomac @ Mason (G Lacrosse) 6:30 p.m. Mason @ T. C. Williams (Softball) 7:30 p.m. West Potomac @ Mason (B Lacrosse) 7:30 p.m. Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee (TJ) 13 5:00 p.m. Mason @ Clarke Co. (Baseball/Softball) 6:30 p.m. School Board Work Session (City Hall) 7:00 p.m. Clarke Co. @ Mason (B Soccer) 7:15 p.m. Mason @ Clarke Co. (G Soccer) 8:00 p.m. Regular School Board Meeting (City Hall) 14 4:30 p.m. Mason @ Clarke Co. (Track) 4:30 p.m. Park View @ Mason (G Tennis) 5:00 p.m. Dominion @ Mason (Baseball) 5:30 p.m. Mason @ Park View (B Tennis) 6:00 p.m. Mason @ Park View (Softball) 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