City of Fairfax Schools

City Schools Close-Up Online: Congratulations to the Class of 2010

By Janice Miller, Chairman
City of Fairfax School Board

This school year ended with much celebration at each of our four City Schools. Many of our students achieved at high levels this year in academics, activities, athletics and the arts. We are proud to be able to share some of these accomplishments in this issue of Close-Up Online.

The graduation at Fairfax High School was once again a very special event. I am always happy to sit on the stage and look out at the senior class, ready to go on to the next phase of their lives — so different from the children they were just a few years before.

Scott Mattock, the student graduation speaker selected by his peers, spoke of how much he, his classmates, and the world had changed in the four years that they had attended Fairfax High School (read his speech below).

A Time for Change

His words made me reflect on the changes that have happened during that time in the City Schools. When the class of 2010 entered as freshmen in the fall of 2006, they came from Lanier, which was in its first phase of a complete renovation, to Fairfax, in its final year of renovation.

These students saw their schools change around them on a daily basis.

In 2006, there was a different superintendent in the City Schools, a different principal at Fairfax and Providence, and only two of the current School Board members were serving in this capacity. All this change has made us continue to examine the ways in which we support and serve our special schools.

As the City schools have been transformed from the inside out and leaders have come and gone, we have maintained our commitment to what matters most – providing quality educational programs in a safe and secure environment.

As another school year comes to a close, I am grateful to all those in the schools and in the community who work to make our schools as successful as they are. I know that we will face new and different challenges in the future, and that change is inevitable, but our City’s commitment to its schools will not diminish.

We’ll talk to you again after school opens on September 7.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, send me an email: jmiller@fairfaxva.gov

City of Fairfax School Board Work Sessions will resume on September 20, 2010

WORK SESSIONS begin at 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Fairfax High School
George E. Stepp Library
3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, VA 22030

View Our Work Sessions Calendar for 2009-2010.

City School Regular Board Meetings will resume on September 13, 2010

REGULAR MEETINGS being at 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Fairfax City Hall, Room 111
10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax VA

View Our Board Meeting Calendar for 2009-2010.

Fairfax High Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary: Homecoming — Friday, September 24, 2010

Schedule of Events:

4:15 p.m. — Homecoming Parade. Join us on a walk from Van Dyke Park to Fairfax High School. Alumni are encouraged to participate. Guests are encouraged to park at Fairfax High School parking lot. Fairfax City will provide complimentary shuttle service to the start of the parade route.
Note: In case of rain, the parade will be canceled. A decision will be made by noon on Sept. 24.

4:30 p.m. — Tailgate Party. The festivities will be held in Fairfax High’s parking lot. Food will be served, the band will provide music, and there will be games, activities, and spirit wear and anniversary items for sale.
Note: If it rains, this portion of the festivities will be held in the Field House.

5 to 6:30 p.m. — Building Tours. Meet at Entrance #1 (the Main Entrance) to see the beautiful building, which was refurbished in 2006.

6:45 p.m. — Football Pre-Game Activities

7 p.m. — Kick-Off. Don’t miss this great game — Fairfax High vs. Langley

Halftime. Homecoming floats will be presented, and the Homecoming Court and Queen will be crowned.

Post-game Fireworks. Celebrate with us immediately following game with what is sure to be an amazing display.

9:30 to 11 p.m. — Post-game Alumni Gathering. All alumns are welcome to attend this event at the Fairfax Army Navy Country Club.

For details:

• Visit Fairfax High School’s website: www.fcps.edu/FairfaxHS

• For more information, send an email to FHS’ student government class at FairfaxHighSchool75@yahoo.com.

• Fan us on Facebook: Fairfax High School’s 75th Anniversary Celebration.