Parents Dread Fairfax Co. School Fees

FAIRFAX, Va. - The region's largest school district has made a tough spending decision. Fairfax County (web | news) Schools approved a $2.2 billion budget that included $200 million in cuts.

Now, students and their parents literally may have to pay the price for some of the biggest changes. Read the whole story: News8

Virginia wins student data tracking funds

Virginia wins student data tracking funds: "Virginia will receive $17.5 million in federal funds to improve the system it uses to track student data." Read the whole story: WTOP

Fairfax approves $2.2B school budget that cuts jobs, adds fees

Fairfax approves $2.2B school budget that cuts jobs, adds fees: "The Fairfax County School Board approved a $2.2 billion budget Thursday night that cuts 200 positions, introduces fees for sports and Advanced Placement tests, and phases out some longstanding programs that have supported the county's poorest schools." Read the whole story: Washington Post

Educators Ask Parents to Book Time for Kids to Read During Summer Breaks

Educators Ask Parents to Book Time for Kids to Read During Summer Breaks: "School is almost out for summer break but parents are being reminded that they have some homework. An organization called Kids Count released a report that stresses the importance of students being strong readers by 4th grade. If they're not, kids slip further back in school. Kerri Bruce is a coach in Springfield, MO. Her team consists of aspiring to accomplished elementary school readers. Their opponent is summer. "We typically see a summer regression, sometimes two to three months in achievement," said Bruce, whose title in the Springfield School District is literacy coach. "We have to scramble quickly to bring them up to par."

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Dunn Loring Administrative Center to Become Parent Services Center on June 1

Dunn Loring Administrative Center to Become Parent Services Center on June 1: "Effective Tuesday, June 1, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Dunn Loring Administrative Center will become the Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, providing a variety of programs, resources, and services for parents in one convenient location."

FCPS Begins Live Streaming of School Board Meetings, Channel 21 Shows

FCPS Begins Live Streaming of School Board Meetings, Channel 21 Shows: "Beginning tomorrow, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will launch a pilot to videostream television programming live, including coverage of School Board meetings and Channel 21 programs, on its web site at www.fcps.edu."

May 25-31 Sales Tax Holiday: Emergency Preparedness Supplies

Put it on your calendar: Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, May 25-31

Get Ready to save money! Plan to go shopping the last week of May, and you will save money on items you can use to protect your home and business during hurricane and flooding season. You also can add items to your family’s emergency supply kit. Retail outlets will have information about the tax holiday. Many everyday items are exempt from state sales tax.