Arlington Public Schools | ARLnow.com

Morning Notes

Published April 7, 2017 at 9:15AM

Spring Break Activities — Today is the last day of school for Arlington Public Schools students before spring break. The county’s parks and recreation department has some suggested activities to keep kids of all ages occupied next week. [Arlington County]

Casual Adventure Property’s Familiar New Owners — The owners of long-time Virginia Square outdoor retailer Casual Adventure announced this week that it’s closing, and the property sale reportedly already has taken place. The new owner is 1404 Hancock Street Investment LLC, a company registered to Brian Normile of BCN Enterprises. He’s partnering with Stephen and Mark Fedorchak, who own Liberty Tavern, Lyon Hall and Northside Social. [Washington Business Journal]

Schools

School Board Candidates Open To Neighborhood Focus For Future Reed Elementary

By Chris Teale

Published April 4, 2017 at 11:45AM

School Board member James Lander listens to a question at a forum Monday

Three Arlington School Board candidates looked to ease neighborhood fears about the future Reed Elementary School at a forum Monday night.

A presentation last month by Arlington Public Schools staff suggested the 725-seat elementary school offer the International Baccalaureate as a countywide choice program when it opens in 2021.

Schools

Potential High School Site Nominated for Historic Preservation

By ARLnow.com

Published April 4, 2017 at 11:15AM

As Arlington school officials consider locations for a new high school, a resident has nominated one of the potential sites for consideration as a local historic district.

The 1960s-era Arlington Education Center and planetarium, next to Washington-Lee High School, should be designated historic and preserved, says Nancy Iacomini, an Arlington Planning Commission member.

Schools

Server Issues Again Hamper APS Extended Day Registration

By Chris Teale

Published April 3, 2017 at 3:15PM

Originally, the program’s registration portal had opened at midnight on March 1, but suffered technical issues and was closed indefinitely to be fixed.

APS reopened online registration at 3 p.m. April 1 for Summer School and the 2017-18 school year, but within minutes the system struggled with technical issues.

News

Residents Oppose Proposed Cuts At Budget Hearing

By Chris Teale

Published March 29, 2017 at 3:30PM

Around 60 people spoke Tuesday night on the proposed budget

Numerous Arlington residents spoke out last night against the County Manager’s “optional” proposed cuts to lessen a planned tax increase.

The County Board’s public hearing Tuesday saw opposition to suggested cuts to the Lee Highway Planning Initiative, snow removal from trails and the Glencarlyn Library among other programs.

Schools

Petition Calls for APS to Discontinue iPad Program for Elementary Schools

By ARLnow.com

Published March 29, 2017 at 11:25AM

The Change.org petition has just over 150 signatures as of Wednesday morning.

“Parents, teachers, pediatricians, librarians, art therapists, poets, doctors and taxpayers of Arlington County are asking that APS discontinue immediately the current 1:1 iPad program within APS elementary schools for grades K-5,” the petition says. “The 1:1/Digital Learning/Personalized programs, which put a personal iPads in the hand of elementary school children, over the past three years has not only cost millions for devices, staffing and infrastructure, but it has put children into a social experiment that is likely to harm their physical and social-emotional well-being.”

Schools

School Naming Process Underway for Patrick Henry Elementary Replacement

By ARLnow.com

Published March 27, 2017 at 12:00PM

A naming process is underway for a new elementary school being built next to Thomas Jefferson Middle School.

The new school will be home to students of what is now Patrick Henry Elementary, which will in turn house the Montessori program currently at Drew Model School.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Walking the Walk on the Buck Property

By ARLnow.com

Published March 21, 2017 at 11:30AM

Potential for a neighborhood school on the Buck property (illustration via Matt Rizzolo)

The following Letter to the Editor was written by Arlington resident Matt Rizzolo regarding the county’s potential purchase of the Buck property, across from Washington-Lee High School, and the land use decisions that will accompany the purchase.

With over 8,000 people per square mile, Arlington is one of the most densely populated areas in the country. It’s no surprise, then, that Arlington is often held up as a model of walkability and smart growth, and the county government rightly champions such accolades. But being such a small, highly populated and growing county presents unique challenges–with transportation and facilities issues, including schools, high on the list.

Weather

Wind Advisory Issued As Schools Open on Two Hour Delay

By ARLnow.com

Published March 15, 2017 at 8:20AM

Frigid, icy conditions have prompted Arlington Public Schools to open on a two-hour delay today.

From APS:

Weather

County Government, Schools Closed Due to Icy Conditions

By ARLnow.com

Published March 14, 2017 at 8:05AM | Updated June 29, 2018 at 10:57AM

Local roads remain partially snow and slush covered, though traffic is very light. ART buses are operating on a “severe” service schedule, while Metrobuses are operating on a “moderate” snow plan. The Metrorail system is open and operating on a Saturday schedule.

APS announced just after 4 a.m. that it would be closed today.

Schools

Williamsburg Middle School Principal Gordon Laurie Resigns

By Chris Teale

Published March 13, 2017 at 4:45PM

Williamsburg Middle School (photo via APS)

Tipsters reported that Laurie had not been seen in school since February 24, and that earlier this morning they spotted that his office had been cleaned out. The tipsters mentioned that rumors were swirling about the reason for his departure.

In a letter this afternoon to Williamsburg parents, students and staff, Superintendent Patrick Murphy said Laurie has resigned for personal reasons after 15 years with APS. An APS spokesman did not elaborate on the exact reasons behind Laurie’s resignation.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published March 7, 2017 at 9:30AM | Updated March 7, 2017 at 9:57AM

Resident Helps ACPD Arrest Break-in Suspects — On Saturday an Arlington resident spotted a group of people breaking into car and immediately called 911, leading to the arrest of three juvenile suspects. Police say such cooperation from the community can help them fight crime. Over the weekend more than 30 vehicles were “entered and rummaged through” in Arlington. [Facebook]

Alexandria Schools Closed Wednesday — Alexandria City Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday after more than 300 staff members requested leave. That coincides with Wednesday’s “Day Without Women” protest. Arlington Public Schools will remain open, a spokesman said, although Wednesday is an early release day for elementary schools. [Twitter, InsideNova]