School news roundup
The following news items and photos are from Fairfax County Public Schools.
Students help refugees – The Fairfax County Public Schools website features a story about two members of the Annandale High School Class of 2024 – Sosan Barakzai and Husna Basiri – who helped found a club to help refugees adjust to life at an American high school.
Sosan and Husna, both Afghan immigrants themselves, jumped into action in 2021 in the wake of a crisis that sent tens of thousands of Afghan refugees to the U.S. The Dunya Club, which expanded to newcomers from many countries, provides a space for students to share food from their own cultures, practice English, and play games.
They both held leadership positions at AHS, were awarded scholarships, and are heading to George Washington University.
Early college – Rising high school juniors and seniors can take up to two tuition-free virtual college courses at Northern Virginia Community College each semester. Thirteen courses are available and can count for credit at most colleges and universities. Students should register for the NOVA Early Online College program by July 26.
Teacher honored – The Virginia Department of Education recognized Sleepy Hollow Elementary School teacher Kathleen Fugle as the commonwealth’s computer science educator of the year. Fugle long been advocating for and supporting expanded opportunities for all students to engage in computer science.
Choir star – Annandale High School student Tyler Miller has made the All-Virginia Chorus. He was selected as first chair in the bass section. Two other Annandale students, Andrew Salazar and Noah Plank were selected as alternates.
Arts integration – Westlawn Elementary School is participating in the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s Arts Integration Showcase Concert June 9 at the George Mason Center for the Arts. Students’ artworks will be displayed in the lobby and available for viewing before the concert.
This year’s show is titled Rhapsody in Blue, and students have been engaging with the concert content throughout the year in music, library/technology, and art.
Mass casualty practice – Students in the Falls Church Academy put their skills into practice at a mass casualty simulation exercise May 31. Some students played the role of victims with realistic makeup, while those in health programs provided treatment. Students in world language classes, including Vietnamese and ASL, assisted with interpretation.
Direct admissions to GMU – George Mason University’s Direct Admissions program will expand next year. GMU will mail admission eligibility offers to seniors with a GPA of 3.25 or above at nine high schools, including Annandale, Falls Church, and Justice.
GMU will waive the requirements for application fees, teacher recommendations, and essays for those students.
