Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Children sought for free preschool program

A new, free preschool program in Annandale has spaces for children whose parents don’t qualify for publicly funded programs but can’t afford private preschool. The program starts Jan. 13 at the Wedgewood Community Center, 7615 Allman Drive, at the Wedgewood Apartments. The class is limited to 10 students. The kindergarten-readiness class is hosted by All … Continued

School news roundup

The following news items are from FCPS and individual schools Environmental education – Westlawn Elementary School was recognized as a Year 3 Virginia Naturally School by the state’s Department of Wildlife Resources. The program recognizes the work done by Westlawn staff to increase students’ environmental literacy. “Helping students become socially and environmentally conscious is woven … Continued

From Annandale Today to the New York Times

Annandale Today’s intern this summer, Shane Gomez, has been named to the New York Times Corps of college writers. The Times Corp is a highly selective talent-mentorship program for college students aspiring to careers in journalism. Nineteen students from across the country were selected, the NY Times announced Sept. 4. Each participant will be matched … Continued

Viewpoint: The ACCA Child Development Center offers high-quality learning

By Andrea Sobel, chair of the ACCA Child Development Center Board of Directors Looking for an exceptional early childhood environment with caring educators for your child? Fortunately, we have that right here in Annandale. The ACCA Child Development Center is proud to provide high-quality, affordable early education and developmentally appropriate care for children from 3 months … Continued

Artisans United offers craft classes

Artisans United, a nonprofit in Annandale dedicated to promoting local crafters and artists, is offering a series of craft classes this fall, on baskets, bows, jewelry, and more. The classes will be held at the organization’s Craft Gallery and gift shop in the Packard Center at 4022 Hummer Road. The gallery and shop feature works … Continued

Summer bootcamp teaches students coding

Nearly 30 students recently completed a Youth Coding Bootcamp hosted by Comunidad, a nonprofit community development organization based at the Wilston Multicultural Center in Seven Corners. The weeklong summer program immersed middle and high school students in creative, real-world problem-solving using block-based coding, said Comunidad Executive Director Maralee Gutierrez. The students worked on micro:bits, pocket-sized … Continued

FCPS ACE scholarships available for trade skills training

Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education (FCPS ACE) invites students interested in careers in the skilled trades to apply for a scholarship. Current and prospective FCPS ACE students can apply for a $1,000 scholarship that can be used toward upcoming apprenticeship classes starting this fall. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15. This targeted initiative aims to support … Continued

Summer course focuses on health careers

High school students and recent graduates interested in health careers are encouraged to sign up for Health and Medical 101, a new summer course from Fairfax County Public Schools’ Adult and Community Education (ACE) program. The course runs from June 23 to Aug. 11. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon, at the … Continued

Community center opens at Fairmont Gardens

A new community center has opened at the Fairmont Gardens apartment complex in Annandale. The center is a project of FACETS, the nonprofit that operates the Opportunity Neighborhoods-Annandale program for the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Located in a former apartment, the FACETS Cares Community Development Center will offer after-school tutoring, access … Continued