News & Announcements from the Luther Jackson PTA

• The Fairfax County Council of PTAs' monthly newsletter is now available for download (PDF). (November 4, 2009)
• Thinking about doing some book shopping? Barnes & Noble bookstore at Fair Lakes will host a book fair Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14, to benefit Luther Jackson. See the school band perform, get your face painted, make book marks, and don't miss story time during the day. To participate, just, print out the attached voucher, visit the Barnes & Noble store at 12193 Fairlakes Promenade Dr. on the dates above, and present the voucher before you make your purchase. A percentage of the sale will be donated to the school. (October 26, 2009)
• Did you know??? Through the National PTA, Jackson PTA members have access to:
  • The Our Children magazine (subscriptions sold separately; $15 for members, $25 for non members; click HERE to subscribe).
  • Access to the PTA Great Idea Bank, a social network for sharing successful ideas that enable parents to interact and learn from each other in addressing challenges of parenting.
  • Exclusive National PTA member benefits and sponsor offers.
  • Access to the PTA Take Action Network, connecting you to Congress when help is needed on issues important to children, schools, and families.
  Through the Virginia PTA, Jackson PTA members have access to:
  • Online and in person leadership training opportunities.
  • Access to the Virginia PTA's Take Action Network, connecting you to Virginia elected officials on issues impacting our children and schools.
  • Sign up for Virginia PTA's eNewsletter.
  Through the Northern Virginia District PTA, you may:
  • Subscribe online to OneVoice, a monthly newsletter.
  Be part of a vibrant parent community supporting an excellent school with excellent students. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM in the library. (September 29, 2009)

• The Northern Virginia Writing Project is pleased to announce the Fall 2009 Young Writers’ Workshops. They welcome interested students and motivated writers in grades 5-12.

  The Young Writers’ Workshops are one-day workshops where students get to choose the sessions they would like to attend. The staff welcomes interested students and motivated writers in grades 5-12. Classes are run by NVWP Teacher/Consultants, some of the best teachers in Northern Virginia. Classes are small, with an average ratio of twelve students to one Teacher/Consultant. The cost of the workshop is $60.00.

  This fall’s topics are:

  • Art & Nature Writing
  • Writing from Personal Experience
  • Visualization
  • Theater Sports
  • Mystery Stories
  • Science Fiction Stories
  • Short Stories
  • Fantasy Stories
  • Scriptwriting
  • Poetry
  • Dialogue & Characterization
  • College Application Essay Writing (open to grades 10-12 ONLY)

  More information is available at http://nvwp.org/2009/09/08/registration-for-the-fall-2009-young-writers-workshops-is-now-open.

  (September 29, 2009)

• Parents, please bring your used toner cartridges, ink catridges and cardboard to LJMS. We recyle them and receive cash for each cartridge. Drop off your catridges in the main office. Thank you! (September 24, 2009)

• The PTA Special Education Representative is the PTA's liaison to parents of Luther Jackson students who receive special education services under an IEP or Section 504 Plan, as well as to parents of any child who suspect their child may require special education services. The PTA Special Education Representative is a Fairfax County Council of PTAs (FCCPTA) recommended Board position that promotes wider awareness and better understanding of the needs of students with disabilities. The PTA Special Education Representative also supports all parents in their important role as their child's advocate and can refer members to wider parent support services and resources. For more information, contact the PTA Special Education Representative, Sheree Brown-Kaplan, at specialedchair@fccpta.org.
  
  Here are some links to resources for parents of FCPS students who receive special education services:
  Information on special education from the Fairfax County Council of PTAs (FCCPTA)
  Join the FCCPTA Special Education Committee and participate in a countywide discussion group
  FCPS Parent Resource Center offers regular workshops, a loaning library and Parent Liaisons
  FPCS Parent Ombudsmen provide direct assistance to the parents as requested. (November 26, 2008)
• The Esteem Fund was established by a former teacher at Luther Jackson to improve the lives of students by supplying them with the funds to purchase eye exams and glasses. There was also a student who was able to get a much needed root canal. So far this year 10 students have received eye exams and some of those will get glasses. To continue this program, the PTA is asking for donations. The cost of an eye exam if $49. Please give with your heart. Any amount will be much appreciated. Make checks payable to-PTA Esteem Fund, and drop off at the main office marked PTA. (November 24, 2008)