The Lose The Training Wheels (LTTW) program teaches individuals with disabilities to ride two-wheel bicycles and become lifelong riders. LTTW uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program, and trained staff to run the weeklong program at selected FCPS middle schools.

Participants, FCPS students with disabilities, attend one 75-minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by trained FCPS after-school student volunteer "spotters".  The program provides an opportunity for young people to learn more about youth with disabilities while interacting with the participants as the riders learn to conquer their fears and achieve their biking goals.

The impact on the spotters is often as profound as the impact on the participants, increasing their self esteem and giving them a sense of empowerment as they help the riders accomplish this new and often difficult skill. The student spotters learn to increase their communication and leadership skills while practicing patience and compassion.

The program is sponsored by the FCPS - FC After-School Program, available at no cost to participants, although donations are accepted.  Participants must be 8 years or older, with a disability, and ambulatory without assistive devices. Participants are recruited from the elementary feeder schools for the hosting middle schools listed below or from the hosting secondary school listed below.  Space is limited.

For more information or to register a student to participate in the program please contact the host After-School Program Specialist:

Date (2011)             Hosting School        Location             After-School Program Specialist

3/7 - 3/11                     Jackson MS                Falls Church                christine.lyons@fcps.edu

3/21 - 3/25                   Key MS                       Springfield                   tiffany.min@fcps.edu

3/28 - 4/1                     Kilmer MS                   Vienna                         terence.mayo@fcps.edu

4/11 - 4/15                   Whitman MS               Alexandria                   frank.birts@fcps.edu

5/2 - 5/6                       Thoreau MS                Vienna                         shannon.davies@fcps.edu

5/9 - 5/13                     Poe MS                       Annandale                   john.chapman@fcps.edu

5/16 - 5/20                  Hughes MS                 Reston                        franklin.kyle@fcps.edu

6/6 - 6/10                     Hayfield SS                 Alexandria                   allison.agee@fcps.edu

For more information on Lose The Training Wheels please visit their website at:  www.losethetrainingwheels.org/

Students who enroll in business and information technology classes begin to focus on their future in high school.  FCPS alumni Lindsey Roderick and Daniel Rasgus both credit BIT programs for setting the stage for their current successful careers in information technology.  Lindsey and Daniel are shining stars of Fairfax County Public Schools' BIT program and we are proud of their achievements.

Lindsey Roderick - Robinson High School

Lindsey Roderick credits "business courses in high school with providing a foundation to build on in college and in my career."  Lindsey took great advantage of the numerous business courses in FCPS to explore the variety of career opportunities available to calculate her road to success.  By completing a number of finance and technology courses, Lindsey was able to have a smooth transition into her college studies and her career.  As an auditor, Lindsey has seen a great return on her investment.

BIT courses taken in high school:  Accounting 1 &2, Virtual Enterprise, Design, Multimedia and Web Technologies, and Web Page Development.

Postsecondary studies:  George Mason University, Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a Minor in Economics.

Daniel Rasgus - Marshall Academy/JEB Stuart High School

Daniel Rasgus was able to make a solid career choice while in high school.  Daniel says, "The Network Administration course was my primary deciding factor of what I wanted to do when I 'grew up.'  Being able to be at the cutting edge of technology at all times ensured a fun and exciting career for me as well as indefinite job security." 

Daniel is now working in his chosen field and continuing to stay on the cutting edge by earning numerous certifications.

BIT courses taken in high school:  Network Administration

Postsecondary studies:  Old Dominion University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Certifications earned in MCP and A+.

Have you talked with your child recently about what he or she would like to do in the future?  Business and Information Technology (BIT) programs can give your student a great head start.  Almost 20% of middle and high school students enroll in a BIT class each year.  All students need to develop strong economic and financial skills.  They can begin to take these courses in high school to be prepared for the rigor of college classes.  Taking a course in web page development, design multimedia or programming can channel that enthusiasm into a profitable skill. 

One of six programs in Career and Technical Education in Fairfax County Public Schools, the BIT program consists of three major areas: middle school programs, high school programs, and Academy Information and Technology programs.  The middle school programs focus on computer skills and emerging technologies.  Students learn to use a computer and other technology to assist in their personal life and school assignments.  There is a focus on the ethical and legal use of these items.  The high school program consists of courses from accounting and business management to programming that allow students to explore interests and prepare for an industry credential in basic computing, accounting, financial literacy, or Microsoft Office products.  Students have the opportunity to develop a virtual business and become officers in the company they create, design a computer program, and learn how to balance financial records, or develop a business presentation- valuable experience for anyone entering college or the job market.

The Academy Information Technology programs allow students to earn industry certifications in several different fields within information technology including:   

• CompTia A+ certification through the Computer and Systems Technology - A+ Course that teaches students how to troubleshoot and repair computers.
• Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA). Cisco students learn to work with routers, switches and the hardware components of a network.  
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) through the Network Administration classes students get experience in setting up and running a network. 
• Oracle PL/SQL certification.  Oracle class focuses on database development.

All of these certifications and experiences translate into college readiness, and real money and opportunities for students.

While participating in the BIT program all students participate in one of two career and technical student organizations: Future Business Leaders of America or SkillsUSA.  Students in these organizations learn leadership skills,  participate in community service activities and can use these skills to compete at the local, state and national levels.

For a full listing of middle, high school, and academy courses as well as upcoming events go to:  http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/OCTE/business/index.htm.  

Become a CTE Fan at:  facebook.com/fcps/cte

FEBRUARY IS CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH!

The Fairfax County School Board has announced that at their January 20 meeting, February will be recognized as Career and Technical Education Month.
 

Learn more about CTE/Academy classes at these upcoming events:

February 15th - Chantilly Academy Open House and Spaghetti Dinner

6:00 - 7:00 PM - Students and parents are cordially invited to join us for a free spaghetti dinner prepared and served by our Culinary Arts students.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Students and parents are invited to learn more about our exciting programs at Chantilly Academy by touring the classrooms, meeting the instructors, and learning how you can earn industry certifications, professional licenses, and college credits in high school.
Chantilly Academy, 4201 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, Virginia 20151
For more information, call 703-222-7460 or go to www.fcps.edu/ChantillyAcademy

February 15th - Falls Church HS Academy Open House and Spaghetti Dinner

Complimentary Pasta Dinner FOR INTERESTED STUDENTS & PARENTS  6PM - 7:30PM FCHS CAFETERIA Dinner served 6:00-6:25PM followed by Academy presentations "What, How, and Who" of the Academy. Meet the Teachers. Learn about Academy Programs. For More Details PLEASE CALL: 703-207-4011 OR 703- 207-4181  

March 1st - Fairfax Academy Info Night
7:30 - 9:00pm - For Interested Students & Parents
"Learn the What, How, and Who" of the Academy

Awards Committee--Develop, implement, and oversee the various awards programs for local PTAs, leaders, and students.  These include but not limited to Scholarships, Spelling Bee, Volunteer of the year.  Serves on the FCCPTA Executive Board.  If interested in representing the FCCPTA as Awards Chair, please contact president@fccpta.org.

Facilities Committee-- Monitor FCPS facilities planning and the Capital improvement Plan (CIP); assist local units to have an appropriate voice in the formation of their school's facility needs and their position on the CIP; encourages local units to make their positions know to the School Board and the Board of Supervisors. If interested in representing the FCCPTA as Facilities Chair, please contact president@fccpta.org. 

Spelling Bee Coordinator--Organizes the Fairfax County Spelling Bee scheduled for March 20, 2011, at Hayfield Secondary School.  If interested in representing the FCCPTA as the Spelling Bee Coordinator, please contact president@fccpta.org.