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Health & Fitness

City of Fairfax Schools Welcome Students, Staff, Backpacks from City Firefighters

City of Fairfax Schools Welcome Students, Staff, Backpacks from City Firefighters

City of Fairfax Schools opened their doors to begin the 2012-2013 school year on Tuesday. With ‘cheers and tears’ from parents, students from preschool to high school began the first day in city schools.

“It was great to see the smiles and excitement on our students’ faces today,” said Dr. Peter Noonan, superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools who visited all four schools with members of the city school board. “The preparation by the staff and faculty at the City of Fairfax schools was clearly seen by the smooth opening of all four of our buildings.”

Help kicking off the first day of school were gifts of backpacks and school supplies from the . Dave Rohr, Fire Chief and Lieutenant Craig Evans presented and Principal Dave Goldfarb with the donations for needy students. 

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“The City of Fairfax Professional Firefighters and Paramedics are happy to donate backpacks to children in need,” said Lieutenant Evans. “We work in conjunction with the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters to provide new backpacks and school supplies for kids each year. Our next project is "" where we provide new coats for kids through operation warm.”

City schools also welcomed new elementary school administrators. Mr. Erbrecht, former assistant principal at Providence Elementary School, began his tenure at Daniels Run as principal after long-time administrator Kathy Mullenix retired this summer. Mr. Erbrecht is joined by new assistant principal, Dave Gerstner. Replacing Erbrecht at Providence is Ms. Jennifer Hertzberg who joins Principal Jesse Kraft and Assistant Principal Dan Phillips. 

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Fairfax Academy for Communication and the Arts also welcomed a new leader, former Fairfax High School Assistant Principal Diego Wilson, as the Academy Administrator. The Academy, housed within FHS and one of five in Fairfax County Public Schools, offers advanced level courses in the performing arts, design, foreign language and media communication. 

“This year already promises to be one where schools can focus on the important work of supporting students in their foundational skills and acquisition of 21st century skills and the "4 C's" - communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. With the continued support of our amazing community great things will happen for our students and staff this year,” said Dr. Noonan.

For more information about the city schools, residents are encouraged to sign up for CloseUp, a bi-monthly newsletter with news, articles and profiles. To sign up, please go to the schools’ website, www.cityoffairfaxschools.org.

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: When firefighters aren't answering emergency calls they are trying to find ways to give back to the community. Coats-for-Kids is no exception to this philosophy.

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