Well, we’re halfway home! “Crossover day” which is the halfway point in the General Assembly session and where the house and senate exchange bills has come! Many of the more onerous bills have failed but there are a few new ones that we’ll have to deal with.

The day that all local government people look forward to is March 13th. That’s the day that the General Assembly adjourns and the locals know that no further damage can be done. At that point, we start making sense of how those in Richmond have, in their wisdom, changed things.

Lately those changes normally include reductions to the amount of money they send and, in some cases, attempting to eliminate locally imposed taxes (stick to your knitting Richmond). There hasn’t been much useful change in non-fiscal policy this year. Mostly fiddling that doesn’t have much impact at the local level. This isn’t surprising or even bad: the economy and the budget are the main issue to deal with so I’m glad that it has received the attention that it deserves.

We’ll see what shakes out and I’ll report back if significant changes occur.

CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

To our Bobcat Family and Friends:

As the Mayfield Staff and City of Manassas Schools work diligently to finalize alternative arrangements for the continuation of the school year, we find ourselves in need of some essential supplies. Parents are encouraged to send student supplies from our supply list that we ask for in August. The following are the items we are in need of:

Packets of wide ruled notebook paper Safety Scissors Glue Sticks Hi-liters

Blue or Black Pens Red Pens #2 Pencils (no mechanical pencils) Large Erasers

Box of 12 Colored Pencils Tissues Pencil Box or Zippered Pouch Hand Sanitizer

50 Milk Crates

Drop off Location: Boys and Girls Club, 9501 Dean Park Drive, Manassas

Gift Cards : If you would prefer to donate a gift card to Borders, Barnes & Noble, Staples, etc, please contact Michele Childs at 703-330-0204.

Volunteer Opportunities : If you are available during the upcoming week between the hours of 8-6, there will be a sign up sheet at the meeting for Mayfield parents on Sunday at 2 pm at OHS. Help may not be needed but we would like to compile a list of available people.

As many of you know, the excessive snow loads from the recent storms have caused sections of the roof structure at Mayfield to be compromised. Due to the unsafe conditions and because the safety of the staff and students is of highest priority, the school will be closed until further notice. This has presented a very challenging moment for the school division. It is our desire to have students at alternate locations beginning Monday, February 22, 2010. Mayfield students WILL NOT attend school next week.

Division and school staff have been working around the clock to prepare instructional accommodations for students. Mayfield serves approximately 1000 students and finding facilities and discussing negotiations to accommodate them takes time. The staff sincerely appreciates the patience and support the Mayfield community has given as solutions were sought to continue instruction.

A special meeting will be held for Mayfield parents on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Osbourn High School (9005 Tudor Lane, Manassas). A meeting for Spanish speaking families will be held at the same location at 4:30 p.m. Staff will share an overview of what has transpired over the last week and what the plans are to continue instruction. All attendees are asked to wear black and gold to show their Mayfield pride and support. Due to the anticipated number of attendees and the size of the auditorium, we ask that only parents and their Mayfield student attend the meeting.

An additional meeting will be held the following week with specific details regarding transportation and the breakdown of classes. Parents will receive information through the Alert Now system, the division and school websites and Cable Channel 18.