New creative play space opens in Mosaic District

A new innovative play space for young children and babies opened in the Mosaic District in Merrifield July 14.

Nook, at 2905 District Ave., offers a quiet place with a muted color scheme where kids up to 5 years old can experience self-paced independent play.

Sports leagues forming at the St. James

Sports teams and leagues are being developed for all age groups and ability levels at the huge St. James sports complex under construction on Industrial Road in Springfield.

The St. James, which touts itself as the premier sports center in the D.C. region, is planning a grand opening on Sept. 15. The center's salespeople are busy recruiting members. There are several categories of membership options.

Monumental Theatre offers a thoroughly enjoyable staging of 'Pippin'

Tiziano D’Affuso and Kaitlin Kemp in Pippin. [R.J. Pavel].

By David Siegel

Yes, there is magic done at Monumental Theatre’s nifty production of “Pippin,” appearing through the end of the month in Alexandria. It is spunky, buoyant, and engaging from the moment the first notes of “Magic to Do” are played.

Tenants sought for new building in Annandale

The glass-walled building under construction on Little River Turnpike next to the building that housed the now-closed Palace Restaurant will have three tenants – most likely restaurants or retail shops.

Administrative team named for Justice High School

Brooks

Outgoing Justice High School Principal Penny Gros announced several new administrators for the school July 15.

“Part of my responsibilities over the last few weeks has been to fill vacancies on our administrative team to ensure that we have our administrative team ready to go to support Principal Eck,” Gros wrote in an email to the community.

Maria Eck, the principal of Poe Middle School, begins her new position as principal of Justice High School on July 23. Gros has been promoted to the position of executive principal for Fairfax County Public Schools’ Region 2.  

State innovation grant awarded to Justice High School

Justice High School is the only Fairfax County public school to receive a 2018 high school innovation grant from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.

The $50,000 grant covers the second year of funding to support a program at Justice High School that prepares students with limited English language skills to succeed academically and professionally.

School supply drives under way

A donation box.

The school year ended just a few weeks ago, but it’s already time to start thinking about school supplies for the next term.

The nonprofit organization Britepaths has already launched its annual back-to-school drive to benefit needy students in Annandale, Falls Church, and Fairfax public schools.

Britepaths is asking the public to donate backpacks, calculators, and funds. The organization’s goal is to provide supplies for at least 2,500 students who attend schools in the Justice High School and Fairfax High School pyramids and other select schools, including Poe Middle School.