To the Editor:
I am a past president of the PTSA at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, past President at Churchill Road Elementary School and 1st Vice President at Longfellow Middle School. In these roles, I have attended many school board meetings, public forums, work sessions, etc. and have had a good opportunity to view how the Fairfax County School Board works.

I have noticed over the years that the most effective board members understand the workings of the school board and how things get done, can work collaboratively with other school board members and school staff, have a measured approach to rule making and continually consult with their own community.

I believe Janie Strauss has all these skills as well as the considerable experience that she brings to the role and her detailed understanding of the very complex budget issues with which the school system and the county is grappling. I encourage all to vote for Janie to ensure our community’s voice is effectively heard and represented on the school board and to keep a highly committed advocate for all our children on the school board.

Bernadette Saperstein
Great Falls

Read the full article:  http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=355485&paper=65&cat=110

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT REBECCA GELLER — rebeccargeller@gmail.com or 202.236.3755

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U.S. SENATOR MARK WARNER

ENDORSES JANIE STRAUSS!

Janie Strauss has effectively led Fairfax County schools through the recession by retaining academic excellence.  Janie understands that high quality schools directly impact the local economy and is committed to delivering results.

U.S. Senator Mark Warner urges voters to re-elect Janie Strauss because her leadership is vita to the county’s economic stability.  In his endorsement of Janie, Mark Warner notes that “High performing schools are critical for economic progress in Fairfax County and our quality of life depends on FCPS’s world-class reputation.  Janie Strauss has demonstrated exceptional leadership as Chairman of the School Board by ensuring high student achievement for all children.  Her drive and hard work has helped make Dranesville and all of Fairfax County a great place to live and work.  I am proud to support Janie and urge you to vote for Janie Strauss on November 8.”

When Fairfax County recruits companies to bring their business to Fairfax County, businesses are immediately interested in Fairfax County because of the high quality public schools.  Sharon Bulova, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, agrees that “Quality public schools is the top criteria to bringing businesses and jobs to Fairfax County.  We have to deliver.  Janie values economic stability in Fairfax. Our schools are the crown jewel of Virginia.  Janie’s focus on student achievement and her leadership in building our schools’ reputation directly affects our economy. Businesses move to Fairfax to take advantage of the FCPS school system.   Jobs are attractive for employees because they are assured of a quality education system.  Schools positively affect our real estate values.”

Fairfax County Schools are clearly an asset to the local economy.  Janie Strauss is committed to maintaining high standards of excellence.  She recognizes that “this is an exciting time for education.  We stand on a horizon where 24/7 access to information and learning is possible. Our children and our teachers are connected to an ever-expanding body of knowledge, peoples, and institutions.  There are powerful opportunities and tools within our grasp and we need to move forward – maximize the valuable time our children spend together with their teachers learning to learn, figuring out how to use this incredible amount of information to solve real and important problems.”

Senator Mark Warner and Chairman Sharon Bulova agree that re-electing Janie Strauss to the Fairfax County School Board is vital to the local economy. 

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Janie Strauss for School Board

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT REBECCA GELLER — rebeccargeller@gmail.com or 202.236.3755

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FAIRFAX COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR

ENDORSES JANIE STRAUSS

Brigitte Lavey, the 2009-2010 Fairfax County Teacher of the Year and a 38 year teaching veteran, publicly endorses Janie Strauss because of the “positive difference Janie Strausshas made in furthering quality education in Fairfax County.  I have been impressed with her leadership, budget expertise, and vision over the years.  Her focus is always on the students and giving teachers and schools at all levels the tools and resources they need to provide a first-class education.  Moreover, Janie’s commitment is intensely personal.  As a mother of four FCPS graduates whose needs spanned special education, general education, and advanced academics, she brings a unique perspective to this position.  In addition, as a former classroom teacher, her understanding of the issues is based on personal experience, not hearsay or theory.   She is uniquely qualified for this position, andI hope that Dranesville families and my fellow educators will join me in supporting Janie Strauss on November 8.

Educators throughout Dranesville know the importance of strong leadership on the County School Board and whole-heartedly throw their support to Janie Strauss. FCPS educators committed to the students and parents of Fairfax County have publicly endorsed Janie Strauss for School Board in a letter to the Sun Gazette editor on October 31, 2011 (please see http://www.sungazette.net/mclean-greatfalls-vienna-oakton/commentary/strauss-deserves-a-new-term-on-school-board/article_a6973bd0-0325-11e1-ab5c-001cc4c03286.html).

“The teachers on this list are luminaries in FCPS, people who have worked in Dranesville with Janie for years.  Her voice on the School Board is intelligent, respectful and always strong.  As people in the debates have seen, she is not abrasive but rather works to find the facts and to make collaborative, informed decisions that are best for all the constituents in the school community — especially students.  We teachers believe that consensus building should continue to be goal on the School Board, not divisiveness, and so we support Janie Strauss enthusiastically,” says Cathy Colglazier, former English chair at McLean High School and Thomas Jefferson High School.

Educators agree that Janie Strauss is the right leader to propel FCPS into the 21^st century.  “Children in our community have no greater advocate and friend than Janie Strauss.  On the issues that matter most, Janie leads from experience grounded in compassion and caring for all our students,” says Elizabeth Lodal, former principal, McLean High School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

For the past 18 years, she has been a leader who knows how to deliver results.  She has ended the pay freeze for teachers and secured a 3.5% salary increase. Janie Strauss has cut the Central Office budget and driven resources into classrooms.  She brought full day kindergarten to all Dranesville schools and focuses on supporting high student achievement for all.  She is an advocate, a leader, and a visionary.  Janie Strauss is the reason that schools are the crown jewel of Fairfax County.

Educators trust Janie Strauss’ judgment and encourage voters to cast their ballots for Janie Strauss.  They trust Janie Strauss as an educator who listens, who get results, and who can lead FCPS into the 21st century.  The following educators publicly endorse Janie Strauss for School Board:       

• Frank Benzinger, former Principal, Forest Edge Elementary School
• Phil Bigler, National, Virginia, & Fairfax Teacher of the Year, former History Teacher, TJHSST & McLean HS
• Linda Bigler, former Spanish Teacher, TJHSST
• Bill Blackwell, former English Teacher & Chair, McLean HS, TJHSST

• Shirley Bloomquist, former Director of Student Services, TJHSST & West Springfield HS
• Judy Bowns, Theater Arts and Dance Specialist, former English Teacher, Langston Hughes MS & Herndon HS
• Ottilia Calhoun, former Spanish & German Teacher, Longfellow MS
• James Catlette, former Social Studies Teacher, Langley HS
• Sara L. Coleman, former School Psychologist, TJHSST & Bren Mar Park ES
• Catherine Colglazier, former English Chair, TJHSST and McLean HS
• Sandra Connelly, Guidance Counselor, Herndon HS and TJHSST
• Vicki Doff, former Guidance Counselor, TJHSST
• Mary Dolson, former English Teacher & Journalism Advisor, Langley HS
• Sandy Furick, former Principal of Spring Hill ES and Colvin Run ES
• Sara Geer, Elementary Teacher, Haycock ES
• Libby Hankins, former 7^th grade Science Teacher, Longfellow MS
• Margaret Lunter Harris, former Guidance Counselor, TJHSST
• Jeremy Hays, Marketing Teacher, Langley High School
• Judy Howard, former Admissions Director, TJHSST
• Dean Howarth, Physics & Living History Teacher, McLean HS
• Barrett Kashdan, Counselor & FEA Building Rep., McLean HS
• Brigitte Lavey, FCPS Teacher of the Year(2010), English Teacher, Langley HS
• Elizabeth Lodal, former Principal, TJHSST, McLean HS, Hughes MS, Kilmer MS
• Lara Maupin, former Social Studies Teacher & Student Government Advisor, TJHSST
• Greg Miller, Assistant Director of Student Activities, Herndon HS
• Joan Packer, former Health & PE Teacher, Peer Mediation Coordinator, 8th grade School Counselor, Longfellow MS & Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Patty Pearson, former Social Studies Chair, McLean HS
• Michael Piotrowski, Marketing Teacher, Langley High School
• Nina Pitkin, former Director of Student Services, TJHSST & Robinson SS
• Tricia Poythress, Marketing Teacher, Langley HS
• Dr. Gail Ritchie, FCPS Teacher of the Year (2000), NBCT, Instructional Coach
• Elaine Rudd, former English Teacher, Langley HS & Langston Hughes MS
• Eleanor Saslow, former Director of Student Services, West Springfield HS, President of Virginia State Board of Education
• Melissa Schoeplein, Social Studies Teacher, Diversity Chair & former Student Government Advisor, TJHSST
• Sylvia Shenk, former French Teacher, Longfellow MS & Headmistress, Village Green Day School at Lowes Island
• Rebecca Sipos, former English Teacher & Journalism Advisor, McLean HS & Lee HS
• Karen Singer, Modern Languages Teacher & Chair, Langley Teacher of the Year, Langley HS
• Rich Slivosky, former Math Teacher & 8th period Coordinator, TJHSST
• Nancy Stansberry, former Kindergarten Teacher, Spring Hill ES
• Janice Stoodley, former Asst. Principal, McLean HS, Director of Student Services, Marshall HS & Key MS
• Audra Sydnor, former Dranesville Cluster Superintendent & FCPS Principal of the Year
• Milde Waterfall, English Teacher, TJHSST, McLean HS, Dunn Loring Alternative School, & Kilmer MS
• Jack Weiss, former guidance counselor, McLean HS

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Janie Strauss for School Board

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To the Editor:
This letter is an endorsement of Jane Strauss for Dranesville School Board Member for the Fairfax County Public School System (FCPS). Throughout my 43 years as an educator, I have been quite fortunate to have met and worked worldwide with many highly intelligent and ethical, educational leaders; however, one person stands out as a model of sincerity, intelligence, fairness, and collaboration –
To the Editor:
Janie Strauss. As the former cluster assistant superintendent representing the McLean, Langley, and Dranesville pyramids, I worked closely with Janie for four years. Hence, I can distinctly remember from prior, one-on-one conversations with her that from the inception of the “changing-the-grading-scale movement,” Janie felt the scale should be changed, and she advocated to FCPS decision makers that they should listen to the parents and support the change. Janie has an unwavering desire to “do the right thing” for all students, on all levels, at all times.

How fortunate the Fairfax County Public School System is to have Jane Strauss as a dedicated school board member, who is adept at lending a listening ear to everyone. An amazing woman and leader!

Audra Sydnor
Retired Cluster I Assistant Superintendent

Read the full article here:  http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=355313&paper=65&cat=110

Posted: Saturday, October 29, 2011 7:42 am

State Sen. Janet Howell (D-32nd) has endorsed Jane Strauss in the Dranesville District School Board race.

Strauss is being challenged by Louise Epstein in the race, which like all school board campaigns across Virginia officially is non-partisan.

Read the full article:  http://www.sungazette.net/mclean-greatfalls-vienna-oakton/politics/howell-gives-support-to-strauss-in-school-board-race/article_2bc21ca2-0223-11e1-831b-001cc4c002e0.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT REBECCA GELLER — rebeccargeller@gmail.com or 202.236.3755

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TIM KAINE ENDORSES JANIE STRAUSS:

“JANIE STRAUSS WILL BE AN EDUCATION LEADER

FOR THE FUTURE OF FAIRFAX”

Leaders, educators, and parents across the Commonwealth of Virginia praise Janie Strauss’ commitment to a 21^st century learning vision.  In his ringing endorsement of Janie Strauss, former Governor Tim Kaine lauds her leadership and experience.

Tim Kaine says, “To compete for the jobs of the 21^st century, students will need to develop 21st century learning skills.  I am proud to support Janie Strauss because she understands this need and keeps her eye towards the future of education. I appreciate her academic focus, strong network of education technology experts, and vision for 21st century learning.  I believe Janie Strauss will be an education leader for the future of Fairfax.”

Strauss understands that we are educating our children for a highly competitive global environment where success is measured not by what you know, but what you can do with what you know. In today’s fast paced world, change is constant and we must innovate to succeed.  Smart schools seize change and use the opportunity to move forward. Our children need tomorrow’s classrooms today.  Our children can’t wait.  They need leaders who can propel students towards future success.  They need leaders with experience who can make tough decisions. They need leaders who know how to deliver results.  They need Janie Strauss.

“Janie has been a champion for the future of our students.  Janie understands that 21^st century skills must be built on the foundation of core academics in the Humanities, Arts, and Sciences.  She (–) recognizes the importance of a sharp focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to prepare our students for the world that awaits them.  She has the educational expertise to deliver on 21^st century learning.  I urge you to vote for Janie Strauss on November 8.” says Elizabeth Lodal, former principal, McLean High School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

We must have the courage to re-think traditional assumptions in educating our students. We must focus on creativity; critical thinking and problem solving; communication; and collaboration skills.  Our students’ are counting on us to understand their new reality and create learning opportunities that inspire their hearts and minds.   Mclean resident Laura Warren supports Strauss because of her vision for the future, “Strauss is an advocate for all schools, students and parents in their quest to obtain the best possible educational opportunities for our kids.  She has heart to go with her intelligence and depth of experience.”

Preparing students to become globally competitive in an increasingly interconnected world is Janie Strauss’ top priority.  Janie believes that 21st century skills must be built on the foundation of high student achievement.

Strauss is prepared to challenge the Superintendent to deliver concrete results from the implementation of education technology.  She plans to increase efficiencies in the “business” side of education.  For example, she is helping to implement an efficient enterprise resource planning system in partnership with the Board of Supervisors.  Janie Strauss envisions using cost savings from technology investments to create state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary, inter-connected classrooms even in times of scarce resources.  “I am working with Janie Strauss to develop her 21^st century learning vision.  Janie understands the importance of investing in meaningful technology while preserving the treasured teacher-student relationship.  She asks all the right questions: Are we preparing our students to be innovative?  How can we keep up with changes in information and communication technologies so our students may learn these important skills? How can we engage our teachers so we implement technology that is truly helpful in the classroom? Are we incorporating discoveries in learning sciences to ensure our students gain maximum advantages?” says Shaista Keating, education technology expert.

While we have great schools, Janie Strauss knows that we cannot rest on our laurels. We must maximize the valuable time our children spend with their teachers, learning to learn – take better advantage of 24/7 access to information – rethink how we use time – teacher time and student time.  In order to prepare our children to succeed– for the good of all of us, schools must change and improve.  

Residents across Dranesville agree that Janie Strauss must be re-elected to ensure that the School Board adopts a 21^st century approach to learning.  Shirley Bloomquist of Great Falls supports Strauss because “Janie Strauss is a skilled, experienced, consensus-building leader on the School Board. She has been the School Board Budget Chair ten times. She has proven her ability to manage a budget this size and to plan for the future.  Keep Janie Strauss on the Board and working for Dranesville students and their families.“

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Janie Strauss for School Board

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By this point in the election cycle, everyone is aware that this year there will be a larger than normal turnover on the Fairfax County Public School Board, with many incumbents electing not to return. But you might not realize that these departures will result in the loss of almost 100 years of collective institutional knowledge from the School Board. This tremendous loss of experience creates an urgent need for a steady hand on the rudder. Janie Strauss is the person who has the experience the new School Board will need to face the challenges ahead, and we need to reelect her this November.

We have come through a recession that rivaled that of the 1930s. Under Janie Strauss’ leadership and because of her fiscal management, the School Board managed to accommodate 12,000 new students without raising taxes; to end a two year pay freeze for teachers; and to give all our schools Full Day Kindergarten. At the same time, our schools have maintained their level of excellence. Student achievement continues to improve, and last year we were proud to produce a record number of National Merit Scholars.

The future will only bring more challenges. The recession is not over. Money will continue to be tight, as the school age population continues to grow. The Budget for Fiscal Year 2012 adopted by the School Board totals $2.2 billion. Many companies listed on the NASDAQ don’t have operating budgets that large. These challenges ahead make the need for skilled, experienced leadership more urgent than ever. Janie Strauss is a skilled, experienced, consensus-building leader on the School Board. She has been the School Board Budget Chair ten times. She has proven her ability to manage a budget this size and to plan for the future.

We will lose a lot of experience from the School Board this November. Let us not decimate the Board: keep Janie Strauss on the Board and working for Dranesville students and their families.

Shirley Bloomquist
Great Falls

Read the full letter here:  http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=355244&paper=68&cat=110