Back to School Greetings delivered to FCCPS Staff at Convocation on August 28, 2018
Good morning! I’m Marybeth Connelly. I’m so glad to see you at this party for 500!
As Vice Mayor of Falls Church I bring you greetings for a wonderful school year from the City Council and General Government.
Mayor David Tarter could not be here today, and sends his regards, as do my other Council colleagues. I’d like to introduce City Manager Wyatt Shields, who is here today.
This summer I’ve been thinking about what makes Falls Church special, and I’ve come up with the Top 5 Great Things About Falls Church.
# 5. It’s a Great Place for Lifelong Learning. I’m here today because the best-of-the-best in Pre-K-12 education are starting the school year. Add to that the commitment that you have, as educators to learning more and improving your practice, whether through additional certifications, degrees or professional development.
Add to that the programs and collection at Mary Riley Styles Public Library, the opportunity to participate in art shows, lectures and historic presentations. Falls Church is a community where lifelong learning matters to everyone.
4. Falls Church is a Real Place with a Long History. Our known history dates to 1699. People want to come here today because we are a real town. We’ve got parks, churches, ice cream parlors, schools, restaurants, farmers market, a Memorial Day Parade and a very supportive business community. Did you notice the plants and decorations on the stage today? Yesterday the owners of Botanologica, decorated the stage with an “All Systems Grow Theme.”
This fall the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce will launch a "Live Local" campaign and I encourage every one of you to participate by intentionally spending your dollars in the City of Falls Church. When you purchase tires, food, clothing, plants, party supplies at local businesses, you support the businesses that support the schools.
Plus, when you spend money in Falls Chuch City, your tax pennies go right back to the City. Those pennies add up, providing a critical mass that increases the City’s bottom line. More spending in Falls Church City means more dollars that can go to support the general government and schools.
# 3 Everyone is Connected. In Falls Church the concept of six degrees of separation is way too big. I’m pretty sure we are down to 2 degrees of separation throughout this whole community. Here’s an example. This morning my daughter is babysitting for the children of a new teacher. That teacher is a neighbor of the person who printed our t-shirts. He graduated from GMHS. His wife was a dedicated volunteer leader for many years. One of his sons works at the new Northside Social, where half the people in this room go to make connections. (Who knows the family I am talking about?)
Back to my daughter and the kids she is babysitting. Those FCCPS students in 12th & 2nd grade connect each of you and are connected because they know you. My daughter, who is an FCCPS lifer, Pre-K-12, already told the incoming second graders that they will love PE with Nathan Greiner & Julie Huber. They’ve shared stories about their favorite projects in Jan Garrett’s art class.
We are all connected in more ways than we can even imagine, and this makes our community stronger.
#2 People Step Up. In Falls Church there is no shortage of volunteers. Dr. Noonan already thanked the School Affiliated Organizations for sponsoring this event - and the volunteer power they bring to the schools is a force to be reckoned with. It’s not just in schools, people in Falls Church get involved in all areas of the community.
Some even run for School Board and City Council. I’m hoping that one of you is pondering a run for City Council. If you are, I would be so happy to talk to you about it. There’s a filing deadline in June, so you’ve got a few months to decide.
And the #1 thing that makes Falls Church special. Everyone Can Make a Difference. In a little city like Falls Church, educators are celebrities for good reason. Your work is all about making a difference in the lives of students. I could go on and on about the influence you have on young lives, and on the lives of their parents. It is hard work to make a difference, and this community is grateful that you come to work every day, ready to take on the challenge.
It is my honor to represent all of you. Know that you’ve got a friend on City Council. (and I wasn’t kidding about hoping that at least one of you will run for office someday).
Photo: Courtesy FCCPS/Carol Sly