(February 19, 2003)

The near-record-breaking storms that dumped nearly two feet of snow on Falls Church last weekend forced the schools to close Tuesday and Wednesday (they had already been closed on Monday for Presidents’ Day) and students will still be off tomorrow, Thursday, but teachers will report for professional development. A decision regarding Friday will be made tomorrow by school superintendent Mary Ellen Shaw.
 

As of late Wednesday, school personnel and city staff were still moving snow by machine and by hand as they labored to clear the school parking lots and sidewalks. (Photos by Marty Smith)

The extreme weather of the winter of ’03 has now forced the cancellation of seven school days (counting tomorrow) this year, three over the four days built into the calendar. School officials have already designated March 17 as one of the three make-up days that will be required to ensure that Falls Church students meet the state requirement of 180 days. In addition, school officials remain very cognizant that the calendar still reads mid-February. 

The weather also led to cancellation or rescheduling of several school related activities. The varsity basketball team will host the first game of the Bull Run District tournament tomorrow night at 7. The Mustangs will play Madison County and if they win that game will play in the second round Friday night at Madison County. A Friday victory would return the Mustangs to Madison County for the championship game Saturday night. The junior varsity basketball team will play for the JV Bull Run Championship on Saturday at Madison County. Check Mason’s Sports Hotline (703) 248-5599) or the school’s website for more information.

The annual Senior Class Charity Fashion Show scheduled for Friday, February 21, has been postponed. A new date has not yet been determined. 

The It’s Academic team’s taping, originally scheduled for last Saturday, is now scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at 3:15 at the WRC-TV studios in D.C. Mason will go up against McLean and Walter Johnson High Schools in the second round of this television competition. As of press time, the Scholastic Bowl state finals are still on schedule for this Saturday at the College of William and Mary, according to team sponsor Jamie Scharff. Mason’s team is undefeated and will attempt to repeat as Scholastic Bowl state champions.

Mason’s annual musical, "Oklahoma," is still on target for shows next Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The show’s director, Frank Marino, has been orchestrating some innovative rehearsal schedules to make up for those lost to the weather.