Wanted: Social Media Guru

CFNC is looking to increase its visibility and presence on the web through Facebook and Twitter and we're seeking the help of a Social Media Intern.


The ideal candidate would be a recent high school graduate or current college student who is looking to put his or her social media skills and interests to work for an award-winning non-profit organization serving at-risk children and their families in Northern Virginia. The social media intern at CFNC will be instrumental in increasing CFNC's social media presence and gaining visibility for our brand. Please click here to see the full job description.

If you or someone you know may be interested or if you simply have questions about the position, please contact Anna Berke with questions at 703.836.0214 ext. 238 or via email.

We look forward to hearing from you!

HAIRSPRAY Tickets Selling Out Fast!

ONLY 40 TICKETS REMAIN FOR THE RUNNINGBROOKE EXCLUSIVE SHOWING OF HAIRSPAY!

Brooke Curran, Alexandria resident, runner extraordinaire and founder of the RunningBrooke Fund, invites you hang up your sneakers & get our your hairspray! Brooke has bought out the The Little Theatre of Alexandria on August 2, 2011 for an 8 PM showing of Hairspray to support the RunningBrooke Fund which helps local Alexandria charities, including CFNC! This event is not open to the public. With back stage tours, photo ops with the cast and a pre-show soiree, it is an event you will not want to miss! Learn more and purchase tickets here.


Brooke runs marathons around the world (7 continents, 50 states + DC too + the 5 world marathon majors) -- a marathon a month -- to raise awareness and raise money for 5 vital Alexandria-based charities serving the at-risk kids and families in Alexandria/Arlington (including CFNC). Brooke pays all travel expenses and associated fees so every dollar she raises, goes to those who need it. Since May of 2009, Brooke's raised over $65K for Alexandria. Learn more about Brooke by visiting runningbrooke.com and don't forget to purchase your Hairspray tickets today!

Bittersweet Goodbyes

Tuesday, June 21 was CFNC's last day of school. This school year CFNC graduated nearly 200 students, students who will enter kindergarten prepared to succeed! Our
send-offs are always bittersweet. They are sweet because we know we've nurtured, stimulated, excited and inspired our students to go on to become curious and engaged lifelong learners. And we are proud of their success and progress. They are bitter because CFNC typically has only one school year with our students; friendships and connections are made; and goodbyes aren't easy. Of course our doors are never closed to former students and their families and we welcome them back with open arms.

Despite the pending bittersweet goodbyes, June was jam-packed with seminars, workshops, events and activities for our children and their families. From beautiful graduation celebrations to a Tea Party and a Job Training Seminar, CFNC finished the school year as it had started it: by offering high-quality, culturally sensitive, appropriate and caring services to children and families in need. We hope you enjoy the stories below and help us in wishing our June 2011 graduates much future success!

Happy Summer to all!

Graduations and Celebrations

CFNC is so proud of its nearly 200 preschoolers who graduated this month. Starting with the Charles Houston graduation on June 8 and ending with Virginia Gardens on
June 21, there were a total of 10 graduations at CFNC's six different locations throughout Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia.

Every class put together a music program of songs and a skit, followed by a formal graduation ceremony. Each child received their preschool diploma and a goody bag filled with treats, a special t-shirt designed with the handprints and names of their classmates, and education materials to practice lessons learned over the summer months. During some graduations, parents were moved to speak. One mother noted: "I want to thank you all for having this program. I feel that my child has learned throughout this year, but that also I have learned as a mother. This means a lot to us, especially because we have a language barrier. I feel more confident about my child's future."

Children graduated with new skills, experiences and friendships, as well as memories of an exciting and action- packed school year. Highlights include a field trip to
the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum to see "One World, One Sky" (made possible by PNC Bank); the annual Family Science Day; a Reading Railroad hosted by Kappa Kappa Gamma; multiple visits from students at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes who read to CFNC preschoolers and performed a puppet show; and a Multicultural Celebration to honor our diversity.

A special thanks to Steve and Linda Weitz, longtime CFNC supporters, Loretta Britten, former Board Member, Bill Marino and his three year old daughter, and Annie Burns and her team from GMMB for coming out to share in the joy of our graduation ceremonies!

To enjoy additional photos, please visit our Photo Gallery.

Enrollment for the 2011/2012 school year is now taking place. To inquire, please call 703.836.0214 and ask to speak with CFNC's Enrollment Coordinator, Maria Carron. Or email Maria.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

Margaret Bush Teaches Flower Arranging to Mother's Group

On Thursday, June 9, 2011, the CFNC Mother's Group had the unique opportunity to learn flower arranging from longtime CFNC supporter and friend Margaret Bush, owner
of Artful Arrangements. Margaret brought all of the items needed, including fresh flowers and containers and worked with each participant to create her own lovely arrangement.

The Mother's Group, consisting of 14 mothers from a variety of countries, meets weekly at CFNC with Social Worker Ansley Shackelford to develop friendships, learn parenting skills, and discuss life issues in confidence.

Ansley, who has worked with this year's Mother's Group (all mothers of CFNC students) since September, said: "This was a wonderful opportunity for our mothers
to learn a new skill-something that they can take home and share with their friends and family. We are very grateful to Margaret Bush for sharing her time and her talents with us."

Margaret and her husband Marvin Bush have been long time supporters of CFNC. In the past they have served on host committees for fundraisers and have even hosted CFNC events in their home.