WDC/Virginia area

Hi-

I live in Northern Virginia - Fairfax County. I have lived here since 1982. My daughter is only two, but I'm already trying to get the scoop on the safest schools in Fairfax County. I emailed someone with the school system a week or so ago, and she said she would look into it and get back to me. If I was really motivated, I could probably make a few phone calls and find out sooner. Several years ago, I remember someone in the area telling me that peanuts had been banned at their child's school. I think it may have been Stenwood Elementary in Vienna.

If you are unfamiliar with the area, I can give you some insights into which schools are considered to be the best in Northern Virginia. The biggest school system is Fairfax County. Fairfax County is huge. It includes some very close-in locations like Falls Church (where I live - seven miles from DC) as well as some areas like Lorton that would result in more than an hour long commute to DC. A good site for info and test score rankings of Fairfax County schools is [url="http://www.schoolranks.com."]www.schoolranks.com.[/url] The elem. school with the best reputation in Fairfax seems to be Haycock, but there are several others that are extremely good. I have heard Arlington has some good schools too, but I don't know much about them. The very best schools are in Falls Church City. Falls Church City is a 2 sq mile city that borders Fairfax and Arlington (I live in the Falls Church part of Fairfax County, but not in Falls Church City). The schools are very small - around 100 students in each graduating class (versus 500 or so in Fairfax County). The High School is literally number 1 or 2 in the country. The homes are expensive, and taxes are high, but we think it's worth it. We plan to move there before she starts school. Due to the small school size, it would probably be relatively easy to work with them to protect your PA daughter. I don't know what their policy is though.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the area I can help you with.

To Elizasmom,

I posted a message recently to Support Groups asking folks in Northern Virginia about playgroups/playmates and a support group. My daughter is also 2 (3 in March), so I'm wondering if you'd like to talk about a playdate with your 2-year old girl or starting a support group. My email address is:

[email]markextra@comcast.net[/email]

My wife and I live in Arlington. We also have a 2-month old boy.

Also, I spoke with the superintendemt of Arlington county schools about allergy policies. For example, may a classroom have an epipen or must they be locked in a nurses office. The bottom line is: I was very pleased with Arlington's policies. If you haven't done so already, you may want to ask about policies in Fairfax. If policies are not suitable, it may take awhile to change them.

We hope to hear from you.

we live in stafford va and are looking for a support group for my severely allergic pa daughter who now 9. she has a real problem eating any food from anybody.she doesn't want us to eat any kind of food that may contain peanuts. can anybody give me any sugestions on how to ease her fears.

We just moved to Woodbridge, on the edge of Montclair and are looking for PA friends. My daughter is 8-1/2 starting third grade. We are only 15-20 minutes from Stafford and would love to meet you and your daughter! My daughter would be so happy to meet another girl her age with severe PA. Please email me at [email]pmconger@comcast.net[/email] or call 703-590-6228.
I'd also like to start a support group in this area. I was part of one in southern cal. years ago and it was so nice to share advice and information with others in my shoes. Look forward to hearing from you. Mandy Conger

We live in Leesburg and have a 3 year old PA daughter. We would love to meet other PA children in the area!

I live in Oakton and would be interested in joining a support group or meeting other PA parents/children. My DS is 19 months.

I live in Centreville VA and am interested in meeting moms with PA kids. My DS is 2 yrs old and I have a daughter not allergic to anything who is 5. My email is [email]blackr@aol.com[/email]. Thanks!