At this year’s free City of Manassas Neighborhood Conference on June 11 at Jennie Dean Elementary School, building community may just begin with dipping donuts.
The conference aims to bring together citizens interested in improving their neighborhoods, Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) representatives who will share the schools’ newest initiatives, and experts in building better communities, landscape beautification, and wellness. Krispy Kreme Donuts, which will soon open a Manassas store, will set up a dipping station where company representatives hope to meet their new neighbors and share their sweet treats.
Recognizing that neighborhoods and schools need to work together to be successful, this year’s conference spotlights the efforts of MCPS to help all its students shine. Shayma Bautista, MCPS Community Liaison, and Dr. Melissa Saunders, MCPS Director of Curriculum and Instruction, will talk about the Footsteps-2-Brilliance, an initiative that better prepares pre-K students for kindergarten, and other resources that serve all the schools’ populations. Jennie Dean Elementary Principal Dr. Zella Jones, will also welcome attendees and answer their questions about the upcoming school year.
Keynote speaker Zuzana Steen, University and Academic Relations Manager at Micron Technology and President of the Manassas City Public Schools Education Foundation, will talk about investing in the success of schools. The Community Association Institute, an international association dedicated to improving communities, will also be on hand to lend advice and ideas to neighborhood associations. And LA Fitness will offer wellness exercises, tips to get ready for summer, and maybe a way to work off those donuts.
Participants can attend one of three afternoon workshops. One teaches participants how to analyze a neighborhood’s strengths and weaknesses through a block walk. Another outlines ways to play in neighborhood parks, keep neighborhoods beautiful, and avoid property code violations. A third workshop discusses how today’s students learn with more than books and blackboards.
Conference attendees can enjoy a free lunch and a chance to win raffle prizes like free summer camp registration, thanks to generous sponsorships from community partners. Those who register before the conference will also receive a free t-shirt.
City of Manassas Neighborhood Services Manager Kisha Wilson-Sogunro says community members wanted to see the conference return this year after piloting the Neighborhood Recreation Expo. “The conference is a chance for community members to get together, see what others are doing, get questions answered, and see how we can work together to build a better community.”
Bristow Station resident Nicole Smith agrees, saying, “We are always looking for ways to improve our neighborhood and the conference is a great opportunity for all of us to receive training and meet other community leaders.”
The Neighborhood Conference will be held at Jennie Dean Elementary School, 9601 Prince William Street, on June 11 from 9 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. and is free. Visit www.manassascity.org/neighbor or call 703-257-8240 to register.
