The 2017 Virginia Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (VATFACS) Professional Development Institute will be held at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, 110 Shenandoah Avenue NE, Roanoke, Virginia, Monday, July 31- Wednesday, August 2. The institute will open with breakfast and sessions on Monday, July 31. Registration will be open on Sunday, July 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Post-institute and credentialing sessions will be held on Wednesday afternoon, August 2, and Thursday, August 3, 2017.

The institute theme, STREAMING with FACS!, will focus on ways to use STEM, the arts, and relationships in the family and consumer sciences curriculum. Teachers and administrators are encouraged to share their expertise as a session presenter or present best practices with colleagues at the Grand Carousel & Curriculum Showcase. Session facilitators are needed to assist presenters during the breakout sessions.

Review the schedule and requirements for sessions requiring pre-registration such as the credentialing sessions being offered on Wednesday and Thursday, August 2 and 3, and post-institute trainings on Wednesday afternoon, August 2 and Thursday, August 3.

The VATFACS Board of Directors invites you to join the professional organization for Virginia's Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences and participate in professional leadership activities. Officer nominations are now being accepted for President-Elect, Vice-President, and Secretary. VATFACS Members who are not currently serving on the VATFACS Board are encouraged to serve on a committee.

We look forward to seeing you in Roanoke this summer for the annual professional development institute.

Sincerely,
Helen G. Fuqua
Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist
Virginia Department of Education

Debbie Agee
President
Virginia Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences