August 15, 2002
Check the calendar. School is just around the corner, and parents and students alike are preparing for another academic year.
Doors open in Mount Vernon Sept. 3.
There are 22 public elementary schools in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County.
THE SCHOOLS
Bren Mar Park Elementary is located at 6344 Beryl Road, Alexandria, VA 22312; 703-914-7200.
* There are 385 students, 349 in general education classes and 36 in special-education, self-contained classrooms.
* There are two administrators, 37.1 teachers and specialists, one guidance counselor, 10.5 instructional assistants/attendants, 3.5 office support staff and 2.5 custodians.
* Students from Bren Mar attend Poe Middle School and Annandale High School.
“Bren Mar Park is a neighborhood school that has been considered an oasis in the community with its many family fun nights, community programs and strong academic program,” said Susan C. Fitz, principal. “Staff members believe in six different facets to direct and define our efforts: First, we view parents as the primary educators of their children. We promote a common bond with parents by planning special events that unite parents, students and staff.
"Second, we utilize community resources to remediate, enrich and extend the curriculum; and we recruit mentors as role models for students.
"Third, we employ the program of studies and Virginia Standards of Learning so that students learn a specific body of knowledge in language arts, geography, American civilizations, world civilizations, music, art, mathematics and science.
"Fourth, we utilize a school-constructed curriculum framework to identify the pace and instructional topics to use a continuum of assessment methods to gather evidence of learning, and to develop engaging learning activities that are a means to an end.
"Fifth, we work together to create a positive school climate that supports collegiality, is conducive to professional growth and celebrates the importance of diversity and equity.
"Last, we provide a safe, nurturing environment, where students prepare to achieve excellence in a global, ever-changing society.”
Belle View Elementary is located at 6701 Fort Hunt Road Alexandria, VA 22307; 703-766-8300.
* There are 317 students in general-education classes, 36 students in special-education, self-contained classrooms, and 15 in family-and-early-childhood-education program.
* There are two administrators, 36.9 teachers and specialists, one guidance counselor, 16 instructional assistants/attendants, 3.5 office support staff and 4.5 custodians.
* Students at Belle View attend Carl Sandburg Middle School and West Potomac High School.
“Our educational focus continues to be on providing a strong academic program in the core subject areas,” said C. Robert Davis, principal. “Used as a learning tool throughout the curriculum, technology is incorporated to reinforce and enhance all aspects of knowledge, attainment and application.
"Through the use of computers in the classrooms, the computer lab and the library, the students obtain valuable information that supports their instructional goals. All students have the opportunity to benefit from the school-wide achievement model, which enriches general education by promoting high standards and advanced levels of academic challenges.
"Implementation of the Success by 8 Program is providing students in Headstart through grade two a customized course of instruction design to ensure mastery of the Virginia Standards of Learning.”
Bucknell Elementary is located at 6925 University Drive, Alexandria, VA 22307; 703-660-2900.
* There are 295 students enrolled in general-education classes; 22 in special-education, self-contained classrooms; and 28 in family-and-early-childhood-education program.
* There are two administrators, 37.6 specialists and teachers, one guidance counselor, 13 instructional assistants/attendants, 3.5 office support staff and four custodians.
* Student at Bucknell attend Carl Sandburg Middle School and West Potomac High School.
“Throughout Bucknell’s 44-year history, its staff has been created to create an enriching educational environment that promotes student achievement and success by addressing individual student needs, integrating technology, promoting safety throughout the school and encouraging parent/community participation,” said Juanita Trapp, principal.
“Today, it serves children who come from all over the world in an atmosphere that is both nurturing and challenging. Programs that address the diverse needs of students at Bucknell Elementary include preschool class-based, Headstart, school-age childcare, gifted and talented resource, English for speakers of other languages, Step Up language arts and Step Up math, school-wide achievement model, the integrated service delivery model for special education, and reduced-ratio classes in first grade.
"A computer lab with 24 computers, plus five computers in each classroom, support a number of technology integration goals and a variety of curriculum-based activities.”
Bush Hill Elementary is located at 5927 Westchester St., Alexandria, VA 22310; 703-924-5600.
* There are 498 students enrolled in general-education classes and seven students in special-education, self-contained classrooms.
* There are two administrators, 40.4 specialists and teachers, one guidance counselor, 16.5 instructional assistants/attendants, four office support staff and four custodians.
* Students at Bush Hill attend Mark Twain Middle School and Edison High School.
“Throughout the years, Bush Hill has maintained a low enrollment, which makes it unusual in this age of larger schools,” said John Pitzer, principal. “Parent volunteers are active in every phase of Bush Hill school life, from serving meals during our Thanksgiving luncheon to working directly with students in their classrooms.
"Our library has many of the conveniences of larger schools, such as computerized cataloging, CD-ROM with current encyclopedia information, and an ample book collection that has been bolstered by the school’s PTA.
"Currently Bush Hill emphasizes increasing the use of technology within the school. Both the administration and the PTA have made technology the main focus for the next three years.
"Further emphasis is placed on increasing concept understanding in the problem-solving ability of our students, along with emphasis on the total language-arts program.
"The Bush Hill faculty believes that all students can and will be successful by being involved with educators who constantly strive to help each child achieve his or her potential.”
Cameron Elementary is located at 3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, VA 22303; 703-329-2100.
* There are 430 students enrolled in general-education classes; 20 in special-education, self-contained classes; and 31 in family-and-early-childhood-education program.
* There are two administrators, 59.6 teachers and specialists, three guidance counselors, 14 instructional assistants/attendants, five office support staff and 5.5 custodians.
* Students at Cameron attend Mark Twain Middle School and Edison High School.
“Cameron Elementary School serves a community of vastly diverse backgrounds, cultures and economic conditions,” said George Towery, principal. “Through this diversity, Cameron Elementary School students come together to learn from each other and to promote the school’s theme, The Quality of the Future Starts Here.
"The staff, students and community share a common bond and vision toward building a school environment committed to academic excellence through a nurturing and caring environment that enables students to become all they can be, both now and in the future.”
Clermont Elementary is located at 5720 Clermont Drive, Alexandria, VA 22310; 703-921-2400.
* There are 375 students enrolled in general-education classes and five in special-education, self-contained classes. This school includes kindergarten through sixth grade, unlike most elementary schools that are K-5.
* There is one administrator, 24 teachers and specialists, one guidance counselor, five instructional assistants/attendants, three office support staff and three custodians.
* Students at Clermont attend Mark Twain Middle School and Edison High School.
“Clermont’s faculty and support staff have established a tradition of high student expectation and a strong commitment to excellence,” said Jeannine Tate, principal. “The school community has maintained similarly high goals for its citizens of the future, and everyone is integrally involved in the school’s daily activities.
"A strong sense of family and community and an atmosphere of caring are woven into the school fabric. Even the school motto, Clermont School, where Lifelong Learning Begins, speaks to the importance of total community involvement.”
Fort Hunt Elementary is located at 8832 Linton Lane, Alexandria, VA 22308; 703-619-2600.
* There are 585 students enrolled in general-education classes; two in special-education, self-contained classes. Fort Hunt encompasses grades K—6. Fort Hunt is fully accredited.
* There are two administrators, 45.1 teachers and specialists, 1.5 guidance counselors, five instructional assistants/attendants, four office support staff and five custodians.
* Fort Hunt students attend Carl Sandburg Middle School and West Potomac High School.
“The rich community expands our campus and our horizons, while it enriches the curriculum,” said James Meier, principal.
“Fort Hunt is organized by grade levels, K through six, for core subjects. Approximately 40 percent of the student population is enrolled in the popular and innovative Spanish immersion program.
“All students have access to state-of-the-art computers in their classrooms and in the library, where they learn and apply computer and telecommunications skills. Students’ communications skills are further enhanced through the creation and use of an electronic bulletin board produced weekly, and our own inter-school U. S. postal system.
"Emphasis has been placed on science and the environment through the development of an indoor rain forest and an outdoor garden. Students are challenged in math, using hands-on Challenge 24 math materials and in language arts through participation in Word Masters.
"Fort Hunt is a school in which all children are honored for their diversity and applauded for the accomplishments that prepare them for the future.”
Franconia Elementary is located at 6043 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310; 703-822-2200.
* There are 427 students enrolled in general education classes and five in special-education, self-contained classes. The school encompasses grades K—6.
* There are 3.5 administrators, 50.5 teachers and specialists, one guidance counselor, nine instructional assistants/attendants, five office support staff and 4.5 custodians.
* Franconia students attend Mark Twain Middle School and Edison High School.
“For over 60 years, the school has been the center of an active community life with broad parent and community support,” said Mary McNamee, principal. “The school’s motto, Strive for Excellence; Achieve Success, exemplifies the school and community.
"At Franconia Elementary, learning is achieved through a balance of activities, ranging from those that stress creativity and individuality to those that focus on learning basic skills.
"Special-education students receive service on a continuum within the general-education or special-education classroom, based on identified individualized education plan objectives. Special attention is given to building a positive school climate through an appreciation of cultural diversity and respect for individual differences.
"To prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, Franconia students are exposed to many exciting facets of technology. The fully computerized media center, the state-of-the-art computer lab and classroom computers offer students frequent contact with various media options such as Macintosh, Zenith and IBM computers, laserdisc and CD-ROM. The PTA provides a core of volunteers and many opportunities to expand and enrich the learning experiences of all students. PTA members also plan many events that promote school and community spirit.”
Groveton Elementary is located at 6909 Harrison Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306; 703-718-8000.
* There are 552 students enrolled in general-education classes; 10 in special-education, self-contained classes; and 12 in family-and-early-childhood-education program. The school encompasses grades K—6.
* There are two administrators, 53.3 teachers and specialists, 1.6 guidance counselors, 10 instructional assistants/attendants, five office support staff and five custodians.
* Students at Groveton attend Carl Sandburg Middle School and either Mt. Vernon or West Potomac High School.
“Groveton Elementary School serves the instructional needs of a community composed of nine neighborhoods, representing 28 nations, over 19 languages and a variety of cultures from throughout the United States and the world,” said Christine Lamb, principal.
“It enjoys a rich history where teachers and support staff members are dedicated to assuring each student a challenging learning environment that promotes high academic expectations. A growing active parent volunteer program provides daily enrichment to add to teachers’ endeavors. Mentors and volunteers from our business partners make a positive difference in the lives of many students. Groveton Elementary School is truly a community school.”
Hayfield Elementary is located at 7633 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315; 703-924-4500.
* There are 549 students enrolled in general education classes and 42 in special-education, self-contained classes. The school encompasses grades K—6.
* There are two administrators, 43.3 teachers and specialists, 1.5 guidance counselors, 8.5 instructional assistants/attendants, 4.5 office support staff and six custodians.
* Students at Hayfield attend Hayfield secondary-middle school.
“Hayfield is a community school supported by a strong PTA and active parent involvement in programs at the school,” said Barbara Vaccarella, principal. “The PTA provides cultural arts programs throughout the year and sponsors after-school foreign-language and science programs.
"Students from the adjacent Hayfields Secondary School provide support as peer tutors and volunteers. Hayfield’s student cooperative association provides students with leadership opportunities within their own school.
"The school’s safety patrol program offers over 90 students in grades five and six opportunities to exhibit leadership and set good examples for their peers. Hayfield is proud of its academic success, parental support and programs that enrich, encourage and enlighten its students.”
Hybla Valley Elementary is located at 3415 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, VA 22306; 703-718-7000.
* There are 636 students enrolled in general-education classes; eight in special-education, self-contained classes; and 15 in family-and-early-childhood-education program. The school encompasses grades K—6.
* There are three administrators, 57.1 teachers and specialists, 1.5 guidance counselors, eight instructional assistants/attendants, six office support staff and five custodians.
* Students at Hybla Valley attend Carl Sandburg or Walt Whitman Middle School and Mount Vernon or West Potomac High School.
“Believing that learning never ends, the students, staff and parents at Hybla Valley Elementary School are dedicated to the ideal of lifelong learning,” said Tommy Thompson, the principal. “Each learner will be able to meet successfully the challenges of a changing society. Through continuing research, cooperation and collaboration among students, staff members and parents, the community of learners at Hybla Valley sees learning as continuous, integrated and child-centered. Additionally, each child’s uniqueness is fostered by involved parents and caring nurturing staff members who encourage all students to ‘aim for the stars.’”
Hollin Meadows Science/Math Focus Elementary is located at 2310 Nordok Place. Alexandria, VA 22306; 703-718-8300.
* There are 554 students enrolled in general education classes and 19 enrolled in special-education, self-contained classes. The school encompasses grades K—6.
* There are three administrators, 54.3 teachers and specialists, 1.5 guidance counselors, 10 instructional assistants/attendants, 5.8 office support staff and five custodians.
* Students at Hollin Meadows attend Carl Sandburg Middle School and West Potomac High School.
“Hollin Meadows Elementary School is a math-and-science-focus school, situated in a community that is rich in history,” said Joy Hanbury, the principal. “An active PTA supports the staff’s academic focus and provides cultural and enrichment opportunities for all students. Teachers enhance the instructional program by providing field trips that take advantage of the vast metropolitan area.
"Two parent liaisons link the school to the community. Student interns from George Mason and Marymount universities work closely with the faculty members to provide additional academic enrichment to students.”
Lane Elementary is located at 7137 Beulah St., Alexandria, VA 22315; 703-924-7700.
* There are 1,154 students enrolled in general-education classes and 39 enrolled in special-education, self-contained classes. The school encompasses grades K-6.
* There are five administrators, 82.8 teachers and specialists, 2.5 guidance counselors, 15 instructional assistants/attendants, 6.5 office support staff and 7.5 custodians.
* Students at Lane Elementary attend Hayfield Secondary-Middle or Twain Middle School.
“Lane School staff members, students and families support efforts to teach and recognize good citizenship,” said Helene Brower, the principal. “Each quarter through our ‘It Takes a Village Program,’ we focus on a concept such as exercising self-control, taking responsibility, being courteous, and showing cooperation. These behaviors are reinforced and rewarded through our Citizenship Awards. Strong positive relationships with parents support the instructional program.”
Mount Eagle Elementary is located at 6116 N. Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA 22303; 703-721-2100.
* There are 296 students enrolled in general education; 19 in special-education, self-contained; and 15 in family-and-early-childhood-education program. The school encompasses K-6.
* There are two administrators, 37 teachers and specialists, one guidance counselor, 10.5 instructional assistants/ attendants, 3.5 office support staff and 3.5 custodians.
* Students at Mount Eagle Elementary School attend Mark Twain Middle School and Edison High School.
“Mount Eagle Elementary School provides quality instruction and a climate in which learning is paramount and cultural diversity is valued,” said Cynthia Buck, the principal. “It is a community school with a diverse population, and the majority of the students walk to school. The staff is dedicated to working collaboratively to meet the social, emotional and intellectual needs of all Mount Eagle students. Enhanced school spirit, student responsibility and parent involvement are additional components of the Mount Eagle mission.”
Mount Vernon Woods Elementary is located at 4015 Fielding St., Alexandria, VA 22309; 703-619-2800.
* There are 511 students enrolled in general education and 41 in special-education, self-contained. The school encompasses K-6.
* There is one administrator, 50 teachers and specialists, 1.5 guidance counselors, 14 instructional assistants/attendants, five office support staff and 4.5 custodians.
* Students at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School attend Walt Whitman Middle and Mount Vernon High School.
“Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School is a unique school community composed of a myriad of programs,” said Deraine Doss, the principal. “The entire staff strives to meet the emotional, social, intellectual and physical needs of the special-education preschool, learning disabled, non-English speaking, and general-education learners. With the many cultures and nationalities that enrich our diverse student population, teachers instruct a balanced program of studies, giving the highest priority to developing each student’s ability in reading and mathematics.”
Riverside Elementary is located at 8410 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria, VA 22309; 703-799-6000.
* There are 464 students enrolled in general education; 17 in special-education, self-contained; and 15 in family-and early-childhood-education program. The school encompasses K-6.
* There are two administrators, 43.4 teachers and specialists, one guidance counselor, 11 instructional assistants/attendants, four office support staff and 4.5 custodians.
* Students at Riverside Elementary School attend Carl Sandburg or Walt Whitman Middle Schools and Mount Vernon or West Potomac High Schools.
“Riverside serves a culturally rich and economically diverse school community,” said Lori L. Morton, the principal. “The staff is committed to helping all children achieve high academic standards and preparing them to be responsible citizens in the 21st century. Students are challenged by high expectations and a wide variety of learning opportunities and are helped to develop positive self-images in a safe, comfortable atmosphere that encourages community support and involvement.”
Rose Hill Elementary is located at 6301 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria, VA 22310; 703-313- 4200.
* There are 739 students enrolled in general education and 50 in special-education, self-contained. The school encompasses K-6.
* There are two administrators, 61.5 teachers and specialists, two guidance counselors, 15 instructional assistants/attendants, five office support staff and 6.5 custodians.
* Students at Rose Hill Elementary School attend Mark Twain Middle School and Edison High School.
“Rose Hill Elementary School has a diverse student population that possesses a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, student talents, learning styles, abilities and needs,” said Marcy Mager, the principal. “The goal of Rose Hill is to educate all students to their highest levels of academic achievement. The school aims to continually increase performance in reading comprehension, writing, problem solving and computation. Rose Hill welcomes parent and community volunteers who have enriched students’ learning opportunities.”
Stratford Landing Elementary is located at 8484 Riverside Road, Alexandria, VA 22308; 703-619-3600.
* There are 391 students enrolled in general education, 149 in the gifted center and 38 in special-education, self-contained. The school encompasses K-6. The school is fully accredited.
* There are two administrators, 43.5 teachers and specialists, 1.5 guidance counselors, 15 instructional assistants/attendants, 2.5 office support staff and five custodians.
* Students at Stratford Landing Elementary School attend Carl Sandburg Middle School and West Potomac High School.
“Stratford Landing Elementary School is a community of active and eager learners guided and supported by a creative and energetic staff,” said Barbara V. Hubbard, the principal. “Children from varied backgrounds work together productively in a safe and accepting school climate that honors diversity and encourages individual and group achievement.
"The children at Stratford Landing benefit from the collaboration and interaction of staff and the intermingling of students in the general-education program, the special-education program, the family-and-early-childhood-education program and preschool-handicapped program, as well as the gifted-center program. This has developed a respect and appreciation of the uniqueness of our diverse school community.”
Washington Mill Elementary is located at 9100 Cherry Tree Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309; 703-619-2500.
* There are 488 students enrolled in general education; 26 in special-education, self-contained; and 15 in family-and-early-childhood-education program. The school encompasses K-6.
* There are two administrators, 39.3 teachers and specialists, one guidance counselor, 10.5 instructional assistants/attendants, 4.5 office support staff, and four custodians.
* Students at Washington Mill Elementary School attend Walt Whitman Middle School and Mount Vernon High School.
“Washington Mill enjoys rich diversity in its population,” said Bob Keller, the principal. “Diversity is a strength that adds to a multicultural educational program. Our community celebrates family heritage through a yearly program focusing on each student’s family history. Through the work of an excellent PTA, Washington Mill is able to better help its students.
"The PTA sponsors after-school Spanish and exciting fine-arts programs. The PTA throughout the year sponsors family and community programs. Just as it was during the time of George Washington, Washington Mill is an exciting place to be.”
Weyanoke Elementary is located at 6520 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22312; 703-813-5400.
* There are 518 students enrolled in general education; 11 in special-education, self-contained; and 29 in family-and-early-childhood-education program. The school encompasses K-5.
* There are two administrators, 49.5 teachers and specialists, 1.5 guidance counselors, 5.5 instructional assistants/attendants, 5.5 office support staff and five custodians.
* Students at Weyanoke Elementary School attend Holmes Middle School and Annandale High School.
“Our school’s theme, Weyanoke: A Community of Leaders, demonstrates our commitment to growing and learning,” said Marta Guzman, the principal. “Students from 40 countries come together to give Weyanoke a rich international flavor. Opportunities for student leadership are provided through student council, safety patrols and school committees.
"Being a part of the schoolwide Title I program has allowed us to increase the level of services provided to all students and their families in the instructional areas of math, language arts and technology to further strengthen out focus of character education. Weyanoke is ‘A Community of Leaders.’”
Woodlawn Elementary is located at 8505 Highland Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309; 703-619-4800.
* There are 391 students enrolled in the general-education program; 71 in special-education, self-contained; and 11 in the family-and-early-childhood-education program. The school encompasses K-6.
* There are three administrators, 50.5 specialists and teachers, one guidance counselor, 16.5 instructional assistants/attendants, 5.5 office support staff and five custodians.
* Students at Woodlawn Elementary School attend Walt Whitman Middle School and Mount Vernon High School.
“We are committed to helping every student prepare for a successful future in the 21st century,” said Stephanie Bisson, the principal. “For this reason, students must be challenged by high expectations and a wide variety of learning opportunities and helped to develop positive self-images in a safe, comfortable atmosphere that encourages community support and involvement.”
Woodley Hills Elementary is located at 8718 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria, VA 22309; 703-799-2000.
* There are 431 students enrolled in general-education; 47 in special-education, self-contained; and 16 in the family-and-early-childhood-education program. The school encompasses K-6.
* There are two administrators, 55.6 teachers and specialists, 2.5 guidance counselors, 16 instructional assistants/attendants, five office support staff and five custodians.
* Students at Woodley Hills Elementary School attend Walt Whitman Middle School and Mount Vernon High School.
“On behalf of the entire Woodley Hills family, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Woodley Hills Elementary School, the ‘School of Smiles,’” said Rima Vesilind, the principal. “You are cordially invited to visit Woodley Hills and view, firsthand, the quality of education provided for our students on a daily basis. From the moment you enter the door, you will understand why Woodley Hills is called the School of Smiles.”