Buckland Mills Elementary School
10511 Wharfdale Place
Gainesville, VA 20155
Buckland Mills Elementary School Web Site
Phone:703.530.1560
Date Opened: September 2006
Principal: Janet Greer
Assistant Principal: Andy Jacks
Number of Students: 663
Number of teachers: 42
School Colors: Cranberry Red & Federal Blue
School Mascot: Wildcat
Buckland Mills Elementary School opened in September 2006. The school is located off I-66 and Lee Hwy/US 29 in the Somerset Housing Development. The school received its name from the long, rich history of the Buckland Mills community which has mirrored the expansion of the nation during the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Reform Era. The students, parents, and faculty all had a hand in building our school history.
Teachers voted on choosing the school colors. Students voted on their choice of mascot, the “Wildcat.” Parents are forming the PTO and Advisory Council. Everyone is enjoying the beautiful school and is sharing the optimism of endless possibilities.
Many programs are conducted to ensure that each and every student is learning at their appropriate level and pace. Buckland Mills houses grades K – 5, Special Education Preschool programs (2-4 yr olds), Autism and Emotional Disturbance classes, LD Resources, Speech, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), and an on-site Gifted Education Program. We are also investigating the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme which focuses on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development.
The chorus program, which takes place before school, is well attended, with a winter and spring concert as well as the Dedication performance. Many opportunities are available for fifth grade students. A morning television broadcast brings school news into each classroom and gives students an opportunity to participate in television production. Each fifth grade student receives a chance to be a “star” during the year.
The Strings Program is also offered as a first chance at a musical instrument. Fifth graders also serve as School Safety Patrols protecting and modeling for our students before and after school. The Chess Club meets before school and competes in local tournaments. The guidance program involves students at every grade level with a variety of programs throughout the year: Each One Reach One mentor program, First Friends program where students give tours of the building and introductions of staff members to new students, Ladies who Lunch, Secret Agents, and the Positive Action While in School (PAWS) program that rewards positive behaviors of students.
Family involvement is a vital aspect of Buckland Mills. The school enjoys a very active Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) which plans such events as Movie Night, Family Bingo, and Mystery Scoopers at Cold Stone Creamery. Our Buckland Mills Advisory Council (BMAC) helps combine all the efforts of the community into our school decision making process. Parents are welcome to come in at any time to volunteer or observe in the classroom. A coordinator keeps everyone busy in the volunteer room making copies, student manipulatives, or classroom projects. Parents and community members also serve as instructional volunteers, working one-on-one with students who need a little extra attention. Parent informational evenings on various topics of interest are scheduled throughout the year.
At Buckland Mills, the use of technology on a daily basis sets us apart. Every classroom in the building contains a 72” touch screen Smart Board with ceiling projector. Two mobile computer labs are also utilized throughout the building. The technology is put to good use by our exceptional parents, students, and teachers that are committed to learning every day. Our motto describes it best: “Every minute counts and every child matters.”
Web Page Revised 1/31/07
Copyright © 2006, Prince William County Schools. All rights reserved.
