Kerrydale Elementary School
13199 Kerrydale Rd.
Woodbridge, VA 22193
Kerrydale Elementary School Web Site
Phone: 703.590.1262
Date Opened: October 1973
Principal: Anthony W. Leonard
Assistant Principal: Betty Ann Williams
Number of students: 520
Number of teachers: 37
School Colors: Red and White
School Mascot: Cardinal (picture)
School Motto: "Keeping Everyone Successful"
Built in 1972, Kerrydale operated for several months as a sixth grade Annex for Godwin Middle School students. (An interesting bit of trivia: Mrs. Sigler, currently a first grade teacher at Kerrydale, attended the school as a sixth grade student that year.) Kerrydale opened as an elementary school on a year-round schedule in October of 1973 with a staff of twelve teachers and an enrollment of 500 students. The school's enrollment reached a high of 1,100 students in 1976.
Kerrydale's students reside in Dale City. Its boundaries encompass the "H" section and part of the "K" section.
ESOL: In the halls of Kerrydale, one can hear children speaking Spanish, Urdu, Cambodian and a number of other languages native to its diverse student population. Kerrydale is now the home of an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, with a current enrollment of twenty-three children from seven different countries.
SPOT Reading Program: This year, first and second grade classes at Kerrydale can participate in SPOT (A Course to Support the Practice of Reading and Writing Theory), a primary reading program. The goal of the SPOT program is maximum reading progress for every child. SPOT instruction is based on the latest brain research about how children learn, use and retain information. It focuses on guided reading instruction using books of increasing difficulty and requires on-going individualized assessment.
Reading Programs: At the end of each school year, Kerrydale top readers in the Accelerated Reader Program are rewarded by a visit from a special guest. Disk jockey John Nolan, from radio station Z104, awards certificates and prizes and surprises all in attendance with entertainment and gifts. Best of all, he records student interviews and plays them on the radio. Students at Kerrydale work very hard to be invited to this special assembly.
New at Kerrydale last year was the Reading Wall of Fame; a huge bulletin board display at the front of the school. The Wall celebrates superior student achievement in the Accelerated Reader program. Each month, a photograph of the top reader in each grade level is displayed on a large star. Others are recognized with postings of their names and points. The chance to be recognized on the Wall of Fame really encourages boys and girls to read.
Kerrydale has an active PTA that works hand-in-hand with administration and staff. Each year the PTA organizes parent volunteers for every aspect of the school program and many of those volunteers can be seen at Kerrydale on a daily basis. Some of the programs sponsored by the PTA include a Fall Festival, Holiday Gift Shop and Family Technology Night. The PTA also sponsors Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and a Chess Club. Beginning this year, Kerrydale will also offer a Music Club, a Book Club and a Computer Club. Each year the PTA offers programs to help educate parents and children. Last year it sponsored a Family Math Night and a three-part speaker series on violence prevention based on a National PTA publication called "Safeguarding Your Children." Plans for this year include a STEP class and a Health Fair.
Kerrydale's Mentoring Program: The "BIG PLUS: Little Plus" mentoring program has been very successful in recruiting senior citizens and parents to provide support and encouragement to Kerrydale students. The school has also formed a mentoring partnership with students from the Gar-Field High School DREAMS program. Last year the DREAMS mentors met with Kerrydale students often during the year. They also participated in activities such as bowling, ice skating and sharing special dinners with Kerrydale students The DREAMS students have a positive influence on the students at Kerrydale, with whom they develop a wonderful one-to-one partnership.
Kerrydale is an "open" concept school, which means that it has few walled classrooms. This "open" design encourages teachers to work together and helps to foster an awesome team sense among our students, as well as our teachers. The design also enables teachers to change the shape and design of their classrooms based on learning activities and the needs of the students.
Kerrydale Elementary School's mission is to develop productive life-long learners through appropriate instruction and encourage each child to reach his or her fullest potential academically, socially, emotionally and physically in a disciplined environment. Kerrydale develops life-long learners who think creatively and critically, and use problem-solving skills so that all of its students are successful.
Editor: B. Fahy
Revised: 11/02/06
Copyright © 2006, Prince William County Schools. All rights reserved.
