Programs At Daniels Run Elementary
Advanced Academics
Daniels Run is committed to providing challenging learning experiences for all learners that build on individual strengths and optimize academic potential. In order to meet the needs and develop the potential of advanced learners, advanced academic services are provided at varying levels of intensity.
Level I: Both classroom and resource teachers alike teach Critical and Creative Thinking lessons to all Daniels Run students. These lessons are designed to enrich and extend the FCPS Program of Studies (POS) and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL). K-6
Level II: Students who exhibit a need for additional challenge in an area of academic strength are considered for Differentiated Services within the classroom. These services are specifically planned for the identified child to provide more challenging content, assignments, resources and/or instructional grouping within the classroom. The Advanced Academic Resource Teacher collaborates with the classroom and resource teachers to provide additional challenges and resources within the general education program. K-6
Level III: Students identified for school-based services receive direct services from the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher either in a pull-out program or through small-group interaction within the general education classroom. The Advanced Academic Resource Teacher collaborates with classroom teachers to design differentiated lessons that challenge students to learn at a faster rate, think on a higher level, and/or study sophisticated and complex content through extensions of the FCPS Program of Studies. 3-6
Young Scholars: YS is designed to find and nurture advanced academic potential in students from historically underrepresented populations. Curricular interventions and support are provided through the collaboration of the classroom teacher and the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher. As students progress through elementary and secondary school, continuing support and opportunities for accessing rigorous coursework are provided by school staff. K-6
Furthermore, the FCPS AAP website (http://www.fcps.edu/academics/index.shtml) is an exceptionally clear and detailed resource which will undoubtedly answer many of your questions.
Counseling
The school counseling program addresses the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students and prepares them to be responsible citizens and life long learners. This is implemented in collaboration with teachers and parents, through individual and group student counseling, parent and teacher consultation, and classroom lessons to promote positive student adjustment, and to assist in maximizing each student’s potential.
Wayne Price, School Counselor, works with all K, 1st and 2nd grade classrooms as well as with the 3rd grade students in the classrooms of Ms. Dull and Ms. Litz. He is available M-F, 8:30-4. 703-279-8439.
Carole Mullarkey, School Counselor, works with all of the 4th, 5th and 6th grade classrooms as well as with the 3rd grade students in the classrooms of Ms. Ybarra & Ms. Rucker. She is at the school on M, W, Th & F, 8:30-4. 703-279-8413.
We look forward to working with your students’ this year.
ESOL
In the ESOL program our goal is to develop the English proficiency of our students and enhance their academic achievement. Our focus is to expand their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. We primarily work with students in language arts while integrating content and academic vocabulary. In addition, we collaborate with classroom teachers to help each student succeed. ESOL support will vary depending on each student’s needs.
Math Resource
The Math Technology Resource Lab is outfitted with 28 new student laptops, an interactive whiteboard, and a variety of software, manipulatives, and storybooks that help teachers bring the math curriculum to life for students. Classes visit the lab throughout the year to do special integrated projects and lessons, often with a technology focus. Mrs. Ray, The Math Technology Resource Teacher, also works with students in their classrooms and in small groups to enhance math instruction.
Music
Each student at DRES has music twice a week. Students sing, play instruments, dance, respond to music with movement, improvise, and compose. Our vision is to build a school community in which the power of music heals, humanizes, and enriches the lives of our students.
Physical Education
The primary emphasis of the elementary physical education program is fitness, movement exploration, primary skill acquisition and development of a life- long activity interest.
Psychology
School Psychologists provide a full range of prevention and intervention services that support the mental health and learning potential of students. This includes the provision of evaluation of students and consultation with students, staff and families of the school community.
Science Technology
Every student at Daniels Run visits the science technology lab, equipped with a Smartboard and 29 laptops, to do hands-on, inquiry-based activities to support the VA Science Standards of Learning. We also have a courtyard vegetable/herb garden to address the Life Science SOL’s along with an extensive outdoor area we call the Living Classroom, including a pollinator garden, sponge garden, constructed wetland and much more, to support our environmental education program. Daniels Run is a Virginia Naturally School and a Bronze Award Eco-School through the Eco-Schools USA program sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation.
Speech
The focus of speech-language pathologists in our schools is to facilitate the development of effective and efficient communication skills so that students may participate as fully as possible in educational, social, and vocational interactions. Working as members of school-based teams, the speech-language pathologist participates in the prevention, identification, assessment, evaluation, eligibility determination, treatment plan development, and treatment management of those students with disorders in the areas of speech and/or language. Speech-language services are designed and delivered in a variety of ways across multiple settings to best meet the individual student’s needs. Decisions regarding particular service delivery models are based on a variety of factors including the type and/or severity of the weakness, its impact on the student’s ability to access the curriculum and/or effectively navigate through meaningful social interactions, and integration of services with educational experiences.
Testing Coordinator
A testing coordinator works with staff to schedule and carry out all school-wide group testing. The support teachers in analyzing test data, developing interventions for students and gathering portfolio evidence for VGLA binders.