Principal's Message

Ensuring that our children receive the best education possible is a priority for every parent. Residents of Fairfax County are fortunate to have the resources of one of the best school systems in the country to help them achieve that goal.

Sunrise Valley Elementary School, located in the community of Reston, is founded on providing students a strong instructional program that enables them to become independent learners and problem solvers. Our students become readers and writers able to use these tools for reflection, learning, and enjoyment. Mathematically, our students not only learn to compute efficiently and effectively, they learn to use their mathematical understanding to solve real world problems. In science, teachers foster curiosity about the world in which we leave, helping students to understand experimental design and learn how to find answers to their many questions. Social studies is designed to help students build background knowledge, encourage historical thinking, learn about world cultures, and make connections between past and present.

Technology serves as a tool to facilitate learning. Students have access to classroom computers, 20 interactive Smart Boards, a computer lab for whole class instruction, and five mobile labs with wireless laptops. The visual and performing arts programs are integral to our instructional program, and students in each grade level have an opportunity to perform and display their talent. The media center is literally and figuratively at the center of SVES and serves as a valuable resource for all students. Children are recognized for community service, encouraged to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, and all sixth grade students assume important leadership responsibilities throughout the school. Three years ago, SVES became an FCPS Focus School for Habits of Mind.

Sunrise Valley ES and Marymount University are entering their 14th year of partnership. Each year future elementary educators spend time at SVES teaching and learning alongside veteran teachers as they take courses towards their Masters Degree. Interns provide an opportunity for staff members to keep abreast of best instructional practices and to reflect on the learning of our students.

The SVES community maintains high expectations for all students. Parents volunteer in all aspects of the school. Milestone Comunication serves as one of our business partners and provides opportunities for students to become stewards of the environment and the welfare of others. Milestone Communication provides our students with opportunities to visit the Wetlands in Reston, work with local arborists, attend assemblies focused on the environment, and participate in an annual walkathon for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Cardinal Bank is another partner, who sponsors Sunrise Valley Savings, which is run by fifth grade students.

We are a collaborative community of learners in which teachers, students, and parents learn together to provide opportunities for high academic achievement, personal success, and the development of character. We believe that all students learn from their strengths and work to provide all students with opportunities to recognize their gifts and talents and feel successful. We strive to meet the needs of a diverse population of students to include Special Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Gifted and Talented, and children with severe to moderately severe disabilities. As a community school, to the greatest extent possible, we attempt to offer all children enriching and engaging learning opportunities with their peers. As a result, we value collaboration over competition.

Hand in Hand with the Community: We form a circle in which all children shine

-- Dr. Elizabeth English
Principal, Sunrise Valley Elementary School