See how we Build, Empower, and Succeed at Bucknell!

10 Reasons Bucknell Stands Out

Bucknell Elementary School provides a high-quality, inclusive education for students in grades PreK-6, with diverse programs like advanced academics, special education, and extracurriculars to meet each student's needs. They foster a strong community through family events and prioritize environmental sustainability with tree-planting and recycling initiatives. Bucknell prepares students for future success through strong academics, character development, and a supportive learning environment.

Fostering Academic Excellence Through High Pass Rates

In the 2023-2024 school year, Bucknell students had a 91% pass rate in Reading, 88% pass rate in Math, and 79% pass rate in Science,  at Bucknell Elementary School demonstrating the school's commitment to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for future success.

Offering a Diverse and Engaging Educational Experience

Bucknell Elementary School provides a comprehensive educational experience tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of our students. Our rich academic offerings include:

• Advanced Academic and Young Scholars programs for high-achieving learners
• Early Childhood Special Education services to support students with unique learning styles
• Teacher-led Afterschool Clubs and a Robotics Club to foster creativity and problem-solving skills
• A STEAM Lab for grades K-6th, promoting exploration in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics
• Student-led initiatives such as a morning news show, school-wide morning meetings, and the Student Council Association
• Extracurricular opportunities like Science Olympiad and Young Scholars to enrich the learning experience. 

Celebrating Educational Excellence and Innovation

Bucknell Elementary School is proud to announce its recent achievements in educational excellence:

2023 New Principal of the Year: Our school is honored to have its principal recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication.

• 2024 Principal Commending Resolution from the General Assembly: The General Assembly has formally acknowledged our principal's contributions to the community and education.
• New Teacher of the Year FCPS 2021: Amelia Carr, one of our talented educators was named New Teacher of the Year for Fairfax County Public Schools in 2021.
• New Teacher of the Year Pyramid: Our school has a history of producing exceptional new teachers, as evidenced by multiple recipients of the New Teacher of the Year award.
• Literacy Symposium Spotlight Presenters: Our faculty members have been invited to share their expertise at literacy symposiums, demonstrating our commitment to innovative teaching practices.

These recognitions highlight Bucknell Elementary School's commitment to providing a high-quality education for our students and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Fostering a Strong Sense of Community through Engaging Activities

Bucknell Elementary School is renowned for its strong sense of community, where teachers, staff, and families collaborate to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all. Our engagement activities foster a sense of belonging and connection:

• Shoes that Fit: Providing students with proper footwear to enhance their comfort and academic performance
• PTA: A dedicated parent-teacher organization that organizes events, fundraisers, and volunteers to support the school
• Whole School Field Trip: Annual field trips that bring the entire school together for memorable experiences
• Free Family Food Market Monthly: A monthly food distribution event to ensure families have access to nutritious meals. 
• As a Community Eligibility Provision school, all students at Bucknell receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day at no charge. 
• Back2Bucknell: A program to welcome new families to the school community
• Welcome Walks: Guided tours for new families to familiarize themselves with the school grounds and resources
• Bucky’s Big Night Out: A fun-filled evening event for the entire school community
• Fall Funtacular: A seasonal celebration with games, activities, and food
• SEPTA: A special education support group hosted by the PTA that offers resources, advocacy, and a supportive community for families of students with disabilities.
• Parent Science Night: A hands-on event for parents to explore science concepts with their children
• Family Spotlight Series: A series of workshops highlighting literacy, math, and special subject areas
• Parent Coffee with Administrators: Informal gatherings for parents to connect with school leaders and discuss important topics

These activities are just a few examples of how we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our school community. 

Cultivating a Vibrant and Inclusive Learning Community

At Bucknell Elementary School, we cultivate a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where every student thrives.  Our foundation is the Responsive Classroom approach, fostering social-emotional learning and a strong sense of community.  Student-led Schoolwide Morning Meetings empower student voices and build connections, while Staff Morning Meetings nurture collaboration and provide ongoing professional development.  Our BARKS expectations – Be Brave, Accountable, Responsible, Kind, and Safe – guide our interactions and create a positive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and respected.

Envisioning a Future-Ready Learning Environment

To enhance the educational experience and overall well-being of our students, we have embarked on a comprehensive plan to revise school facilities and resources. Our goal is to create a more engaging, equitable, and supportive learning environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Key initiatives include:

• K-6th Grade STEAM Lab: Equipping the lab with state-of-the-art technology and materials to promote hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
• ThinkABit Lab: Creating a dedicated space for computational thinking and coding, providing students with opportunities to develop essential skills for the digital age.
• Community Garden: Establishing a sustainable garden to teach students about gardening, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.
• PreK and K-6th Playground: Designing a safe and inclusive playground that promotes physical activity and social development for all students.
• Two Fairfax County Baseball Fields: Securing exclusive use of two nearby baseball fields to provide opportunities for athletic development and team sports.
• Accessibility: Ensure that all facilities and resources are accessible to students with disabilities, in compliance with relevant regulations.
• Maintenance: Allocate adequate funds for ongoing maintenance and upkeep of facilities to ensure their long-term viability.
• Collaboration: Partner with community organizations, businesses, and parents to support facility enhancements and provide additional resources.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Regularly assess the effectiveness of these facilities and resources to inform future improvements and ensure they meet the needs of students and the community.

By implementing these enhancements, we are committed to providing our students with the resources and facilities they need to succeed academically and personally.

Empowering Students for College and Career Success

Our elementary school is committed to preparing students for college and career success. Through AVID, we're fostering essential skills like organization, time management, and collaboration. Our Career and College Spotlights provide students with valuable insights into various professions, helping them explore their interests and make informed decisions. Additionally, our guest speakers from diverse fields offer real-world perspectives, inspiring students and demonstrating the practical applications of their education. By combining these initiatives, we're creating a supportive and engaging environment that empowers our students to achieve their goals.

Teachers at Bucknell, including Tara Klibansky, seamlessly integrate Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills like communication and critical thinking into their daily lessons, fostering well-rounded individuals ready for success beyond the classroom.

A Legacy of Excellence in Education

Teachers and staff at Bucknell are committed to providing high-quality education, with several recognized for their excellence in teaching and their ability to create a positive learning environment. 

Multiple teachers who attended Bucknell now teach here:

Geonel Lewis: I attended Bucknell from 2nd-6th grade as well as my 3 other siblings, my oldest daughter who is now a freshman at LSU, and now my younger 3 daughters! Bucknell has ALWAYS felt so family-oriented. I am so honored to not have only been able to attend Bucknell but to continue my love for children and be able to step foot in the same doors that have made me who I am today! #onceabulldogalwaysabulldog 😊

Teasha Lynch: Bucknell has a core value that was a guiding light throughout my life. That value is and has always been a commitment to quality education, while providing an environment that supports individual kids and families. The community has always been very close, and always taken care of one another. Working in this building has brought me right back to the reason I fell in LOVE with Bucknell. The teachers and principals care about the children and staff, and to be honest the building feels like home. Not only am I working in the building, but my 1st-grade son is here as well. Watching daily how my son has grown and thrived while at Bucknell building makes me PROUD to be an alumnus, teacher, and parent. 

Parys Newton: I love working at my alma mater because I get a chance to impact student's life in a positive way, as it was done for me when I attended Bucknell ES.

Vanessa Castro: I was a student at Bucknell ES from 2006-2008, and I was blown away by how supportive Bucknell’s staff was to my family as we were going through a difficult time. That time in my life inspired me to come back to Bucknell to give back to the community.

Ensuring Academic Success for All Students Through Targeted Support and Resources

As a Title 1 school, Bucknell provides targeted support and resources to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive academically.

Additionally, we have an intervention Block in which all students K-6th grade get intervention or enrichment based on what they need. We strategically utilize our teachers, interventionists, high-impact tutors, multilingual language teachers, special education teachers, and coaches to support this block of time to ensure that all students get what they need.

Bucknell Elementary Earns Get2Green Recognition for Environmental Sustainability

Bucknell Elementary earned a Get2Green recognition for its partnership with Casey Trees, a nonprofit dedicated to planting and caring for trees in Washington, D.C. The school developed a tree-planting plan and educated students about the importance of trees and the environment. Bucknell also started a recycling program to reduce waste and promote sustainability. This recognition honors schools committed to environmental sustainability. The school has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Green Flag school. 

Join Bucknell Elementary and become part of a vibrant, supportive community dedicated to fostering academic excellence and future-ready skills.  With innovative programs, dedicated staff, and a focus on whole-child development, Bucknell provides an enriching and exciting learning experience for every student!