Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology

Cora Kelly School

Grades PreK - 5
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

3600 Commonwealth Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22305
Phone: 703-706-4420
Fax: 703-706-4425
Voice Mail: 703-706-4449
Map + Directions

Principal:
Brandon Davis

Web Page:
www.acps.k12.va.us/kelly/

Introduction

Cora Kelly School is located in the northeast section of Alexandria. Cora Kelly offers exciting and challenging instructional programs. As a science, technology, engineering and mathematics focus school, we believe that literacy is the gateway to success in every curriculum area. All classroom teachers, specialists, and resource teachers participate in the school's focus through integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics during all parts of the school day.

School Faculty

Number of Teachers: 46
With post-graduate degrees: 75%

Demographics

Enrollment (as of 9/2011): 353 students

  • African American: 37%
  • Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian: 3%
  • Hispanic: 51%
  • White: 9%
  • Unspecified: 1%

Meal Program

Alexandria students may receive free or reduced priced meals if their family income meets eligibility requirements. For more information on our meal programs, visit the Food and Nutrition Services section of our Web site.

Cora Kelly Mission Statement

Cora Kelly School is a learning community where everyone actively engages in rigorous experiences that inspire a lifelong passion for knowledge with emphasis in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Belief Statements

We believe:

  • Instruction that focuses on literacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will lead our students to become productive members of society.
  • Language mastery is the foundation for success in all subject areas.
  • Individuals can develop habits of mind that lead them to become lifelong learners.
  • Our students have the ability to excel academically and learn at high rates.
  • A diverse community enriches students' academic and social development.
  • Our community includes staff, students, parents, neighbors, and surrounding businesses.

As a Focus School for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics we:

  • Immerse students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics content and skills every day.
  • Offer instruction in specialized math, science, and computer labs to support and enrich classroom instruction.
  • Challenge our students with rigorous instruction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
  • Employ a wide variety of instructional techniques.
  • Integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics topics to enrich all areas of instruction.
  • Implement cross-curricular lessons in our outdoor classroom, the Habitat.
  • Provide enrichment activities and after school clubs for students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
  • Hold an annual Scimatech (Science, Math, and Technology) Fair to share the achievements of our students.

Academic Curriculum

Cora Kelly follows the curriculum of the Alexandria City Public Schools. Instruction is offered in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, technology, health and family life education, as well as art, music, band, orchestra and physical education. Cora Kelly has primary and intermediate math and science labs and a computer lab which all students attend.

Students are offered the following learning opportunities at Cora Kelly:

  • primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) mathematics laboratory programs
  • primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5) science laboratory programs
  • computer technology laboratory program
  • art instruction by a certified art teacher
  • vocal music instruction with a certified music teacher
  • band and orchestra beginning at grade 4
  • talented and gifted (TAG) program
  • after-school programs (SOL remediation, choral music, Scimatech Explorers, Technology Leaders, Sisters in Science, etc.)
  • family life education at levels appropriate to the child's age
  • English as a second language (ESL)
  • special education programs
  • instructional support from trained staff in math, reading, science, etc.

Math Labs

The Math Labs at Cora Kelly provide an opportunity for children to use hands-on materials to investigate mathematical concepts and participate in math games and other challenging activities.

  • Lab lessons reinforce and extend what is taught in the classroom.
  • Students participate in small groups at centers exploring math concepts with manipulatives, computer activities, and math games.
  • Math Lab Specialists collaborate with and coach classroom teachers to support student learning.

Science Labs

Cora Kelly Computer Lab The Science Labs provide students an opportunity to develop their science literacy through experiments, games, skits, guided discovery, specimen observations, and other challenging activities.

  • Lab lessons reinforce and extend what is taught in the classroom.
  • Students participate in a variety of activities which allow them to develop scientific skills and acquire science content knowledge.
  • Science Lab Specialists collaborate with and coach classroom teachers to support student learning.

Computer Lab

The computer lab is a place for students to learn computer skills, including keyboarding, Internet safety, computer research, and development of multimedia projects.

  • Lab lessons reinforce and extend what is taught in the classroom.
  • Students participate in a variety of activities which allow them to develop technology skills.
  • The Computer Lab Specialist collaborates with classroom teachers to support student learning.

The Habitat

The Habitat is an outdoor classroom, located in the school courtyard, that allows our students to observe ecosystems.

  • The Habitat is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat.
  • Students can explore a small pond, over 100 species of plants, birds, turtles, frogs, fish, and insects.
  • All areas of the curriculum are enhanced by Habitat activities.

Technology

The Alexandria School System launched a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative to bring the latest in technologies into the classroom, including computers, telephones, multimedia, Internet and CD-ROM research capabilities. Each classroom, including TAG, LD, science labs, mathematics labs, art, and music, is equipped with computers and large screen television for use during large group instruction. Many classrooms also have document cameras and projectors for use in instruction. The computer lab is equipped with 24 PC computers and a Smartboard. A full-time teacher provides instruction in the computer lab that integrates technology with regular classroom activities. The math labs share 24 PC computers, using a variety of math software to reinforce lab activities. A wireless mobile lab with 20 laptops is available for teachers to use with students for classroom activities. Teachers also have access to multiple camcorders and digital cameras for capturing classroom projects and activities. Additionally, students receive academic enrichment through the SuccessMaker computer-based instruction program. The program is aligned with state SOL standards and provides assessment data for teachers to design instruction for students. We are fortunate to have 120 PC laptops to support this learning initiative.

Cora Kelly Computer Lab Students also have online access to the Accelerated Reader, First In Math, Everyday Mathematics Online, Study Island, Kid Biz, SOL Pass, and Brain Pop Web-based programs. Students have access to word processing software, PowerPoint, Digital Storytelling software, movie making software, Excel, HyperStudio, Timeliner, and many other software tools to increase their technological skills and enhance instruction.

Through our school-wide LAN, staff members can share resources, communicate via e-mail and access the library's catalog system. The LAN also allows students and staff continuous access to the Internet. The Cora Kelly library operates a fully automated system which can be accessed from the classroom or from computer workstations located in the library. With video editing software, teachers and students have the ability to create professional quality videos to enhance instruction.

Awards and Honors

  • Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
  • Student Leadership Assembly
  • Student Recognition and Awards Assembly
  • 5th Grade Progression Ceremony and "Clap Out"

Other School Programs

  • 4-H Club
  • Academically focused and enrichment classes
  • Character Counts Program
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Peer Mediation Program
  • Safety Patrols
  • Student Council Association
  • School Recycling and Composting Programs
  • Sisters In Science
  • Scimatech Explorers Program

Special Academic Programs

  • Integrated Curriculum
  • Music Program - Orchestra, Band, Chorus
  • SuccessMaker (grades K-5)
  • Talented and Gifted Program
  • Title I Reading

Community Programs

  • Annual Grandparents Day
  • Community Garden Plots
  • Cora Kelly Recreation Center
  • Parent/Principal Breakfast

Business and Community Partners

  • Alexandria Toyota
  • Barnes and Noble Booksellers
  • Long and Foster Tutors
  • Chief Adams of the Alexandria Fire Department
  • Target (Potomac Yard)

Special Events

  • Science, Math and Technology Fair (SCIMATECH)
  • African American History Month
  • Back-to-School Night
  • Book Fair (PTA sponsored)
  • Constitution Day
  • Grandparents Day
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • International Night
  • Parent/Principal Breakfasts
  • Read Across America Day
  • RIF Day (three per year)
  • Spring Concert (Choir and Band/Orchestra)
  • Winter Concert
  • Have Lunch with Your Child Day

Cora Kelly School is fully accredited. To learn more, review the Virginia School Report Card (PDF) on the Virginia Department of Education Web site or review recent Test Scores.