Our School

We build relationships to encourage, inspire, and empower our students to meet the challenges of today and to foster the love of learning.

We are dedicated to nurturing an inclusive environment to ensure engaging, student-centered learning resulting in confident, independent learners.

We believe in a collaborative community in which teachers, administrators, students, and parents work together for student success.

We believe in creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment in which all students can strive for excellence and achieve their individual potential.

We believe we will prepare our students for success by providing 21st century learning and developing within our students critical thinking, effective communications and problem solving skills.

We love our students at Birdneck Elementary School!

Our Birdneck Family is over 700 students and comes to us from single-family homes, government-subsidized housing, two campgrounds, and military housing. Most recent test results show Birdneck continues to be in the "fully accredited" status as measured by the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments taken by our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.

Our highly supportive PTA enriches the learning opportunities for our students by funding family oriented activities and enriching educational programs. We are privileged to have parent, community, and military volunteers who take time out of their busy days to come to Birdneck and work with children and staff. All of these factors combine to provide our students a 21st Century focused education in a safe, positive, and academic challenging environment.

The programs of educational service at Birdneck include: preschool speech, a preschool Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for eligible students, and a differentiated kindergarten through fifth grade academic curriculum. We have the privilege of working with students who are identified as special education students and exceptional under the following classifications: Speech and Language Impaired, Learning Disabled, Emotionally Disabled, Intellectually Disabled, Other Health Impaired, as well as Gifted.

The Birdneck Family enjoys and nurtures a rich blend of ethnic diversity. Approximately 50% of our student population is categorized as a member of an ethnic minority, and about 70% of our students qualify for the federal free and reduced meals program. To meet the needs of our children, we offer a team-teaching model in grades 3-5 which allows teachers to become specialized in their subjects. One teacher will teach the subjects associated with language arts and the other teacher will teach math, science, and social studies. Our experienced, highly qualified staff is committed to exploring student talents and maintaining educational excellence in meeting the 21st Century needs of our students.

Birdneck is qualified to participate in a School Wide Title I program which provides students additional specialized support. Through the Federal funds provided under the Title I, Birdneck offers three programs that assist students in reaching their full potential as a 21st Century learner.

• Title I offers a full day kindergarten program that provides additional time and opportunity for academic reinforcement or enrichment, as well as positive social interactions.
• The Title I Reading Resource and Math Coaching Programs provide additional assistance and support in Language Arts and Math for students and teachers.
• Title I funds to support additional academic materials and technology in support of meeting the needs of our children in the areas of literacy and mathematics.

Birdneck was the recipient of a three year Military Connected Academic and Support Program (MCASP) Grant awarded from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA). With over 60% of our students being military dependents, this grant helps support transitions and challenges associated being part of a military family. This grant provides support the social-emotional needs of our children allowing us to also focus on their academic success. This grant also provides funding for supporting STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) initiatives for teachers and students as well as providing guidance counselor services to focus on the military parent needs.

There are several unique programs found at Birdneck:

• Thanks to the MCASP Grant, we sponsor a 5th grade after-school "STEM Robotic Club." Students construct robots by building the circuit boards, constructing the robots, then designing and programing them to complete a challenging task. This year our club made six (6) robots and successfully competed in a regional competition. Volunteers are needed for this program to grow for our children.
• This year we will be starting an after-school LEGO Robotic Club for students in 3rd and 4th grades. We held LEGO Robotic camps this summer and are making plans for the new program this school year. Volunteers are needed for this program to grow for our children.
• The Tidewater United Jewish Federation provides volunteers each week for an award-winning tutoring/mentoring program known as BE A Reader or "BEAR." These volunteers work with selected 2nd grade students for the entire school year. This program has been a meaningful experience for both the student and the mentor.
• Birdneck is also proud of its multicultural chorale, "The Voices of Tomorrow." This K-5 chorale that is sponsored by staff and parents has participated in programs throughout Tidewater including presentations for U.S. Navy at Dam Neck, Oceana Naval base, and the Norfolk International Airport.
• Thank you for taking the time to read about our school. To better understand how Birdneck meet your child's need please come and meet our office staff, teachers, and administrators