Welcome to Aldrin Elementary School, where every member of our diverse community is valued and supported in their journey of learning and growth. At Aldrin, we envision an educational environment where all students receive an equitable and enriched education.

Welcoming Learning Environment

Aldrin Elementary School is a welcoming and inclusive school where all students thrive. We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment that celebrates diversity and individuality. Our focus extends beyond academic achievement to nurture students' social and emotional well-being. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and personalized learning, we empower every student to reach their full potential. Aldrin is a place where everyone belongs, and everyone succeeds.  We embody our motto in all that we do: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.

Green Team: Making a Difference, One Seed at a Time.

Our Green Team is committed to fostering a sustainable future. We're working hard to:

• Grow our own food: From garden plots to aeroponic towers, we're cultivating fresh, healthy produce.
• Protect our pollinators: Our pollinator gardens provide essential habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Restore our waterways: We're raising river grass to revitalize Chesapeake Bay shorelines and releasing trout into local streams.
• Reduce waste: Our lunchroom composting program diverts food waste from landfills, and our "Trash or Treat" campaign encourages responsible candy disposal.
• Educate the next generation: Our outdoor spaces and educational kits inspire students to become environmental stewards. Aldrin has two outdoor learning spaces along with a community garden and pollination meadow/rain garden. These spaces offer hands-on learning opportunities and exploration.  Students are provided engaging, enriching, and holistic educational experiences.

STEAM/Computer Science(CS) 

Aldrin is excited to offer a variety of engaging STEAM/CS activities to inspire creativity and critical thinking. Our program focuses on hands-on learning and real-world applications. Join us to ignite your passion for STEAM/CS!

Key Activities:

• 3D Printing: Students design and print 3D models using TinkerCAD and Makerbot printers.
• Ozobot Coding: Learn the basics of coding by programming Ozobots with color codes.
• Minecraft Education: Explore coding, engineering, and other subjects in the immersive world of Minecraft.
• Micro:bit Programming: Code and customize Micro:bit mini computers using block coding.
• Engineering Design Projects: Apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems aligned with the curriculum.

Brightspot Partnership

Our long standing business partner, Brightspot, is a gift to our school community.  You can find them mentoring fifth grade students in math, serving as mentors to students who need a trusted adult in their lives, generously giving  their time during Aldrin Beautification Day, and donating backpacks and bicycles at the beginning of each school year.  A software company devoted to digital content development, Brightspot was founded with giving back to the community at its core.  Their employees work selflessly to join hand-in-hand with our staff to bring joy to our Aldrin Community. 

CHATT (Children and Teachers Talking)

The CHATT (Children and Teachers Talking) mentorship program has been helping Aldrin students for the last ten years.  The program is designed to match children who need a trusted adult in their lives with a staff member who can devote time to helping support the child’s social/emotional health.  Over 50 children have CHATT buddies this year  and staff members in every job category across the school participate.  CHATT buddies are requested by parents, staff members, and the children themselves and it is not unusual to see CHATT buddies who are paired in kindergarten, continue through sixth grade and beyond.  The program is dedicated to focusing on relationships and we believe that relationships are the key to a child’s success at school.  Children with a CHATT buddy want to come to school, and this program supports and contributes to our success in increased attendance.  Every child has a story and every adult commits to listening and valuing that story.

Aldrin Reads

Each Fall and Spring, Aldrin hosts the much-anticipated Aldrin Reads event. We bring a selection of new and gently used books, along with essential items like coats, hygiene products, pencils, backpacks, and more, to a local neighborhood.

Our dedicated staff members are on hand to help students choose books that are just right for them and to foster a stronger connection between school and home. Held on a Saturday morning, this event is made possible by the generous donations of our community members and staff.

Aldrin Reads is more than just a book distribution; it's an opportunity to embody the Aldrin mission: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. 

Culture and Heritage Night

With an emphasis on celebrating and honoring the various cultures that make up our diverse community, Cultural and Heritage Night is an opportunity for students and parents to share information about their home country.  A fun-filled event with food, singing and dancing performances, and creative displays, the evening pays homage to what makes Aldrin so special and is extremely well attended.  Our families take special pride in helping us learn that each of us is an integral part of our school community.

Nike, The Aldrin Therapy Dog

Our current furry friend, Nike, a charming Havapoo, visits weekly with his dedicated handler, Linda. With his personalized FCPS badge proudly displayed, Nike's schedule is always full. He roams the classrooms, lending a paw to reading, homework, and academic lessons. Even when he's off-schedule, staff members eagerly seek his calming presence. Nike's ability to listen without judgment, offering a trusting paw to all, creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere throughout the school.

Empowering Advanced Academic Learning

Local Level AAP
Aldrin has what is called a Local Full-Time Advanced Academic Program. That means that students who are found county eligible for Full Time AAP services can choose to either attend a Full-Time AAP Center School or remain at Aldrin, their neighborhood school, with their siblings, friends, and familiar teachers. Starting in 3^rd grade, there is one AAP class per grade level that is comprised of students receiving both full and part time services. The grade level standards are augmented with additional rigor through enriching experiences and AAP Curriculum in all subject areas.  

Math Olympiads 
Aldrin participates in Math Olympiad, an international math competition program that teaches multiple strategies for divergent thinking in problem solving, mathematical fluency and flexibility, and mathematical creativity and ingenuity. The questions are VERY challenging! We compete against over 120,000 students in 5 different “meets” over the course of the school year. Practice sessions (often with real Mathematicians) are offered before school and practice problems are integrated into our mathematics classes. Our 5^th and 6^th Grade Advanced Math Classes participate in their entirety and all students in grades 4-6 are welcome to join as well!

Young Scholars Robotics
Using the SPIKE programming software, students tackle authentic challenges, such as designing a water-crossing vehicle or making amusement park rides more accessible. They construct prototypes with Lego bricks and then bring them to life with code, controlling movement, lights, sounds, and speed. By applying the Engineering Design Process, students iterate on their designs to achieve optimal solutions. This hands-on experience fosters a range of essential skills in a fun and rewarding way.

Literacy Night

In keeping with the Aldrin commitment to family engagement,  we are honored to partner with our local community to host Literacy Night. This evening event is dedicated to offering parents and their children an opportunity to interact with and learn about  our robust reading curriculum.  Parents learn how they can help their children with reading, children are able to participate in reading activities around the school, and each child leaves with a free book.  Especially meaningful is our commitment to involve parents who may not have transportation to attend Literacy Night.  Free bus transportation is available  to parents and students as the evening begins with a session specifically devoted to our Multilingual Learner families.