Virginia SJ 376: Commending Washington Mill Elementary School.

Bill Text

2023SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATEJOINTRESOLUTIONNO.376
Commending Washington Mill Elementary School.
AgreedtobytheSenate,February21,2023
AgreedtobytheHouseofDelegates,February22,2023
WHEREAS, in 2023, Washington Mill Elementary School in Alexandria will proudly celebrate 60
years of providing a quality education to its students from its current building; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School, built on land once owned by George Washington
and officially located in the backyard of Mount Vernon, is equally proud of its past, present, and future;
and
WHEREAS, the land where George Washington once walked continues to serve as a farm, and
Washington Mill Elementary School draws upon its close proximity for inspiration as it plants the seeds
of a solid education for its students; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School began with an initial school enrollment of
approximately 250 community students in grades one through six and today has an enrollment of 550
students; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School underwent a large renovation in 1996 to add an
additional hallway, and in 2007, it also added a 10-room modular facility in response to the rapid
growth of the community; and
WHEREAS, as schools across the nation also began to implement full-day kindergarten, Washington
Mill Elementary School began offering full-day kindergarten classes in the 2003-2004 school year; and
WHEREAS, over the years, Washington Mill Elementary School continued to stay abreast of
technological changes, added a playground, and created an English for Speakers of Other Languages
program to better meet the needs of its students; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School continues to this day to work with students,
parents, and the community to offer a continuum of services to meet each individual student's unique
needs and to maximize their achievement; and
WHEREAS, in 2013 Washington Mill Elementary School implemented an English and Spanish
Immersion Program to develop students' cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School continues to use the latest technology with the help
of its technology specialists; the school has interactive technology in every classroom and mobile labs
available to all grade levels; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School also weaves technology into the curriculum,
including computer, curriculum-based reading and math programs in grades four through six, while
continuing to emphasize basic skills; and
WHEREAS, over the years Washington Mill Elementary School has offered and continues to offer
advanced academic opportunities to identified students from all backgrounds, including the Young
Scholars program and full-day programs, as well as a range of afterschool programs; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School enjoys rich diversity in its population, and the
school community views diversity as a strength that adds to a multicultural educational program; the
community celebrates family heritage through a yearly program focusing on each student's family
history; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School underwent a large renovation in 2022 to improve
and update the school grounds and classrooms; projects included a restructuring of the bus loop and
student drop-off area, a new playground and field for students, and the addition of a new wing to the
school building; and
WHEREAS, while the school mascot of Washington Mill Elementary School was changed by student
vote in 2022 to the Wolves, the school colors remain red, white, and blue; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School works with the local parent-teacher association and
community partners to build new opportunities for students and to enhance student success and
achievement both in and out of the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Washington Mill Elementary School continues to fulfill its mission through the hard
work of its dedicated leaders, supportive staff, and devoted teachers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby
commend Washington Mill Elementary School on the occasion of its 60th anniversary in its current
building; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for
presentation to Washington Mill Elementary School as an expression of the General Assembly's
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admiration for the school's history and legacy of service to young people in Alexandria.