Back to School: Meet Aldrin ES’ Shane Wolfe

Reston Now sent questionnaires to area elementary school principals so readers could get to know them and hear what is in store for the 2016-17 school year. We will be running them occasionally as they are sent back over the next weeks.

Reston Now: Tell us about yourself and how you came to be at your school?

Shane Wolfe: I’m embarking on my eleventh year as an administrator in Fairfax County Public Schools; I am very excited to begin this school year as the Aldrin Elementary School Principal. I LOVE working with the parents, teachers and especially the students in the Reston and Herndon neighborhoods.

Having previously been the principal at Armstrong Elementary School, I am keenly aware of the enormous focus our teachers, parents and school administrators place on student academic and emotional wellness.It was my honor to return to the Herndon High School Pyramid five years ago, and I look forward to many more years to come.

RN: What’s in store for your school this year? Any big changes? If you are a school under renovation, give us an update.

SW: Expansion of BOB (Band of Brothers), is a mentoring program for fifth-grade boys, will be expanded and include a group for fifth-grade girls.

Focus on Project Based Learning (PBL) — Aldrin, along with many schools, will begin to focus on PBL, an approach to teaching where students explore real-world problems and challenges. PBL’s active and engaged learning encourages students to reach a deeper knowledge of the subjects they’re studying.

“Aldrin READS” — A program where teachers and volunteers deliver many books to the neighborhoods to give students a chance to have a library at home — will continue.

Student-run Middleburg Bank — The Aldrin branch re-opens in September.

Outdoor Learning Environment – -We’re looking at options for an outdoor learning environment. A committee will be formed to help us create an outdoor learning space to go along with our garden.

Cafeteria Salad Bar — We will also open one of the first salad bars in FCPS in early November for students and adults.

RN: What are you most proud of at your school?

SW: Partnership with students, families, and staff as Family.

Reaching every child to ensure they thrive and succeed.

Focusing on a holistic education which models the FCPS “Portrait of a Graduate.”

Business Partnerships and Foundation support–Middleburg Bank, Worldgate, Reston Rotary, Reston Community Orchestra, Honey-Baked Ham

RN: What do you want newcomers to your school to know?

SW: Everyone who walks through the door is treated with respect and a true feeling of being welcome.

Every student is treated as an individual kiddo deserving of the very best we can provide.

Our teachers are incredible professionals who seek out new resources in order to provide instruction to match every student’s need.

RN: Are there any particular challenges your school is facing? How will your tackle them?

SW: Our changing demographics provide us with an opportunity to learn about diverse cultures and broaden our own understanding of our responsibility as global citizens.  The Aldrin staff, in partnership with our PTA, established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee to support a growing understanding of the diversity among us.