Even before you walk through the front doors, students, staff and visitors are greeted by an image of the Sanders Corner mascot -- a painting of dolphins arched over the entrance. The theme is prevalent throughout the corridors, cafeteria and gymnasium.

Principal Kathleen Hwang and the staff has worked to make the building a comfortable place aesthetically and practically by including small touches like couches and pillows where students can read and study.

“We want to make this a warm, safe place that the children want to come to every day,” Hwang said.

To encourage learning, the staff designed the Hall of Freedom and Learning Center, where a small group can have an interactive lesson outside of the regular classroom. This is an area where Hwang says the kids are actively engaged in a project and encouraged to be creative. Giant rolls of colored paper sit next to work tables and chairs, and the view on one side is of an outdoor courtyard.

The library is organized for “guided reading,” where books are arranged by subject and grouped to include various reading levels so all students, no matter their skills, can comprehend the lessons.
“At Sanders Corner, our goal is to have all students reading on grade level. We are also working toward creating lessons and presenting instruction that actively involves each student at his/her level and interest,” she said. “We strive to assure that students receive instruction that is meaningful, interesting and engaging.”

The teachers provide interactive learning opportunities throughout the year. At the end of the 2006-07 year, the fifth-graders created a “state fair” of pictures and factoids on display throughout the classes. Younger students then went on a scavenger hunt to find information and get their passports stamped after going through the lessons.

“Kids are like wet cement, you try to make a good impression,” Hwang said.

Technology is integrated into daily lessons. Every classroom is outfitted with a number of computers (laptops or desktops) and laptop carts are used in individual classrooms as projects require. Students attend the computer lab weekly for lessons. SmartBoards are used in classrooms and students are encouraged to design their own tech presentations.

The school has maintained full-state accreditation and has made AYP each year.

Sanders Corner is home to nearly 700 students from the Ashburn area. The school sits near a busy suburban intersection at Claiborne Parkway and Ashburn Farm Parkway, but is so close to hundreds of homes that there are many students who walk to school. A tunnel under Ashburn Farm Parkway links those families to the school without exposing the children to traffic.

Families are involved with regularly scheduled Bingo nights and family restaurant nights, as well as skate nights and movie nights.

“We have a family holiday sing-a-long before the winter break. We also have fitness nights for the whole family,” Hwang said.

Students can participate in extracurricular activities like chess club, book clubs (which some parents run during lunch and others staff after school), and after-school enrichment that is PTA sponsored. Sanders Corner in 2007-08 is adding an SCA (Students for Community Awareness), a newspaper club, and Word Masters.