• DEMOGRAPHICS
    YEAR SCHOOL OPENED
    1973
    ATTENDANCE RATE (%)
    93.6
    student Enrollment
    494
    Race/Ethnicity (%)
    African American....................... 69.0
    Hawaii/Pac. Islander.......................... -
    White.............................. 2.6
    Multiracial...................... 5.9
    Hispanic......................... 21.5
    American Indian/AK....................... -
    Asian.............................. -
    GENDER (%)
    Male................................ 48.9 
    Female........................... 51.0
    Special Services** (%)
    FARMS........................... 80.1
    504.................................. -
    Special Ed..................... 7.1
    LEP................................. 13.4
    Title 1............................. Yes

     **Special Services Terms Glossary

    School Renovation Details - 1996 The open space was enclosed with walls.

Van Bokkelen Elementary School

Van Bokkelen

Who We Are: Our Community and School Culture

  • Each of our schools’ leadership teams analyzed the factors that impact their students’ ability to engage deeply and achieve academic success. They shared stories of their students and families, some of whom are facing serious challenges associated with physical wellness, social-emotional stability, unique learning needs, family security, mental health, violence, and food/housing uncertainties. They discussed the obstacles that their students face daily when preparing to come to school on time, ready to learn.
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    Questions such as the following drove discussions around Anne Arundel County: 

    • What are the challenges and obstacles that negatively affect our students’ engagement and achievement most significantly and why?
    • Are we analyzing our data and listening closely to learn about all of our students when we seek to understand our learners’ social-emotional and academic struggles?
    • How do cultural differences, language challenges, transportation difficulties, health problems, and frequent family relocation (mobility) serve as obstacles to school success for our students?
    • What resources and supports are available within AACPS and across our county to support students and families in need?  How do we help our families receive the supports they need?

Our School Culture

  • photo Below is the school’s story as seen through the eyes of school leaders. They discuss the culture of their school and the community.

    Staff morale was low due to lack of teamwork, which in turn, impacted student progress and success.
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    Pasadena makes community connections, growing our own to assist others. Students fill leadership roles, taking ownership in creating a safe school, through Buddy program, safety patrol, recycling team, morning announcements, student government, and responsibilities

    within classrooms. The Buddy program enables fourth and fifth grade students to partner with students in the autism program. As buddies, they assist during inclusion classes. During arrival, they greet students and escort to classes. At dismissal, the buddies assist with packing book bags and dismissal routines. Students facilitate Harvest for the Hungry, Holiday Giving Tree, Red Ribbon Week, and Operation Welcome Home for deployed troops. During Read Across America, Field Day, and Literacy-Math Convention, teachers partner across grade levels to participate in enjoyable activities. The school comes together annually for “Light It Up Blue” and Autism Awareness. Families are invited to American Education Week and other parental involvement events. Pasadena is a learning community where all are valued and accepted. The tight-knit staff provides praise and support, personally and professionally. Dedicated to mentoring students, supporting one another, and demonstrating respect for the community they serve, staff foster a positive climate and it is evident within the school.

CHALLENGES TO STUDENT SUCCESS

  • The leadership team in each AACPS school reviewed all of the factors that may influence their students’ engagement and achievement in school; these challenges include academic data elements, community history, and socio-economic aspects of each community. The school’s leadership team identified the following elements as impactful for their students.

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