Linkhorne Elementary School serves students Kindergarten through 5th grade according to the Virginia Standards of Learning. Linkhorne Elementary School, in partnership with parents and community, is committed to helping children develop their full potential by providing learning opportunities which recognize individual needs. We strive to develop critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Linkhorne’s tradition of staff, parental, and community involvement is evidence of the school’s commitment to the development of the total child.

Linkhorne’s exceptional blend of academics, enrichment activities, innovative technology, programs, and community support promotes a life-long learning and sensitivity to our population. 

Reading, writing, and appreciation of good literature are encouraged and practiced on all levels throughout the academic program. All students are invited to participate in DEAR (Drop Everything And Read), Family Math, Science and Reading Night, and the Virginia Young Readers Program. Our reading program utilizes the Harcourt Trophies Reading Series and a vast number of paperback trade books purchased by our PTO and provided by the Book Fair and Fall Fundraiser. The number of copies is now over 7000 with over 800 titles which allows our teachers the ability to supply reading material at each child’s appropriate reading level. Language Arts

Written language is a wonderful way to express one’s self. At Linkhorne, we have implemented several policies to encourage skill development in the area of language arts. The teachers focus their instruction on the writing process and encourage organization of thoughts through the use of outlining. Writing samples are evaluated frequently in order to provide feedback to the student and parent. The writing is evaluated using writing rubrics focusing on composition, written expression, usage and mechanics.

Students have many opportunities to write. Our school participates in many division-wide writing contests including Why My Family is Special sponsored by Alliance for Families and Children, My Best Older Friend sponsored by Westminster Canterbery, and the Virginia Young Author’s Contest.

The mathematics program at Linkhorne focuses on concept development, problem solving and computation skills. Advanced placement is available in each grade level. In order to foster concept development, the Linkhorne Elementary PTO has contributed many manipulatives for use in the teaching of mathematics. Students use these manipulatives in cooperative games and activities in order to better visualize new concepts. The Lynchburg City School Division has also supplied SOL kits equipped with games to practice the SOLs. Emphasis on factual recall is very important as well. Many teachers use Mad Minutes and Math Facts in a Flash computer program to motivate students to memorize addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.

Key elements of Linkhorne’s science program include experimentation and concept discovery. Learning kits supplied to K-5 classrooms as well as monetary support to purchase materials are two ways Lynchburg City Schools helps us to provide hands-on science experiences for all students while working to meet our SOL goals. Additionally fifth grade students travel to Dearington Elementary School for enriching lab experiences and the elementary science coordinator visits our school upon request to conduct interesting and fun lessons. Linkhorne’s PTO is very supportive of our science program. Monies donated have helped to keep our Math/Science Closet well stocked with a wide variety of manipulatives and needed consumable products. Oh, and please don’t miss out on our Science, Math and Reading Night! This is our chance to provide both parents and students with the opportunity to work with our teachers on science, math and reading concepts in a carnival-like atmosphere.

The social studies program at Linkhorne is designed to provide students with experiences to bring the history and geography from the museums into the classroom. Our program includes lessons and activities that build upon the many cultures that exist in the United States and reinforces the knowledge of our American heritage. Students learn about our government, about the geography of our state and country, and about the economy. Students are taken on fieldtrips to many of the historical sites in Virginia.

Linkhorne Elementary students are exposed to a variety of art media and techniques. Art lessons will often correlate with ALL subjects and help further students’ understanding of the State SOLs for Math, English, Science, and History. Materials used in class range from the two-dimensional, pencil, marker, and paint to the three-dimensional paper mache, textiles, clay and model magic. We travel though history and the cultures of many countries. Projects are planned to help students understand the travels of Native Americans, and the accomplishments of Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In a 40 minute class we may create our own interpretation of the solar system or illustrate the changing seasons, all the while students are learning the basic elements and principles needed to create on their own. Students participate in contests supporting Arbor Day, and the Annual Run for Cancer. Artwork created by our students can be found on display Bank of America on Langhorne Road and Applebees on Old Forest Road.

Music classes at the elementary level are generally exploratory in nature. The division’s music teachers utilize the Silver Burdett Ginn series “The Music Connection” and enhance with other material.

The emphasis is on basic musical concepts based on grade appropriate activities which include learning simple notation, playing rhythm instruments, singing songs from many genre, and activities and movement which help support these concepts.

The music teacher assists with grade level plays and productions which involve most of the children in those levels.

The students participate in M.E. once a week for 40 minutes. We focus on improving basic skills, sportsmanship, game knowledge, self-esteem, and teamwork. In addition, fourth and fifth graders participate in physical fitness testing twice a year. The purpose of these tests are to evaluate aerobic capacity, flexibility, upper body strength, and abdominal strength.

An integral part of our program is providing motivation to students, encouraging them to participate in all activities. We provide the basis for sound education regarding essential fitness concepts and the ability to become and stay fit for a lifetime.

Linkhorne has a strong technology program where students have access to and use multimedia daily. Each classroom and resource area is equipped with at least two networked computers where students and teachers can access instructional software and the Internet. Every classroom K-5 has a Smartboard and projection unit. In addition, there are two 25 station networked computer labs with Internet access and one 17 station computer lab. Each classroom has a closed circuit television. They also have access to large screen monitors, Classroom Performance Systems, digital cameras, canners, digital microscopes, digital presenters and an 8 computer media center research station.

Linkhorne Elementary Library Website

Linkhorne Elementary School provides special education services to students with disabilities. Placement in a special education program is the result of concerns and referrals by parents, teachers, our counselor, and principal followed by extensive diagnostic testing and evaluation. Students must meet specific requirements to qualify for services. Special education services, outlined in individual education plans, are presented through a variety of service models and are designed to meet the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of our students.

The Linkhorne Elementary Enrichment program involves students from grades 3-5. Although there are many opportunities for all students to participate in enrichment activities. These activities include attendance at or participation in:

• The Lynchburg Symphony
• Professional Musicals
• Virginia Museum, Maier Museum, and Jamestown Museum speakers
• Reading Across America Celebrating Dr. Seuss
• Young Authors Writing
• Virginia Readers

Third, fourth and fifth grade students benefit from a division elementary science specialist who enriches curriculum at a central laboratory. Students travel to the lab to use the scientific method in areas such as the properties of light, energy, electricity, matter, and weather.

The Title I Program is a federally funded program whose purpose is to accelerate students who are working below grade level in reading and/or math. Title I teachers and/or teaching assistants work to improve student performance in the classroom and on state mandated assessments. The students may be instructed in a the classroom with their classmates or in a tutorial or small group setting.

Linkhorne Elementary Title I Annual Meeting Presentation
Linkhorne Elementary Title I Program Entrance Letter 2021-22
Linkhorne Elementary Parent and Family Engagement 2020-21

Linkhorne Elementary School is using their 21st Century Community Learning Center grant to provide academic enrichment opportunities to help students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, in addition to helping bring our community together.

Along with parents, the Linkhorne Elementary teachers, staff and counselor try to help children succeed in life by encouraging character based principals such as good citizenship, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness and trustworthiness. Classroom guidance lessons in grades K - 5 focus on one or more of these characteristics each year.
During our closed circuit WLES morning news show, children stand and repeat the Linkhorne Elementary School pledge. Our student pledge is:

I am in school to get an education. (responsibility)
I will listen, follow directions, and do my work. (self-discipline)
I will be honest and do what is right. (honesty)
I will treat others the way I want to be treated. (respect)
I will think about the feelings of others. (kindness)
I came to school to learn, and I will learn. (work ethic)
By doing all of these things, I will be proud of myself,
and others will be proud of me too!

At the Virginia History Fair, students have a great time reviewing Virginia History SOLs just prior to taking the test in the spring. All 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students are required to choose any subject from Virginia history or geography and prepare one of three presentations. There are three “rooms” at the fair. In the “Wax Museum” students dress as a famous Virginian and present a speech about “themselves” when a visitor presses the button. In the “Virginia History Museum” students present their project related to Virginia history. In the “Room of Maps” student maps showing Virginia geography or historical features are displayed. Each student is available for questions. Parents, students, and the community browse and learn all about the Virginia History SOLs.

Math/Science/Reading Night is an evening where Linkhorne students and parents are invited to work and learn together at learning stations in a carnival-like atmosphere. While the activities are centered on math, science, or reading, the emphasis is on fun! The night is festive and prizes are awarded.

• Virginia Department of Education
• Lynchburg City Schools