Administrative Team

Principal DaSilva's Welcome Message

Dear Long Branch Families and Community,

I am proud to be the principal of Long Branch Elementary School. I am thrilled to be your partner in your child’s education.

I am from Northern Virginia, born and raised in Fairfax County. I began my education career teaching English in Japan for two years. When my two years ended in Japan, I returned to Northern Virginia, as it offers many diverse and unique learning experiences. I began teaching 5th grade, and quickly found my passion in teaching Mathematics and how to make it a subject which is accessible (and fun) to all students.

I value the power of creating a warm and welcoming environment that encourages risk taking, problem solving, and the love of learning. Those values followed me as I moved into teaching 6th – 8th grade Mathematics, then my work as a Title I Math Coach, and eventually into administration. I believe in the power of relationships. Not only with the students and staff, but with parents and the community.

This year will be an exciting year with all our continued learning and implementation of best practices around the Science of Reading, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Social Emotional Learning, the Arts (music, art, and PE) while differentiating our instruction to best meet the needs of the students in front of us.

Often educators are asked WHY they do what they do. Well, here is my why: the students and staff that show up every day. Providing a safe and brave space for all to tell their story and use their voice, to achieve more than they may believe they can.

You may reach me at Jessica.DaSilva@apsva.us or by calling the school and scheduling an appointment to meet with me at 703.228.4220.

Please also follow us on Twitter, Threads, Instagram, or Facebook (you can pick one, I try to update them all with the same information). It is going to be an amazing year at Long Branch and I am excited to spend it with you.

Sincerely,

Jessica DaSilva