Meet the Principal

Derek Racino

Derek Racino

Principal

Welcome to Sycolin Creek Elementary School

Home of the Salamanders

I continue to be honored and excited to be a member of the Sycolin Creek Family.  As your principal, I look forward each day to strengthening the relationships that I have begun building with all of our wonderful students, families, teachers, and talented staff.  While I have always eagerly anticipated the beginning of the school year, this August is particularly meaningful because it will mark the beginning of the twelfth year that I will have the opportunity to partner with you on a journey to continue serving the children and families of the Sycolin Creek community.

As it has been in previous years, we will continue our commitment to helping all children develop their intellectual capacity, academic skills, and social competence so that they will be prepared to effectively negotiate the demands associated with living in an ever-changing 21st century.  Beyond the rigors of their academic program, it is our aim to instill within each student the essential principles of pride, respect, and responsibility so that they will become productive and contributing members of our increasingly global society.

High expectations, which have been established by our qualified and dedicated staff, will be maintained while also providing a safe and nurturing student-centered community that fosters respect for individual differences.  At Sycolin Creek, we will strive to make the learning process a positive and rewarding experience while maintaining a desire to develop a generation of inquisitive young people who will become lifelong students in their various pursuits of excellence.

I am also very excited about working with the active and involved parents that help to make Sycolin Creek a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow.  I look forward to doing whatever I can to support their efforts and encourage you to become a member of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA).  Volunteering and participating at various events throughout the school year will also benefit not only your child, but all of the children of Sycolin Creek.  So that you are informed, please visit our website for the most up to date information about our school and all things Salamander!

Please know that I am always available to discuss any questions or concerns related to serving you and the children of Sycolin Creek.

Everyone at Sycolin Creek is looking forward to a productive and rewarding 2023-2024 school year as we work with your child and family.

With Salamander Pride,

Derek Racino

Principal.

Meet Mr. Racino

Derek Racino continues to be honored to serve as the principal of Sycolin Creek Elementary School.  Prior to this appointment, he served as the assistant principal at Sterling Elementary School.  He has also taught second and third grades at Ball’s Bluff Elementary, as well as special education in Rome, New York.

Mr. Racino received his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland and his master’s degree in School Administration from Shenandoah University.

He currently resides in Purcellville, Virginia with his wife, Eryne (Middle School Counselor), and two beautiful daughters, Madison (10th Grader) and Emily (8th Grader). 

Meet the Assistant Principal

Mrs. Jones

Mrs. Jones

Assistant Principal

Email Mrs. Jones 

Welcome to a terrific 2023-2024 school year.  My name is Courtney Jones and I am thrilled to return as a member Sycolin Creek staff again this year as your Assistant Principal for my sixth year!  This is my 24th year in education.  I graduated with my administration certificate from Shenandoah University.  My master's degree is from The University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!).  I have teaching experience ranging from third to sixth grade in North Carolina, Arizona, and Loudoun County.  I have experience at three schools in Loudoun County, including Sugarland Elementary, Buffalo Trail Elementary, and Liberty Elementary.  Additionally, I lead staff training for the county, providing an opportunity to collaborate with teachers and administrators throughout Loudoun County Public Schools.  It is my belief that every student at Sycolin Creek will experience a rewarding and successful school year, which I am certain will happen with the amazing partnerships you will create with the staff at Sycolin Creek. 

When I am not at school, my kids keep me pretty busy.  My son is 13 years old and my daughter is 10 years old.  My husband, Mr. Jones, is a health/PE teacher. 

It is truly a privilege and an honor to be a part of a community where families, teachers, and students care for each other and strive for positive relationships that support academic and social growth.  I am looking forward to a great year.  I know that we are going to have a wonderful time at Sycolin Creek learning many fun things in exciting ways!  It's going to be a great year!

Go Salamanders!