School history

Ida Handley Elementary School was opened in 1964. The district purchased the land and named the school in honor of Ida B. Handley, a long time resident of Rose Hill. After the Rose Hill School burned, its students transferred to Handley Elementary. Bill Hardy became the first principal and served one year before moving to Central Elementary School. Glen Couch was the superintendent. Our campus received improvements beginning in 2006. Now we have a much larger, improved, and more exciting campus.

Annual events

Literacy Night

Families are invited to participate in a variety of fun reading activities while learning methods to help our scholars develop into life long learners and readers. Everyone is also encouraged to dress up as their favorite storybook character. 

Peace Concert

The scholars of Handley Elementary School work diligently to put together a program for Peace Week. This program includes kindergarten – fifth grade scholars. Each grade level is featured on their own song.  There are also three songs that are sung by the entire school.

You may be wondering, “What is this concert about?” Our program contains a variety of music that celebrates freedom and peace. We hope that each child walks away with a new found respect for music, performing, and one another.  We also hope that each child learns something about peace, freedom, respect, caring, and community.

STEAM Night

Families have the opportunity to discover the fun of STEAM through hands on activities hosted by the Perot Museum. 

Bump Up Day

As a fun way to wind down the school year and begin setting expectations for the next year, the scholars of Handley "bump up" to the next grade level for a day. This helps teachers see how their instruction contributes to what students need to know as they advance in future grade levels. 

This is an opportunity for students and teachers to get a glimpse into what next year will be like. It is a time for teachers to talk about expectations, see where students are performing academically, and to "introduce" the scholars to what the next grade level will be like next year. 

Field Day

Each year our physical education team hosts the most exciting day of the school year, Field Day. During this event, scholars play a variety of games and sporting events outside so that they can break up into teams and compete for prizes and have fun. 

School colors

Red and black

School mascot

Panther