Douglas MacArthur Elementary School is located 1101 Janney's Lane in Alexandria, Virginia. It is fully accredited and meets Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). It's current principle is Deborah Thompson and assistant principle is Melva Holloman. It's grades go K-5.

History

Douglas MacArthur Elementary School was built in 1943 by the federal government to accommodate the children of the Naval Torpedo Plant workers who resided in Chinquapin Village. Several major renovations to the building have taken place since then, the last one in 2003. Today, MacArthur enjoys a reputation for a strong academic program, a talented faculty and a dedicated PTA.

Academic Curriculum

Douglas MacArthur's academic program includes reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. The school also offers: art instruction with a certified art teacher once a week, vocal music instruction with a certified music teacher once a week, instrumental music lessons beginning in fourth grade, physical education classes by a certified P.E. teacher twice a week, strong program for talented and gifted children who perform above their grade level academically, instruction in family life education at levels appropriate to age, Special Education Programs, Speech, OT, PT, LD Resource, Global Art on a Timeline, and Character Education Program "Character Counts".

Special Academic Programs

Special academic programs include Computer Lab (Grades K-5), English as a Second Language, Local Reading Teacher, Special Education: self-contained and resource, Talented and Gifted, and Daily Morning News/TV Studio.

Technology

The Alexandria Schools launched a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative to bring the latest technologies into the classroom, to include computers, telephones, multimedia, Internet and CD-ROM research capabilities. MacArthur has a large computer lab and computers in classrooms throughout the building. Each classroom is connected to the Internet. The library is automated with computerized book checkout. MacArthur has a TV studio where students produce a daily television program.

School Faculty

Number of Licensed Staff: 49
With post-graduate degrees: 61%

Awards

-Arthur Harris and Noemi Rivera: Excellence in Education, 2006
-Kristen Race: Virginia Mathematics and Science Math Specialist Award, 2006
-Sharon Webster: Outstanding Support Staff, 2006
-Elvinese Smith Wyche, Washington Post's Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award, 2006
-Cindy Kearly, Harry Burke Special Education Award, 2005
-Deborah Thompson, Washington Post's Distinguished Educational Leadership Award, 2004
-Rebecca Morris, Excellence in Education Award, 2004

Demographics

Enrollment (as of 9/2007): 579 students

African American: 23%
Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian: 7%
Hispanic: 14%
White: 52%
Unspecified: 4%

Before and After School Programs

MacArthur is rich will before and after-school programs such as the 5th Grade Drama Club, Art Enrichment, Brownies and Girl Scout Troops, B.U.G. Club (homework club), Campagna Center, Chess Club, Girls on the Run (fitness program for girls), Languages: French and Spanish, Recreation Center, and SOL review classes

Other Student Programs

Other student programs include All Stars Club, Buddies Club, Character Counts Club, T.A.G. math and language arts (4th and 5th grade), Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Friendship Groups, Safety Patrols, Student Council Association, Student produced media production (MAC-TV), 3rd Grade Recorder Group, and tutoring

Student Support

At MacArthur, a team of principal, assistant principal, psychologist, social worker, nurse and guidance counselor work together to help students and their families. They provide an array of testing, counseling and other support services.

Meal Program

Alexandria students may receive free or reduced priced meals if their family income meets eligibility requirements. For more information on our meal programs, visit the Food and Nutrition Services section of our Web site.

Volunteers

Parents and community volunteers play a key role in the education of children at MacArthur. Volunteers tutor students, arrange special events and chaperone field trips. The PTA provides both financial support and person-power to support the school.

Business and Community Partners

Business and community Partners include, Bishop Ireton High School, Episcopal High School, Graphic Impact, Special Events, Family Sock Hop, Family Thanksgiving Feast, Hispanic Parent Group, Kindergarten Open House in February, New Student and Parent Orientation, Pizza and Bingo Night, Reflections Contest, Spring Concert and Ice Cream Social, Step Up Day, Summer Reading Incentive, Super Dads Pancake Breakfast, Walk for the Homeless, and Welcome Back Parents Coffee- first day of school.