MacArthur Elementary School

We have been very pleased with MacArthur this year. We have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader, and both have flourished this year. The teachers are VERY good at communicating with parents. I always know what is going on with my children, and if I have any questions, all I have to do is send a quick email and my question answered promptly. One thing we really like at MacArthur is the fact that they do "flex groups" for the kids in math and reading. The kids are consistently being evaluated in their skills in these areas and are then placed in appropriate groups for their strengths or areas where they need extra help. This has been awesome for my kids. We have not had any problems with lack of discipline in either of my kids' classrooms, so I cannot speak to that. Regarding the parking lot, I have yet to have my kids in a school where the parking lot was NOT chaotic in the mornings and afternoons. A crossing guard would probably be helpful, but as long as the people who are driving are going slowly and are aware of their surroundings, then the kids should be safe. My kids cross the parking lot every morning. We have been very happy with MacArthur.
--Submitted by a parent

I would need to agree with the post from yesterday. The school has become very disruptive. There are no consequences from the administration when a child is disruptive. I do not feel my children are safe at this school because of this lack of discipline throughout the school. Also this administration has not kept the parents informed about what is going on in the school. The parents in this district have always been very involved with their student's learning. There are no newletters from the principal about what STUCCO, Guard, band, choir or any other positive presentations are going on or any support for these programs from the administration. I am extremely disappointed and wished I had known how this year was going to be.
--Submitted by a parent

Okay, this school used to be fabulous, but it has taken a nose-dive. The teachers obviously care about all students and teach well. The problem is when students in the classroom aren't disciplined for disruptive behavior. I blame school administration for not enforcing consequences for frequent classroom disruptions, destruction of school property, and physically hurting other students. When this is allowed to happen, it affects the learning of my own kids! How can they progress academically in an environment that is not safe and conducive to learning. Be wise, take your kids elsewhere!
--Submitted by a parent

HEAD MY WARNING!!! Send your child elsewhere. So, I've reviewed all of the comments. All legitimate. Parking (yes, an issue); but to the defense of the school~this is an on post school where over 1000 students descend with rolling enrollment annually. Our personal experience requires parents to HEAD MY WARNING!!! Our oldest son's kindergarten experience (while he may believe was awesome) is requiring my family to supplement him this summer. He had THREE teachers in one year (which is hard enough for any kid to get adjusted to one), and due to some administrative oversight because of an influx of kindergarten enrollees and neglect of district policy, he was put in the "ESL" class. He had over 8 Foreign Exchange Students in his class. We addressed the issue with the principal, who complete disregarded our concern. We then discussed it with the School District who was unaware that all Kindergarten Foreign Exchange Students (non-English speaking) were in one class. As a result of this oversight, my son tests below the average McArthur Elementary student, and a couple of students parents were informed (at the end of the year), that their child may have to repeat the grade.
--Submitted by a parent

This school was academically good and like any school, it has some issues. If your child attends this school, you will need to watch the parking lot. If you drive you will have to be vigilant of students, teachers, and parents just randomly crossing in front of your car . There are also no crossing guards anywhere if your child would walk to school. It is also a bit challenging for the kids to retain what they learned with the extended breaks, and almost every Friday will be an early release day which seems to bring home additional homework just so the kids can keep up.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is AWESOME! My daughter is in 1st and has Mrs. Zimmerman who is wonderful! The first grade does flex reading and math so they students are taught according to their ability level. My daughter has really grown a lot this year. We will miss it when gone!
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! I have three kids in MacArthur- a 2nd grader, 4th grader, and 6th grader. I am thrilled with all three of my kids' teachers and the overall environment of the school. It's a very welcoming place and the staff and teachers are so friendly. My girls love the science lab and the trips to the planetarium. Can't say enough good things about this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Wow! What a wonderful turn-around in this school in just a few months. You can really feel the positive change in the environment at MacArthur Elementary. New principal is friendly and visible, and very positive. He mentors and leads teachers to excel and the changes he instituted have been warmly received and are making a difference. The winners in all of this are the kids at the school. Changes by the new principal and District Superintendent have made all the difference in turning around a negative environment that existed for years. The school has become a place where all feel welcome again, and teachers tell me that they enjoy coming to work again. Educationally, it remains one of the best schools in the State; however, like all large organizations, good, positive leadership makes all the difference. School lunch has greatly improved due to the involvement of the BoE in fixing the contract. Keep up the good work!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, great district, great staff, great involved parents. Principal will be greatly missed. Don't believe everything you read here. USD 207 is a great place to have your kids. Sometimes ego maniac parents spoil it for all the other parents. I have seen parents yelling at staff, teachers, and admin in front of other parents and their children. Remember, school is not the military. Teachers & staff are not your inferiors. Treat them with the respect they have earned.
--Submitted by a parent

We were to be stationed here as an Air Force family for 1 year...wish it was more JUST for this school. FANTASTIC! IINVOLVED! The planetarium and 21st century science lab are amazing. The way the education is all tied together among the variety of classrooms (art, science, music) while still engaging the students in fun is wonderful. We are very happy and our 1st grader has flourished as a result of this school and our fantastic teacher.
--Submitted by a parent