Letter To The Editor: Concerns With Alexandria School Redistricting Plan

The following is a letter to the editor submitted by a reader. To submit your own post on a local topic, sign up for a free Patch account or send a letter to the editor at oldtownalexandria@patch.com.

To the Editor:

As a long-time Alexandria resident and mother of two students at Douglas MacArthur Elementary, I’m writing to express my deep concern about the proposed middle school redistricting plan. Keeping our school intact is crucial for the well-being and academic success of our students.

I grew up in a rural area in southern Virginia and spent my foundational years moving from elementary school to middle school, to high school with a strong, unified group of friends. Those friends became my lifeline through the different changes and moments in my life—changes and choices that could pivot the trajectory of someone’s future. Having that foundation allowed me to focus on what really mattered: getting an education. The importance of stability during childhood cannot be understated.

Our students benefit immensely from the relationships they have formed with their peers and teachers. The proposed plan would break up the Douglas MacArthur community, sending children who have spent their entire elementary years together to different middle schools. This disruption can significantly impact their academic performance and social development, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety during a crucial developmental period.

These children have already faced significant changes: COVID-19 remote learning, relocation to Patrick Henry, and now the transition back to the new MacArthur campus. They’ve shown remarkable resilience, but they need stability and continuity to thrive. It is our responsibility as parents and community leaders to provide them with a stable foundation for their future success.

Moreover, the proposal does not effectively address the overcrowding issue it aims to solve. Instead, it places an unnecessary burden on children and families without delivering real results. Our community’s strength, unity, and the relationships our children have built are why many families chose to put down roots here. It’s hard to understand why ACPS would move forward with a plan that weakens this foundation.

I urge decision-makers to reconsider. Let’s prioritize stability for our children and preserve the bonds that have helped them thrive. Keeping our school community intact is not just a matter of convenience; it is essential for the emotional and academic well-being of our students.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Karner
Longtime Alexandria Resident
Mother of Two Douglas MacArthur Students