Ms. Laurie Austin's Principal Message        

Thank you for visiting A.B. McDonald Elementary School’s website!  I hope this will provide you with necessary information about our school’s history, academic programs, staff, parent group, and upcoming events. 

I have been a very proud McDonald Duck for 25 years.  I came to our school as the Physical Education Specialist in 1984.  I remember my first visit to McDonald School like it was yesterday.  My first impressions were the ones that have molded my philosophy through all of these years.  I walked through the front doors and instantly felt comfortable.  The site was beautifully maintained, there was art work displayed everywhere, all the staff and teachers were smiling, there were parent volunteers abound, and the children were genuinely happy.  There were students actively moving in P.E., singing in music, reading in the library, and totally engaged in the classrooms.  The adults in the school knew each individual student, called them all by name, and demonstrated a true sense of caring for each one.  This was a “bigger” school that had a “small school” feel.  I knew immediately I was home, and this is where I wanted to stay.  In l991, I was given the opportunity to lead our school as the Head Duck.  What an honor and a privilege it has been to be our school’s principal.  In the almost 40 years our school has been in operation, we have had only three principals.  Each one of us has been committed to the philosophy our school was built upon….."We put kids first"!  

The program we have developed over the years has ebbed and changed with the times.  Our academic focus continues to be strong, but in 2009 there are many additional things schools must address.  Issues such as school safety, bully awareness, drug awareness, etc. are items schools now must deal with.  The Federal Mandates have certainly changed the way we do business as we focus on assessments and accountability.  I encourage you to review our School Report Card and test results to see how well McDonald School students do. 

We are all very proud of the type of student that McDonald School produces.  Our children leave after sixth grade academically, socially, and emotionally prepared for junior high.  They have learned many lessons that will benefit them throughout their entire lives, and I’m confident they all leave knowing how important they are. 

I truly have an open door policy so would love to hear from you if you have additional questions or would like more specific information than you find here.  I would enjoy the opportunity to continue to boast about our wonderful school!

Laurie K. Austin, Principal

Website Created and Edited by Brian Carhart.  Please contact him at carhartb@sd281.k12.id.us if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions.