Principal's Corner

Dear ACS Students, Parents, and Community Members,

 

It is my honor to serve as the Principal of Alton Central School. It is my continued goal to learn from and work alongside parents and staff to help improve and prepare our students to be active, educated, and productive citizens.

 

My wife, Gina, and I live in Hooksett, NH. We love living in New England, and love spending our summers visiting the Seacoast area, most notably Portsmouth and the beach. We have one son; Jonah who just turned 12 and is currently in the seventh grade. My hobbies include spending time with my family and friends, following whatever sport my son plays, making music, and anything automotive. I also love to unwind by spending time in my kayak, travelling, and attending concerts.

 

I am originally from Salem, NH. Both my parents are retired teachers, and my sister is also a teacher. We joke that education is our family business! I earned my undergraduate degree in music education from University of Massachusetts, Lowell. After graduating, I worked for three years in North Andover, Massachusetts at North Andover Middle School as a music teacher and band director. In 2003, I accepted a position as director of instrumental music and music teacher at Milford Middle School in Milford, New Hampshire. During this time I helped build the music program, hosted and attended music festivals with my students, and chaired the NHMEA Southwest Music Festival. Also, I earned my Master of Education in educational administration from Rivier College. This enabled my next career move to SAU#24 where I was assistant principal at Weare Middle School for four years. Prior to my position here at ACS, I was the principal of Boynton Middle School in New Ipswich, NH for two years.

 

I am one who believes in respect, responsibility, and positive relationships both inside and outside of the school walls. I truly feel that it “takes a village” and look forward to working closely with the students, staff, and Alton community!

 

Respectfully,

 

John W. MacArthur, Jr.