Principal's Message

Dear MacArthur Families & Community Members,

I am delighted to introduce myself as the incoming principal of MacArthur Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year. I join this community with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of commitment.

This upcoming school year marks my twenty-fifth year as an educator in our district. Over the years, I have taught middle school, served as a program coordinator and a Title I facilitator, been an assistant principal at the middle school, K-8, and high school levels, and most recently, served as an elementary school principal at Prisk for the past six years.

I was born and raised on Long Island in New York, and moved to California right after graduating college. I actually never intended to be a teacher or work in the education field at all. Yet, it seems the universe had a plan for me because here I am, twenty-five years later, having spent my entire professional career in education. I have a particular passion for special education, which began during my time at Lakewood High School as the designee for the special education department. I am currently in the final stages of my dissertation, with special education as the area of focus.

As your incoming principal, my goals are to support the strong foundation already established at MacArthur, to continue the work of fostering and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where students are valued, supported, and encouraged, and to join the commitment the MacArthur community has made to meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of our students. I will work diligently to support initiatives that propel the school forward and make enhancements that the school community feels are beneficial or needed. I believe in the power of collaboration and look forward to partnering with you to maintain a positive and enriching experience for your children.

I also LOVE being actively involved in as many fun and spirited programs as possible and truly believe that joy, connection, unity, and celebration can make a school environment magical!

I am excited to work alongside all of you and support you. I look forward to the journey ahead and am confident that we can continue the wonderful things you love about MacArthur and build upon those successes together.

Thank you, in advance for welcoming me into the MacArthur Elementary family, and I look forward to meeting you all very soon!

Warmest regards,
Principal Cohen