Whiz Kids of the Week: American Girl Book Club at MacArthur Elementary

If you know a girl between the ages of five and 13, then you are likely to be at least vaguely familiar with American Girl dolls. Many of the dolls have an accompanying series of six books that share stories about important events and relationships in the main character's life.

The stories are set during historically significant periods in America and are infused with vivid details about daily life, including the food, clothing and transportation of that time. Felicity is a colonial girl growing up in Williamsburg, Va., in 1774. Addy is an African-American girl growing up in Civil War America in 1864. Josefina is a Hispanic girl growing up on a ranch in New Mexico in 1824. And, there are many, many more.

The books and the dolls served as the inspiration for the American Girl Book Club at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School on Janney's Lane, which is being featured in this week's Whiz Kid of the Week column.

Started seven years ago by a first grade teacher, Dr. Beverly Vick, the book club has grown in popularity. Each Wednesday and Thursday, groups of 30-plus second, third and fourth grade girls meet for an hour after school to participate in the club.

In addition to reading American Girl books and viewing American Girl movies, the girls also participate in activities through which they learn about important life lessons and milestones: getting to know one's self and developing self confidence; establishing and growing friendships; exploring family relationships; and much more. They also learn about concepts like courage, collaboration, responsibility, sharing, and caring for others.

At the end of each six to eight week session, the girls participate in a tea party, which includes china, tablecloths and flowers. At the tea celebration, the girls are served by their brothers, dads, male teachers and coaches. In the spring, first graders will have an opportunity to participate in a similar club with their peers. Excitement is already brewing!

Last year, when some of the American Girl dolls and accessories were missing, the girls and their families contributed money to help replace those items. Some families even contacted the American Girl company to share the sad tale and ask for their support. The American Girl Company was so impressed with the club that they sent several replacement items. That's how much the club means to the girls, their families and to the American Girl company itself.

Led by a whiz of a teacher, the American Girl Book Club is full of whiz kids who choose to engage in an after school activity in which they learn about American history and culture, while also learning life skills that will empower them as they grow.

Thank you, young ladies of the American Girl Book Club at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, our Whiz Kids of the Week!

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Do you know a Whiz Kid?

Each week we celebrate the youth of Alexandria. Parents, teachers, coaches, troop leaders, etc. are all encourage to submit nominations.

We're looking for kids, including teenagers, who have:

• accomplished a goal that was important to them (won a race, spelling bee or other competition or completed a big project);
• earned an award, badge or other honor (performed a solo in a concert, got a part in a play, won a chess match, etc.);
• made a contribution to the community (shoveled out neighbors during the snow, helped search for a lost pet, raised money for a good cause, etc.); or
• demonstrated leadership (organized a group effort or volunteer project, started a new club, went against the grain in a positive and creative way).

Groups or troops can also be recognized ... for example, a Brownie troop that made Valentine's cards for seniors at a nursing home or a group of kids that won an award for a collaborative science fair project.

So, if you know of a kid, single digits to teens, or a group that deserves to be celebrated, nominate them today!