[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING MARUMSCO HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to Marumsco Hills Elementary School as it 
prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
  In the late 1950s and early 1960s the Woodbridge area was starting 
its suburban growth. Most of the land surrounding the school was 
developed by Cecil D. Hylton. His major projects included Marumsco 
Village (1954), Loch Lomond (1958), Westgate (1961), Marumsco Acres 
(1961), Marumsco Hills (1961), Marumsco Woods (1962), and Dale City 
(1965).
  In June 1963, the citizens of Prince William County approved a bond 
proposal for $7,000,000 for school construction. In April 1964, Cecil 
D. Hylton and his wife Irene deeded 12 acres in Section 2 of the 
Marumsco Hills subdivision to Prince William County Schools. Marumsco 
Hills Elementary School was constructed by the Whythe Construction 
Company in 1964 for a contract price of $442,631.67.
  The school was designed by architect Earl Bailey. This particular 
plan was called the Bailey plan and was in a barbell design with 
circular pods on either end of a rectangular section. Eight other 
schools in the county were constructed in the same design. The 
classrooms surrounded an open court with each room opening onto the 
court.
  It was first occupied by pupils for a full day of school on November 
25, 1964. The dedication ceremony was held a year later on December 14, 
1965. Dedication speakers included Stuart Beville, the Superintendent 
of Prince William County Schools. The school address at that time was 
1005 Page Street. In 1966 a six-room addition was constructed, which 
now houses first grade and kindergarten classrooms. In 1984, the pods 
were enclosed, creating 5 new rooms. In 2005 another two-rooms were 
added to the previous addition.
  The school originally housed 1st through 6th grade students. In 1966, 
the county school system made major changes, moving 6th graders to the 
middle school level. In 1973 kindergartners were added to the 
elementary schools. In the 1974-1975 school year, 720 students were 
enrolled here. That year there were 74 kindergartners and 193 fifth 
graders. Today Marumsco Hills Elementary School currently has 406 
students.
  Since its establishment in 1966, Marumsco Hills Elementary School has 
committed itself to lofty standards of academic and extracurricular 
excellence. Over the years, as the Prince William area has expanded and 
diversified, Marumsco Hills Elementary School has followed the 
community's example.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank Marumsco Hills 
Elementary School faculty and staff for the immeasurable contributions 
they have made to the community by shaping today's youth and tomorrow's 
future. I congratulate the school on its successes over the last 40 
years and I wish it more successful years in the future. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in applauding this outstanding and distinguished 
institution.

                          ____________________