The standard Friday Flag ceremony at Clarence Lobo Elementary had a special feel on Dec. 6, with a balloon arch and a few distinguished guests. Yes, Santa Claus was in attendance to surprise the students and spend the morning on campus, but even more notable, Lobo was being honored as a Model PLC school by Solution Tree. Lobo became the first CUSD elementary school to earn the Model PLC recognition, joining Bernice Ayer and Marco Foster middle schools.
Professional Learning Communities (PLC) PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize that the key to improved student success is a commitment by teachers to ongoing, job-embedded learning. To qualify as a Model PLC, a school must:
- Demonstrate a commitment to PLC at Work® concepts
- Implement those concepts for at least three years
- Present clear evidence of improved student learning
- Provide data on a yearly basis that shows they continue to meet the criteria of the PLC at Work process
When Laura Kindron Coy became principal at Lobo, she dove right in to implementing PLC principles to help her school excel. She wanted to create a culture that was collaborative, caring and supportive. By working together, sharing insights and best practices, and supporting one another, the teachers and staff at Lobo help every student achieve at the highest level possible.
“I am so proud of the Lobo Team for their commitment to establishing and implementing processes that improve outcomes for students,” Principal Coy said. “The entire staff and school community collaboratively do whatever it takes to ensure that every student at Lobo has what they need in order to succeed. It is an honor to be the principal of Lobo School.”
At the ceremony, Jessicca Rodgers, the Solution Tree Executive Director, California State Office, was on hand to acknowledge Lobo for the Model PLC honor, and present the school with a frame certificate and flag to display. CUSD administrators Dr. Dave Stewart and Karen Gauthier were also in attendance to celebrate the achievement.
