Hamilton Crossing Elementary School has been named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement!
“My initial reaction to hearing the news was overwhelming joy,” said HCES Principal Lindsay Perry. “We all rushed into Mrs. Robertson’s office and were jumping up and down with excitement and pride. We quickly announced to our staff and students over the intercom with some celebration music that they were a part of a Model PLC recognized school.”
The school’s successful implementation of PLC’s was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students. PLC’s are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is on-going, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:
1. Focus on learning.
2. Build a collaborative culture.
3. Create a results orientation.
“Hamilton Crossing Elementary School has implemented teacher collaboration for years,” said Principal Perry. “Streamlining the focus to student achievement has led the school to higher levels of learning for all our students. We consider the whole child, academics, behavior, and attendance. We have created systems to ensure our students can be successful through collaboration among our staff, families, and our community. At HCES, we ‘Help Children Embrace Success.’
Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture, and then submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.
“We will continue the practices that led us to this recognition and monitor the process through our results,” added Principal Perry. “We will raise the bar with our academics through seeking state-level STEM certification. The PLC process is not a program to implement but a process to perfect. We will work tirelessly to be the best for our students.”
HCES, Woodland Middle School, Bartow County College and Career Academy, Red Top Middle School, Cass High School, Woodland High School, Adairsville High School, Allatoona Elementary School, Kingston Elementary School, Mission Road Elementary School, Adairsville Elementary School, Euharlee Elementary School, Clear Creek Elementary School, Pine Log Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School, Cass Middle School, Adairsville Middle School, Cloverleaf Elementary School, and White Elementary School now join the Bartow County School System as they celebrate Model PLC School and Model PLC District status.