White Pines Intermediate School is celebrating a special honor for its commitment to improving student learning through teamwork, collaboration, and a shared focus on student success!
The school was recently recognized by Solution Tree as a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community at Work school, joining an exclusive group of just 12 schools in Michigan to earn either Promising Practices or Model PLC at Work recognition.
The distinction highlights the ongoing work of White Pines teachers and staff to strengthen instruction and improve student achievement through Professional Learning Communities, commonly known as PLCs.
Working Together for Student Success
PLCs bring teachers and staff together around three key ideas: a focus on learning, a culture of collaboration, and a commitment to results. Through regular collaboration, educators review student progress, share effective teaching strategies, and identify ways to provide additional support or challenges based on individual student needs.
Much of this work takes place during the district's weekly Wednesday early release time, giving educators dedicated opportunities to collaborate and strengthen instruction. GHAPS is grateful to our families and community for supporting this valuable time and helping make continuous improvement possible for our students.
Recognizing a Commitment to Student Learning
To earn the Promising Practices designation, schools must demonstrate a strong foundation in the PLC process, at least one to two years of implementation, and measurable evidence of improved student learning. Schools must also submit information about their instructional practices, collaborative structures, and school culture for review by the PLC Review Committee.
For White Pines, the achievement reflects more than a commitment to working together. It demonstrates that the school's collaborative approach is making a measurable difference in student learning.
"Professional Learning Communities are a cornerstone of how we operate and continue to grow across all of our schools," said GHAPS Superintendent Kristin Perkowski. "They bring our educators together around a shared commitment to student success, and White Pines is a shining example of what that collaboration can accomplish. We're incredibly proud of their team and the meaningful impact their work is having on students."
White Pines Intermediate Principal Jenny Shaughnessy echoed that pride, emphasizing the dedication of her school's staff.
"When teachers have the opportunity to collaborate, learn from one another, and use student progress to guide their work, great things happen for kids," Shaughnessy said. "Our teams are constantly looking for ways to strengthen instruction and make sure every student has what they need to be successful. I'm incredibly proud of the dedication our staff brings to this work every day and excited to see their efforts making such a meaningful difference for our students."
The Promising Practices designation also acknowledges White Pines for establishing a strong foundation for continued growth toward becoming a Model PLC at Work school.
Celebrating the White Pines Team
White Pines staff took some time to celebrate the accomplishment together this week, enjoying Lombardo's pizza in the staff lounge and recognizing the teamwork and dedication that made the honor possible.
Congratulations to the entire White Pines Intermediate team on this outstanding achievement and their continued dedication to helping every student learn and grow!
