Marcia Reed of 186th Street Elementary School partners with Loyola Marymount University to motivate her students to take college and career seriously. She is also recognized as one of the nation’s top principals.
In September, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) announced its 2016 Class Of National Distinguished Principals, a list that includes one individual from each state. Reed (pictured above at top left) was honored on the NAESP’s list as California’s most distinguished principal for her work at 186th Street Elementary School in Gardena.
“Through teacher collaboration and small group differentiated instruction, [Reed] has focused on closing the achievement gap for her students,” the NAESP states in its announcement. “She has developed an extensive intervention program to support struggling learners and a partnership with Loyola Marymount University to provide additional opportunities for students ready for greater challenges.”
The partnership between 186th Street School and LMU’s Center for Service and Action (CSA) started nearly 10 years ago and has since developed into the Community Engagement Fellow Program. The CSA program places one student at a nonprofit organization to learn about a social justice issue addressed by the organization or school such as 186th Elementary School.
“Having college students support our children in the classroom, on the playground and in the homework club gives our children a winning edge,” says Reed. “When the LMU students walk into the office to report for volunteering, we feel as if we have won a gold medal. Our partnership promotes champions of learning.”
As part of the program, LMU students serve as a liaison for an organization such as 186th Street School to raise awareness of issues and to engage fellow LMU students in service and volunteer opportunities. Countless LMU students’ service experiences have been influenced by individuals at the 186th Street School, according to Lorena Chavez, assistant director of Community Engagement for CSA, and none have influenced students more than Marcia Reed and Jane Tokubo, coordinator of the elementary school’s Healthy Start Program.
“Marcia Reed and Jane Tokubo are ideal role models for LMU students because they demonstrate commitment to education and promote excellence” says Chavez. “Marcia Reed’s recognition is a testament of her commitment to the kids, parents, faculty and administrators at 186th Street School.”
LMU students have served as volunteers in many different ways and have been exposed to real learning experiences, according to Chavez. Most students have volunteered in the classroom or assisted with supervision on the playground. Others have developed and facilitated science programs and engineering fairs or organized beautification events at the school. CSA has also invited the 186th Street’s students to participate in Fright Night, LMU’s annual Halloween event at Sunken Garden.
Chavez notes that community agencies and organizations such as 186th Street School provide LMU students the opportunity to explore their interests and further the learning experience off the bluff.
“This recognition is an inspiration for LMU students because Marcia Reed inspires a love of learning, teaching and leading to the next generation of community educators,” Chavez adds.
By Andrea Crespo