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Lake Valley Elementary celebrates first A grade as principal credits targeted growth work
Summary
Lake Valley Elementary earned its first A letter grade after strong growth scores and English learner gains, though academic proficiency remains below target; principal Dr. Gabaldon told the Humboldt Unified board staff will use professional learning communities and targeted instruction to increase proficiency.
Lake Valley Elementary celebrated its first A letter grade on Tuesday as school leaders told the Humboldt Unified School District board that focused growth — particularly among English learners and in math — drove the rating even while overall proficiency remains below the district 's targets.
"We only received 15.35 of 30 points possible for proficiency," Principal Dr. Gabaldon said, explaining the school left "a lot of points on the table" but earned near-maximum growth scores and bonuses that pushed the school to an 87.2 overall score. "We received all possible growth points and all of the EL growth points. That's huge."
The principal and Assistant Principal Dr. Bennett said the school relied on weekly professional learning communities (PLCs), targeted interventions, and project-based supports such as bilingual and EL instruction to raise student growth. The presenters said math growth earned full credit on the state rubric and that some classrooms saw marked gains between benchmark assessments.
School leaders also used the presentation to honor staff and volunteers who support daily operations and student engagement. The board applauded volunteers and staff including the volunteer VIP Kayleea McDade and cafeteria manager Robin Miller during the recognition segment.
Board members asked how they could further support Lake Valley; Dr. Gabaldon urged help for the district bond to improve facilities and free up resources for classroom instruction. "If we can put that back into the classrooms, then you're doing what we need to do," she said, linking facilities investments to teachers' ability to focus on instruction.
The board thanked the Lake Valley team for the presentation and asked staff to return with further data next year to show whether the district 's proficiency measures have responded to the interventions. The presentation and recognition segment concluded with board members congratulating students, staff and families on the accomplishment.
