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³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Elementary School Named 21st Century Learning Exemplar School

FONTANA, CA – Canyon Crest Elementary School has been named a 21st Century Learning Exemplar School by the Battelle for Kids Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21), recognizing its commitment to prepare students to meet the challenges of the future and acquire the skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce.

Canyon Crest is one of 18 K-12 schools, school districts, early learning centers and beyond-school programs across the country to receive an Exemplar designation in 2019 by P21, a national advocacy group that encourages educators to infuse technology into their curriculum, incorporating the 4 Cs of education: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. 

“We are deeply honored to receive this designation,” Canyon Crest Principal Dr. Kelly Wilbert said. “This award is validation that the Canyon Crest vision is on the right track and is inspiring our staff and teachers to do even more to serve our community.” 

Canyon Crest and fellow P21 Exemplar honorees will be recognized in an April awards ceremony in Washington D.C. The Smithsonian Museum will hold a private professional development session for the P21 cohort. 

BFK/P21 Director of Programs Emily Unrue said the organization was most impressed with Canyon Crest’s growth mindset. 

“Canyon Crest’s commitment to emphasizing the core subjects and learning skills truly makes it an exemplar school,” Unrue said. 

To be considered a P21 Exemplar school, Canyon Crest was evaluated on its commitment to college, career and life readiness; education support systems and intentional design; engaged learning approaches; equitable student access to 21st century learning; student acquisition of 21st century knowledge and skills; and partnerships for sustainable success. 

Wilbert arrived at Canyon Crest in 2014, determined to transform the culture and instructional experiences for her students, prepare them for jobs that do not currently exist and pursue technologies that are still on the horizon. 

While studying for her doctorate, Wilbert researched exemplar elementary schools in California as part of her dissertation. She was able to learn from these schools and build upon their successful practices. 

“To adequately prepare students for their future education and career experiences, change must begin at the elementary school level to seize the best opportunity to ensure they become lifelong learners who maintain a growth mindset,” Wilbert said. 

Canyon Crest has thrived through the collaborative efforts of dedicated teachers, support staff, counselors, student leader groups, parent groups, local businesses, after-school programs and support from the Fontana Foundation of Hope. 

“Canyon Crest’s recognition as a 21st Century Learning Exemplar School reflects the districtwide commitment to incorporating technology in the classroom and providing equity for every student,” ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “Congratulations to Dr. Wilbert and her staff for this well-deserved honor.”