5.6.2026 - North Palos District 117 is incredibly proud to celebrate two of our schools, Oak Ridge School and Dorn School, for being recognized as Model Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Last Wednesday afternoon it was announced to staff that Oak Ridge has successfully renewed this prestigious status—a feat that requires a rigorous re-application process every three years to verify continued excellence through data. Meanwhile, Dorn School joined in the celebration by earning its own designation as a Model PLC, marking a massive milestone for their dedicated staff and students.
Both schools were honored at Team Day following the exciting news that they belong to an elite group of only about 600 schools and districts across the U.S. and Canada to hold this distinction.
What is a Model PLC?
A Professional Learning Community is a school where educators recognize that student success is driven by the ongoing, collaborative learning of the adults who serve them. This powerful framework is built upon three "Big Ideas":
- A Focus on Learning: Ensuring all students reach high levels of achievement.
- A Collaborative Culture: Working together interdependently to achieve common goals.
- A Results Orientation: Using data to assess and improve student outcomes.
According to the Champions of PLC at Work®, schools selected for this honor demonstrate a "sustained commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels" and a willingness to "alter the structure and culture of the organization" to fulfill that commitment.
Connecting to Our Strategic Plan
Professional Learning Communities are one of the key pillars of our success and an integral part of the NPD117 Strategic Plan. Every award and accolade our district receives connects directly back to the rich opportunities we provide our students, which in turn fuel their incredible successes.
Congratulations to the staff, students, families, and the entire learning communities at both Oak Ridge and Dorn School. We are incredibly proud of your hard work, dedication, and continuous PLC journey!