Lomitas Elementary School is nestled in the valley of the High Desert in Victorville, California. This K-6 school is surrounded by the snow capped San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. While the Victorville community of 95,000 has grown rapidly in the last 10 years, people continue to enjoy a small town atmosphere.

Sixteen years ago, Lomitas Elementary emerged from a barren desert landscape to become one of two new schools in the rapidly growing Victor Elementary School District. The campus, composed of relocatable classrooms, dirt playgrounds and parking lots, did little to break up the stark surroundings of the harsh environment. Because of its location on gentle rolling hills, the name Lomitas (meaning rolling hills) was given.

Today, however, Lomitas has grown to be one of the largest schools in the district, with almost 1,000 students. It consists of 36 relocatable classrooms, five permanent classrooms, a multipurpose building, office and library/media center. The school no longer sits in the middle of the desert, but rather, is surrounded by a community of homes, apartment complexes and commercial businesses. Although the City of Victorville has experienced rapid growth, job opportunities in the local area are limited. Working parents commute long distances (Inland Empire/Los Angeles Basin) to work or they accept lower paying jobs locally. Families generally have a strong work ethic, and in order to support the family, both parents often work.

As a result of the growth in enrollment and parents choosing this neighborhood school, Lomitas has had to limit its enrollment outside of its own attendance area during the last two years. The student community is enriched by a multi-ethnic student population of Caucasian, 57%, Hispanic, 26%, African American, 11% and other, 2%.

The students, parents and staff are relentless in their commitment to the district's motto of "Learning for all, whatever it takes!" Over the past eight years this learning community of staff, students and parents has demonstrated a commitment to excellence resulting in a consistent pattern of success evidenced by a school effectiveness rating of 99%, as measured on an annual parent survey, a high safety rating of 85%, as measured by a student safety survey, and by 78% of the students meeting or exceeding the adopted content and performance standards in language arts and mathematics.

The Lomitas community is focused on results! A district core belief that states "all students can learn " is implemented through a quality curriculum, the most effective instructional strategies, and a close monitoring of each student's progress. Instructional programs and opportunities to ensure that all students learn and meet or exceed district standards are emphasized. If something is not working for a student, a better way to facilitate his learning is found. Evaluation focuses on student learning. That learning is taken seriously is evidenced by student achievement and each individual's commitment to his own professional development. The entire community, including parent volunteers and students assisting students through a buddy system, involves itself in the process of daily learning and growing.

The Lomitas staff supports the practice of shared decision making and encourages input from all facets of the school community. Lomitas is committed to a school free from violence and offers a disciplined environment where learning occurs. Staff, students and parents are actively involved in site decisions to continually improve the school.

Lomitas students consistently score above the district average on standardized tests, multiple measures and this past year scored well above county and state averages on the California State Standards test. Early intervention programs are the key to providing students' academic success. Co-curricular programs are available for all students and support the academic program. The teacher and parent meet during fall goal setting conferences to set academic expectations and direction for the year.

Parents logged in over 6,000 hours of volunteer time last year, clearly demonstrating the parents' commitment and dedication to the school. Volunteers assist in classrooms and office, sponsor staff recognition events, and host fund raisers. Last year the Parent-Teacher Association had over 80% of Lomitas families join in its annual membership drive and this group has been instrumental in providing the school's landscaping and outdoor student areas. School-business partnerships and local businesses work together to ensure academic achievement and success.

The Lomitas campus is clean and safe. Students participate in a volunteer clean campus program, promoting individual responsibility as well as school and community pride. Students are involved in putting up and taking down playground equipment, raising the flags, assisting in the cafeteria during lunch, picking up attendance folders, operating the weekly student store, serving on the safety and discipline committees, all of which build a sense of teamwork or as student's call it - Leopard Pride!

Importance is placed on honesty and positive values in all areas. The building and nurturing of civility, courtesy and the consideration of others is modeled and promoted by all adults. Lomitas programs such as Accountability Concepts and Students Excited About Learning (SEAL) provide opportunities to integrate and reinforce the core ethical values into school activities.

A long range plan for technology has brought about the completion of a local area network which connects all areas of the campus and the District and County Office of Education. A 36 workstation computer lab is used for student instruction and staff training. Each classroom is equipped with network connections to allow classroom access to all programs, the Internet and the World Wide Web. The position of Educational Technologist was created four years ago to ensure quality instruction in technology by a qualified staff member. Staff, parents and students have a clear vision of the instructional learning and administrative advantages provided through technology.

Seven years ago, through a process of site-based strategic planning, the Lomitas community clarified its efforts by developing the following Mission:

The Mission of Lomitas, as a school of Communication Arts and Technology, together with the community, is to empower students to be socially accountable life-long learners by providing a positive, child centered education.

This Mission sets the direction for the belief in student empowerment and respectful, responsible life long leaners. This Mission is accomplished through the Lomitas community - the people doing the job - and guided by the vision best summarized by the old Chinese proverb, "A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark." Lomitas strives to ensure our marks are without limits.