By Cassidy Conner--Eagle Staff Writer
The definition of renaissance is "rebirth, or a renewal of some sort." It is specifically used by Jostens for their conference and award program, and seemingly for good reason. The winners of the Jostens Renaissance award are highlighted for their ability to “renew” and change their school community in a positive way. Every year, Jostens looks for “Renaissance” schools to recognize for their efforts to make the world and community a better place for everyone, and this summer proved FCHS is just such a place.
The Jostens Renaissance Award recognizes schools who represent the positive climate and community that Jostens values. “The Renaissance School of Distinction Award celebrates Jostens customers that make a positive impact on school climate and culture through executing the Renaissance Results Formula, which is respect + recognize + reward + reinforce + relationships = results,” shared Marsha Lopez, FCHS Leadership and Education teacher and the force behind the Jostens program on campus.
There is a long application process that has to be completed while also meeting all the requirements for the award. Allyson Lynch, FCHS Assistant Principal, assisted Lopez in completing the application for last year’s award.
“Jostens has three different tiers - platinum, gold, and silver - that Jostens schools around the nation and the globe can apply to receive. It was an application process and we chose to endeavor to the platinum level. You have to make the decision at the beginning of the year which one you're going for, because each application has specific things that you have to meet and adhere to,” Lynch explained.
FCHS has worked with Jostens company for years now, and they are a part of many different events here at the high school. “They're our yearbook provider, and we have been attending the Renaissance Culture and Climate conferences, and so… I guess we have truly seen a light on their ideas of culture and climate improvement for schools,” Lynch commented.
Jostens determined that FCHS was indeed Platinum-level material. Along with partnering with Jostens for many years, staff and students improved their school and culture positively in their view, embodying the award criteria and views in the most influential and positive way throughout the community. “Our school received the award because we met all of the requirements outlined in the application. We described all of the activities that we do at FCHS to meet the formula and outlined how those activities, our climate, and our school culture led to positive results," said Lopez.
The award was presented at the annual Jostens Renaissance conference this summer, which FCHS attends each year. “The conference went very well. We took four adults and six students, and we were able to attend so many great sessions on school spirit, culture and climate, and more! We also got to go spend a few hours at Disney, which was really exciting. On the last night there, we all attended the big gala where we had dinner and where Jostens recognized all of the Schools of Distinction,” elaborated Lopez.
FCHS plans to try again for the platinum award this year in hopes of receiving the same recognition again. However, in order to complete the application process, they are seeking more help from the FCHS family. “It is quite an endeavor so anyone that would like to help, they could use all the help they can get… The application was quite, quite the bear. It was a lengthy process all year long,” Lynch added.
The award itself would seem to be physical proof of what many already know: the safe and positive community being built here everyday at FCHS. The effort to improve may not be visible to all, but clearly in Jostens Network's view, FCHS shines.
Comments