GILBERT Elementary PAL Advisors Dawn Floyd and Kari Gori, along with the school’s PAL student group helped spearhead campus-wide initiatives to foster a positive culture and climate (GGUSD photo).

Gilbert Elementary School was honored by the Orange County Department of Education for its PAL (Peer Assistance Leadership) program for the 2019-2020 school year. Gilbert was one of only four schools across Orange County, from more than 100 schools with PAL programs, selected for this recognition.

OCDE surprised Gilbert staff and students with a video announcement, congratulating them for creative and innovative practices to enhance student engagement and connectedness to the school and community.

The PAL group at Gilbert Elementary School includes 35 fifth and sixth grade students, led by advisors Dawn Floyd and Kari Gori. PAL students spearheaded an anti-bullying campaign, led the school’s “No Place for Hate” initiatives, and helped promote a positive school environment by welcoming kindergarten students and helping all students develop friendships on campus. Additionally, PAL students dedicated time to community service, including writing letters to veterans and donating blankets to the Orange County Humane Society.

Gilbert School is located at 9551 Orangewood Ave. in Garden Grove. It is part of the Garden Grove Unified School District, which serves most of Garden Grove along with parts of Anaheim, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster.

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