OC Impact School: Beechwood School recognized for culture of collaboration and trust

Quick look: Beechwood School in the Fullerton School District was recently selected as an Orange County Impact School by OCDE for its student-centered approach and learning environment that encourages communication.

At Beechwood School in the Fullerton School District, a steady hum of student voices fills the classrooms. While that kind of chatter might typically signal a distraction, here it represents something else — active collaboration.

Meaningful communication is encouraged in every classroom at Beechwood and is one of the many reasons the school was named an Orange County Impact School by the Orange County Department of Education. The program, in its inaugural year, recognizes outstanding schools and highlights their best practices.

“What stood out most to me was the pride that students, families and staff have in being part of this community — it’s something you can feel the moment you step on campus,” said Laurie Virtusio, OCDE’s literacy and language coordinator and Impact School lead. “That shared commitment creates the conditions where teaching and learning can really thrive.”

Consistent communication between students and staff serves as a foundational element of the school, helping build students’ confidence to be curious, ask questions and work together to find answers.

That inclusive environment begins with Principal Hannah Lim. Each morning, Lim stands at the front of the school to greet parents and students. Throughout the day, students return the gesture, enthusiastically greeting her as she walks around campus.

“When students come to school, to be able to have a safe space, our teachers form relationships with kids where the trust is built so that they are able to be successful in the classroom,” Lim said.

That trust is evident in the classroom, where students engage in unique assignments, projects and approaches to problem-solving. 

During a walk-through of the school with the OCDE Impact Schools team, one fourth-grade class sang a song about caring for the environment set to the tune of Katy Perry’s “Firework,” with lyrics written collaboratively by the class. In another, projects were so engaging that one student even bemoaned the sound of the lunch bell, disappointed it interrupted their work.

Family engagement is another key component of Beechwood’s approach, extending that sense of connection beyond the classroom. The school encourages parents to stay involved throughout the year by hosting family events such as “Western Night,” and by providing homework material for parents to work through with their child so they can be part of their learning experience.

“It think its very important, because school and education is not one-sided,” Lim said on the value of involving parents. “We invite our parents to walk on the journey through the year because you have to work together as a team.”

Additionally, parents are invited into the classroom to volunteer whenever they can. Combined with Lim’s open-door policy, Beechwood strives to be as transparent as possible while building meaningful relationships with its families.

While those efforts contribute to student success, Lim said the focus remains simple: keeping students at the forefront of every decision.

“I think the big thing is we’re always very student centered overall,” Lim said. “The well being of the student is what helps lead the success, not only in the classroom, but outside as well.”