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SAN BERNARDINO, CA— During a virtual ceremony held on Jan. 31, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) and the San Bernardino California School Boards Association (SBCSBA) recognized six school districts in San Bernardino County for earning California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards last month.
“The Golden Bell Awards illustrate a district’s commitment to provide the best possible opportunities for students and staff in San Bernardino County,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication these districts have demonstrated.”
During the ceremony, each of the seven award-winning programs were highlighted. Individuals critical to each program’s success had a chance to speak about their challenges and accomplishments. To watch the videos spotlighting each of the seven programs, visit our @SBCountySchools YouTube channel here.
“Receiving a Golden Bell Award is a significant honor,” said San Bernardino County Board of Education President Ken Larson. “Each of these programs represents an ongoing collaborative effort that makes a difference for students, educators, families and communities.”
The 2021 Golden Bell Award winners from San Bernardino County are:
- Chaffey Joint Union High SD: Cougar Relays
- Etiwanda SD: Connect with ESD!
- Redlands USD: Mock Trial
- Rialto USD: Rialto USD Induction Program
- San Bernardino City USD: BEYOND Pathways – SBCUSD Continuum of Transition Services Program
- San Bernardino City USD: Onboarding Program
- Victor Valley Union High SD: STEM Academy
Chaffey Joint Union High SD won a Golden Bell award in the Special Education category for its annual Cougar Relays event hosted by Rancho Cucamonga High School. Cougar Relays is a fun-filled day of relays and games designed to encourage both special education and general education students to interact with one another and build a general feeling of mutual appreciation, respect and rapport. The event has evolved over the last 14 years into a massive, districtwide event in which students from all high schools in the district eagerly participate.
Also among the Special Education category winners is Beyond Pathways: San Bernardino City USD (SBCUSD) Continuum of Transition Services program. This program provides support and services to students with disabilities after their high school graduation to help young adults develop skills through work experience, academic assistance with college certificate or degree programs, and training in skills such as self-advocacy, time management and teamwork. These services help ensure they become well-rounded, independent members of their community.
SBCUSD was awarded a second Golden Bell for its Onboarding Program in the Professional Development and Teacher Recruitment/Retention category. Their multi-tiered system of support provides all new classified, certificated and administrative employees with orientation, stakeholder sessions, peer shadowing opportunities and mentorship.
Rialto USD was also awarded a Golden Bell in the Professional Development and Teacher Recruitment/Retention category. The district’s current induction program, initiated in July 2011, provides new teachers who hold preliminary credentials with an individualized, two-year system of mentoring and support.
Etiwanda SD received a Golden Bell in the Family, Student and Community Engagement category, which includes programs that encourage or facilitate family involvement in their child’s education, bolster community partnerships or incorporate student engagement in site and district decision-making. Connect with ESD! is a districtwide initiative that harnesses the power of social media to bridge the gap between home and school life by sharing information, showcasing achievements and highlighting significant individuals in the school community.
The Redlands USD Mock Trial program was selected as the Golden Bell Award winner for English/Reading/Language Arts in the Curriculum and Instruction through the California Standards Implementation category. This category includes models that utilize interdisciplinary teaching, thematic instruction, learning styles, technology or other innovative or exemplary instructional strategies that are successful within the lens of the California Standards. The Mock Trial program has been implemented at its three comprehensive high schools: Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School and Citrus Valley High School. It is grounded in the Universal Design for Learning framework and focuses on instruction based on California Common Core Standards and Practices. The program offers students multiple ways of engagement and expression while they learn public speaking, critical thinking and argumentative skills.
The Golden Bell Award winner for STEM/STEAM in the Curriculum and Instruction through the California Standards Implementation category is the Cobalt Institute of Math and Science STEM Academy in Victor Valley Union High SD. The academy aims to ensure all students, predominantly students of color and low-income youth, graduate with the knowledge and exposure to pursue higher education and career options in STEM-related fields. It provides hands-on, problem-based projects and activities that promote 21st century skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.
Now in its 42nd year, the CSBA Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in education and school board governance. The honor recognizes outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards in school districts and county offices of education throughout the state. The awards program highlights exemplary education practices that are innovative, equitable and proven to be successful, as demonstrated by their positive student outcomes.
For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.
