MVUSD Wins Three of the State’s Top Awards

Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) is being honored with three of the state’s most prestigious award for excellence in education, the Golden Bell, the most presented to any school district in California this year. Three California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell awards are the most any district can win in a single year. The Golden Bells, to be presented this month at CSBA ceremonies in San Francisco, are in recognition of Moreno Valley High School’s AVID program, Canyon Springs High School’s Charter Hospice partnership, and the Moreno Valley Unified School District’s increase in its graduation rate. “We’re so proud to bring these awards back to our community,” said Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “None of these improvements happened by accident. The Golden Bells are recognitions of very intentional efforts on the parts of talented professionals who are dedicated to helping each student succeed. As our superintendent, Dr. Judy D. White, says, ‘it’s about excellence on purpose.’” Moreno Valley High has been busy creating a college-bound culture through its AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. It started 13 years ago as a small group of staff and students focused on graduating strong and heading to college. In 2014, the program was bigger than ever, with 107 AVID graduates receiving a total of 401 college acceptances to dozens of colleges across the country, and who were offered a total of $2.5 million in financial aid, 76 percent in the form of scholarships and grants. MVHS is designated as an AVID national demonstration school. The Canyon Springs Charter Hospice Partnership has successfully trained hundreds of Canyon Springs High School students interested in the health-care field to provide end-of-life companionship for patients at skilled-nursing facilities. Students have gained valuable insight into the health-care field, while growing in maturity and compassion. CSHS also won a Golden Bell Award in 2013 for its Health Career Academy. From 2012 to 2013, the rate climbed 6.2 percent – and an astounding 15.3 percent over the past three years, by far the greatest increase in Riverside County. The current rate of 81 percent exceeds both the state and national averages. In addition to winning the most Golden Bells of any California school district this year, MVUSD will also receive $1,000 from the ACT Aspire company in recognition of its outstanding graduation-rate increase. The money will be used to support student visits to college campuses. This year’s Golden Bells join the award won by Canyon Springs High School in 2013, and the two Golden Bells claimed by Hidden Springs Elementary and Valley View High School in 2012.