The Moreno Valley Unified School District is a recipient of two of the state's leading educational honor, the Golden Bell Awards. Now in its 40th year, this award is sponsored by the California School Boards Association to recognize outstanding public school programs for innovation, sustainability and best practices that facilitate positive student outcomes.
The District received two Golden Bell Awards on Thursday, December 5, 2019 for the Community Wellness Center and Professional Development and Digital Learning Department. There were 253 applications received from the CSBA for the 2019 Golden Bell Awards and 57 were selected to receive the Golden Bell Award. The awards reflect the depth and breadth of education programs and governance decisions supporting these programs that are necessary to address students’ changing needs.
“The Golden Bell Award is a prestigious award that demonstrates that we have made a difference for students,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “I am proud of our staff who put a tremendous amount of effort into these programs that make a positive impact on our students and families.”
The Community Wellness Center began in January 2017. It has successfully eliminated barriers to learning by providing students with a school-based program while increasing health, safety, academic support, activities and free resources. The Center provides priority assistance for homeless and foster youth students. The center offers parent seminars on self-efficacy, financial education, employment, health, literacy and nutrition.
"We love our families and we truly want them to be independent successful leaders in our community," said Community Wellness Center Liaison Connie Edwards."Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope for all our families."
The Professional Development and Digital Learning Department is designed to provide high-quality professional development to promote increased achievement. Emphasis is placed on providing training and follow-up coaching for all core academic subjects. District Professional Development Specialists are assigned to all sites to provide in-class, follow-up coaching. District Professional Development Specialists lead collaborations within departments and grade levels which facilitate teachers and paraprofessionals learning from one another, improve instructional approaches, and increase achievement.
“Over the past several years, the professional development & digital learning department has dramatically evolved into a highly-effective district resource. This transformation was the result of deliberate team development and creating high-level coaching skills," said Dr. Susan Buster, Director of Professional Development & Digital Learning. "This award truly embodies that hard work. It is also a testament to our teamwork and commitment to the children and teachers of Moreno Valley Unified School District. We are honored to serve and grateful to receive this recognition.”
A judging panel composed of experts from school districts and county offices of education across the state reviewed written entries and made initial recommendations. On-site validators then reviewed the recommendations and assessed the programs in action.
“Now more than ever is a time to acknowledge and celebrate innovative and impactful programs that make a difference in the lives of our young people,” said CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy. “This year’s Golden Bell winners truly serve as beacons of success as we work to more fully and equitably serve all of California’s public school students.”
“Receiving not one, but two Golden Bell Awards is a huge honor,” said School Board President Jesús M. Holguín. “Our Community Wellness Center has made a great impact on our families and we are very happy to be able to get recognized for the efforts that we are doing. The Professional Development and Digital Learning Department has also done an impeccable job with our staff. They are dedicated to empowering MVUSD staff to reach high and increase achievement district-wide. We are very proud!”