Pomona Unified Wins 2 Golden Bell Awards for Excellent Student Programs

Two of Pomona Unified’s educational programs that successfully exemplify effective teaching, student achievement and innovation have been awarded 2014 Golden Bell Awards, the most prestigious honor for a California school district awarded by the California School Board Association (CSBA).

Of the almost 250 entries that were submitted for the award, PUSD’s winning programs are: Palomares Academy of Health Sciences, which provides students a dedicated pathway into health science careers; and the Child Development’s Tots, Teachers and Technology program, which is revolutionizing learning through technology and interactive media for 3- and 4-year-old students.

Pomona Unified will receive the awards at a recognition ceremony on Dec. 16 at CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show in San Francisco.

“I am extremely proud of our teachers and staff at Pomona Unified, who have helped build and strengthen these programs to better prepare our students for their futures,” said Board of Education President Frank Guzman. “Whether they’re receiving rigorous academic instruction and training in the health care field, or learning how to master technology at an early age, our students’ success is a direct result of these groundbreaking programs.”

Celebrating its 35th year, the Golden Bell Awards promotes excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs in school districts statewide in 19 categories.

The Youth and Family Master Plan – a partnership between PUSD and several community organizations that offers a comprehensive, school-based program to address community needs, from prenatal health to graduation and career-readiness support – was also nominated for an award.

The Palomares Academy of Health Sciences was initiated in 2008 when it was transformed into a seventh- through 12th-grade health science academy. A National Academy Foundation school, Palomares offers project-based learning and a rigorous science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum. Students attend workshops at Western University of Health Sciences, work at Pomona Valley Hospital and showcase their skills at health fairs.

Started in 2009, the Tots, Teachers and Technology program engages preschool-aged children in exploring technology and interactive media in playful and creative ways using SMARTboards, iPads and tablets. Children learn in a hands-on, play-based environment that includes stories, songs and digital content. The program also provides professional development for teachers and a platform for parent engagement.

“I want to congratulate everyone in our PUSD family for their collaborative efforts to transform student learning at Pomona Unified,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “We have worked diligently and enthusiastically to provide a stimulating learning environment and award-winning academic programs, and being recognized with two Golden Bell Awards successfully validates those efforts.”