Moreno Valley receives two CSBA Golden Bell awards

January 27, 2020

The Moreno Valley Unified School District received two of the state’s leading educational honors, 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 for the Community Wellness Center and Professional Development and Digital Learning Department.  “The Golden Bell Award is a prestigious award that demonstrates that we have made a difference for students,” said Superintendent 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 at each site lead collaborations within departments and grade levels, which facilitate teachers improving instructional approaches. “Over the past several years, the Professional Development and 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 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.”