South Whittier School District was awarded the Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association for their outstanding Wellness Services Program.
SWSD’s Wellness Services Program was selected as one of 52 recipients of California’s leading educational honor, the Golden Bell Award. The Golden Bell Awards are presented by the California School Boards Association to promote excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices. 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 District received their award at a reception ceremony held on December 1, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The awards ceremony was part of CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show.
The Wellness Services Program (WSP) won for the Social/Emotional Health/Wellness Category, which focuses on a holistic approach to the social, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing of all members of the LEA community including students, teachers, administrators, superintendents, board members, and all other staff.
WSP launched at the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year with goals to reduce barriers to learning, increase mental health awareness and remove barriers preventing access to mental health services. Social Workers provide tiered mental health services with a focus on prevention early intervention. WSP’s vision for the future of our SWSD community is for students, families and staff to speak openly about mental health, and prioritize their well-being and healing in order to assure “Success for Every Student.”
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. This year’s Golden Bell winners demonstrated that they are addressing student needs through areas such as equity and access, school climate and safety, technology, and wellness.
“As we wrestle with the aftermath of the pandemic and address longstanding issues related to student success, it’s important to highlight school districts and county offices of education that are demonstrate promising practices for closing opportunity and achievement gaps and supporting student wellness,” said CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy. “This year’s Golden Bell winners have developed remarkable programs that can serve as an example for schools across the state as they work to accelerate learning recovery and foster healthy school environments for all California students.
To learn more about the Golden Bell Awards and all the winners, visit: http://awards.csba.org/golden-bell/