The California School Boards Association has awarded the Orange County Department of Education and 11 local school districts with Golden Bell Awards for their outstanding work in developing innovative education programs that meet a wide range of student needs.
This year, a dozen Orange County programs won awards across 22 categories from a pool of 256 total entries, an increase from last year’s eight OC winners. Additionally, the Buena Park School District’s school board and superintendent were awarded CSBA’s Golden Gavel Award, which recognizes one governance team across the state that exemplifies best practices in advancing the learning and achievement of all students.
Now in its 45th year, the Golden Bell Awards highlight exemplary school districts and their initiatives in order to promote excellence in education. A 61-member judging panel reviewed the 256 applications from across the state, while another 61 delegates and board members conducted the program validations.
Winners from all 22 categories were honored at the Golden Bell Awards Reception and Ceremony at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel on Dec. 5.
Here are the winning entries from Orange County, organized by category, with descriptions taken from the CSBA website.
Career Technical Education
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Buena Park School District: Buena Park Middle School
Buena Park Middle School FFA, Orange County’s first middle school FFA chapter, is dedicated to fostering student leadership and exploring careers in agriculture and natural resources. The chapter connects students, families and the community through initiatives like fresh produce, nutrition awareness and cultivating a strong relationship with the land. Buena Park Middle School’s FFA program inspires and educates future agricultural leaders by integrating hands-on learning and community involvement.
Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Content
Environmental Innovation is Golden
Ocean View School District: Golden View Elementary School
Golden View Elementary offers learning through hands-on and real-world experiences with a vision to develop young adults who are well-educated, environmentally conscious and responsible leaders. Students experience a rigorous academic program with environmental science integrated in all content areas throughout the school day. The entire staff and administration provide students with a safe and nurturing learning environment, which includes a beautiful 2.5-acre farm, animals, and vegetable and fruit gardens.
Curriculum and Instruction: STEM/STEAM
Sequoia Academy’s Arts Exemplary STEAM Program
Westminster School District: Sequoia Academy
Sequoia Academy, a proud recipient of the Exemplary Arts Education Award, embarked on its transformation in 2016, creating a dynamic learning environment that blends rigorous academics with a vibrant Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) and STEA³M curriculum. The district’s innovative program engages students in over 150 hours of arts education annually, fostering creativity, confidence and critical thinking. With strong district support and community partnerships, Sequoia Academy continues to bridge achievement gaps and inspire future leaders through its replicable, sustainable model, making it a standout in 21st-century education.
Design Thinking Labs: Preparing Future-Ready Students Now
Centralia Elementary School District
Centralia Elementary School District’s Design Thinking Labs redefine learning through empathy, experimentation and collaboration. These dynamic environments encourage open-mindedness and risk-taking, empowering students to explore ideas and prototype solutions. Acting as catalysts for innovation, the labs enable students to gain insights, design impactful products and create exceptional experiences while fostering grit and perseverance — essential skills for success in college and future careers.
Curriculum and Instruction: Visual
and Performing Arts
ARTS FOR ALL: “Unlocking Student Potential through the Arts”
Lowell Joint Elementary School District: Jordan Elementary School, El Portal ES, Macy ES, Meadow Green ES, Olita ES, Rancho-Starbuck Intermediate
The Lowell Joint ARTS for ALL: “Unlocking Student Potential Through the Arts” is a comprehensive elementary and junior high arts program that is data driven with a laser focus on its goals: 1) engaging students in a program that helps them discover the passion within, 2) discovering and fostering a “school family” and a place to belong, which will carry them through to high school and post-secondary education, and 3) connecting each student with a positive school mentor who speaks life into them. ARTS for ALL includes all six branches of the arts: Instrumental, Theater, Choral, Dance, Fine Art and Media Production and includes all TK-8 students.
Visual and Performing Arts Program
La Habra City School District: Arbolita Elementary School, El Cerrito ES, Ladera Palma ES, Las Lomas ES, Las Positas ES, Sierra Vista ES, Walnut ES, Imperial Middle School, Washington MS
The Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) program has evolved to address a significant need within the community: to provide students with a comprehensive arts education that enhances their academic, social and emotional development. Recognizing the vital role that the arts play in fostering creativity, critical thinking and cultural awareness, the district has invested in the expansion and sustainability of this program to ensure that all students have access to quality arts instruction.
The Sound of Success: AESD’s Vibrant Approach to Music Education
Anaheim Elementary School District
Anaheim ESD is the largest elementary school district in California, serving 14,500 PK-6 students across 23 schools. The Music Education Initiative, launched in July 2014, provides comprehensive, high-quality music instruction to all students districtwide. This program, led by Music and Arts Coordinator Mark Anderson, emphasizes equity, creativity and holistic growth for all students. Singing, playing instruments and composing support students as they develop a deep appreciation for music. Commitment to equity and inclusivity is underscored by providing instruments to all students. The initiative is poised for expansion with the support of Proposition 28.
Expanded Learning and Engagement
Engage 360 After-school Program
Santa Ana Unified School District
Santa Ana USD’s Engage 360 After-school Program boosts student engagement, supports whole child development and fosters leadership skills through diverse programs. From homework help to high-impact tutoring and enriching activities like robotics and sports, offerings are tailored to meet student interests and positively impact attendance and behavior. Celebrating over two decades of operation, Engage 360 exemplifies innovation and community collaboration, significantly enhancing student success and well-being.
Professional Learning
OCDE Language Services
Orange County Department of Education
OCDE Language Services provides comprehensive multilingual and multicultural professional development services that focus on coaching, language assistance, interpretation and translation, and pathways to certification. In addition to professionalizing language access, OCDE Language Services pioneered a one-of-a-kind national conference and consortium series that fosters meaningful collaborations between administrators, interpreters and translators within educational systems.
Special Education
Special Education Inclusive Strategic Plan Program
Orange Unified School District
The Special Education Inclusive Strategic Plan Program (SPP) is a bold and systematic action plan to achieve equitable opportunities for students with disabilities. Built on a robust framework of structured supports and strategic focal points, the SPP meticulously addresses specific needs and delivers measurable outcomes. Originating from a need to rectify disparities in inclusive education, SPP drives the expansion of equitable practices through high-impact initiatives and data-driven decision-making.
Student Engagement and Empowerment
Leader In Me Leadership Program
Magnolia School District: Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy
The Leader In Me Leadership Program at Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy focuses on developing leadership and communication skills, such as public speaking, critical thinking, goal setting, team building, student-led projects and collaboration. The program is designed to provide students with strategies that empower them to take charge of their own learning and interpersonal relationships by setting goals and tracking their academic progress.
FSD Fest: Celebrating Student Voice, Choice, and Agency
Fullerton School District
Experience FSD Fest: Fullerton SD’s dynamic showcase and celebration of student innovation. This multi-day learning festival, resembling a professional conference, offers 10 unique opportunities for student expression through film, art, TED Talk-style speeches, STEM, robotics, literacy, eSports and more. It empowers over 1,000 students to be change-makers in their community and the world, not in 10 or 20 years, but today.
2024 Golden Gavel Award Winner
Buena Park School District Governance Team
The Buena Park School District Governing Board has been awarded the prestigious Golden Gavel Award by the California School Boards Association (CSBA), an honor recognizing one governance team statewide per year that demonstrates outstanding leadership, commitment to effective governance, and dedication to advancing the success of all students in the district. The team includes President Tharwa Ahmad, President Pro Tem Jason Chong, Members Brenda Estrada, Jerry Frutos, and Rhodia Shead, and Superintendent Dr. Julienne Lee.