The Encinitas Union School District’s Film Guild Program was selected as a recipient of California’s leading educational honor, the Golden Bell Award, for its innovation as a Career and Technical Education program for elementary students, the district announced Jan. 21.
The Golden Bell Awards, celebrating its 45th year, 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 them.
Film Guild creator and coordinator Heather Montgomery and 2024 EUSD Board President Emily Andrade accepted the award for the program at a well-attended reception and ceremony on Dec. 5 at the Anaheim Marriott. The awards ceremony was part of California School Boards Association’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show held from Dec. 5-7 in Anaheim.
Film Guild was developed in the Encinitas Union School District as the first CTE program of its kind in the San Diego area. While CTE programming is generally geared toward junior high and high school students, elementary district officials said they believe that early engagement in career-ready skill development is equally valuable for students in elementary school.
The Film Guild provides fourth- through sixth-grade students with a chance to learn the intricacies and various aspects of storytelling through cinematography. The honorary professional film society aims to highlighting the perspectives and passions of district students.
“This recognition is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our educators who continue to implement programs that drive meaningful outcomes for our students and highlight their personal interests and talents,” district Superintendent Andrée Grey said.
A judging panel composed of experts from school districts and county offices of education across the state reviewed written entries and made initial recommendations. Onsite validators then reviewed the recommendations and assessed the programs in action. Th 2024 Golden Bell winners demonstrated that they are addressing student needs through areas such as equity and access, school climate and safety, technology and wellness.
“CSBA is proud to recognize innovative programs from local educational agencies around the state that make a difference in the lives of students,” California School Boards Association CEO and Executive Director Vernon M. Billy said. “The 2024 Golden Bell winners exemplify the creativity and performance our school districts and county offices of education can produce when given the flexibility to respond to local conditions and the needs of their unique student populations.”
To learn more about the Golden Bell Awards and the winners, visit awards.csba.org/golden-bell/.
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