Winners

Sara Wilkins, Board President; Cecilia Massetti, Superintendent; Cyndy Dolph, Associate Superintendent; Kathy Woods, Director, Curriculum and Instruction; Elizabeth Rodriguez, Coordinator, Youth Development

Madera County Office of Education collaborates with Department of Social Services, Probation and the Madera Center College so foster youth can take charge of their future. Group meetings, field trips, case management and social skill development help students explore careers, college and vocational programs while developing life skills in finance, cooking, decision making, relationships and alcohol/drug awareness.

John McPherson, Board President; Dr. Nancy Kotowski, Superintendent; Dean Flippo, Monterey County District Attorney; Stephanie Hulsey, Assistant DA; Diana Rosenthal, Deputy DA

The Monterey County Office of Education Truancy Abatement program engages student, family and school in a team effort to determine the problems the student is encountering, develops a plan of action and works together to resolve issues. The result is student success in school and positive school attendance. The key components of the program are early detection of truant behavior, and collaboration and shared vision and goal between partnering agencies.

Leon Beauchman, Board President; Jon Gundry, Superintendent; Kathy Sealana, Director, Workforce and Organization Development; Philip Gordillo, Chief Human Resources Officer; Laurence Beto, Principal, Special Education; Melissa Christie, Director, Curriculum and Instruction; Stephanie Lo, Financial Analyst

The Santa Clara County Office of Education believes leadership at all levels is critical to the success of their students, schools and the organization. Santa Clara County Office of Education’s theory of action is: if leaders are grown from within and staff develops to their full potential, then Santa Clara County Office of Education will match the needs of students and the organization to the career aspirations of individuals.

Leon Beauchman, Board President; Jon Gundry, Superintendent; Yee Wan, Director, Multilingual Education Services; Angelica Ramsey, Chief Academic Officer; Melissa Christie, Director, Curriculum and Instruction; Rachel Zlotziver, Communications/PR Specialist

In 2010, the Seal of Biliteracy Consortium in Santa Clara County was established by seven Local Education Agencies, including the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The Seal of Biliteracy supports school districts in providing multiple opportunities for the study of world languages, while recognizing students who attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation with the Seal of Biliteracy.

Joe Enea, Board President; Jim Vidak, Superintendent; Guadalupe Solis, Deputy Superintendent, Instructional Services; Charlene Stringham, Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services

The Tulare County Office of Education Educational Resource Services Common Core Implementation & Support provides multi-faceted Common Core State Standards implementation and support services to educators throughout and beyond Tulare County. The program includes an extensive offering of professional development sessions, on-site mentoring partnerships in over 50 districts, interdepartmental CCSS collaborative efforts, a wide array of relevant, engaging, CCSS-aligned student events and a popular CCSS resource website.

Micah Ali, Board President; Darin Brawley, Superintendent; Ontrece Ellerbe, Principal; Abimbola Ajala, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services; Pamela Aurangzeb, Director of Curriculum and Instruction; Nancy Harris, Curriculum Specialist; Latrece Polk, Teacher

Learning Through Literacy puts innovative and engaging practices in place to ensure that every scholar at its school becomes a fluent reader and a proficient writer by the end of each school year. The schoolwide literacy focus involves meeting the needs of each student through small reading groups, peer-assisted reading assignments, an individual reading plan, a comprehensive schoolwide writing approach and intervention services for students reading below grade level.

Frank Guzman, Board President; Richard Martinez, Superintendent; Adrienne Konigar-Macklin, Board Member; Camille Ramos-Beal, Principal; Reedy Wade, Former Principal; Francisco Bustos and Brandi Dukes, Teachers; Elizabeth Rega, Associate Vice Provost, Western University of Health Sciences

Palomares Academy of Health Sciences is a National Academy Foundation school serving as a dedicated pathway in health/biomedical careers. This former middle school now offers rigorous health science courses that are student-centered with cross-curricular content embedded into project-based learning. Students engage in internships and mentoring with industry and university partners. Palomares provides opportunities for early engagement, guidance and support, and preparation for college and career.

Bill Carle, Board President; Socorro Shiels, Superintendent; Laura Hendrickson, Principal; Justin Boothe, Assistant Principal; John Lundblad, Teacher; Carolyn Hamill, Electives Department Chair

You dream it, and Project Make will help you create it! Hilliard Comstock Middle School in the Santa Rosa City Schools Project Make helps students become “makers” of practical, imaginative and creative hands-on projects. Project Make is a suite of offerings including a summer camp and electives that help students develop confidence, self-efficacy and an intrinsic motivation toward academics.

Twila Godley, Board President; David Lorden, Superintendent; Nina Drammissi, Principal, Lindo Park Elementary; David Tupper, Science Teacher; Steve Mull, Principal, Lakeside Middle School; Robin Rierdan, Lakeside River Park Conservancy; Jan Landstedt and Linda Koller, Science Teachers

The RiverKeepers Community Partnership is a collaborative effort between the Lakeside Union School District, Lakeside River Park Conservancy, and other local agencies to promote educational and cultural opportunities for youth. This seven-year partnership has resulted in yearly field study experiences for 450 sixth-graders to actively engage applied ecological study with innovative 21st century tools. The experience builds understanding of the native riparian habitat, invasive species, watershed issues community awareness and college/career pathways.

Dr. Christopher Oram, Superintendent

National School District entered into a collective impact cross-sector partnership with Teachers and Artists, a nonprofit organization and the University of California, San Diego. The partners created The CoTA Project, a professional development model incorporating exemplary interdisciplinary instructional strategies that integrate multiple art forms aligned with the new standards. Teachers worked with 17 CoTA teaching artists to develop 135 model lessons that can be accessed online.

David Isom, Board President; Kris Korey, Superintendent; Judi Honeychurch, Pat Shamansky, Perry Polk, David Gaut and John Silva, Board Members; Kay Hartley, Principal; Cheryl Stumbaugh, Teacher

The Kindergarten Readiness Roundup program services hundreds of families each year. Pre-kindergarten children, with their parents, move through stations where they are assessed on a range of specific kindergarten readiness skills including: shape and color recognition, small and large motor skills, letter and number identification, following directions and other identified readiness skills. Parents review results with kindergarten, preschool and special education teachers to learn strategies for preparing their children for kindergarten.

The Students Participating in Readiness Opportunities Using Themes in Science program offers our youngest students a foundation for 21st Century skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication and creativity. Technology is used to enhance and accelerate the learning experience of young, eager students. Theme-related books provide students opportunities to develop vocabulary, comprehension and sequencing skills, and concepts of print while enhancing their school experience.

Frank Guzman, Board President; Richard Martinez, Superintendent; Leslie Barnes, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services; Eileen Carrillo-Lau, Director, Child Development; Cynthia Allen, Program Assistant; Jennifer Wagner, program Administrator, Instructional Technology; Marilyn Hokanson, Teacher Specialist

Tots, Teachers and Technology introduces three-and four-year-olds to technology as a tool for early, interactive learning, while providing targeted, job-embedded professional development for teachers and a platform for parent engagement. Using SMART boards, interactive tables, iPads and tablets, children learn in a hands-on, play-based curriculum. Children receive the academic, technological, and social foundation that prepares them for success in the 21st century.

Bruce Dennis, Board President; Kenneth Young, Superintendent; Diana Walsh-Reuss, Associate Superintendent; Marjo Mello, Director; Rosa Alvarez, Site Manager

Riverside County Office of Education partners with the Brawley Public Library for community-based literacy services through the Literacy and Mobile Book Services. The active collaboration greatly narrows the achievement gap through the innovative library program that provides books and services that support literacy, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of pre-academic school readiness skills for children, their parents and families.

Brian Rivas, Board President; David Gordon, Superintendent; Greg Geeting and Jacquelyn Levy, Board Members; Nancy Herota and Natalie Woods Andrews, Directors, School Readiness; Mark Vigario, Assistant Superintendent

Preschool Bridging Model Plus is an innovative quality enhancement program for teachers working in Sacramento County private centers and family child care homes serving children, birth through age five. The Sacramento County Office of Education’s early childhood education specialists have partnered with nearly 700 teachers/sites to integrate use of research-based instructional strategies and resources that will enhance teacher-child interactions and environments.

Donald Ruhstaller, Board President; Thomas Uslan, Superintendent; Phyllis Kahl, Principal; Josef Schallberger, Assistant Principal; Susan Lenz and Van Ha To-Cowell, Board Members; Katie Pierce and Edward Bonilla, Teachers

Civic Pride Independent Academy was designed to offer expelled students an opportunity to continue their education and stay on track to graduate. The program provides college preparatory academics through direct instruction and online learning, supported by counseling and drug testing. The students participate in service projects with a focus on bettering their local community as well as the environment. Civic Pride Independent Academy gives students a second chance to find success.

Danielle Cohen, Board President; Eric Andrew, Superintendent; Julie Constant, Thomas Gemetti, Michael Snyder and Juliet Tiffany-Morales, Board Members

Campbell Union School District’s De Padre de Padre - Positive Discipline Class for Latino parents intentionally recruits and engages Spanish-speaking fathers to actively support student achievement, good attendance, and enthusiasm for learning. This unique parent education model provides gender-specific day and evening sessions in which fathers and mothers learn new skills.

Brenna Cadman, Board President; Dr. Shawn Judson, Superintendent; Laura Rowland, Principal; Candra Loftis, Teacher

Emerging Young Leaders is the signature program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., created by International President Carolyn House Stewart. The program is designed to cultivate and encourage high scholastic achievement through leadership development, educational enrichment, civic engagement and character building. The program targets middle school girls with the intent of grooming future leaders.

Valerie Davis, Board President; Michael Hanson, Superintendent; Luis Chavez, Janet Ryan, Cal Johnson, Christopher DelaCerda, Carol Mills and Michelle Asadoorian, Board Members

Fresno Unified School District’s Parent University mission is to empower and connect parents to their school system with the goal of improving student achievement. Through Parent University courses, parents gain insight into Fresno Unified’s instructional and learning environment, accountability systems and resources, and learn how to better connect with their children’s school community. These efforts have allowed the district to become more transparent and accessible to parents and community members.

Christina Pritchett, Board President; Jose’ Banda, Superintendent; Yesenia Gonzalez, Founding Parent; David Fisher, Vice President; Tu Moua, Associate Superintendent

Combining Home Visits and Academic Parent/Teacher Teams results in a teacher-led family engagement model, that partner with families to support children’s academic goals. Decades of research confirm that both high expectations in the home and engaged families focused on student learning are essential components in narrowing the achievement gap and building a solid foundation for college and career readiness.

Don Huffman, Board President; Barbara Nemko, Superintendent; Lori Hill, Administrative Assistant; Rebecka Anderson, Educational Technology Manager

The Teacher Dinner Series on Technology provides teachers with free, ongoing professional development on how to effectively use a variety of technology tools in the classroom that support common core standards. Trainings are held in the early evening and a community dinner is provided to all who attend. All participants have hands-on experience while being coached in how technology can best be used with students in the classroom.

Patty de Jong, Board President; Candace Singh, Superintendent; Leonard Rodriguez, Principal; Allen Teng and Robert Huish, Assistant Principals; Danielle Duarte and Megan Woodword, Counselors

Over the past four years, Potter Junior High School’s implementation of Potter Pride System of Supports has led to a 74 percent decrease in suspensions with significant decreases each year. In-school suspensions dropped 95 percent, and detentions dropped 13.5 percent. Potter has implemented teaching and practicing of behavior expectations, monitoring and adjusting the program based on data, emphasized counseling and specific education-focused behavior intervention, opportunities for student empowerment, and positive incentives.

John Zickefoose, Board President; Dr. Michael Lin, Superintendent; Mike Ilic, Director; Challyn Strong, Teacher; Sarah Gonzalez and Ryan Sanchez, Teachers

Corona-Norco Unified School District’s UNITY program, has one goal. That goal is to unite students by celebrating their differences. UNITY operates on the premise that “it’s hard to hate someone when you know their story.” The message is promoted via UNITY Leadership courses offered at each high school where leaders facilitate full-day forums and manage campus-wide campaigns to combat social injustices such as bullying, discrimination, as well as celebrating their differences.

Michael Duran, Board President; Dr. Gary Rutherford, Superintendent; Jeff Kaye, Director of Security and Safety Services

Promoting Safe Schools Together World is an anonymous reporting tool used in all Desert Sands Unified School District schools to report bullying and other incidents detrimental to a safe school climate. Desert Sands Unified School District has had tremendous success with it in terms of investigating cases related to bullying, teen suicide and a myriad of other issues reported to them.

Charles Ramsey, Board President; Bruce Harter, Superintendent; Elaine Merriweather, Madeline Kronenberg, Randall Enos and Todd Groves, Board Members; Wendell Greer, Associate Superintendent K-Adult Operations

West Contra Costa Unified School District’s Full Services Community Schools initiative is improving academic and climate outcomes by bringing community health and wellness services into their schools and creating partnerships with cities, the county and private nonprofits. With leadership and commitment, full service community schools has expanded from providing basic health services in their high schools to elementary and middle schools with an influence that extends to the larger community.

Jason Michael-Bradley Wells, Board President; George Cameron, Interim Superintendent; Jose Barajas, Board Member; Nitza Corrales, Director of Special Education and Special Services; Lizcett Porras, School Psychologist

Viva La Girl is a gender-responsive character education program for girls, which functions under the guise of a “cool” club where girls interact with positive peer and adult female role models. Viva La Girl improves student social-emotional well-being by empowering girls with the understanding that knowing who they are and where they are going is essential in making a positive difference for themselves and their community.

Linda Small, Board President; Dr. Ron Carruth, Superintendent; Jenny Hernandez, Instructional Specialist; Becky Shultz, Director of Expanded Learning

Whittier City School District’s Reach for the Stars program has been serving the community for over 14 years. The Reach for the Stars program serves over 1,300 students, grades K-8 during the school year and 800 during the summer months. Their vision is to produce students who have the 21st Century skills they need to be successful in school, career and in life. Together they promote healthy living and responsible citizenship.

Ross Valenzuela, Board President; Barry Kayrell, Superintendent; Emily Shaw, Principal; Susan Brown, Coordinator; Stephanie Mitchell, Counselor

The Building Assets Reducing Risks program is a strength-based educational model created to help students manage the transition to high school. Building Assets Reducing Risks Program is the first comprehensive educational innovation that Hemet High School has found that has developed a structure and process to teach, support and empower administrators, educators, parents and students around a common articulated pathway to student success.

Dr. Betsy Connolly, Board President; Dr. Jeffrey Baarstad, Superintendent; Pat Philps and Peggy Buckles, Board Members; Kathleen Murvin, Program Coordinator

The Conejo Valley Unified School District received a three-year grant from Ventura County Behavioral Health to develop and implement BreakThrough, an alcohol and other drug and violence reduction-focused Student Assistance Program. BreakThrough provides an individualized service delivery plan focused on the specific needs of each participant. The mission is to offer confidential services that support academic and personal achievement.

Gus Hawthorn, Board President; Dr. Leslie Boozer, Superintendent; Barbara Chavez, Board Member; Scott Mesa, Fontana USD Chief of Police; Rodney Jones, City of Fontana Chief of Police; Sergeant Dennis Barnett, Jr., Fontana School Police; Beth Davidson, Intervention Secretary

The Fontana Leadership Intervention program is founded upon a partnership between the Fontana School Police, the Fontana Police Department, and the Fontana Unified School District. The sixteen-week program offers at-risk teenagers an opportunity to experience a unique educational environment which will positively impact the rest of their lives. Upon graduating from the program, students participate in a formal graduation and earn five elective credits toward graduation.

Valerie Davis, Board President; Michael Hanson, Superintendent; Luis Chavez, Janet Ryan, Christopher De La Cerda, Carol Mills, Cal Johnson and Michelle Asadoorian, Board Members; Darrin Person, Coordinator

Through the work and mentoring of Fresno Unified School District’s Alliance Program, selected at-risk students gain personal behavior and academic skills that lead them to find success in the classroom, career and through their adult lives. With the structure of selected elective courses, creation of Alliance Magazine and community outreach, students gain valuable life skills that help redirect their focus and get them back on track to graduate and succeed.

Margie Sherratt, Board President; Sean McPhetridge, Interim Superintendent; Ruth Abbe, Board Member; Lori Garrett, Outdoor Learning Center Coordinator; Jerome Thomas, Custodial Operations Lead; Tom Miro and Michele Kuttner, Teachers; Chantal Currid, Parent Volunteer

Created in 2009, the Alameda Green Schools Challenge supports the comprehensive recycling and composting programs across Alameda Unified School District. The program began with pilot programs at five schools and has since expanded to all schools in the district, and charter schools within the city limits. As of 2013-14, the amount of waste the district recycles or composts has grown to 68 percent, up from 41 percent before program implementation.

Juliana Feriani, Board President; Joe Silva, Superintendent; Paul McIlroy, Teacher; Gail Witzlesteiner, Hospital Administrator; Jodie Rodriguez, Dietician; Todd Stolp, County Health Officer; Brie Ferguson, Nurse/Fitness Coordinator

Fit for the Future is an innovative, collaborative effort to eliminate childhood obesity in Tuolumne County. A registered nurse, a registered dietitian and a credentialed physical education teacher provide expertise and motivation in health, fitness and nutrition. This lifetime skill and empowerment is essential to student health and wellness today and long into the future.

Bob Gin, Board President; Laura Tellez-Gagliano, Superintendent; Jane Anderson, Chester Chau, Adele Andrade-Stadler and Patricia Rodriguez-Mackintosh, Board Members; Laura Bear, Assistant Superintendent

Alhambra Unified School District created the Intern Training Academy to provide comprehensive prevention, intervention and mental health services to uninsured, underinsured and indigent students while providing a clinical training experience for interns focusing on best practices in mental health delivery. The district has been able to address the holistic needs of students, improve school outcomes and school climate, and reduce suspension and expulsion rates.

Tod Corrin, Board President; John Garcia, Jr., Superintendent; Robert Jagielski, Director, Student Services; Luz Perez, TLC Resource Center Coordinator

The mission of Downey Unified School District’s True Lasting Connections Family Resource Center is to create strong connections between the community and the district. Through collaboration, True Lasting Connections provides a comprehensive array of health and social services to students in need. This community schools based approach has gained focus in the last several years on addressing the complexity of the achievement gaps of low-income, at-risk students.

Marla Strich, Board President; Timothy Baird, Superintendent; Emily Andrade, Gregg Sonken and Carol Skiljan, Board Members; Leighangela Brady, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services; Angelica Lopez, Assistant Superintendent, Administrative Services

The Encinitas Union School District believes in the education of the whole child, as evidenced by its high academic achievement, innovative programs, and a comprehensive health and wellness program. The program focuses on the improvement of physical fitness, character development, garden sciences and nutrition curriculum. Wellness is a critical focus for the health, education and achievement of Encinitas students.

Alexandra Zucco, Board President; Dr. Katherine Thorossian, Superintendent; Terrence Williams and Ed Gililland, Board Members; Sashary Zaroyan, Student; Mayor Mary Ann Lutz, Mayor of Monrovia; Loretta Whitson, Director, Student Support Services

The mission of Monrovia Healing Connections is to provide leadership and coordination so that Monrovia youth are empowered and can flourish in school and in life. The Healing Connections program is free to the district, with funding generated through collaborative community efforts to fund assemblies and for printing hotline information cards and brochures. The program included effective research-based strategies to improve students’ emotional and mental health.