SUHSD VEX Robotics League receives Golden Bell Award from California School Boards Association celebrating outstanding education programs and governance practices
SACRAMENTO, Calif., (December 7, 2023) –The Sweetwater District VEX Robotics League was selected as one of 60 recipients of California’s leading educational honor, the Golden Bell Award. The Golden Bell Awards, celebrating their 44th 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 these programs that are necessary to address students’ changing needs.
The Sweetwater VEX Robotics League Program received its award at a well-attended reception and ceremony on Nov. 30, 2023, at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. The awards ceremony was part of CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show held from Nov. 30-Dec. 2 in San Francisco. The conference is the premier continuing education event for California school board members and the largest education leadership conference in the state.
The Sweetwater VEX Robotics League Program aims to integrate the great potential of using robotics in STEM/STEAM education to build and expose students to the 21st Century skills. Using VEX robotics, students learn to think critically, journal their problem-solving strategies, demonstrate solution progress, and collaborate as a team to compete across the district, State, and World Championships. In this program, middle and high school students collaborate in teams to build and design robots, use Python, Java, or Basic coding language to program it, and compete in the VEX Robotics League Program. As a STEAM program in our district, it integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math objectives and standards, immediate feedback results, and applicable real-world solutions. Sweetwater VEX Robotics League Program focuses on providing opportunities by creating a welcoming environment that encourages underrepresented populations and young women to be involved in STEM Fields and be prepared for their college and career choices.
“I am immensely proud to see the SUHSD VEX Robotics League honored with the Golden Bell Award by CSBA. This achievement underscores the tremendous impact of robotics in our educational landscape,” said Sweetwater District Superintendent, Dr. Moises G. Aguirre. “It reflects the dedication, creativity, and teamwork of our students and mentors, showcasing how robotics not only enhances STEM education but also fosters a spirit of innovation and collaboration. This recognition speaks volumes about the strength and forward-thinking nature of our robotics program, and I commend all involved for this remarkable accomplishment.”
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/
CSBA is a nonprofit education association representing the elected officials who govern public school districts and county offices of education. With a membership of nearly 1,000 educational agencies statewide, CSBA brings together school governing boards and district and county office administrators to advocate for effective policies that advance the education and well-being of the state’s more than 6 million school-age children. Learn more at www.csba.org.