PRESS RELEASE
South San Francisco Unified Has Strong Showing at Prestigious Kent Awards
Three District programs recognized as exemplary in local competition
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., (April 10, 2014) -‐Today, the South San Francisco Unified School District is proud to announce that three of their programs, at Sunshine Gardens Elementary, Martin Elementary, and Skyline Elementary Schools, have been selected as recipients of the J. Russell Kent Exemplary Program Award. The awards, announced annually by the San Mateo County School Boards Association, honors exemplary educational programs at schools throughout San Mateo County.
The award for Sunshine Gardens Elementary recognized the GENE Academy Program, a partnership with the school and local biotechnology company Genentech. Every week, students are transported to the Genentech campus to meet with mentors who act as positive role models for students, answering their questions and assisting them with homework assignments. For many of the students, the visits to Genentech are the first time that they have seen the practical application of science and technology as a possible career option.
Whereas at Sunshine Gardens Elementary the emphasis is changing students through the sciences, at Skyline Elementary that goal is achieved through the creativity of the school’s glee club. Each year, 80 students are brought together to form the Skyline Glee Club, where they are immersed in a dual-‐focused program providing students with both musical and life skills.
Everything from basic musical theory to the promotion of self-‐esteem and encouragement of a positive school culture are promoted through the program.
At Martin Elementary, leadership development is the emphasis of the school’s School Safety Patrol Program, where students are taught critical life skills that will translate into their future success. As students progress through the grades at Martin Elementary a vigilant team of committed students and faculty are working to reinforce values such as leadership, responsibility, and discipline to ensure students are safe and poised for future success in the classroom and their community.
“These programs exemplify what makes South San Francisco Unified such a great district – our teachers strive to go beyond conventional classroom lessons to instill lessons and reinforce skills that will position our students’ for lifetime success in the classroom and beyond,” said South San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Alejandro Hogan. “Our teachers are the reason the District and our students have enjoyed so much success. Their willingness to go above and beyond for their students makes these programs a reality.”
The South San Francisco Unified School District has set an ambitious agenda for the year, including the continued implementation of Common Core State Standards, the maximization of Local Control Funding Formula dollars, and continued progress on Measure J bond projects, all of which will be leveraged to improve student learning and better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century economy.
About South San Francisco Unified School District: The mission of the South San Francisco Unified School District is to graduate responsible, productive, and environmentally aware citizens who have the skills necessary to contribute to a changing global society. Through quality instructional programs and challenging, creative curriculum, the District ensures opportunities for its students to experience individual expression and collaborative problem solving in a safe and stimulating environment. For more information: www.ssfusd.k12.ca.us.
[…] we wondered what exactly is this award. Martin Elementary School was acknowledged for their School Safety Patrol Program . Sunshine Gardens Elementary was chosen due to the GENE Academy Program. And Skyline […]