Two Foster City Schools Receive Awards for Outstanding Programs

The San Mateo County School Boards Association (SMCSBA), representing 22 school districts, the San Mateo Community College District, and the San Mateo County Office of Education, recently announced the 2012 winners of the J. Russell Kent Awards for outstanding programs, and two Foster City elementary schools were among the winners.

was recognized for its Life Skills program.

According to Seth Rosenblatt, president of the SMCSBA, Brewer Island School’s Life Skills Program “was developed to promote a positive school learning environment and help students develop life skills to support their achievement and success as positive community members, in school and throughout their lives.”

Rosenblatt explained, components of the Life Skills program include literature aligned with a focus on a different life skill each month; student leadership opportunities, including having student helpers during recesses and participating in Student Council; an annual schoolwide community service project; assemblies; and Lifeskills Spirit Days. 

Rosenblatt said, the program is kept visible through the use of billboards, or "Life Skills-labeled school areas," and newsletters that promote and support the use of the Life Skills.

was recognized for its Technology program.

Rosenblatt said, Audubon’s program is rooted in teacher training and accountability at each grade level, as teachers help students to become more tech-savvy and to keep up with modern tools.

“The program targets technology curriculum integration, reinforcing classroom curriculum and student acquisition of 21st-century technology skills,” he explained. “The program provides every student with the same level of tech experience at each grade level, so they build on a student’s knowledge from year to year. “

The Kent Awards were established locally in the 1980-81 school year. The program aims to recognize outstanding school programs that are being implemented in local districts, at the County Office of Education, or in the County Community College District.

The awards are named after past County Superintendent of Schools, J. Russell Kent.

For more information about the Kent Awards, visit the information page on the SMCSBA’s website.

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