The Los Angeles Unified School District recently received two Golden Bell Awards from the California School Boards Association, recognizing the success of its wellness centers and Academic English Mastery Program in promoting student success.

Through partnerships with community health care providers, the Division of Student Health and Human Services operates 17 school-based wellness centers providing free or reduced-rate medical and mental health services to students and families.

The Academic English Mastery Program addresses the language and literacy needs of African American, Mexican American, Hawaiian American and Native American/Alaska Native students whose native language differs in form and structure from standard English. The program provides schools and families with tools that allow students to acquire academic English skills in culturally and linguistically responsive ways. AEMP has identified six schools – one in each Local District – as emerging models of excellence.

“We are proud of our educators for their hard work to ensure that our students are healthy and have strong academic skills,” LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “We need to make sure every student has the opportunity to succeed in school and life.”

“Los Angeles Unified is committed to providing every student with a great education and the support services they need to succeed in school,” added LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin. “We are proud of our ongoing efforts to serve the diverse needs of our school communities, and I’m grateful to CSBA for this recognition.”

The awards were presented last week during a ceremony in San Diego.

“We are honored to be selected for the Golden Bell Award,” LAUSD Student Health and Human Services Executive Director Pia Escudero said. “Our wellness centers have a profound effect in providing access to resources that support academic achievement, social-emotional development, wellness, food, health care and safety. We are very proud to work with and committed to enhancing our partnership with our federally qualified health centers and the many outside agencies that provide access to services and ensure the necessary support for the whole child, whole school, and whole community.”

For information, visit lausd.net.