On January 6, the Sacramento County Board of Education publicly recognized the ROP Manufacturing Technology-Welding program at Carson Creek Jr.-Sr. High School, the recent recipient of a 2008 Golden Bell Award. Carson Creek is located within the Sacramento County Boys Ranch juvenile facility operated by the Sacramento County Probation Department.
At the annual California School Boards Association (CSBA) conference in December, representatives from the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) formally accepted the honor.
The Golden Bell Awards Program promotes excellence in education by recognizing outstanding programs in school districts and county offices of education throughout California. The CSBA is a nonprofit association representing more than one thousand K-12 school districts and county offices of education in California.
"If not for our good working relationship with the Sacramento County Probation Department this award winning program would not be possible," said Principal Linda Mitchell.
In his report to the committee, on-site validator Bill Shaw wrote: "This is a model program and certainly deserving of a Golden Bell Award… The program is a great step toward decreasing recidivism by equipping students with job skills that are highly in demand in the outside world. I was also impressed with the interest of the trade unions to partner with the program and provide a pathway into apprenticeship programs."
The Golden Bell Awards program recognizes exemplary programs in 16 major categories, including curriculum and instruction and related programs, which are essential to support teaching and learning. The program also recognizes the importance of related programs which are essential to support teaching and learning.