Lincoln school has been named the 2019 recipient of the Golden Psi Award by the Board of Educational Affairs of the American Psychological Association.
“This award is truly the product of collaboration and dedication of all our staff members and students. At Belmont, we strive to provide students with a positive and structured learning environment where students can experience academic, behavioral and social success. Our goal is to provide students with skills that will have a life-long impact.” said Kim Rosenthal, Principal of Belmont Elementary School.
The award was presented by Beth Doll, PhD, interim dean and professor at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, at an event held on May 14 in Lincoln, Nebraska. At the award ceremony, she noted that it was not any sole feature that attracted the award review committee but their collective practices including the Professional Learning Communities’ review of student data, the use of benchmarking to follow up with students not yet proficient, ensuring that every grade level has a homework club after school, using the Second Steps curriculum with all students, and then using check in/out strategies for those who are still struggling and providing a warm, welcoming and safe environment that leaves students eager to come to school.
“We have a saying at Belmont. We say it every day. ‘The harder you work, the better you get,’” Rosenthal said. “And we live by that here”.
The Lincoln Journal Star published a feature article on the elementary school’s award titled Having ‘grit’ helps Belmont Elementary students on state tests; proficiency drops in high schools.
Left to right: Beth Doll (Board of Educational Affairs member and Interim Dean & Professor at University of Nebraska – Lincoln), Kim Rosenthal (Belmont Principal), Marnie Zabel (Belmont School Psychologist), and Amy Dixon (Belmont Assistant Principal).
The Golden Psi Award is given based on the following: educational adaptations are shown to be appropriate for a school’s demographic makeup; the use of evidence-based interventions; measurable academic and social-emotional growth; and the progress of an individual or group. Belmont Elementary School received an award trophy and a check for $1,000.
If your school is using evidence-based practices based on psychological science to provide the best possible instruction to your students, you should encourage your school to apply for the American Psychological Association’s BEA Golden Psi Award or Top 20 Badges Program.
Winning an award or badge from a highly regarded organization like APA puts your school on the national stage and demonstrates your commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based instruction to your students, parents, and regulatory boards.
BEA Golden Psi Award
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Recognizes PreK-12 schools that show how they effectively promote and evaluate student academic and social-emotional learning and development. Schools must demonstrate their commitment to evaluating the impact of their efforts promoting student outcomes.
Top 20 Badges Program
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 15, 2019
Awards virtual badges to PreK-12 schools that use evidence-based strategies to boost achievement and student well-being. Schools must demonstrate evidence of school-wide use of principles for one or more categories, including thinking and learning; motivation; social and emotional development; classroom management; and assessing student progress.
If you need assistance convincing your school leadership to apply, you can customize this form letter that highlights the value these awards bring to your school, students, and community.
