2 Schools Garner Golden Bell Awards

Two South County schools have won Golden Bell awards from the California School Boards Assn.

John Malcom Elementary School in Laguna Niguel was honored for its Kids in Community Service program, while San Clemente’s Shorecliffs Middle School has been cited for its Seventh Inning Stretch program.

The basic goals of Malcom’s KICS are to encourage students to develop a greater sense of responsibility, enhance their citizenship and leadership skills, and create a high level of compassion for all members of the Malcom community, Principal Dave Gerhard said.

School officials estimate that students, staff members and parents have donated thousands of hours to the community through the program.

Projects have included cleaning up local beaches, sending greeting cards to convalescent homes and senior centers, raising money for the Adopt a Sea Lion program and collecting supplies for the Animal Rescue Foundation.

“Our staff is proud of our students for their ongoing efforts to serve their community,” Gerhard said.

At Shorecliffs, the Seventh Inning Stretch program was designed to help students at risk of failing in middle school. It includes one-on-one tutoring and in-depth support from school staff to help them set goals and be successful.

Business and community leaders from San Clemente volunteer their time as part of Seventh Inning Stretch, Principal Linda Ferrick said.

Both Ferrick and Gerhard will travel to San Jose this week to accept their schools’ awards at a luncheon Saturday.

The Golden Bell program recognizes outstanding programs in school districts and county offices of education across California.