Belmont Elementary School wins the BEA Golden Psi Award

Background

The American Psychological Association and its Board of Educational Affairs has awarded Belmont Elementary School with the 2019 BEA Golden Psi Award. Belmont becomes only the seventh school in the country to win this honor; previous winners included schools from Los Angeles, Dallas and Florida. The award is open to all public and private schools, from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The award recognizes schools that use evidence-based practices to: affect student academic engagement and development; and affect student social-emotional engagement and development.

Explanation

The American Psychological Association and its Board of Educational Affairs awarded Belmont Elementary School with the BEA Golden Psi Award for 2019. The award recognizes schools that use evidence-based practices to: affect student academic engagement and development; and affect student social-emotional engagement and development. Beth Doll, interim director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Education and Human Sciences and a board member for the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs, had this to say when presenting the award: “In a competition dominated by coastal states, Belmont has proven that the Great Plains state of Nebraska does quality education well. I want to say thank you for all that you do for the Lincoln community and congratulations.” Jenny Fundus, director of Special Education for Lincoln Public Schools, said this about Belmont Elementary School and the honor: “I am so excited that Belmont Elementary School has received the BEA Golden Psi Award. Staff at Belmont Elementary go above and beyond to ensure every student achieves at high levels. It’s wonderful to see a school’s hard work be recognized. Way to go, Belmont Cougars!”

Proposal

That the Lincoln Board of Education adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Belmont Elementary School has been recognized for fostering a supportive school environment for all students; and
WHEREAS, Belmont Elementary School is a model for schools nationwide in adapting to the specific needs of students while ensuring high standards for all students; and
WHEREAS, Belmont Elementary School’s use of assessment tools in curricular planning is one way in which the school utilizes psychological science; and
WHEREAS, Belmont Elementary School also utilizes psychological science through measuring the impact of practices aimed at improving student outcomes.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lincoln Board of Education does hereby congratulate Belmont Elementary School for being awarded the BEA Golden Psi Award for 2019 from the American Psychological Association and its Board of Educational Affairs.

Updated August 29, 2019