Kent Awards 2025
The San Mateo County School Boards Association (SMCSBA), representing 23 school districts, the San Mateo Community College District, and the San Mateo County Office of Education, presented the Kent Awards on May 2, 2025.
The awards are given to outstanding and innovative programs either in the classroom or outside the classroom as well as district-wide programs. Applicants must demonstrate their programs promote student success, employ a high degree of creativity, and demonstrate transferability. Named after past San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, J. Russell Kent, SMCSBA initiated the program in the 1980-81 school year.
Congratulations to our 2025 Kent Awards winners!
BELMONT-REDWOOD SHORES SCHOOL DISTRICT
STEM Exploration
Ralston Middle School’s STEM Exploration elective transforms seventh and eighth graders into confident scientists through immersive, hands-on learning. Developed by teacher Robert Banker, this innovative program engages students in compelling projects—from forensic crime scene investigations to building hydraulic prosthetics and hatching live organisms. Initially implemented three years ago, the program has served over 600 students and now offers two distinct semester curricula to accommodate enthusiastic repeat participants. With a modest annual budget of $5,000, students work with real tools while developing critical thinking skills. The program’s popularity is evident: over 50% of students consistently rank it among their top elective choices, inspiring a new sixth-grade introductory wheel.
BURLINGAME SCHOOL DISTRICT
Peer Council
For over a decade, Bayshore Intermediate School’s Peer Council has offered students facing suspension an innovative alternative through restorative justice. Students can choose this program instead of suspension, appearing before trained 8th-grade student leaders to answer restorative questions with administrators and parents present. Participants then complete a customized 2-week program designed to repair harm caused by their actions. Upon completion, the suspension is removed from their record. This approach keeps students in school learning while teaching accountability and leadership. The program has proven remarkably effective—most participants never face suspension again and parents consistently praise the student-led process.
JEFFERSON UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mission Fusion Program
Mission Fusion is an innovative performing arts program founded in 2000 by Heike Mansel that celebrates cultural diversity through dance and multimedia performances. Serving approximately 130 students annually from Jefferson High School and Thomas R. Pollicita Middle School in Daly City, CA, the program provides an inclusive platform for artistic expression while building confidence and leadership skills. Over its 25-year history, Mission Fusion has reached more than 2,000 students, offering opportunities that align with CTE pathways and college articulation agreements. Through choreographed performances at venues across San Mateo County, students showcase their talents while bridging cultural gaps and fostering community connections.
Future Business Leaders of America
Westmoor High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter bridges classroom learning with real-world business applications, serving 30-50 diverse students annually. Led by business teacher Ben Pham, the program offers competitions, leadership development, and networking opportunities that prepare students for careers in business, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Last year’s achievements include twelve National Conference finalists, with notable placements in Computer Problem Solving and Programming competitions. Five students qualified for the State Leadership Conference, with one securing 1st place in Introduction to FBLA. Through mentorship, workshops, and community engagement, Westmoor FBLA equips students with essential professional skills and career readiness.
MENLO PARK CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
PAWZitivity: Wellness Facility Dogs Serving TK-8th Grade Students
Menlo Park City School District’s PAWZitivity program addresses student and staff mental health needs through facility dogs across all five district schools. Launched in 2020 and expanded in 2022 with support from the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation, these specially trained dogs provide emotional support, reduce anxiety, and improve the learning environment. Each facility dog lives with a staff host and works daily in schools, positively impacting academic performance, attendance, and school climate. Students report decreased stress during assessments and increased focus in classrooms. The program has successfully supported crisis intervention and has been recognized by other districts seeking to replicate this innovative approach to wellness.
REDWOOD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Orion Alternative Parent Co-Operative Program: Multicultural Studies
Established in the early 1980s, Orion Alternative Elementary School’s Multicultural Studies program embodies the Parent-Cooperative model’s commitment to cultural diversity and global citizenship. This five-month initiative engages all 220+ TK-5 students through student-selected country studies, parent-led activities, and classroom integration. The program culminates in an immersive week-long celebration where students showcase their learning through exhibits and performances. Student surveys demonstrate the program’s impact: 71% of students report feeling fairly treated by teachers, and 91% appreciate collaborative project opportunities. With parent volunteers actively supporting academic growth, Orion students show impressive progress—87% making typical annual growth in reading and 67% in math.
SAN CARLOS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sparking Engagement: PBL in the Upper Elementary Program
The San Carlos School District’s Project-Based Learning initiative revitalized student engagement and learning at Arroyo and Mariposa Upper Elementary Schools following the pandemic. Launched in 2022, this three-year program has invested $125,000 in comprehensive teacher training while serving over 1,200 students. Through authentic, standards-aligned projects, students develop collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while maintaining strong academic performance. Teachers report renewed enthusiasm for teaching, while students exclaim, “PBL is my favorite subject!” The program has created vibrant learning environments where students take ownership of their education while building the future-ready skills outlined in the district’s Strategic Vision and Learner Profile.
SEQUOIA UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
STARS Program
The Successful Transition Achieved with Responsive Support (STARS) Program, launched by Sequoia Union High School District in 2013, provides crucial support for students with severe anxiety, depression, and other significant mental health challenges. Starting with one classroom at Carlmont High School, STARS has expanded to twelve classrooms across all comprehensive high schools, serving approximately 900 students since inception. Each classroom features a special education teacher, mental health provider, and two paraeducators working collaboratively to create a therapeutic environment. Students have flexible access to STARS throughout the school day while maintaining connections to general education. In 2024 alone, STARS supported 22 students in achieving their high school diplomas.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Career Day
Parkway Middle School’s Career Day connects all 579 students with diverse professionals, including bilingual speakers and alumni, through interactive sessions exploring various career paths. Established in 2012, this Title I school’s program features 35-40 presenters annually, with each student attending three 25-minute sessions in small groups. The program encourages students to envision their futures, connects classroom learning to workplace expectations, and builds community partnerships. Students develop questions beforehand during Advisory classes, ensuring meaningful engagement. The initiative has created powerful “full circle” moments as former students return as presenters, demonstrating attainable career paths and supporting South San Francisco Unified’s core values of Community, Authentic relationships, Resilience, and Equity.
Culture Keepers
Westborough Middle School’s Culture Keepers program creates a supportive bridge for 6th graders transitioning to middle school by pairing them with trained 8th-grade mentors. Launched in Spring 2024 under the leadership of Financial Literacy Teacher Courtney Shaw and a dedicated wellness team, the program serves 60 students annually. Eighth-grade mentors receive comprehensive social-emotional training before guiding two 6th-grade mentees through structured activities designed to build confidence and school connection. Nearly 100% of mentees report feeling more supported and welcomed at school, while mentors develop valuable leadership skills. This innovative peer support model effectively addresses student well-being and fosters a positive school climate.