On Oct. 1, Clark was visited by Dr. Irella Perez, the superintendent of the El Monte Union High School District. Perez came to Clark to validate the application for the Golden Bell Award and to see whether the STEAM power program is incorporated throughout Clark’s campus. Winning an award as big as the Golden Bell can mean a lot for the reputation of Clark and its students.

In June 2015, Clark sent in an application for the Golden Bell Award, an award given by the California School Board Association which recognizes exceptional education programs in schools throughout the state. There are different categories for this award. Clark Magnet submitted their application under Career Technical Education (CTE).

The application was written by Susan Newcomer, the library media teacher. It focused on Clark’s STEAM power, which inspires student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through project-based learning.

The goal of the STEAM power program is to prepare students for higher education after high school and to give students the skills needed to succeed in a technology-oriented career environment. Clark students learn various skills in CTE courses and apply them during projects in their academic core classes. According to Newcomer, the STEAM power program also contributed to the students’ high scores on the CAASPP, a common core-based exam.

To greet Perez, Principal Doug Dall gave a presentation about the history of the high school. After the presentation, Perez was taken to different classrooms to observe how the students integrate technology into their daily learning.

The winner of the Golden Bell Award will be announced later this month. According to Assistant Principal Brian Landisi, the STEAM power program is an innovative program which makes a difference for students. “I think Clark is definitely a program that adds value for the kids,” Landisi said. “I believe we’re winners every day, but it would be more awesome if we get recognized statewide.”