SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Sierra House Elementary School and the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) were recognized at the 2025 California School Boards Association Annual Education Conference during the Golden Bell Awards on December 3, 2025, in Sacramento. Board President Lauri Kemper and Sierra House Principal Karin Holmes took the stage to accept the award on behalf of the district and school. An exciting moment that celebrated years of dedication, collaboration, and innovation.
The prestigious Golden Bell Award honors exemplary programs and governance practices in California school districts. The programs address barriers to student success and close opportunity and achievement gaps. Sierra House Elementary received this distinction for its innovative program, “Transforming Math Instruction: A Model of Growth and Collaboration.”
This initiative was designed to help every student see themselves as confident and capable mathematicians. By emphasizing students’ strengths, nurturing a love of learning, and fostering meaningful collaboration, the program reshaped how students and teachers approach math. With committed staff and strong support from the Board of Education, Sierra House successfully developed a model that meets the needs of diverse learners, without requiring significant additional funding.
As a result, students now eagerly dive into math challenges, explain their thinking with confidence, and view mistakes as valuable learning steps. Sierra House teachers apply instructional strategies developed through the CA Ed partnership by dedicating time for math collaboration and discussing math learning objectives daily, having purposeful and focused collaboration on student work and strategies, and developing common assessments. The Sierra House Math Initiative has elevated student engagement while transforming teachers and students into mathematicians, making the subject both fun and empowering.
Superintendent Dr. Cutler expressed his appreciation, saying, “I couldn’t be prouder of the Sierra House staff for their dedication to helping every student see themselves as a capable and confident mathematician. This recognition reflects their passion and the Board’s ongoing support.”
