8 EDCAL October 30 , 2017
The BAWSI program inspires girls to believe in themselves .
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active play to transform the lives of vulnerable and marginalized students . To date , they have served more than 18,000 children with the help of 3,000 volunteers .
Through the BAWSI Girls program , female athletes are mobilized to help transform the health and self-confidence of girls in underserved communities , improve their attitudes and beliefs about physical activity and help inspire them to believe in themselves . Students are introduced to a variety of activities including journaling and self-reflection and mindfulness-based stress reduction .
“ BAWSI Girls is not just a way to build leadership skills and healthy bodies – it is a pathway from poverty ,” said Devorah Duncan , principal at Dorsa Elementary School . “ The BAWSI athletes are lighthouse beacons who show these daughters how to obtain a future that includes higher education and good choices . Anyone can make a difference , but it takes a team to make an impact on ending poverty .”
Since 2006 , BAWSI Rollers has served students in county special education programs . Each year , rollers help participants develop hand-eye coordination , strength and a vital sense of independence . Paralympians and other well-known athletes lead the classes and provide motivation for students who participate in adapted basketball , tag , hockey and volleyball along with others . Students interact with coaches from college and high school sports teams , instilling in them a sense of what futures are possible for them .
“ Clearly , these folks have made a big impact in our special education classrooms , and we are extremely grateful ,” said Norma Del Rio , county director of Special Education .
BAWSI Girls has had an enormous impact on students in historically underserved communities where socio-economic barriers to girls discovering their potential is often limiting . The organization removes barriers to participation such as cost , lack of encouragement or transportation issues and delivers a free and fun exercise curriculum designed to help keep children healthy and having fun . BAWSI has worked in more than 55 elementary schools to date , providing opportunities for thousands of children .
BAWSI participants , in addition to receiving services , are also active participants in their learning . They are trained to be agents of change in their own communities and participate as members of a team in a year-end service-learning project that follows the Upward Roots curriculum developed to teach leadership and empower youth-driven community service . Girls discuss topics on girls ’ leadership and facilitate a girl-led , girl-driven capstone servicelearning project .
ACSA is proud to honor this incredible organization that so clearly embodies the motto , “ Leadership Matters .”
BAWSI will be recognized along with all the ACSA Administrators of the Year during Leadership Summit .
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really need to be treated different because she was trying as much as she could to be a part of that class .”
Jacqueline also faced physical obstacles due to mobility issues . But she still set her sights on athletics . Thanks to Bay Area Women ’ s Sports Initiative ( BAWSI ) Rollers , an adaptive sports program that
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helps young students with disabilities to play sports , Jacqueline had new-found confidence . When she enrolled at Del Mar High as a freshman , she made it her mission to join the tennis team .
“ She came up to me out of the blue one day and said , ‘ I want to be on the tennis team ,’” Del Mar tennis coach Tom Heckley said . “ And my first reaction was , ‘ Heck yeah . We ’ ll find a way to make this work .’” Belen was overjoyed at Heckley ’ s will- ingness to embrace her daughter . She also watched as Jacqueline ’ s confidence continued to soar .
“ I was thrilled that my daughter was actually going to be able to participate in a team sport and participate in an after school extracurricular activity ,” Belen said . “ It ’ s something that she ’ s wanted to do for a long time , but had never really had the actual opportunity . I ’ m grateful that Tom was willing to allow her on the tennis team .”
Jacqueline plans to attend Stanford University and major in nursing . But for now , she ’ s perfectly content being a normal teenager and continuing to achieve her goals .
“ It feels good to be able to show people that you can overcome any obstacles that you may have in your life ,” Jacqueline said through her iPad .
As for her mother , Belen , she says she sees her daughter as a role model for the entire community , including herself .
“ What happened when she was little is just so far her history ,” Belen said . “ And she ’ s grown and has been an overachiever in my mind . Being able to do the things she does is just amazing . I ’ m just in awe in watching her grow .”
Ray Curry Award winner announced at Personnel Institute
During ACSA ’ s recent Personnel Institute , hundreds of human resources administrators gathered to learn the latest information in the field , as well as to build those crucial networks of support that can truly sustain and build careers .
During the conference , ACSA bestowed its annual Ray Curry Award , representing excellence in K-12 human resources work .
Curry was a true innovator and prime motivator in the field . He founded and developed the Personnel Institute , as well as ACSA ’ s Personnel Academy and Negotiators ’ Symposium . So , the award is emblematic of the pinnacle in K-12 HR . Curry was involved and participated in all aspects of Personnel Administration and Human Resources . He was an assistant executive director for ACSA and executive director for the American Association of School Personnel Administrators .
The 2017 Ray Curry Award winner is Dana Reginato , associate superintendent of HR for Shasta Union High School District , where she has served for the past 10 years .
Carol Hansen , past president of the Human Resources Council , noted that Reginato has always gone the extra mile to promote the field of HR through her strong and active participation in ACSA . Besides many efforts in this regard , Hansen also pointed out that Reginato had served on the institute planning committee and later co-chaired the committee .
“ Keep in mind that this was in the years that we were just venturing away from Kellogg West ( in Pomona ),” Hansen said . “ We hadn ’ t had these events in big hotels . So , we were in unchartered waters , but she had great ideas , was positive and recruited others to attend , present and participate .”
For her part , Reginato said she has truly loved working in HR .
Dana Reginato , right , poses after receiving the Ray Curry Award from HR Council Past President Carol Hansen .
“ To me , human resources is a position that is all about people ,” Reginato said . “ You work to hire the best , maintain the best and keep the best enjoying what they do day in and day out . You are also the one who helps the wrong people find another or better assignment . This can be challenging , but also rewarding . Every person in education affects students and ultimately our society . How rewarding is that ?
“ I also enjoy being part of a leadership team . Supporting the good work of my superintendent and board to help our district become even more successful than it already is .”
Reginato said receiving the Ray Curry Award is a very high honor .
“ Serving on the Personnel Institute Planning Committee for many years it has been a pleasure witnessing amazing recipients of this award ,” she said . “ To now become one of those recipients is a true honor .”