The Morongo Unified School District proudly announces its receipt of the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association. This honor recognizes MUSD’s innovative partnership with the Groundwork Arts Program, launched in 2019, which has bridged critical gaps in arts education for the District’s students.
The program uses a unique two-pronged approach to bring local art and artists into the classroom. First, monthly “artist spotlight” videos introduce elementary students to Morongo Basin artists and their work, providing inspiration and context for creative projects. Next, trained teaching artists visit classrooms, leading hands-on art activities inspired by the chosen local artist.
"This program offers our students unparalleled exposure to diverse art forms and creative possibilities," said Groundwork Arts founder Rhonda Coleman. "From sculpture to textile art, upcycled materials, and beyond, students learn to reimagine the potential of everyday resources."
The program originated in response to a 2017 review of MUSD’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and site surveys, which identified significant barriers to arts education. These challenges included uneven access, financial limitations, time constraints, and a lack of credentialed art teachers in the rural Morongo Basin.
To address these issues, the San Bernardino Board of Supervisors commissioned the Morongo Basin Strategic Plan for Culture and Arts in 2018. Developed with input from over 500 community partners, including MUSD and Groundwork Arts, the plan emphasized the need for expanded arts education.
Through this collaboration, MUSD leveraged Groundwork Arts’ network of local artists and organizations to implement a program that enriches students’ cultural experiences and ensures equitable access to arts education.
Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas expressed his gratitude for the program's impact, stating, “The positive, lasting impact of this community partnership on our students’ lives has been, and will continue to be, truly priceless. It has inspired future artists, reinforced the importance of arts in all our lives, and strengthened our students’ social and emotional learning.”
The program also provides students opportunities to display their artwork in public spaces, such as school exhibitions and community events hosted by organizations like Joshua Tree National Park and the 29 Palms Visitor Center.
Earlier this year student-created artwork was featured in Freedom Plaza in Twentynine Palms. The installation, titled Signs of Courage, showcased large-scale signs adorned with positive affirmations and graphic designs. Messages like “Stand Out” and “Be the Change You Want to See in the World” offered a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and encouragement.
"Through the partnership of art and education, we open doors to worlds once unseen. For every student who dreams beyond their circumstance, this is not just an opportunity—it's the promise that the world is theirs to explore, to shape and to own," said Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Amy Woods.
The Groundwork Arts Program exemplifies MUSD’s commitment to overcoming geographical and socioeconomic challenges to ensure every student receives a well-rounded education. By fostering creativity, cultural appreciation and community engagement, the program sets a sustainable standard for arts education in rural communities.
For more information on the program visit https://www.groundworkarts.com/ and https://www.morongousd.com/.
