Volunteers, students and wellness staff honored; Operation School Bell reports 247 Atascadero students served

Volunteers and student programs were a central focus of Tuesday's Atascadero Unified School District board meeting.

Sharon Fredericks, a volunteer with the Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County, told trustees that Operation School Bell provided new clothes and shoes to 2,124 students across the county this year and served 247 students in the Atascadero Unified School District. Fredericks described the program's distribution process and said the cost of clothing and supplies for the 247 Atascadero students was $58,909.

Superintendent Dr. Bennett recognized students and staff who participated in the 805 Games for athletes with special needs, congratulated robotics team 973 for regional wins and a trip to the world championships in Houston, and highlighted the Atascadero High School Wellness Center. Kamala Prue, who leads the AHS Wellness Center, secured a $35,000 county wellness expansion grant to improve the center's space, increase student access, and create paid internship opportunities.

Kira, vice president of the robotics team, told the board the team placed at regional competitions and reached the world championships, an achievement Dr. Bennett called "a huge accomplishment."

Trustees thanked volunteers and staff and asked for continued public recognition of successful student programs.