2016 National Schools To Watch Conference June 22-25, 2016 View conference photos

2017-2018 Helen Tyson Middle School 2017-2018 SCHOOL STATISTICS Designated in 2008 Re-Designated in 2011,2014,2018 Demographics Hispanic 51% White 30% African American 3% Asian 3% Native American 1% Pacific Islander 13% Filipino 0% Two or More 0% Other 0% School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Academic Excellence Foundational to our success is to set expectations for high student academic achievement. Communicating daily/weekly in a clear manner to both students and parents, displaying exemplar samples of student work when teachers model expectations for daily lessons and assessments, and providing rubrics to students which set the standard of excellence and expectations for performance. Staff use multiple points of data to provide support and intervention to their students. Layers of a variety of supports for students and staff members including English Language Arts, English Language Learners, and Math. After school scholars program, before and after school opportunities as well as 21st CLC is available for all students. Prime Time is the glue that holds all supports together, combining the affective and academic needs. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are focused on student improvement. All students held to high expectations including English Language Learners (ELLs) and Special Education Students who are taught grade level standards. English Language Development (ELD) program is crucial to the needs of our ELLs and migrant students. Our staff encourages students to participate in programs such as ACT Honors Challenge and Duke TIP. All students receive personalized learning. Developmental Responsiveness At the heart of Responsiveness is communication. There is a consistent whole-student focus. Service learning opportunities for all students are available to give back in a variety different clubs. Teaming has led to the development of strong student-teacher bonding and close, respectful relationships between and among students and the adults. We have strong partnerships with outside agencies. A variety of club offerings are available for students. Students are provided with multiple opportunities for leadership avenues and the administration is open to students’ ideas including CREW and LEAD. Teachers offer opportunities for student voice in day to day learning. Family nights are well-attended and are focused on different themes such as literacy and social studies, math and science, multicultural, sports, and movie night. Social Equity The cornerstone of Helen Tyson remaining an achieving school is how we assure that every student experiences a coherent and content-rich curriculum. In our district, “All means All”: All children will learn.This entails a solid education for “all” student within our building, regardless of the skill level they arrive with. Guest speakers, student led performances and others in the community are utilized to enhance academics. The Dynamic program focuses on Balfanz research to proactively target students in specific areas such as attendance, grades, and discipline. Cultural diversity is ingrained in the school climate. Students have a voice and feel heard, acknowledged, and respected. Incoming students are provided orientation to ensure a smooth and orderly transition to the middle school. Curricular decisions are made based on the diverse needs of our students. Faculty and administration are involved in teaching a Prime Time as well as interventions. Organizational Support The cornerstone of Helen Tyson remaining an achieving school is how we assure that every student experiences a coherent and content-rich curriculum. In our district, “All means All”: All children will learn.This entails a solid education for “all” student within our building, regardless of the skill level they arrive with. Master schedule indicates blocking for maximum instructional strategies and use of time. Teachers meet consistently in data driven PLC’s. Student-focused transition systems are in place and parents reported a welcoming enrollment process that is family oriented. Student leaders can be the teachers in classes. Community partners are alive and well in our school including the University of Arkansas, profit and nonprofit organizations and cultural leaders in the city. The leaders and staff have a spirit of continuous improvement and reflection.

Arkansas Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky | Michigan | Missouri New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Texas | Utah | Virginia State Director Stephanie Anderson stephanie.anderson@fayar.net Participating Organizations Arkansas Diamonds Schools to Watch Arkansas Association of Middle-Level Education Website: https://sites.google.com/view/aamle/aamle Joined National STW Program in 2005 Schools to Watch Application 2027 Application Instructions Arkansas Schools to Watch (Initial Designation Year) Alma Middle School (2023) Ardis Ann Middle School (2020) Brookland Middle School (2011) Butterfield Trail Middle School (2011) Cabot Middle School North (2008) Cabot Middle School South (2012) Crossett Middle School (2013) Elmwood Middle School (2019) Greenbrier Middle School (2017) Helen Tyson Middle School (2008) Hellstern Middle School (2012) Holt Middle School (2017) J.O. Kelly Middle School (2008) McNair Middle School (2009) Old High Middle School (2017) Owl Creek School (2013) Ramay Junior High School (2018) Ruth Barker Middle School (2018) Sonora Middle School (2021) Vilonia Middle School (2012) Woodland Junior High School (2017)

Ohio Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky | Michigan | Missouri New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Texas | Utah | Virginia State Director Darla Dunlap Participating Organizations Ohio Department of Education 25 South Front Street, MS 602 Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: (614) 644-6325 Joined National STW Program in 2004 Schools to Watch Application 2027 Application Instructions Ohio Schools to Watch (Initial Designation Year) Beachwood Middle School (2008) Bellbrook Middle School (2009) Bridgetown Middle School (2006) Chagrin Falls Middle School (2016) Chase STEMM Academy (2019) Cloverleaf Middle School (2020) Crestwood 7-12 Campus (consolidated) (2016) Delta Middle School (2024) George G. Dodge Intermediate School (2018) Goshen Middle School (2017) Kings Junior High School (2016) Mayfield Middle School (2016) Nagel Middle School (2013) Napoleon Central Elementary School (2013) Port Clinton Middle School (2016) R. B. Chamberlin Middle School (2020) Reading Middle School (2013) Teays Valley West Middle School (2009) Van Buren Middle School (2020) Van Wert Middle School (2006) Wadsworth Central Intermediate School (2010)

2023 Shoreline Middle School Live Oak School District Santa Cruz County Colleen Martin, Principal Enrollment: 450. Grade Levels: 7-8. School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Student-led parent conferences for all students Equitable report card shares standards-based academic progress, student work habits Awesome Time allows interactivity before state testing sessions begin Google slide-based morning announcements Restorative, reverse referrals: administrators go to classes with disruptive behavior

Michigan Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky | Michigan | Missouri New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Texas | Utah | Virginia State Director Kathryn Brown kbrown@excellenceined.org Participating Organizations Joined National STW Program in 2005 Schools to Watch Application 2027 Application Instructions M ichigan Schools to Watch (Initial Designation Year) Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School (2012) Chatfield School (2016) Discovery Middle School (2018) E.F. Rittmueller Middle School (2006) East Middle School (2018) Grant Middle School (2019) Marshall Greene Middle School (2006) Mt. Morris Middle School (2014) Reese Middle School (2021) Richfield Public School Academy - Middle School (2021) Slauson Middle School (2020) Tappan Middle School (2021) White Pine Middle School (2020)

2023 El Rancho Charter School Orange Unified School District Orange County Michele Walker, Principal Enrollment: 1,109. Grade Levels: 7-8. School Characteristics and Replicable Practices 0-7 period bell schedule with flexible options for families in the school day Twice-weekly, 30-minute tutorial for all students with embedded support Two therapy dogs support students and put smiles on everyone’s faces Psychologist-made wellness center for students to reset/decompress Consistent communication: Social media, weekly newsletter, Google Classroom

New York Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky | Michigan | Missouri New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Texas | Utah | Virginia State Director David Vroman dvroman@potsdam.k12.ny.us Christine Radez christine.radez@nysed.gov Participating Organizations New York State Dept. of Education 89 Washington Ave 320-EB Albany, NY 12234 Phone: (518) 474-0059 Email: christine.radez@nysed.gov State Website: www.eestw.org Joined National STW Program in 2004 Schools to Watch Application 2027 Application Instructions New York Schools to Watch (Initial Designation Year) A.A. Kingston Middle School (2009) A.D. Oliver Middle School (2020) Ballston Spa Middle School (2015) Barker Road Middle School (2006) Bay Trail Middle School (2010) Calkins Road Middle School (2006) Camden Middle School (2024) Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School (2011) Corning‐Painted Post Middle School (2019) Cosgrove Middle School (2017) Cuba-Rushford Middle School (2023) Elwood Middle School (2022) Farnsworth Middle School (2012) Fieldstone Middle School (2018) Garden City Middle School (2011) Glens Falls Middle School (2009) H.H. Wells Middle School (2025) Honeoye Falls‐Lima Middle School (2013) Indian Lake Middle School (2012) Island Trees Memorial Middle School (2020) Jericho Middle School (2009) Johanna Perrin Middle School (2013) Jonas E. Salk Middle School (2020) Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School (2010) Longwood Junior High School (2012) Marlboro Middle School (2023) Martha Brown Middle School (2012) Memorial Junior High School (2017) Merrick Ave. Middle School (2022) Millbrook Middle School (2019) Mineola Middle School (2019) Moravia Middle School (2006) North Salem Middle/High School (2007) North Shore Middle School (2016) Oceanside Middle School (2012) Oliver W. Winch Middle School (2006) Plainedge Middle School (2009) Rocky Point Middle School (2019) Sayville Middle School (2006) Seaford Middle School (2024) South Orangetown Middle School (2015) Twelve Corners Middle School (2006) Van Wyck Junior High School (2012) Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Middle School (2018) Wantagh Middle School (2023) Willets Rd. Middle School (2025)

2023 Hosler Middle School Lynwood Unified School District Los Angeles County John Terry, Principal Enrollment: 938. Grade Levels: 7-8. School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Common ELA & math assessments with data reflection to support student learning Support summits: relationship/self-care skills, personal data reviews Health collaborative with 37 outside agencies supports students/families 15 electives: Art, AVID, band, anatomy, entomology, robotics, medical detectives Parent activities: monthly workshops, technology, data chats with English learners

About the National Forum. About The Forum The National Forum is a nonprofit educators’ association dedicated to improving education and school-based supports for all young adolescents in the middle grades. Its alliance of educators, researchers, associations, and state departments of education operate the organization’s Schools to Watch recognition, continuous improvement, and model schools program. Today, there are hundreds of Schools to Watch in 20 states all focused on serving the social, emotional, and academic needs of each student in culturally relevant and inclusive ways. These exceptional schools continue to improve each year and serve as models and mentors for educators from other schools. Advancing excellence in the middle grades Our Mission Our Mission The mission of the National Forum is to unite key stakeholders in leveraging research, policy, leadership, community, and replicable practices in order to optimize the social, emotional, and academic growth of all middle-grades students. Our Vision In order to prepare students to be lifelong learners ready for college, career, and citizenship, the National Forum seeks to make every middle-grades school academically excellent, responsive to the developmental needs and interests of young adolescents, and socially equitable. Our History In the mid-nineties, a group of K-12 and higher-ed educators gathered together to map out real-world guidance for middle-grades schools on ways to support the whole child during the young-adolescent stage of development. The middle school movement, with its focus on students’ social and emotional well-being, had started to lose steam in the national education conversation. Indeed, the group was concerned that the unique needs of middle-grades students were no longer being addressed in an organized way at the district, state, and national levels. The Schools to Watch Rubric The group decided to focus on producing an evidence-based framework that would provide schools with practical guidance on what elements should be present in a thriving middle-grades school. The resulting Schools to Watch rubric was finalized in 2002. Since then, thousands of schools across the country have used the rubric to measure their school’s level of effectiveness in the areas of social equity, developmental responsiveness, academic excellence, and innovative systems. The National Forum & the Schools to Watch Program In 1997, the group formed the nonprofit National Forum. In 1999, the organization debuted its Schools to Watch program, which leveraged the Schools to Watch rubric to identify exceptional middle-grades schools that serve all students well and are on a trajectory toward excellence. The program’s usefulness and ability to motivate staff to continue to grow appealed to schools, and the number of states and participating schools grew steadily. While each state has its own process for identifying and celebrating schools, all states align when it comes to the core Schools to Watch requirements. Today, there are hundreds Schools to Watch in 20 states, with more being added each year. The National Schools to Watch Conference, held in the Washington, DC metro area, is attended by over 750 Schools to Watch educators annually Schools to Watch is now a thriving national network. Schools To Watch

Become a National Schools to Watch. Schools to Watch ® The National Forum established criteria that are the basis for the Schools to Watch Program . The program focuses on school improvement efforts characterized by a continuous trajectory toward success. The Schools to Watch program has state directors in 21 states: Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky | Michigan | Missouri | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Texas | Utah | Virginia Use the links above to access your state's application. If your state is NOT listed above , please use the National Schools to Watch Application . 2026 STW Applications You can download your state's application instructions through the links above. Applications are normally due in the Fall, but you can contact your State Director (through the links above) for specific due dates for each state. Steps to becoming designated as a Schools to Watch 1. Download your state's application instructions through the links above (coming soon). 2. Request access and complete the Schools to Watch Self-Study & Rating Rubric . 3. Download the FREE Schools to Watch Toolkit . As an alternative, you may contact your State Director . If your state does not currently have a State Director, please download the National Schools to Watch Application . If you are interested in becoming a State Director (or know someone who might be interested), please contact us . Not quite ready to become a Schools to Watch? Use the Schools to Watch Self-Study & Rating Rubric for school improvement. The rubric is available to share with your administration and faculty if you should want to use it as a school improvement tool without applying for recognition at this time. The National Forum offers a FREE Schools to Watch Toolkit to guide you through the Schools to Watch Self-Study & Rating Rubric and the STW application process. You can also join us in Washington, D.C., Jun e 25-27, 2026, for the National STW Conference , and learn about the process from those who have done it before! Advancing excellence in the middle grades Our Mission Apply Applications are normally due in the Fall, but you can contact your State Director for specific due dates for each state. Applications for 2027 are coming soon! Celebrate All Schools to Watch are honored at the National STW Conference in June in Washington, D.C.

National Schools to Watch Educator of the Year Awards The 2026 National Schools to Watch Educator of the Year Awards , offered by the National Forum, honor outstanding educators who exemplify excellence in middle-level education. These national awards recognize individuals whose leadership, instruction, and service reflect the Schools to Watch criteria and a deep commitment to supporting young adolescents. Nominations are open to educators affiliated with Schools to Watch campuses and celebrate those making a meaningful impact on students, schools, and communities. Nominate a Teacher of the Year Nominate an Administrator of the Year Winners will be celebrated at the 2026 National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C., June 25-27. Nominations are due by February 27, 2026.