New Jersey 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 Rick Delmonaco rdelmonaco@clarkschools.org Aimee Toth toth@mendhamboroschools.org Participating Organizations New Jersey Association of Middle Level Education NJ Schools to Watch 1977 North Olden Avenue, Suite 245 Trenton, NJ 08618 Email address: njschoolstowatch@njamle.org Website: njschoolstowatch.org Twitter: @njstw1 Joined National STW Program 2007 Schools to Watch Application 2026 Application Instructions New Jersey Schools to Watch Belhaven Middle School (2011, 2023) Black River Middle School (2010, 2020, 2023) Byram Middle School (2018, 2023) Carl H. Kumpf Middle School (2014, 2017, 2020, 2024) Dwight D Eisenhower Middle School (2016, 2019, 2022, 2024) Eisenhower Middle School (2022) Franklin Avenue Middle School (2024) George Washington Middle School (2020, 2024) Leonia Middle School (2014) Macopin Middle School (2025) Mountain View Middle School (2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2022) Pleasant Valley School (2017) Randolph Middle School (2019, 2023) Richard Butler Middle School (2024) Richard Teitelman Middle School (2022) Ridgedale Middle School (2025) Thomas A. Edison Middle School (2020) William Annin Middle School (2016, 2019, 2024) School Profiles Coming Soon

Cathy Perry Executive Director Cathy has worked for nonprofit organizations for over 30 years. She is the Executive Director of the California League of Middle Schools, and became the ED of the National Forum in 2022. < Back

2023 College Preparatory Middle School College Preparatory Middle School San Diego County Christina Callaway, Principal Enrollment: 396. Grade Levels: 5-8. School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Tigers Den (advisory period) Sunday night routine/planner SEL activities Tutorial/targeted tutorial Power of the parking lot

2017-2018 Cabot Middle School South 2017-2018 SCHOOL STATISTICS Designated in 2012 Re-Designated in 2015, 2018 Community Size - Rural School Enrollment - 779 Grade Levels - 5, 6 School Calendar - Traditional Free and Reduced Lunch 46% English Learners 2% Students With Disabilities 15% Demographics Hispanic 7% White 84% African American 3% Asian 1% Native American 1% Pacific Islander 0% Filipino 0% Two or More 3% Other 0% School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Academic Excellence Cabot Middle School South has been recognized by the Office for Education Policy as a High Achieving Overall Middle School, performing within the top 10% of schools in Arkansas on standardized testing for the last four years. After emphasizing writing across the curriculum for one academic year Interim assessments are utilized in all subject areas to drive instruction. A Wacky Wednesday schedule has been developed to include project based learning, clubs, response to intervention, and enrichment. R.E.A.L. Squad, an extended learning opportunity, has been implemented twice a week in order to address student needs in the areas of literacy, math, and English language learning. A homework lab is available each morning before school. Developmental Responsiveness CBI (Community Based Instruction) provides experiences with outside businesses and important community locales. Other special services offered are resource, inclusion, self-contained, LAB (Learning Appropriate Behaviors), and Gifted and Talented. Students are given voice and choice with project based learning and clubs. Community partnerships provide service learning through clubs. Transitions are addressed with tours/visits from elementary schools and to the junior high and with participation in a Junior High Fair and a Step Up Day orientation. Further, Open House, Middle School 101, and Advisory are provided as opportunities to address middle school topics with parents and students. Social Equity Forty-five different clubs sponsored by teachers, parents, and community leaders are offered for students to choose from for each semester. R.E.A.L. Panther assemblies are held each month to spotlight students in the areas of respect, exploration, achievement, and leadership. An extra recess has been added to the daily schedule in order to promote social engagement and to intervene with struggling students. Diversity and equity are represented through club topics led by club sponsors of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. Students are given opportunities to cultivate compassion for others through several clubs as well. ESL (English as a Second Language) students are provided minutes with a part time ESL certified teacher and a paraprofessional as additional support in the growth of the English language. Organizational Support The school schedule has built in time for adults to collaborate and grow professionally. Professional Learning Communities with departments and teams and a Leadership Committee are set up to encourage adult learning and to analyze data, student growth, and curriculum. Weekly intervention time creatively involves all adults (classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, Encore teachers). Transportation is offered for the R.E.A.L. Squad after school program in order to ensure availability to all students recommended. Weekly schedules address grade level needs. Fifth grade has a 75 minute block schedule with students rotating classes as an advisory. Sixth grade models a junior high schedule that allows them to switch classes and mix with different students other than those within their advisory classes. All students are enrolled in an advisory course. Members of the faculty take turns planning weekly lessons that will benefit the whole child.

2022 National Schools To Watch Conference Celebrating all schools to watch June 23 - 25 2022, Washington, D.C. IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE YOU! Thanks for joining the National Forum and your fellow Schools to Watch in D.C. for this one-of-a-kind in-person event! Photobooth Pictures (Passcode: 0624)

Pennsylvania 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 Bruce Vosburgh brucevosburgh@gmail.com Participating Organizations Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education 1905 Lenape Unionville Road Kennett Square, PA 19348 Email: bvosbur@comcast.net Website: www.pamle.org Joined National STW Program in 2006 Schools to Watch Application 2026 Application Instructions Pennsylvania Schools to Watch Andrew W. Mellon Middle School (2019, 2022, 2025) Avonworth Middle School (2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024) Beaty-Warren Middle School (2011, 2014, 2022) Beaver Area Middle School (2024) Bentworth Middle School (2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) Boyce Middle School (2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023) Cambria Heights Middle School (2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024) Canonsburg Middle School (2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2024) Central Valley Middle School (2015, 2021, 2024) Chartiers Valley Middle School (2023) Deer Lakes Middle School (2023) Dorseyville Middle School (2024) DuBois Area Middle School (2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) Eastern York Middle School (2024) Elizabeth Forward Middle School (2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) Fort Couch Middle School (2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023) Freeport Area Middle School (2025) Garnet Valley Middle School (2017, 2020, 2023) Hampton Middle School (2019, 2022, 2025) Harrold Middle School (2020) Kennett Middle School (2012, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2024) Marshall Middle School (2025) Neshannock Junior High School (2013) New Hope Solebury Middle School (2025) North Hills Middle School (2015) Northley Middle School (2014, 2017, 2020, 2023) Palisades Middle School (2019) Pine-Richland Middle School (2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) Pleasant Hills Middle School (2015, 2018, 2022, 2025) Ryan Gloyer Middle School (2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023) Schuylkill Valley Middle School (2014, 2020, 2023) Sharpsville Middle School (2017, 2020) Souderton Charter School Collaborative (2012, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2024) South Fayette Middle School (2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) South Side Middle School (2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) Springton Lake Middle School (2017, 2020, 2023) Titusville Middle School (2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2024) Upper Dauphin Area Middle School (2018, 2022, 2025) Wendover Middle School (2023) West Allegheny Middle School (2018, 2022, 2025) West Hempfield Middle School (2020) Wilson Southern Middle School (2016, 2019, 2022) Wilson West Middle School (2015, 2018, 2022) Yellow Breeches Middle School (2009, 2020) School Profiles Coming Soon

Jonathan Rohloff Superintendent < Back

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 2026 Application Instructions Ohio Schools to Watch Beachwood Middle School (2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020) Bellbrook Middle School (2009, 2023) Bridgetown Middle School (2006) Central Intermediate School (2014, 2017, 2020) Chagrin Falls Middle School (2016) Chase STEMM Academy (2019, 2024) Cloverleaf Middle School (2020) Crestwood Middle School (2016) George G. Dodge Intermediate School (2018, 2023) Goshen Middle School (2017, 2020) Kings Junior High School (2016) Mayfield Middle School (2016) Nagel Middle School (2013) Napoleon Central Elementary School (2013) Pike Delta York Middle School (2024) Port Clinton Middle School (2016) R. B. Chamberlin Middle School (2020) Reading Middle School (2013) Teays Valley West Middle School (2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2020) Van Buren Middle School (2020) Van Wert Middle School (2006, 2024) Wadsworth Central Intermediate School (2010) School Profiles Coming Soon

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.

2023 National Schools To Watch Conference Featuring Erin Gruwell, Dwayne Reed, and Monica Washington June 22 - 24 2023, Washington, D.C. IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE YOU! Thanks for joining the National Forum and your fellow Schools to Watch in D.C.! Photobooth Pictures (Passcode: 0623)

Become a member of the National Forum. Available to all Schools to Watch and potential STWs. Forum Membership Membership Levels Become a member Mission The mission of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform is to unite key stakeholders to speak with a common voice to leverage research, policy, leadership, and replicable practices to drive middle grades reform. 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. Membership The National Forum Membership is open to individuals and individuals approved by an organization. Three membership levels are offered with benefits, responsibilities and annual dues for each level. Join Today! Frequently asked questions What types of membership are available? There are three types of membership: • Advocating Member (Individual) : $39 • Contributing Member (Individual) : $69 • Institutional Member (School) : $99/year or $275/3-years What is the renewal schedule for Memberships? Membership renewals occur on the date of the initial enrollment. For Institutional Memberships, schools have the option of selecting a one-year ($99) or a three-year ($275) Institutional Membership. What is Institutional Membership in the National Forum? Institutional Membership with the Forum is a whole-school designation available to schools that believe in and support the mission and vision of the Forum and that include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Why must a school have one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 to apply for Institutional Membership? Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 comprise the middle grades, and the vast majority of young adolescents (those students aged 10-15) are in these grades. Since the middle grades and young adolescents are the foci of the Forum’s work, it made sense that the Forum should limit (at least initially) Institutional Membership to those schools with one or more of the middle grades. Can schools that are not Schools to Watch be granted Institutional Membership? Yes, but they must believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Can schools that are not eligible to be designated as Schools to Watch be granted Institutional Membership? Yes, but they must believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. How is the Forum’s Institutional Membership different from its other memberships? Institutional Membership differs in several ways from currently existing memberships (Contributing Memberships and Advocating Memberships): • First, Institutional Membership is a whole-school membership while the Forum’s two other memberships are for individuals only. • Second, the Institutional Membership targets schools that believe in the Forum’s Mission and Vision and have one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Contributing and Advocating Memberships are for individuals who may or may not be in a School to Watch but who wish to be more active and involved in the Forum’s effort to “accelerate middle grades reform”. • Third, the Institutional Membership category provides the Forum with a mechanism to engage and communicate with a broader constituency of middle-level practitioners (nationally and internationally) than do the existing membership classifications. What are the benefits of being an Institutional Member? The benefits of being an Institutional Member include: • The personal satisfaction of supporting the Forum in its efforts to speak with a common voice to leverage research, policy, leadership, and replicable practices to drive middle grades reform (being part of a “movement”) • Opportunities to give back to the profession (paying it forward) • Periodic reports on Forum projects to accelerate middle-grades reform • Special rates for Forum-sponsored activities • Access to all Forum publications, reports, and white papers • Access to a national network of middle-level schools that shares a common philosophy, mission, and vision. Is it possible for one person to have both a Contributing Membership and an Institutional Membership? Technically no, since Institutional Membership is available only to an eligible school and not to an individual. That being said, a person could be both a Contributing Member and a member of a school with an Institutional Membership. Must a School to Watch become an Institutional Member? Not at this time, but given the benefits of membership it is highly recommended that every School to Watch be an Institutional Member of the Forum. Can other than public schools be Institutional Members? Yes, as long as they believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and that include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Can an organization other than a school (e.g., philanthropic organization and state organization) have an Institutional Membership? No. Institutional Memberships are only for schools that believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Become a member today! Join

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 2026 Application Instructions Arkansas Schools to Watch Alma Middle School: (2023) Ardis Ann Middle School: (2020) Brookland Middle School: (2011) Butterfield Trail Middle School: (2011) Cabot Middle School North: (2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2023) Cabot Middle School South: (2012, 2015, 2018, 2022) Crossett Middle School: (2013) Elmwood Middle School: (2019, 2024) Greenbrier Middle School: (2017, 2020, 2023) Helen Tyson Middle School: (2008, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2021) Hellstern Middle School: (2012, 2015, 2018, 2021) Holt Middle School: (2017, 2020, 2023) J.O. Kelly Middle School: (2008, 2023) McNair Middle School: (2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2025) Old High Middle School: (2017) Owl Creek School: (2013, 2016, 2019, 2022) Ramay Junior High School: (2018) Ruth Barker Middle School: (2018) Sonora Middle School: (2021, 2024) Vilonia Middle School: (2012) Woodland Junior High School: (2017, 2020, 2023) School Profiles Coming Soon 2020 Ardis Ann Middle School 2018-2019 Owl Creek School 2018-2019 Elmwood Middle School 2017-2018 Hellstern Middle School 2017-2018 Cabot Middle School South 2017-2018 J.O. Kelly Middle School 2017-2018 Brookland Middle School 2017-2018 Helen Tyson Middle School 2017-2018 Ramay Junior High School 2017-2018 Ruth Hale Barker Middle School 2017-2018 Butterfield Trail Middle School 2017-2018 McNair Middle School 2016-2017 Greenbrier Middle School 2016-2017 Cabot Middle School North 2016-2017 Holt Middle School 2016-2017 Old High Middle School 2015-2016 Crossett Middle School 2014-2015 Vilonia Middle School