Staff members from Riverside Intermediate School in Plymouth recently shared their knowledge of how to create and sustain a successful middle school with peers from across the country. The local school is among those recognized Schools to WatchⓇ through the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-grades Reform.
Last week Jeni Hirschy, Shelly Record, Nikki Rumpler and Jeanne Tanner took part in Schools to WatchⓇ conference in Washington, D.C. and shared real-world success stories strategies and information about successfully raising student achievement and supporting positive student development in the middle grades. Organizers hope policymakers will listen to the experiences and knowledge of those at the school level who are making a difference in the lives of adolescents. They also accepted the honor on behalf of the school corporation.
The Schools to WatchⓇ program identifies and honors schools nationally so all might learn how to achieve academic success through best practices for all young adolescents. Schools identified as Schools to Watch initiative are academically excellent – challenging all students to use their minds well; developmentally responsive – sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence; and socially equitable – democratic and fair; providing every students with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports. In order to achieve this level of performance; high -performing schools establish norms, structures, and organizational arrangements to support and sustain their trajectory toward excellence. They have a sense of purpose that drives every facet of practice and decision-maker.
