William Annin Named NJ School to Watch

Bernards Township, NJ -- William Annin Middle School has been named a NJ School to Watch.

Schools to Watch is an organization that recognizes middle schools across the nation for excellence.

Principal Karen Hudock announced the school's award at the Board of Education meeting on March 14 along with a power point presentation about the process.

Only 200 schools nationwide share this recognition. WAMS is among only two other schools in New Jersey with this award including: Carl H. Kumpf Middle School in Clark and Leonia Middle School in Leonia.

"The New Jersey Schools to Watch program seeks to establish a network of schools willing to serve as models and mentors for others. Recognized schools will be featured in state and national publications, and will be visited by educators from around the country looking to see where 'things are done right.' Schools will also participate in professional development, and will serve as a model for other schools using the Schools to Watch Criteria to guide school improvement and reform,” according to the Schools to Watch Application.

Superintendent Nick Markarian broke down what four key areas the organization evaluates in the schools:

• Academic Excellence: Rigorous, comprehensive curriculum where students are exposed to authentic learning opportunities that challenge them at their individual readiness level to apply their 21st century skills.
• Developmental Responsiveness: The team model, advisory structure, and curriculum connections reinforce and support adolescent social and emotional development that is responsive to individual students, groups of students and even broader needs of our student population.
• Social Equality: WAMS school community provides all students with diverse opportunities in a safe environment that positively celebrate their uniqueness.
• Organizational Structure: There is a shared commitment to cultivating a school community that embodies a collaborative effort toward excellence.

Markarian also sent out a letter to parents congratulating Hudock and the staff at WAMS for the recognition.