San Gorgonio Middle School Named a Calif. 'School to Watch'

The following is a news release from the Beaumont Unified School District:

Beaumont Unified School District proudly announces the selection of San Gorgonio Middle School as one of California’s 2016 Schools to Watch-Taking Center Stage model middle schools.

The distinguished award is given to middle schools that are academically excellent, developmentally responsive, socially equitable, and structured for success.

The Schools to Watch program is provided by the California Middle Grades Alliance, which includes the California League of Middle Schools (CLMS; the lead agency), California Department of Education, and other statewide educational organizations who are partners in the California Middle Grades Alliance. They evaluate the schools based on the unique challenges of their student population as well as a strong, ongoing record of student achievement.

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson has stated, “These middle schools teach deeply to standards, assess ongoing student progress, and use data to make decisions. They develop confident and capable adolescent citizens, differentiate instruction for all learners, and provide effective interventions to struggling students and English learners.”

“We are thrilled to have received this recognition,” said Principal Drew Scherrer. “Our staff and students have worked very hard in an exciting and challenging middle school program to demonstrate strong student achievement. This designation is an affirmation of the fine work so many have done in the school, district, and larger community.”

San Gorgonio Middle School serves 6th through 8th grade students in the Beaumont Unified School District.

“San Gorgonio Middle School is on fire with exciting, engaging opportunities for students! Through the collaborative leadership of Principal Drew Scherrer and the staff, SGMS is a middle school that promotes a personalized learning experience for students that captures the interests and energy of the middle school age youth. The staff is innovative and creative, and always willing to implement instructional strategies that immerse students in their learning. San Gorgonio Middle School will be an exemplary model for the Schools To Watch - Taking Center Stage program,” said Dr. Maureen Latham, Superintendent of Beaumont Unified School District.

“Congratulations to the students and staff at Beaumont USD’s San Gorgonio Middle School for earning this special recognition. This is a noteworthy accomplishment and we are proud of them!” exclaimed Kenneth Young, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools in an email.

On January 29, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. students, staff, parents, district leaders, school board members and community members are invited celebrate the selection of San Gorgonio Middle School as they receive the California’s 2016 Schools to Watch-Taking Center Stage Model Middle Schools Award. The celebration will feature an address to the student body on their school’s selection as a model and the presentation of a banner. The assembly will be held in the school gymnasium.

Mr. Irvin Howard, Co-director of California’s Schools to Watch-Taking Center Stage program, noted, “San Gorgonio Middle School is a model of what an outstanding middle school can be. School leaders from across the state will now turn to San Gorgonio Middle School for guidance on improving their programs to better serve their students.”

For more information on the California’s Schools to Watch-Taking Center Stage program, contact Dr. Irvin Howard,at (951) 318-7515 or STWCAL@gmail.com or visit www.clms.net/stw. For more information on Beaumont Unified School District and/or San Gorgonio Middle School, contact Andrea De Leon at (951) 797-5325 or andeleon@BeaumontUSD.k12.ca.us