Parents (standing) who took part of the interviews included Karen and Bill Wilson, Heather Powell, Ed Nuebecker and Nancy Lasich. Schools To Watch Review team (seated)members included Theresa Friedman, Sarah Perry, Lauren Schafer, Andrea Abke, Nic Cooper and Carl Zoolkoski.

Arthurs Middle School is in pursuit of recognition by the “National Schools to Watch” program, and last month played host to a review team that will have a key role in the selection process.

National Schools to Watch is part of a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Last year the program evaluated schools across 17 states and selected 100 of them for the distinction.

In order to earn this designation, the schools must meet the quality standards in four core areas: Strong Academics, Developmental Responsiveness, Social Equity, and Organizational Structures and Processes.

To be a participant in the process, administrators at the school had to submit an extensive application form.

Principal Stefanie O’Connor said the application was reviewed by a team of professionals that put the school on its list to visit for a full review.

That visit took place Jan. 18, as a team of trained professionals that represent organizations such as The Center for Excellence in Education, Michigan Middle Start, Michigan Coalition of Essential Schools, and various schools in the state descended on Arthurs for a daylong evaluation visit that ran from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Thoughout the day they met with a variety of stakeholders, including teachers, students, central office staff, board members, parents and community members.

Arthurs will be notified of its final status at the beginning of March, after all school visitations have taken place.

The designation is good for three years and then the school can be re-designated by going through the entire process once again. This is the second time that AMS has been evaluated for the program. Continue reading →