For the sixth time since 2006-07, Pine-Richland Middle School has been redesignated in the Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools: Schools to Watch program.
Named in memory of an Upper St. Clair educator who advocated on behalf of middle-level students, the program recognizes schools achieving academic excellence based on 37 factors established by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform and aims to assist Pennsylvania middle-grade schools in building capacity.
“Our recognition as a School to Watch is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our entire school community,” said David Kristofic, Pine-Richland Middle School principal.
The designation is valid for three years, at which time a school must apply for redesignation.
“These schools demonstrate that high-performing middle-grades schools are places that focus on academic growth and achievement,” said Bruce Vosburgh, director of Pennsylvania Schools to Watch. “They are also places that recognize the importance of meeting the needs of all of their students and ensure that every child has access to a challenging, high-quality education.”
As part of the redesignation application process, Pine-Richland Middle School was required to demonstrate progress on specific goals and identify areas for continuous improvement. Goals for the building focus on academic excellence, social equity, developmental responsiveness, and organizational structure and processes.
Schools to Watch evaluators also look at a school’s leadership, evaluate the cohesiveness of teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instruction, and consider a school’s commitment to assessment and continuous improvement.
A state team visited the school to observe classrooms; interview administrators, teachers, students and parents; and evaluate achievement data, suspension rates, quality of lessons and student work.
“This achievement reflects our teachers’ dedication to continuous improvement and commitment to student success,” said Nicole Berezo, assistant principal. “Pine-Richland Middle School is a great place to learn and grow.”
The school will be formally recognized at the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education’s state conference in February in Pittsburgh, and nationally recognized with all other Schools to Watch designees at the National Forum’s National Schools to Watch Conference in June in Washington, D.C.
Since its inception in 2006, the Schools to Watch program has recognized 62 schools throughout Pennsylvania. Pine-Richland Middle School is one of 14 schools this year to be designated or redesignated and one of only two schools in Pennsylvania to be redesignated six times.
