Southmoreland Middle School recognized by state for academic performance

Southmoreland Middle School was one of 13 Pennsylvania schools recognized by the state education department this week for academic performance.

The initiative, Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools, was launched by the state after President Donald Trump ended the 40-year-old federal version of the program in August. Schools are recognized for their overall academic achievement or progress made to close performance gaps.

Southmoreland Middle, which educates about 430 students in grades six through eight, was the only Southwestern Pa. school selected for the award. It was recognized for incorporating support systems for students into the regular school day, according to a statement from the state Department of Education.

“Dedicated time is built into the day for academic interventions, enrichment, student services and arts access, ensuring all learners receive what they need to grow and thrive,” the statement reads. “This structure also allows students to explore a rich rotation of electives in areas such as STEM, financial literacy, the arts, wellness and digital media.”

Principal James Klugh said the award is exemplary of a broader trend unfolding in the middle school.

“This recognition affirms what we see every day,” Klugh said in a statement. “Our faculty and staff create authentic, relevant and engaging experiences that help every student grow — not just in test scores, but as thinkers and citizens.”

The school’s English, language arts and math scores on standardized tests have improved significantly in recent years, Klugh said. Math scores, in particular, have more then doubled in the last few years.

To continue improving academic performance, Southmoreland will prioritize real-world learning opportunities such as field trips and guest speakers; practice with collaboration and critical thinking in classrooms; and student-centered instruction, Klugh said.

“The Blue Ribbon is not an endpoint,” he said. “It is a shared celebration of what happens when a school community works together for every child. Our teachers’ creativity and dedication drive every success we celebrate today.”