Edna Hill Middle School Designated as “Schools to Watch”

The Brentwood Union School District announced that Edna Hill Middle School once again was being re-designated by the California League of Schools as a “Schools to Watch.”  Edna Hill originally earned this prestigious honor in 2007 and has been re-designated in 2010, 2013 and 2016 before earning the honor once again this year.

From the Schools to Watch Website:

Schools to Watch® is an initiative launched by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in 1999. Through the Schools to Watch® initiative, the National Forum identifies schools across the United States that are well on their way to meeting the Forum’s criteria for high performance. Forum members believe that three things are true of high-performing middle-grades schools:

• They are academically excellent — these schools challenge all students to use their minds well;
• They are developmentally responsive — these schools are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence;
• They are socially equitable — these schools are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports.

To achieve this level of performance, high-performing schools establish norms, structures, and organizational support to sustain their trajectory toward excellence. They have a sense of purpose that drives every facet of practice and decision-making.

Superintendent Dana Eaton stated, “We continue to be so proud that Edna Hill Middle School has been chosen as a model middle school for the state of California.  Edna Hill is such a positive place for our students to learn and grow. We take great pride in the fact that staffs from other schools and districts regularly visit to try and incorporate some of Edna Hill’s practices into their own schools.”

On Wednesday, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond released the list.

“These middle schools make a great impact on students, and I want to thank the staff, administrators, teachers, and parents at these schools for ensuring all students get the education they need to realize their potential,” Thurmond said. “These schools study and support students’ needs, which helps close achievement gaps and creates a better future for these young students

Edna Hill was the only Contra Costa school that made the list.