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MAMS Gains National Recognition by Being Named “School to Watch”

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After a comprehensive application process, Merrick Avenue Middle School is proud to be named a “School to Watch” by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. They are one of only two middle schools in New York to receive this designation this year.

Each year, the Schools to Watch program recognizes middle schools across the nation that demonstrate continuous improvement and excel in various areas. The program focuses on examining four essential elements: academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational support.

To be selected, school administrators and staff must complete an application process demonstrating their school’s academic excellence, responsiveness to student needs and interests and commitment to helping students achieve success at high levels. During the school year, schools that meet the proper criteria receive visits from state leaders who interview administrators, teachers, students and parents, observe classes, review achievement data and more.

“Our guests were in and out of classrooms throughout the day, stopped into lunch periods to talk to students, and visited club meetings and events after school,” said Principal Katelyn Dunn. “They wanted to fully immerse themselves in the day-to-day at Merrick Avenue to really get an understanding about who we are as an educational community.”

Dunne said there was so much to share during the site visit.

“Prior to leaving, and not yet knowing we earned the designation, the team shared with us how impressed they were by not only the educational programs and offerings we have for students, but by the positive culture of the building, and how Merrick Avenue is a place our students and staff really want to be,” added Dunn.

Not only does the program celebrate research-based practices that have been implemented successfully at the middle school level, but applicants are required to provide an outline for continued improvements over the coming years.

“The staff at Merrick Avenue knows how critical middle school is for students’ personal growth and development,” added Dunn. “I am proud of our entire school community for earning this award because it honors who we are now as a school of excellence, but also acknowledges that we are educators committed to future professional growth, and always put our students first. I am so thankful to the entire team at Merrick Avenue for committing to this process, and it would not have been possible without the support of our parents, district leadership, and board of education.”

Superintendent of Schools Michael Harrington added, “I applaud the Merrick Avenue Middle School community for receiving this distinction. The dedication and commitment to education our entire staff displays each day is what consistently makes us stand out as a model district.”

Dunn will accept this official designation on behalf of the entire staff at Merrick Avenue from New York State Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa on May 5at the Middle Level Liaison Conference in Albany.

Additionally, representatives from Merrick Avenue will attend a special Schools to Watch forum in Washington, D.C. at the end of June.

Date Added: 4/7/2022

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