Short Pump Middle School Named “School To Watch” in 2011

The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform has re-designated Short Pump Middle School as a School to Watch for 2011. Schools apply for designation through their state associations. The National Forum acknowledges new Schools to Watch each year based on four criteria: academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structures. A written narrative, test scores, rankings, previous awards, […]

January 6, 2011; 11:17 PM • by Downtown Short Pump Staff

A written narrative, test scores, rankings, previous awards, and a site visit by a Schools to Watch committee are considered to achieve the recognition.

Short Pump Middle School first received recognition as a School to Watch in 2008. Schools must reapply every three years to maintain the status.

The National Forum is an alliance of more than 60 educators, researchers, and officers of national associations and foundations dedicated to improving schools for young adolescents across the country. 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.

“We are extremely proud to have been re-designated as a School to Watch,” says Mark Chamberlain, principal at Short Pump Middle School. “The criteria remain the same, and it is important that we do not become complacent in our success. However, having an effective middle school goes beyond excellent achievement scores. Middle school students’ developmental needs include opportunities to interact with each other and engage in meaningful work. Through developing 21st century classrooms, effective use of technology, music and programs, clubs, sports, and service opportunities, we believe our students are receiving a middle school education aligned with Schools to Watch goals. We will continue to strive for an even better school.”

The Schools to Watch initiative began in 1999. Approximately 20 schools across Virginia are currently designated as Schools to Watch and 242 middle schools in 19 states have been designated or re-designated as Schools to Watch.