On May 14, South Orangetown Middle School hosted New York State Essential Elements: Schools-to-Watch Co-Director Mr. Brian Sherman and New York State Middle School Association Director Dr. David Payton for a student-led ceremony to celebrate its re-designation as a National School-to-Watch.
Eighth-graders kicked off the ceremony, with Brianna S. as emcee, Ruby B. leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Logan F. introducing honored guests, including Superintendent Dr. Robert Pritchard, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brian Culot, Board of Education President Mrs. Rosemary Pitruzzella and Board of Education member Ms. Christine Lee. Seventh-grader Matt T. delivered a brief, moving speech about SOMS, and sixth-graders Dan C. and Ciara H. presented the new National Schools-to-Watch banner to Dr. Tesik for public display.
“What makes SOMS special, is the collaboration between staff and students,” remarked Dr. Tesik. “It’s our strong, shared commitment to our school community.”
Essential Elements: Schools-to-Watch is a partnership of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, the New York State Middle School Association and the New York State Education Department which recognizes exemplary middle schools. Each school earning the designation must reapply every three years to be reevaluated according to a rigorous set of criteria as a School-to-Watch. Designated schools are dedicated to the young adolescents they serve and maintain a commitment to continuous improvement while implementing the Regents Policy on Middle Level Education and the seven Essential Elements of a Standards Focused Middle School.
At the time of its original National School-to-Watch designation in 2015, SOMS was the first school in Rockland County, and one of only two schools in the entire state of New York, to receive this honor.
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