2 Roanoke County schools named "Schools to Watch"

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ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - A big honor for two Roanoke County schools.

Glenvar Middle and William Byrd Middle Schools are named "Schools to Watch". This marks four Roanoke County middle schools to receive the title.

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More than 400 exemplary middle-grades schools across the nation are named as "Schools to Watch" as part of a recognition and school improvement program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. According to the group, it was launched in 1999.

The website says:

"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 arrangements to support and sustain their trajectory toward excellence. They have a sense of purpose that drives every facet of practice and decision-making."

Celebrations are going on at both schools Thursday.

The Roanoke County School Board will recognize Glenvar and William Byrd Middle Schools at the school board meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m.


About the Author:

You can see Jenna weekday mornings at the anchor desk on WSLS 10 Today from 5-7 a.m. She also leads our monthly Solutionaries Series, where we highlight the creative thinkers and doers working to make the world a better place.