Local school designated as one to watch

  • 2022-04-26
Merrick Avenue Middle School has been singled out by a national education group as a “School to Watch.”

The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform has named only two middle schools in New York state this year, and the middle school here in Merrick is one of them.

Any honor bestowed on a school, whether it be for academic excellence or athletic superiority, is virtually always celebrated and a banner printing service is often involved.

Responding to the news, Principal Katelyn Dunn expressed her pride at the award, noting that it honors Merrick Avenue’s transition into a school of excellence and one that focuses on professional growth and putting its students first.

The “School to Watch” program focuses on four crucial elements of a middle school education: organizational support, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and academic excellence. The program highlights schools across the U.S. that show improvement and excel in a variety of areas.

While the designated middle schools are recognized for their achievements, they are also required to submit a multiyear outline for improvements.

The official acceptance of the designation will take place on Thursday, May 5. The designation will be given to Dunn from the New York State Commissioner of Education. School representatives will travel to Washington DC for a “Schools to Watch” forum at the end of June.