Clinton Middle School could be selected for an elite national program that would feature the school as an example to other Middle Schools.
At last week’s Clinton Central School Board of Education meeting, Middle School Principal Dr. Shaun Carney outlined the New York State Essential Elements Schools to Watch program. Carney said the program is to accelerate Middle School reforms by using what’s best for all Middle School students.
Clinton submitted an application in July that was about 100 pages of self-assessment in all areas of the Middle School. Carney and Middle School teachers John King and Susan King became certified by the New York State Education Department to perform certifications.
Over the course of the two years doing the assessment Middle School teachers have already found ways to improve, Carney said. Teachers now share best practices at faculty meetings and have improved communications between grades.
Clinton recently received word that its application passed the first step. The school will have a site visit Dec. 3 and 4 from the evaluation team, which will talk to students, parents, teachers and community members about the Middle School.
In February the district will learn if Clinton Middle School has been selected for one of two designations: A School to Watch would put Clinton among the nation’s best..