Media Advisory
1450 Herndon, Clovis, CA 93611-0599
(559) 327-9000; Fax (559) 327-9099
www.cusd.com


Clovis Unified’s Kastner and Alta Sierra intermediate schools have again won recognition by the California Schools to Watch, Taking Center Stage Coalition as role models for schools throughout the nation. In 2008, the two schools were the first in Clovis Unified to be selected as Schools to Watch, and represented the first time two schools from the same district received the award. The recognition is awarded for three-years, and only a handful of schools attain the Schools to Watch designation each year.

Since then, Alta Sierra and Kastner have served as an example and resource to schools around California and the nation as innovators in meeting the educational needs of their students. Only valid for three years, the schools had to apply for re-designation as Schools to Watch and prove to evaluators their continued success in developing young learners. “Each of these schools has demonstrated their commitment to continuing dedication in providing outstanding programs for middle grade students,” said Irvin Howard, Director of the Schools to Watch program.

Kastner and Alta Sierra were the only 2008 awardees who earned re-designation as Schools to Watch this year. The award is sponsored by the California Middle Grades Alliance, which includes the California League of Middle Schools, California Department of Education, and other statewide educational organizations.

Alta Sierra and Kastner received recognition for continually implementing replicable practices focused on academic excellence, responsiveness to the developmental needs of young adolescents; fair and equitable education for all students; and organizational processes and procedures that foster and sustain academic growth. Since 2008, both Clark and Reyburn intermediate schools have also achieved Schools to Watch status.

For more information, contact Kelly Avants, Director of Communications at 559-327-9092.
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