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Elmwood Middle School wins Schools to Watch redesignation; staff highlight restorative practices and grading reforms
Summary
Elmwood Middle School reported a successful redesignation under the Schools to Watch program, presented survey results showing high staff implementation across 18 characteristics, and described restorative practices, a 'level up' support class and grading-for-equity efforts to reduce suspensions and improve student outcomes.
Elmwood Middle School reported to the Board of Education that it has received a three‑year redesignation under the Schools to Watch program and described several district efforts aimed at middle‑level learners, including expansion of restorative practices, a “level up” academic‑support course, and a staff committee exploring grading practices.
The principal (name not specified in the transcript) told the board the school completed its three‑year application and received an executive summary and a 70‑page review from the external reviewer; staff rated implementation of the Schools to Watch characteristics as moderate to high. The administration reported 100% participation from certified staff and 399 of 492 students completed the redesignation survey.
Why this matters: The Schools to Watch designation and related work inform instructional practice and school culture for early adolescents. Presenters said the work supports academic and social‑emotional growth, aims to reduce out‑of‑school suspensions and to build advisory and restorative systems that keep students connected to school.
Programs and results described: Presenters highlighted monthly interdisciplinary team meetings, expanded advisory (“court”) that meets weekly, restorative practices including community circles and staff training, an alternate academic study center to replace in‑school suspension, a breakfast/lunch program to support students out of school, quarterly “failure” review meetings, a mentoring program with about 20 staff volunteers and over 40 students, and plans for a library innovation lab. The school reported a significant reduction in lunch detentions and suspensions since the district began restorative approaches and said the level up class (started 02/2022) has supported more than 20 students for a year with individualized academic and social‑emotional support.
The middle‑school leadership also described a small teacher committee that studied Grading for Equity to align grading practice with mastery of content rather than compliance tasks. They said the committee worked with departments, established shared agreements and extended professional development into Grades 6–12.
Board reaction and follow‑up: Board members praised the work, asked about survey response rates (presenters reported 100% of certified staff and 399 of 492 students responded), asked for more detail about how mentors and students are selected (teachers volunteer and students are recommended by teachers, ISD or parents), and encouraged continued community communication. The board thanked staff and acknowledged the work will continue districtwide.
Ending: Elmwood Middle School’s presentation concluded with the administration saying they expect to hear final designation results from the external reviewer soon and will continue districtwide training and implementation of restorative practices and grading alignment.
