Ryan Gloyer Middle School in the Seneca Valley School District has once again been named a PA Don Eichhorn Schools “Schools to Watch” as part of a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

JACKSON TWP — Ryan Gloyer Middle School in the Seneca Valley School District has again been named to the PA Don Eichhorn Schools “Schools to Watch” list as part of a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

This program is held annually in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education; Duquesne, Edinboro and Kutztown universities; and the Horace Mann Service Corp.

The Pennsylvania “Schools to Watch” leadership team announced that the award for RGMS is the third consecutive designation after first earning the title nine years ago.

RGMS joins 40 other Pennsylvania middle-grades schools recognized previously.

RGMS principal Tony Babusci said he is pleased the school continues to receive such recognition.

“We are honored to be recognized,” Babusci said. “(This) is a reflection of the hard work and dedication that is taken on daily by our students, staff and parents.”

State leaders selected RGMS for academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures and processes.

The school was also identified as having strong leadership and teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instruction, plus a commitment to assessment and accountability to bring about continuous improvement.

Schools are recognized for a three-year period. At the end of three years, they must demonstrate progress on specific goals to be redesignated.

Schools to Watch requires schools to not just identify strengths, but to also focus on areas for continuous improvement.