Yorba Linda Middle School named a “School to Watch”

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson recently announced that Yorba Linda Middle School is one of only 13 California middle schools that has been designated as a model middle grades school in the 2015-2016 “Schools to Watch™ — Taking Center Stage” program.

The Schools to Watch program is sponsored by the California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) and the California Department of Education (CDE), in partnership with the California Middle Grades Alliance.

To earn the Schools to Watch designation, schools must complete an extensive application that is reviewed by middle grades experts. Additionally, there is a competitive, rigorous review process to identify high-performing, high-impact middle schools, so that all middle schools may have models of real-world success.

Yorba Linda Middle School is one of just 78 model schools that have been identified statewide since 2003!

To celebrate this honor, Yorba Linda Middle School held a special ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 18, in the Thomas Lasorda, Jr., Field House. The gym was filled with students, teachers, staff members and Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) administrators.

The YLMS Jazz Band performed several selections, and a student choir sang for the packed crowd. Several dignitaries were on hand to provide their congratulations, including representatives from State Senator Bob Huff’s office, State Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang’s office, the city of Yorba Linda, the California League of Schools and the Schools to Watch program, as well as the PYLUSD Board of Education. In addition to official proclamations and certificates, U.S. Representative Ed Royce also sent a letter of praise.

“Our staff and students have worked very hard in an exciting and challenging middle school program to demonstrate strong student achievement, and we are thrilled to have this recognition,” said Principal Cameron Malotte. “This celebration is an affirmation of the fine work so many have done in the school, district and community.”

PYLUSD Superintendent Doug Domene added, “I congratulate Yorba Linda Middle School on this tremendous honor. This designation exemplifies the great effort being made to engage, motivate and prepare our students for a successful future.”

Yorba Linda Middle School will also be recognized in Sacramento at the California Middle Grades Alliance Annual Luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 25, and during the CLMS’ Annual Conference North from Feb. 26 through Feb. 28.

For more information about the Schools to Watch program, visit www.clms.net/stw. Yorba Linda Middle School is located at 4777 Casa Loma Ave. in Yorba Linda.