EF Middle School redesignated as a School to Watch for fourth time

The prestigious redesignation is based on a school’s Innovative Education Initiatives and the ability to show continued growth.

For the MVI

Elizabeth Forward Middle School was redesignated for the fourth time, as a “Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools: School to Watch.”

Pennsylvania Schools to Watch State leaders selected each school for its academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structures and processes. In addition, each school has strong leadership, teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instruction, and a commitment to assessment and accountability to bring about continuous improvement.

The program was developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education, Kutztown University, and the Horace Mann Service Corp., PA STW has been recognizing schools since 2006-07.

“We congratulate these schools for being places that do great things for all their students. These schools demonstrate that high-performing middle grades schools are places that focus on academic growth and achievement,” said Bruce Vosburgh, Pa. STW director. “They are also places that recognize the importance of meeting the needs of all their students and ensure that every child has access to a challenging, high-quality education. These schools have proven that it is possible to overcome barriers to achieve excellence, and any middle- level school in any state can truly learn from their examples.”

Elizabeth Forward Middle School Principal Dr. Trisha Martell said the district is proud and honored to receive this distinguished award.

“The fourth redesignation of Elizabeth Forward Middle School as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn School to Watch is a testament to our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and effective organizational structures. This honor reflects the dedication of our educators and staff, students, parents, and community in fostering an environment where every student thrives. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of continuous improvement, ensuring that all students receive a high-quality, equitable education.”

Martell has been an administrator at EFMS since 2009. The original designation as well as each redesignation occurred under Martell’s leadership.

On Oct. 3, Vosburgh and five members of his team spent the day at EFMS observing and interviewing principals, teachers, students, staff, and parents. In its redesignation assessment, STW pointed to several programs that highlighted EFMS’ strengths.

• Technology continues to be used seamlessly to support instruction, and the Student Tech Helpers are used by teachers to support their technology needs.

• New technology, Prisms VR, are used to support math and science teachers and students.

• The RIASEC framework is used by teachers and students in every classroom. This practice will ensure that students consistently engage in career-connected learning as part of their academic experience. The Beable Life-Ready Literacy platform has expanded to all grade levels.

• Co-teaching at Elizabeth Forward demonstrates effective inclusion practices and could be a model for other districts. Partners PE fosters inclusivity and social skills for regular and special education students.

• Support services for the school community have been enhanced through the addition of a second full-time counselor, a full-time behavioral specialist from Adelphoi, and school-based therapists from Clarvida.

The Elizabeth Forward Middle School was designated a PA Don Eichhorn Schools: Schools to Watch in 2013. They earned redesignations in 2016, 2019 and 2022.

“We’re excited to have our Middle School redesignated as a ‘Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools: School to Watch,’” said Dr. Mary Carole Perry, EFSD Assistant Superintendent. “This honor shows how hard our students, staff, and community have worked to make our middle school a great place to learn and grow. It’s a reminder that when we work together, amazing things can happen, and we’ll keep building on this momentum to help every student succeed.”

This year, STW gave the designation to fourteen schools across the state. In addition to EF, the other area school redesignated for the third time is Bentworth Middle School in Bentleyville.

The schools will be recognized at the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Educations State Conference on February 22-24, 2025. Each of these schools will have a local celebration next spring. They will also be recognized nationally with all the other recognized STW schools across the country in Washington, D.C., at the National Forum’s National Schools to Watch Conference on June 26-28, 2025.

The Schools to Watch selection process is based on a written application that required schools to show how they met criteria developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. Schools that appeared to meet the criteria were then visited by a state team.