In June, four AIMS network schools recognized as Horizon Schools to Watch for 2018 were honored and actively participated in the National Schools to Watch Conference.

Olympia Middle School was recognized upon their initial designation as a School to Watch.  In addition, the Olympia team offered a presentation session for Conference attendees on their Skills Based Grading program.   The Olympia team was also selected to make a trip to Capitol Hill for a visit with their local congressman.

Representatives from Stevenson Middle School in Melrose Park also received recognition upon their school’s initial designation.  In addition, the Stevenson team offered three session presentations.  Topics included, “Strategies for Inclusion of ELL Students in Classrooms,” “Successfully Implementing Co-Teaching” and “Socratic Seminars Using Office 365.”  The Stevenson team was also selected for a congressman visit.

Emerson Middle School in Niles/Park Ridge and Highland Middle School in Libertyville were recognized for their re-designation as Schools to Watch. The Highland team was also selected to meet with a congressman on Capitol Hill.

The Association of Illinois Middle-Grade Schools (AIMS) and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform thanks these schools for their contributions to the Schools to Watch Conference. To learn more about the National Forum Schools to Watch recognition program, visit https://aimsnetwork.org/schools-to-watch/.