
A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 13th Congressional District
Schools to Watch (STW) is active in 22 states nationwide, creating a vibrant community of middle schools committed to achieving and sustaining success. STW recognizes schools that demonstrate a trajectory toward excellence while fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and continuous improvement.
2026 Highlights
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Marvin A. Dutcher Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Robert Ruiz, Principal
(350) 206-3400
1441 Colorado Ave, Turlock, CA 95380, USA
Turlock Unified School District

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Marvin A. Dutcher Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, and electives, clubs, arts, and athletics to support academic growth and student well-being. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities. Students gain multiple pathways to build confidence, explore interests, strengthen relationships, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ The campus is one of two middle schools in Turlock Unified, and both belong to the California Schools to Watch network.
Weaver Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Jackie Spielman, Principal
(209) 723-2174
3076 East Childs Avenue, Merced, CA 95340
Weaver Unified School District

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Weaver Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, and electives, clubs, arts, and athletics to support academic growth and student well-being. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities. Students gain multiple pathways to build confidence, explore interests, strengthen relationships, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ Multicultural activities, games, and celebrations help students build language skills while learning about communities around the world.
Firebaugh Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Sara Corral, Principal
559-659-1481
1600 16th St., Firebaugh, CA 93622
Firebaugh Las-Deltas Unified School District

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Firebaugh Middle School combines STEM learning, social-emotional learning, and athletics and extracurricular opportunities to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ Targeted academic intervention provides timely support for students needing additional help.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ The school's first step was to seek additional support which came through advocating for the school’s site to have an academic coach.
Glick Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Kevin Drake, Principal
209-577-3945
400 Frazine Road, Modesto, CA 95357
Empire Union Elementary School District

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Glick Middle School combines embedded academic intervention, inclusive support, and student leadership to address academic, emotional, and social needs. Smaller core classes pair general and special education staff, while Read 180 and System 44 strengthen literacy. Student Ambassadors, PBIS Big Five expectations, counseling, family services, electives, athletics, clubs, and real-world learning experiences build confidence, connection, and opportunity.
✓ Two-adult core classes provide embedded, targeted academic intervention.
✓ Read 180 and System 44 support students toward grade-level literacy.
✓ Student Ambassadors lead events, mediate conflicts, and strengthen school culture.
★ Science students travel to Monterey to observe whales and study the Pacific Ocean.
Mitchell Senior Elementary School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Diana Dietz, Principal
209-357-6124
1753 5th St, Atwater, CA 95301
Atwater Elementary School District

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Mitchell Senior Elementary School combines data-informed instruction, schoolwide PBIS, and student voice to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ A grant funded CPR mannequins for the school’s student corps program.
Peggy Heller Elementary School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Jenny Medeiros, Principal
209-357-6517
201 Lakeview Drive, Atwater, CA 95301
Atwater Elementary School District

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Peggy Heller Elementary School combines collaborative professional learning communities, schoolwide PBIS, and athletics and extracurricular opportunities to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ The nine-period schedule doubles mathematics time while preserving daily enrichment and targeted small-group intervention.
Valley View Charter Prep
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Catherine Ward-Mikes, Principal
925-477-1281
31400 S. Koster Road, Tracy, CA 95304
Independent Charter School

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Valley View Charter Prep combines STEM learning, social-emotional learning, and family engagement to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Understanding the unique developmental needs of early adolescence is central to the school’s approach.
Coalinga Middle School
★ 2023 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Shelley Manser, Principal
(559) 935-7550
265 Cambridge Avenue, Coalinga, CA 93210-1255
Coalinga Huron Unified School District

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Coalinga Middle School combines STEM learning, social-emotional learning, and music programs to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. Staff use these connected systems to identify needs, provide timely intervention, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Through supportive relationships, enrichment, and shared expectations, students build confidence, explore interests, strengthen skills, and develop a lasting sense of belonging.
✓ AVID and college-and-career programs build organization, academic confidence, and future readiness.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ If staff compare that to the last completed year 2021-22 only 5.9% of the school’s student population was suspended at least once.
Huron Middle School
↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Francisco Hernandez, Principal
559-945-2926
16875 Fourth St., Huron, CA 93234
Coalinga Huron Unified School District

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Huron Middle School combines adult advocacy, academic support, and student leadership to help students set goals and prepare for the future. SMART Advisory and student-led conferences build reflection and family engagement, while Step Up 2 College expands college and career awareness. Clubs, intramurals, electives, counseling, Parent University, and student-produced Aztec News strengthen connection, voice, culture, and opportunity across the campus.
✓ SMART Advisory connects every student with an adult advocate.
✓ Student-led conferences build reflection, goal-setting, and family engagement.
✓ Step Up 2 College introduces careers and university experiences.
★ Students produce weekly Aztec News broadcasts that celebrate cultures and promote safe behavior.