A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 33rd 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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Ben F. Kolb Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Tina Lingenfelter, Principal
(909) 820-7849
2351 N. Spruce Ave., Rialto, CA 92377
Rialto Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Ben F. Kolb Middle School coordinates college-and-career preparation, accessible counseling and wellness services, 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.
✓ Targeted mathematics support uses tutoring, small groups, and progress monitoring to build proficiency.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ Students can choose electives in Art, Computers, Music, Robotics, eSports, Leadership, Yearbook, Beginning Speech, Game Theory, AVID, and English and Math support classes.
Del Vallejo Leadership and STEAM Academy
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Jackie Maner, Principal
(909) 881-8280
1885 E Lynwood Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92404, USA
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Del Vallejo Leadership and STEAM Academy 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.
★ Del Vallejo is the district’s only school offering Cadet Corps, building leadership, discipline, and teamwork.
Ethel Kucera Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Jennifer Cuevas, Principal
909-574-7044
2140 W Buena Vista Dr, Rialto, CA 92377, USA
Rialto Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Ethel Kucera 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.
★ Math 7 and Math 8 classes average only 20 students, below the district contract maximum.
Arrowview Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Berenice Rios, Principal
(909) 881-8109
2299 N G St, San Bernardino, CA 92405, USA
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Arrowview Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, a coordinated MTSS framework, and clubs and enrichment 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.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Electives, clubs, and enrichment help students explore interests and build belonging.
★ Staff currently allocate 2 resident guest teachers who specifically support the school’s math classes–one of which is tasked with a caseload of African American scholars only.
Cesar E. Chavez Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Zackary Peters, Principal
(909) 262-6030
6650 Magnolia Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92407
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Cesar E. Chavez Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, a coordinated MTSS framework, and clubs and enrichment to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. 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.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ Monthly character-development awards recognize students’ personal growth beyond academics.
Colonel Joseph C. Rodriguez PREP Academy
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Kathy Atencio, Principal
(909) 884-6030
1985 Guthrie St N., San Bernardino, CA 92404
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Colonel Joseph C. Rodriguez PREP Academy combines collaborative professional learning communities, a coordinated MTSS framework, and clubs and enrichment to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. 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.
✓ Electives, clubs, and enrichment help students explore interests and build belonging.
★ The Educational Results Partnership recognized the school as an Honor Roll School.
Curtis Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Guillermo Guerrero, Principal
909-388-6332
1050 Del Rosa Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92410
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Curtis Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, schoolwide PBIS, 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.
✓ 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.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Redesignation Applications (only): Be sure to describe how your school has addressed the feedback given on your previous STW visit and new initiatives you have put in place since your last STW designation.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Ernesto Calles, Principal
909-388-6350
1250 N. Medical Center Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92411
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School combines rigorous, data-driven instruction with strong family partnerships and whole-child support. Schoolwide questioning, claim-evidence reasoning, and AVID strategies strengthen learning, while PBIS, restorative justice, tiered intervention, and a wellness center support behavior and well-being. Parent leadership, community celebrations, college awareness, and collaborative decision-making help students feel supported and prepared for the future.
✓ Schoolwide questioning and claim-evidence reasoning deepen understanding across classrooms.
✓ AVID builds college readiness through shared instructional strategies.
✓ Tiered supports, restorative justice, and wellness services address whole-child needs.
★ The annual Day of King celebration brings students, families, and the community together.
Paakuma' K-8 School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Dana Jamison, Principal
909-355-3137
17825 Sycamore Creek Loop Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Paakuma' K-8 School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, schoolwide PBIS, and student leadership 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.
✓ Project-based STEM, STEAM, and CTE experiences connect learning with real-world problem-solving.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Black Student Union provides targeted literacy instruction and progress monitoring.
★ The campus is the only kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school in San Bernardino City Unified.
Serrano Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Erin Freeman, Principal
(909) 388-6530
3131 Piedmont Drive, Highland, CA 92346
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Serrano Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, schoolwide PBIS, and student leadership 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.
✓ 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 school As Serrano is only a two-year middle school staff have the unique challenge of making quick, strong, and meaningful connections with the school’s students and their families.
Wayne Ruble Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Anne-Maria Cabrales, Principal
6762 Juniper Avenue, Fontana, CA 92334
Fontana Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Wayne Ruble Middle School combines STEAM learning, social-emotional learning, and community partnerships 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 mathematics support uses tutoring, small groups, and progress monitoring to build proficiency.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Family and community partnerships expand student support, enrichment, and engagement.
★ Staff prepare students for future careers in fields such as Aviation, Cyber Security, Robotics, and Game Design.
Golden Valley Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Gabriel Diaz, Principal
909-881-8168
3900 N. Waterman Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404
San Bernardino City Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Golden Valley Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, a coordinated MTSS framework, and student leadership and enrichment to strengthen academic growth, student well-being, and belonging. 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.
✓ Targeted academic intervention provides timely support for students needing additional help.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Staff are also the only middle school in the district to have curriculum unit writers for the district in all core content areas.
William G. Jehue Middle School
★ 2024 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Germaine Gray, Principal
(909) 421-7377
1500 North Eucalyptus Avenue, Colton, CA, USA
Rialto Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
William G. Jehue Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, restorative practices, 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. 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.
✓ Technology-rich learning expands access, collaboration, creativity, and digital skills.
★ The state of California has also recognized Jehue Middle School Positive Behavioral Intervention System (PBIS) Platinum status and is the first and only school in the District to have Platinum status.