A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 39th 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.
4
School(s)
Recognized
1
Newly
Designated
3
Redesignated
2026 Highlights
Lakeside Middle School
★ 2026 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Shresia Kenney, Principal
27720 Walnut Ave, Perris, CA 92571, USA
951-443-2440
Val Verde Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Lakeside 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.
★ Weekly Advisory and WIN Time provides a regular block for intervention, enrichment, and social-emotional learning.
March Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Rosalind Henderson, Principal
15800 Indian St, Moreno Valley, CA 92551
(951) 490-0430
Val Verde Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
March Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, positive-behavior and restorative practices, and student voice and leadership to support academic growth and student well-being. 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.
★ Sixth graders work with only four teachers rather than seven, easing the transition into middle school and strengthening adult connections.
Sunnymead Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Matthew Stewart, Principal
23996 Eucalyptus Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
(951) 571-4280
Moreno Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Sunnymead Middle School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, and college-and-career exploration to support academic growth and student well-being. 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.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ Students have earned multiple district awards in speech competitions.
Vista Verde Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Troy Martin, Principal
25777 Krameria Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92551
(951) 490-4690
Val Verde Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Vista Verde Middle School coordinates college-and-career preparation, positive-behavior and restorative practices, and college-and-career exploration to support academic growth and student well-being. 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.
✓ Integrated English learner supports strengthen language development and access to grade-level instruction.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ An advanced-coursework pathway connects students with the high school’s National Honor Society and national recognition opportunities.
Badger Springs Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Ruby Mejico, Principal
24750 Delphinium Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
951-571-4200
Moreno Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Badger Springs Middle School combines STEAM learning, social-emotional learning, 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.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ Currently, Badger Springs is the only school to offer six periods of Esports a day with a dedicated Esports teacher and staff hold 10% of the student enrollment in Esports for the district.
Palm Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Erica Melendrez, Principal
11900 Slawson Avenue, Moreno Valley, CA 92557
(951) 571-4260
Moreno Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Palm Middle School combines collaborative professional learning communities, social-emotional learning, 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.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Mile Club expands collaboration, creativity, and digital learning.
★ The school's students have represented the school with distinction in events such as the First Lego League Southern California Robotics Competition, National History Day Competition, Science and Engineering Fair, and Cybersecurity Competitions.
University Heights Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Jeremy Hansen, Principal
1155 Massachusetts Ave., Riverside, CA 92507
951-788-7388
Riverside Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
University Heights Middle School combines project-based learning, social-emotional learning, 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.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Student leadership and voice shape school activities, decision-making, and community culture.
★ You will also observe STEAM and inquiry methods used not only in the school’s science and math classrooms but also in enrichment classes during the first period.
Vista Heights Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Stephanie Williams-Mayrant, Principal
23049 Old Lake Drive, Moreno Valley, CA 92557
(951) 571-4300
Moreno Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Vista Heights Middle School combines STEM learning, schoolwide PBIS, and arts and performance 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.
✓ PBIS and restorative practices reinforce clear expectations, reflection, accountability, and positive relationships.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ Without fail, VHMS students compete not only at county and state levels but also at the National level.
Mountain View Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Patricia Schiessel, Principal
13130 Morrison Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
(951) 571-4240
Moreno Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Mountain View Middle School combines AVID and college-readiness systems, 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.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ Teachers not only connect students to real-world applications, such as students creating working robots in the school’s robotics class, but they design and incorporate lessons which span across the curriculum.
Landmark Middle School
↻ 2023 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Iesha Smith, Principal
15261 Legendary Drive, Moreno Valley, CA 92555-5801
951-571-4220
Moreno Valley Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Landmark Middle School combines AVID strategies, academic vocabulary, technology, and coordinated intervention to strengthen student learning. Grade-level teams use data to plan support and interdisciplinary projects, while counseling partnerships provide mentoring and family resources. Performing arts, clubs, MESA, GEAR UP, PBIS, and student-led conferences offer students multiple ways to explore interests, build confidence, and prepare for college.
✓ AVID strategies and academic vocabulary are embedded across the curriculum.
✓ Grade-level teams coordinate interventions, rewards, projects, and data review.
✓ Counseling partnerships provide mentoring and family resources.
★ Student-led conferences use digital and traditional portfolios to share learning with families.