A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 5th 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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Kastner Intermediate School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Julie Duwe, Principal
(559) 327-2500
7676 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93720
Clovis Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Kastner Intermediate School coordinates data-informed instruction and intervention, a coordinated multi-tiered support system, 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.
✓ A schoolwide MTSS framework coordinates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.
✓ Athletics and fitness programs strengthen teamwork, wellness, participation, and school connection.
★ Within the instructional day on Tuesdays, there is an advisory period extending the length of time spent in first period.
Camerado Springs Middle School
★ 2025 NEWLY DESIGNATED
Douglas Shupe, Principal
(530) 677-1658
2480 Merrychase Dr., Cameron Park, CA 95682
Buckeye Union School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Camerado Springs Middle School combines targeted academic intervention, 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.
✓ 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.
★ In the 2023-24 school year, staff were honored as a California Distinguished School and was the only middle school in El Dorado County to receive this distinction.
Granite Ridge Intermediate School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Josh Shapiro, Principal
559-327-5000
2770 E. International, Fresno, CA 93730
Clovis Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Granite Ridge Intermediate School combines collaborative professional learning communities, 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.
✓ PLCs use shared assessments and student data to plan targeted instruction and intervention.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ Arts and music programs build creativity, teamwork, confidence, and opportunities for performance.
★ For those students who do not respond to the first tier of intervention, they are placed in one of the academic seminar classes where strategic lessons are delivered based on student need.
Turlock Junior High School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Agustine Arreola, Principal
(209) 667-0881
3951 N. Walnut Road, Turlock, CA 95382
Turlock Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Turlock Junior High School combines project-based learning, schoolwide PBIS, 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.
✓ 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.
✓ Technology-rich learning expands access, collaboration, creativity, and digital skills.
★ Staff invited a Mariachi band to perform and also held a dress-up day where students and staff could dress in their flag’s colors or cultural traditional attire.