A program of the National Forum,
run by the California League of Middle Schools
California's 7th 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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Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School
↻ 2026 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Kimberlee Wallace, Principal
916-683-7680
8365 Whitelock Parkway, Elk Grove, CA 95757
Elk Grove Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School coordinates college-and-career preparation, 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.
★ Every student belongs to a team of roughly 220 students who share a common group of teachers.
Toby Johnson Middle School
↻ 2025 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Jennifer Keyport, Principal
(916)714-8181
10099 Franklin High Road, Elk Grove, CA 95757
Elk Grove Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Toby Johnson 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.
✓ Counseling and wellness services provide coordinated social-emotional and behavioral support.
✓ A coordinated schoolwide practice provides focused support and meaningful opportunities for students.
★ One of Toby’s pillars of connection and communication is the award winning “TJTV First Things First” student-produced daily live news broadcast.
Katherine L. Albiani Middle School
↻ 2024 REDESIGNATED SCHOOL
Chris Rauschenfels, Principal
(916) 686-5210
9140 Bradshaw Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Elk Grove Unified School District
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Katherine L. Albiani 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.
★ KAMS has an Academic Strategies course that teaches not only executive functioning skills but also focuses on Math, Science, or Social Science.