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- Academic Excellence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Social Equity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Developmental Responsiveness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Organizational Structures <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These domains are essential to preparing students for academic success, social engagement, and emotional readiness for high school and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis achievement places Sussman Middle School alongside Griffiths, Stauffer, and Doty middle schools, making Downey Unified one of the few districts in California where all middle schools have received this recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cThe designation of all four of our middle schools as California and National Schools to Watch is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our educators, staff, and community to create equitable and engaging learning environments for all students,\u201d shared Board of Education President, Linda Salda\u00f1a. \u201cThis recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and our focus on preparing every student for success in high school, college, and their future careers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
In March 2025, representatives from Sussman Middle School will join Doty Middle School, along with our district leaders, at the California League of Middle Schools Annual Conference to celebrate their collective achievements as model schools. Doty Middle School will be celebrated for their re-designation into this prestigious program. The celebration will continue in June 2025 when Sussman travels to the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C. There, they will share best practices and celebrate their National Schools to Watch designation with other exemplary middle schools from across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The California Schools to Watch program is proudly sponsored by the California Department of Education, California League of Middle Schools, and the California Middle Grades Alliance, in collaboration with the National Forum. Schools earning this distinction undergo a rigorous application process and host a site visit conducted by middle-grades education experts. Schools must reapply and meet updated criteria every three years to maintain their designation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cBeing designated as a California Schools to Watch is an incredible honor that reflects the hard work, innovation, and collaboration of our entire school community,\u201d expressed Dr. Quintero, Sussman Middle School\u2019s Principal. \u201cWe are proud to join the distinguished group of Schools to Watch and look forward to continuing to share our strategies for student success.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n