On Friday, December 17, 2021, Scott Steele, Director of the California Schools to Watch program, announced Sequoia Middle School has been designated a 2022 California School to Watch.
Sequoia Middle School is part of Fresno Unified School District and was recognized in part for its programs that include: improved academic outcomes on both state and local assessments, a performing arts program that prepares students for participation in the Roosevelt School of the Arts, an award winning CTE Technology pathway program, Junior Doctors Academy, strong campus culture and climate that supports student social and emotional needs, and a rich co-curricular program with dozens of clubs, academic competition teams, and championship athletic teams. All of these serve to support students in their academic, social, and emotional preparation for high school and beyond.
The program is sponsored by the California Department of Education, California League of Schools, and the California Middle Grades Alliance, in association with the National Forum. To earn the designation, schools must complete an extensive application and host a site visit by middle-grades experts. To retain the designation, each school is re-evaluated every three years. For more information about the program, please visit the California Schools to Watch web page: https://www.leagueofschools.org/stw.
“We are thrilled to be recognized for the amazing work our staff does on behalf of our students and community every day. It is through the collective efforts of our Sequoia family that we have shown sustained improvement and we are now included with other outstanding middle schools in the Valley, the state, and the nation as Schools to Watch. We look forward to continuing our work in reaching new heights as we help our students achieve their greatest potential,” said Sequoia Middle School Principal Matt Ward.