Leander ISD officials are proud to announce that Leander Middle School was one of six middle schools in the state recently named as a 2012 Texas Schools to Watch campus as part of a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform and sponsored by the Texas Middle School Association.

“On behalf of our campus, we are thrilled to be named a 2012 Texas School to Watch. This recognition is a tribute to the teachers and staff at LMS who put a clear focus on student learning, and of course, to our terrific students who commit each day to doing their best,” said LMS Principal Sandy Trujillo. “LISD is a school system dedicated to eliminating the achievement gap and ensuring that all students succeed. At LMS, we are striving to move the district one step closer to that goal.”

As a 2012 Texas Schools to Watch designee, LMS was commended for recognizing the importance of ensuring that each and every student has access to a rigorous and high-quality education. The school’s standard of academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents and commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels, distinguish LMS as a highly effective campus. LMS was also noted for its strong leadership, teachers who work together to improve curriculum and instruction, and a commitment to assessment and accountability to bring about continuous improvement.

During the selection process, organization officials visited LMS and observed classrooms, interviewed administrators, teachers, students and parents, and looked at achievement data, suspension rates, quality of lessons and student work.

In addition to LMS, the campuses named as a 2012 Texas School to Watch include O’Henry Middle School in Austin, Gene Pike Middle School in Justin, Shallowater Middle School in Shallowater, South Texas Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and Tom Bean Middle School in Tom Bean.

For more information about the Texas Schools to Watch Program, visit www.texasschoolstowatch.com.