By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Walnut Valley Unified School District will be honored with a new national recognition as a Schools to Watch District on June 30.

The award celebrates Walnut Valley’s dedication to providing an exemplary educational experience for students.

In the past two years, all three middle schools – Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne – earned the prestigious Schools to Watch designation for demonstrating academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs of young adolescents, and social equity.

These model schools have been recognized at the state and national level and have become examples for middle schools across the country.

Walnut Valley is among only eight school districts in California and 17 in the nation that have earned this distinction.

“This is truly a compliment and a reflection of the commitment, dedication, and pride that all of our teachers, classified employees, support staff, administrators, board members, and personnel commissioners have placed in our 15 schools and our wonderful school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

The Schools to Watch District award will be presented by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in Washington D.C.