Bentworth Middle School one to watch
Bentworth School District earned not one, but two, national distinctions this school year.
On Friday, Bentworth Middle School was named a PA Don Eichhorn School to Watch, as part of a program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Identified as a school “well on their way to meeting the forum’s criteria for high performance,” it met standards including academic excellence, developmental responsiveness and social equity.
In September, Bentworth High School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon school for “exemplary efforts in closing achievement gaps” in English and math.
“This is a big thing for us,” said middle school Principal David Schreiber. “We’re a small, rural district – I think the second-poorest in Washington County. For us to get this recognition with our high school – I don’t think there’s another district anywhere to receive both honors.”
Bentworth opened a new middle school facility and program in January 2009, abandoning the previous kindergarten-through-sixth-grade elementary school; seventh, eighth and ninth grade junior high; and 10th, 11th and 12th-grade high school for the current fifth-through-eighth-grade middle school.
Working with California University of Pennsylvania for professional development, Bentworth’s 26 middle school faculty members use a team approach to educating their 400 students. Schreiber said programs are designed to meet the unique challenges facing that age group.
“We’ve continued to transition. We’re the best program around for young adolescents,” Schreiber said. “We’ve worked so hard to get to this level. We’re going to continue to get better. Teachers, students and the community: That’s why we’re able to do this. We have very supportive families. This is a big deal for us.”
Schreiber credits the team approach for success. Staff members work together to tackle student issues and meet with students in smaller group to take on more of an advocate role.
The school also emphasizes adapting the curriculum to changing needs, valuing diversity and appreciating cultures, he said.
State education leaders selected schools based on academics, responsiveness to needs of young adolescents and commitment to helping all students achieve at a high level.
The 34 designated Pennsylvania Schools to Watch will be recognized at a conference in State College Feb. 28, but students are more excited for an end-of-year celebration.
“They are wanting a big party, so we’re going to have a party in May,” Schreiber said. “We’re kind of like family. We look out for our kids and do everything we can to help.”