Congratulations: 2019 Essential Elements - Schools-to-Watch
The New York State Department of Education in partnership with the New York State Middle School Association, the Statewide Network of Middle Level Liaisons, the New York State United Teachers and the School Administrators Association of New York State announces the 15th cohort of exemplary schools serving middle grades students. The Essential Elements Schools to Watch program is a state administered national program that seeks to identify middle grades schools that adhere to a rigorous set of criteria and are on a pathway of continuous improvement. Each school earning the designation holds that honor for 3 years then must reapply and be reevaluated to continue the honor of calling itself a School to Watch. All of these remarkable middle schools are dedicated to the young adolescents they serve and maintain a commitment to remain on a trajectory of improvement while implementing the Regents Policy on Middle Level Education, and the seven Essential Elements of a Standards Focused Middle School and Program.
2019 Newly Identified Essential Elements: Schools to Watch
Corning Painted Post Middle School – Richard Kimble, Principal
Painted Post, NY
Rocky Point Middle School – James Moeller, Principal
Rocky Point, NY
Mineola Middle School- Andrew Casale, Principal
Mineola, NY
Plainedge Middle School- Anthony DeRiso, Principal
Bethpage, NY
Millbrook Middle School- Steven Cabello, Principal
Millbrook, NY
2019 School Re-Designated for the First Time
(Originally Designated in 2016)
Ballston Spa Middle School – Pam Motler, Principal
Ballston Spa, NY
North Shore Middle School- Robert Dennis, Principal
Glen Head, NY
2019 School Re-Designated for the Second Time
(Originally Designated in 2013)
Honeoye Falls Middle School – Shawn Williams, Principal
Honeoye Falls, NY
2019 School Re-Designated for the Third Time
(Originally Designated in 2010)
Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School – Frank Ruolo, Principal
Yorktown Heights, NY
Bay Trail Middle School – Cinton Buddington, Principal
Penfield, NY
2019 School Re-Designated for the Fourth Time
(Originally Designated in 2007)
North Salem Middle School- Vince DiGrandi, Principal
North Salem, NY
For more information on the Essential Elements Schools-to-Watch Program at both the State and National Level, visit: