Clifton Middle School Named 2020 School to Watch

CliftonMiddle School has been recognized as a 2020 School to Watch for its academicexcellence, responsiveness to the needs of students, and commitment to helpingevery student achieve at a high level.

Thehonor, conferred by the NationalForum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform network, is Clifton’s second designation as a School toWatch. Clifton was previously recognized in 2017, the same year it was named aCalifornia Gold Ribbon School.

“CliftonMiddle School exemplifies Monrovia’s commitment to inspire and challenge ourstudents to become lifelong learners and realize their dreams,” Board ofEducation President Rob Hammond said. “We are thrilled to see the hard work anddedication of Clifton educators recognized again. They truly deserve it.”

Cliftonmaintains a focus on providing a safe and nurturing environment, encouragingstudents to share their voices, and contribute to the decision-making process.Teachers collaborate and share data while placing an emphasis on highexpectations to maximize student potential.

Socio-emotionallearning is embedded into lessons, aligning with Clifton’s Courteous, Polite,and Respectful campaign. Required and elective classes provide a rigorous pathto high school that also caters to student interests.

“Clifton does such a great job of preparing its students, which is a testament to the exceptional preparation and collaboration between administrators, faculty, and staff,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “Clifton students are friendly, passionate, and on their way to becoming future leaders.”

Cliftonprovides Honors classes in all core subjects, including an accelerated trackthat enables eighth-grade students to take a high school level course,Integrated Math I. Students can transition to Honors and AP classes at MonroviaHigh, including its Math and Science Academy (MASA).

Clifton’sSpanish dual immersion program, launched in 2017, matriculated its first cohortin 2019. The program’s popularity has resulted in one new elective class,Spanish II, and an increase in Spanish language books in the Clifton library.

Clifton’sscience and technology lab is a hub of technological activity, with studentsbuilding and coding personal websites, robots and video games, eventuallygraduating to more advanced concepts like Javascript and 3D games. Multi-TieredSystems of Support provide positive reinforcement, with students receiving CubCash for performing acts of kindness during the school day.

Studentswith special needs are placed in co-collaborative classes with both general andspecial education teachers, allowing them the opportunity to study withgrade-level peers. Students at risk of falling behind are identified before theschool year and participate in Jump Start conferences throughout the year tomonitor their progress.

Cliftonstudent leaders work to connect every student to the school community throughthe Renaissance Leadership program. Through a partnership with the PasadenaHumane Society and the SPCA, therapy dogs and their handlers regularly visitclassrooms to provide students with a sense of calm.

“Welike to think of Clifton as one big family, with everybody working together toachieve the goal of equity in education,” Clifton Principal Jennifer Jacksonsaid. “Being recognized as a School to Watch only motivates us to work evenharder to provide the Monrovia community with the support and resources theyneed to ensure their children receive the high quality education they deserve.”

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