FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2024
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Two Los Angeles Unified Middle Schools Named 2024 California Schools to Watch
Los Angeles, CA (March 11, 2024) – John Burroughs Middle School and Luther Burbank Middle School have been redesignated for 2024 as a California School to Watch, according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
The designation is awarded to schools for demonstrating academic excellence, social equity and responsiveness to the needs of young adolescents. In order to retain the designation, each school is reevaluated every three years.
“Congratulations to these two exceptional Los Angeles Unified middle schools for once again being named California Schools to Watch,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Middle school is a critical time in the academic, social, physical and psychological development of students. John Burroughs and Luther Burbank represent the best of middle school education and are emblematic of the pedagogy and programming for which we are striving.”
The California Schools to Watch program is sponsored by the California Department of Education, the California League of Educators and the California Middle Grades Alliance in association with The National Forum. To earn this designation, schools must complete an extensive application and host a site visit by middle grades experts.
“We are very proud of John Burroughs and Luther Burbank Middle Schools for being redesignated 2024 California Schools to Watch,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “Congratulations to the students and educators at these Los Angeles Unified schools for all of their hard work.”
“It’s always exciting to see Los Angeles Unified schools get the recognition they deserve,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Congratulations to John Burroughs and Luther Burbank for this great achievement in improving the academic performance of your schools and uplifting students, teachers, and parents. Los Angeles Unified is very proud of all who made this possible.”
“Congratulations to Luther Burbank and John Burroughs on their redesignation to the 2024 California Schools to Watch List,” Board Member George McKenna said. “You represent the best of Los Angeles Unified.”
“We are excited about this well-deserved distinction for John Burroughs Middle School and Luther Burbank Middle School, as well as schools throughout the District, which highlights the commitment to academic excellence shared by our educators, parents and students,” Board Member Rocío Rivas said.
“Congratulations to John Burroughs Middle School and Luther Burbank Middle School who have been recognized as high-performing California Schools to Watch for 2024,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “They are making a positive impact on the lives of students and their families in LA Unified. I am grateful for the tireless work of the teachers, staff, and administrators who work to ensure that students are able to succeed in school and beyond."
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Unified schools designated as 2024 California Middle Schools to Watch!" Board Member Kelly Gonez said. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our educators, school staff, students, and families."
“Congratulations to our selected schools for being recognized as 2024 California Schools to Watch, for providing outstanding educational opportunities for our scholars,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “I celebrate your commitment to learning and dedication to making a positive impact in our scholars’ education and lifelong success.”
The 2024 honorees will be recognized at the California League of Educators Celebration and Conference in Monterey on March 8 and 9.
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.