Cesar Chavez Middle School has earned the coveted distinction of being named a 2024 School to Watch by the California Department of Education and California League of Educators (CLE) for its exemplary performance in fostering a positive campus culture and providing an enriching curriculum that boosts student engagement and success.
Cesar Chavez Middle School (CCMS) is the second Lynwood Unified School District campus to become a School to Watch, joining Hosler Middle School, which earned the distinction in 2023. District and CCMS leaders will accept the award at the CLE 2024 Annual Conference on Friday, March 8.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious designation, which is a testament to the dedication of our teachers and staff, students and our community to foster a supportive environment in which every scholar thrives,” Principal Susan Riehle said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our students have the resources, support and opportunities they need to succeed and excel in all their endeavors."
CCMS has implemented a wide range of programs that allow students to excel at the academic and social-emotional levels, including WOW Wednesdays, a weekly intervention program held during the school day to provide additional academic support to students.
The award-winning Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA), Pentathlon and Mock Trial programs open doors for students to explore the world of STEM. CCMS also empowers students to explore career possibilities through its Career Technical Education and Project Lead the Way courses, ranging from flight and space to video production.
“I’m really proud to be a student here at Cesar Chavez Middle School because the teachers and students here have made it such a great environment,” ASB President Aleshany Yanez said. “I enjoy and look forward to coming to school every day.”
Additionally, CCMS teachers and staff work to ensure that each student has access to the resources they need, encourage collaboration and provide them with individual guidance aimed at increasing social-emotional awareness and preparing them for high school.
The Schools to Watch selection process consisted of a general application and a campus visit, during which CLE representatives were immersed in the campus culture, visited classrooms, and interviewed students, staff, and families about their experiences at CCMS.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our dedicated educators, staff and students at Cesar Chavez Middle School for achieving this remarkable distinction,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D. said “This award reaffirms Lynwood Unified’s commitment to delivering an enriching curriculum that ignites student engagement and fuels success for every student."