Story, photos and video by Jo Mathis
AAPS District News editor
Clague Middle School has been named just one of the state’s 12 “2017 School to Watch” by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform.
And that was cause for an all-school celebration today to kick off the Memorial Day weekend.
Dignitaries today praised the school’s staff, students, programs, and parents during the 90-minute assembly which featured musical performances by the school band and choir.
For Principal Che Carter, it’s a dream come true.

“It means that our team has taken on the commitment to lead middle school education,” said Carter. “We’re declaring our space as a public school; that we are here, we do want to improve and we do want to get better and we want to make a difference in the lives of middle-level learners throughout not just our city but in the United States and beyond.”
Superintendent Jeanice Swift told the crowd that it’s very challenging to win this award.
“Very few schools achieve this level of distinction,” she said, after honoring the Cougar staff for their dedication.

The National Forum identifies schools across the United States that are well on their way to meeting the Forum’s criteria for high performance.

In presenting the honor to the school today, Michigan Schools to Watch Director Mary Alice Krajenta noted that three things are true of high-performing middle-grades schools: They are academically excellent; developmentally responsive; and socially equitable.

Such high-performing schools have a sense of purpose that drives every facet of decision-making.
More details on what it takes to become a School to Watch are available here.

I am so very proud to see that Mr. Che’ Carter who is an exceptional principal is proving once again that because he is an exceptional leader he has turned his school into an exceptional institution for learning. Congratulation Mr. Carter! ’06