Livermore's Christensen Middle School Named 'School To Watch'

LIVERMORE, CA — Livermore’s Andrew N. Christensen Middle School has been named a 2022 “School to Watch,” by the California Department of Education, the California League of Schools, the California Middle Grades Alliance, and other educational associations.

The school joined 137 existing California schools, and 15 newly-named schools for 2022, according to an announcement from the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District. To earn the designation, schools must complete an extensive application process and host a visit by middle school education experts. The school was evaluated for the contributions and actions of its teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and parents.

Christensen was recognized in part for its use of data to track student engagement in activities and interventions; its application of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports system; its social-emotional learning curriculum and tiered mental health supports; its co-teaching model for special education classes; and its use of Standards-based grading across all curricular areas.

“While this honor validates all of the hard work we’ve collectively done to help our students thrive, what I am especially proud of is our focus on peer and school connections,” Principal Brian Scharmann said in a statement. “Coming out of distance learning, we wanted to be sure that we are helping all of our students feel connected to their school. We have been able to track student involvement and participation in activities that helped to identify those students who may have been disengaged, and were able to create additional opportunities for students to connect with their peers and overall school community in a meaningful way.”

“Several years ago, Christensen set their sights on becoming a School to Watch. That aspirational goal has now become an exciting reality. Our District is extremely proud of the staff, students, and families for their commitment to growth and excellence as a model for middle schools throughout our state,” said LVJUSD Superintendent Kelly Bowers.

School representatives will attend a California Schools to Watch Conference in March, and a Schools to Watch National Conference in Washington, D.C. in June.