Larkspur-Corte Madera School District

Dear LCMSD Community,

Hall Middle School has just been redesignated as one of 77 middle schools in California as a "School to Watch!” Hall Middle was the first school in Marin County to receive this designation in 2019. 

On March 9, Hall Middle School will be celebrated in Monterey for this nationally recognized distinction. This process began with a 64-page application that documents several years of work. It was followed by a visit from the Schools to Watch Team where they observed classrooms and engaged in discussions with students, staff, and administrators. The process was highly-rigorous and we commend Principal Brown, Assistant Principal Harris, and the Hall Middle School staff for the extra hours they poured into receiving this honor. Schools to Watch defines a high-performing middle school as possessing three elements:

• They are academically excellent — these schools challenge all students to use their minds well
• They are developmentally responsive — these schools are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence
• They are socially equitable — these schools are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports

In the words of State Superintendent of Instruction Tony Thurmond: “Congratulations to these schools for building systems that support all students from all backgrounds and who bring a wealth of individual and family assets,” Thurmond said. “These middle grades students attend programs that help them believe in themselves, discover their interests, and work toward their academic, life, and career goals. These middle schools are exceptional role models of how educational innovation and an enthusiastic school community can keep students engaged and learning through a critical stage in their K–12 journey.”

Congratulations to the Hall Middle School students, staff, and parents for this incredible achievement - one that truly reflects the LCMSD community as a whole.

This redesignation comes off the heels of Hall being named as one of two California National Distinguished Schools and both Cove and Neil Cummins being awarded California Distinguished Schools. LCMSD is the only multi-school district in Marin to have all schools with the most recent Distinguished Schools Awards. 

Congratulations!

Dr. Brett Geithman

Superintendent

Board of Trustees

Annie Sherman, President

Eric Schmautz, Vice President

Amir Movafaghi, Clerk

Beth Blair

Natalie Medved