Turlock Junior High School Assistant Principal Sumeet Singh and Instructional Coach Josie Ban-Alaniz spent the last week in Washington D.C. as representatives of the school for the national “Schools to Watch” Conference.

Last school year TJHS was selected as one of just 59 model schools that have been identified in California since 2003 by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

Both experienced educators participated in break-out sessions that presented information on TJHS strategies for success, and they accepted the “Schools to Watch” Award on behalf of TJHS.

Singh said the conference provided information on academic intervention, Common Core, and how to help middle school students cope with the emotional and social aspects of their educational experience during what are arguably the most awkward of years in most young people’s lives.

“There is a great, positive atmosphere and I feel very motivated to bring back some of the information we’ve learned and keep TJHS on the path to success,” said Singh. “We really want to keep giving the students the best chance to succeed at TJHS.”

During their time in Washington D.C., Singh and Ban-Alaniz visited with U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) who congratulated them on the honor. Denham had previously visited TJHS on several occasions for Q and A sessions with the student body.

Singh and Ban-Alaniz were heavily involved in the competitive application process for the “Schools to Watch” Award and were honored to be selected to attend the conference.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to represent TJHS as a new recipient of the Schools To Watch accolade,” said Ban-Alaniz. “As an instructional coach my desire is to continue to support the 21st century teacher as we continue to move into the era of Common Core Standards. I hope to gain insights from educators throughout the country and share this with our staff.”