Windsor’s Sage Park Middle School named CAS Middle School of the Year

The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) is proud to announce that Sage Park Middle School in Windsor has been selected as the 2013-2014 CAS Middle School of the Year. Chosen from among 150 eligible Connecticut middle schools, Sage Park distinguished itself as a consummate middle school, employing exemplary practices as defined by the National Middle School Association and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. After completing a detailed application process that included attention to curriculum, instructional practices, school climate and safety, community involvement, and student success, two schools were selected as finalists. These schools were visited by a trained CAS committee that included veteran principals, teachers and the CAS assistant director for middle level education. During the site visits, interviews were held with faculty, administration, parents and students. Classes were observed and scores of documents were examined. At the conclusion of the visits, the committee deliberated over their findings and declared a winning recipient based on all of the evidence. Reasons for choosing Sage Park Middle School include: • Over the past few years, students’ scores have consistently risen for every grade level, every subject and every sub group on the Connecticut Mastery Tests, a testament to the skills and dedication of the faculty under the inspired leadership of Principal Paul G. Cavaliere Jr. • There is a culture that promotes parent and faculty involvement in curriculum and instruction, school improvement, and policy development. • The emphasis on raising standards of behavior and student buy-in through P.B.I.S. has resulted in a positive school climate • The advisory program entitled VIP fosters a sense of belonging for each student. • The depth and breadth of the offerings in the arts, music, athletics, clubs and academic support are outstanding. • The celebration of the multicultural nature of the student body is rich and rewarding for all. Sage Park Middle School is an extraordinary middle school in every respect. They will be formally honored at a celebration in the fall.