Deer Lakes Middle School was one of eight exemplary Middle Schools in Pennsylvania to earn redesignation in 2025 as a PA Don Eichhorn Schools: “Schools to Watch,” which is a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

“This is an incredible accomplishment that tells us that we are an exemplary middle school who is always working towards promoting best practices in middle level education,” DLMS principal Dr. Samantha Abate said. “Thank you to all of our staff for all that you have done to earn this designation! We are incredibly proud of what our entire school community has accomplished.”

In October, six members of the PA Don Eichhorn STW State Team visited Deer Lakes Middle School to observe each of the classes throughout the building and met with groups - including students, teachers, support staff and parents - to document findings.

The PA Don Eichhorn STW State Team identified areas of strength in the Middle School’s Academic Excellence, Responsiveness to Student Developmental Needs, Social Equity, and Organizational Structures and Processes to find that the Middle School had earned redesignation.

Schools selected for this status must demonstrate “strong leadership, collaborative teaching practices focused on improving curriculum and instruction, and a commitment to assessment and accountability that drives continuous improvement.”

Deer Lakes Middle School will be recognized in February 2026 at the Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Educations State Conference at the Crowne Plaza in King of Prussia. DLMS will also have a celebration in the spring of 2026.

“Having been a Middle School principal in my career for 10 years, I am beyond proud of this accomplishment,” DLSD Superintendent Dr. Janell Logue-Belden said. “I am beyond excited that the efforts of our staff and students have once again been recognized and rewarded with this special honor.”

Schools are recognized for a three-year period, and at the end of three years, they must demonstrate progress on specific goals to be re-designated. The redesignation process is based on the school’s continued growth since their last STW recognition.

Information about the STW program can be found on the website of the National Forum.