South View Middle School named a School of Distinction

The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) announced that South View Middle School has been named a 2023 AMLE School of Distinction. South View Middle School is one of only 11 schools nationwide to receive this honor, and the only school in Minnesota to be recognized this year. 

AMLE’s Schools of Distinction program recognizes exemplary schools while supporting them through a process of strategic vision setting to help foster ongoing growth and success. 

“It is exciting to embark on a new school year together with the prestigious recognition of being an AMLE School of Distinction,” said South View Principal Tricia Pettis. “This distinction is a reflection of South View’s progressive work around developing agency and belonging for all learners. We will continue to be a model for what it looks like to be a responsive, challenging, empowering, equitable, and engaging middle school so that each and every learner can discover their possibilities and thrive.”

The program’s evaluation criteria are anchored in AMLE’s landmark position paper on best practices in the middle grades. Each recipient school completed a rigorous review process that measured their implementation of middle grades best practice and continuous improvement plans. After advancing from the initial application, schools underwent a series of stakeholder interviews that included the perspectives of staff, students, and families. 

“It is a privilege to recognize this year’s Schools of Distinction. They are truly worthy of this honor and I’m excited for AMLE to be able to share their stories,” said Stephanie Simpson, CEO of AMLE.

The recipient schools will be recognized and present on their exemplary practices live at AMLE50: The 50th Annual Conference for Middle Level Education this November in National Harbor, Maryland. South View’s highlights of exemplary practices aligned with AMLE’s characteristics of successful middle schools are displayed on AMLE’s website.