Boyce Middle Redesignated as a 'School to Watch'

students have two reasons to celebrate.

Number one, their school was named a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn "School to Watch" again.

Secondly, the renovation work is finished in their building. All workers need to do .

The students celebrated on Monday by holding an assembly. Teachers, school district officials, parents and Boyce Middle School retirees were all invited.

"Just a little over a year ago, our team came to your school to see what exactly was happening," said Paul Meck, director of the "Schools to Watch" committee.

The team investigated the school's academics and performance based on a rigorous 37 criteria and, apparently, liked what they saw. According to Peck, Boyce is one of only 21 middle schools across the state to receive the honor.

The award is named after Don Eichhorn, who used to be an administrator in the 1960s and 1970s. His wife attended Monday's assembly.

"Thanks for keeping Dr. Eichhorn's dream alive today," Upper St. Clair School Board President Harry Kunselman told the students.

The second part of the assembly celebrated the building renovation completion. A formal , but Brown said she wanted to do something special with the students because they were the ones who had to move from classroom to classroom to make the construction project possible.

Dave McLean, architect of the project, told the crowd that the students were part of the construction planning. He said the play area was moved next to the cafeteria due to student feedback. The turf field was also constructed for the students after they complained of muddy conditions.

Jan Atutes was one of the retirees who came back for Monday's assembly. She taught reading, language arts and social studies and continues to substitute for the school.

"The technology aspect is beyond imagination," she said. "I think the willingness for the teachers to go along with the changes is great, too."

is also receiving a PA "Schools to Watch" redesignation and will hold their ceremony at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22.