Fort Couch Middle Named a ‘School to Watch,’ Again

If your eyes drifted elsewhere during the past three years, a state committee wants to draw them back on .

On Tuesday, the state Schools to Watch committee honored the school as a “School to Watch” during a ceremony in its new gymnasium. Part of a non-government, national initiative, the state committee partners with the state Department of Education and Pennsylvania Middle School association, along with several colleges, including Duquesne University.

Based on an analysis of academics—as well as attention to developmental and social challenges—the designation recognizes Fort Couch as one of nine schools in the state making noteworthy strides toward educational excellence.

also this year.

Tuesday’s ceremony celebrated the achievement and featured performances by the school’s band, chorus and cheerleading squad. In addition to school administrators, U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy and state Sen. John Pippy—both Republicans whose districts include Upper St. Clair—spoke at the ceremony, along with Schools to Watch State Director Paul Meck.

Noting that both Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools have received the award twice, Meck said the schools are particularly notable.

“We don’t have many Schools to Watch in Pennsylvania, or anywhere in the country, where students have been members of two schools,” Meck said. “So, it’s a unique thing that’s happening here at this school.”

Meck added that the school joins 289 other middle schools in the country, and 20 in the state, to receive the award.

Fort Couch Principal Joseph DeMar praised students and staff while urging them to continue challenging themselves.

“Here at Upper St. Clair, good is just not good enough,” DeMar said.

“ ‘History will be kind to me, for I intend to write its chapters,’ ” DeMar said, quoting Winston Churchill. “How are you going to challenge yourself to write those chapters?”

Rep. Tim Murphy shared that sentiment, telling students that being a part of the Upper St. Clair community is a privilege they should not take for granted.

“When you receive an honor, you are not done,” Murphy said. “It is the beginning.”

“Recognize that it is a challenge to be all that you can be,” he added.

After speaking, Murphy presented DeMar with a certificate from Congress recognizing the school’s progress.

State Sen. John Pippy said Fort Couch serves as a guide for other schools.

“People say, ‘Well, what is going well, what is going right in education in Pennsylvania?’ ” Pippy said. “Always, we talk about the district we represent—frankly, in particular, what you do here. So, congratulations on a job well done.”

Only three other Pennsylvania middle schools—Boyce, Lenape and —have received the Schools to Watch designation twice. Beaty-Warren, , Mount Nittany, Park Forest, and Titusville middle schools received their first designation this year.

Tell us your Fort Couch Middle School experiences in the comments!