Port Clinton Middle School named 'Model School'

PORT CLINTON — Port Clinton Middle School recently earned a prestigious honor among education facilities. The middle school was chosen as one of 25 institutes to take part in the Model School conference for the International Center for Leadership in Education later this year. "We're very proud of the fact that outside entities are acknowledging the work we do with our students," said Carrie Sanchez, principal for Port Clinton Middle School. The education organization, an independent group that formed in New York in 1991, serves as a steward for the development of new teaching ideas and strategies. For instance, the organization promotes technology education and the development of leadership skills during its annual Model Schools conference, according to its official website."We are proud to honor and showcase this future-focused school for implementing a rigorous and relevant curriculum that engages and challenges students to think beyond the classroom to solve real-world problems," said Willard Daggett, founder, and chairman of the organization. The conference invites 25 schools from across the U.S. to pool their ideas to help other teachers and school officials. Port Clinton teachers Annie Orians and Ryan Evarts will join Sanchez in Nashville, Tenn., in June for the conference. "This is important to us because this honor wasn't dictated by test scores, but by developing the best practices in education to help students succeed," Sanchez said. "This is also significant because it acknowledges the importance of the middle school years."Sanchez said she applied to have the Port Clinton Middle School featured during this year's conference. "I wanted to share some of the things we've been doing," Sanchez said. "We work with all of our families to meet needs. For example, we're working with students and parents on computer safety and creating appropriate digital footprints."Sanchez continued:"I think our application raised some eyebrows and made the organizers want to take a deeper look at our school."Luckily, the group's representatives liked what they found. Sanchez said she thinks other recent honors helped put Port Clinton Middle School on the map. In 2016, the Ohio Department of Education named Port Clinton facility a school to watch. Schools that make this exclusive state list are described as diverse, high-performing establishments that set an example for other schools.Sanchez described how Port Clinton Middle School has met with success. "Middle school is awkward," Sanchez said. "Being between the ages of 11 and 14 is awkward. So we're not asking our students to fit into a pre-high school or post-elementary school mold." Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterEducation representatives, Port Clinton Middle School principal Carrie Sanchez, and Port Clinton students pose for a photo following the announcement that Port Clinton was chosen as one of 25 institutes to be a part of this year's Model School conference. Port Clinton Middle School principal Carrie Sanchez.