Tyson Middle School has been redesignated as a Schools to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. It is the fifth time Tyson has earned the designation. Tyson Middle School was one of the first two schools in Arkansas named a School to Watch in 2008. Among the criteria for selection are Tyson Middle School's emphasis on strong academics, sensitivity to young adolescents' needs and interests and commitment to providing all students equal access to a high-quality education.
"We have a long legacy of having teachers with hearts for their students," said principal Stephanie Anderson. "We have an excellent environment and culture. Parents and students tell us our school feels like a great place to be. Wherever a child needs support, we try to provide it. We offer help before school, at lunch and even with Zooms at night. We also have a saying that if you miss school, you've missed out."
Tyson Middle School has also earned $150,000 for "Beating the Odds" with high math and overall growth. The last time schools were ranked by grade, Tyson earned an "A." Tyson seventh grader Alexandra Ramirez said, "The teachers care for us. They want us to be our best. They provide extra help and always make time for us. I went to elementary school at Westwood and didn't know if I would be welcome at a school as large as Tyson Middle School. But, there are so many activities and I've had so many friends here. We all want to shoot for our best."
Sixth grade teacher Molly Wingfield added, "We had a committee for Schools to Watch and we were asked to name the things that made Tyson a great middle school. Within five minutes we had come up with hundreds of things. Everything we do focuses on our students."
