The Seneca Valley Middle School deserves congratulations and praise for being one of only three schools in Pennsylvania to be awarded the Donald Eichhorn Award.

The award, presented by the Pennsylvania Middle School Association, is based on 14 educational elements that middle school experts agree make a successful learning environment.

The award is named in honor of the founder of the middle school concept.

As part of the process of being considered for the award, the school was evaluated by a Middle School Association study group.

According to Tracy Vitale, the school's principal, members of that group commented on the schoolwide level of enthusiasm for teaching middle school students. Study group members also indicated notice of the cohesiveness and dedication of the school's faculty, administration and staff.

"You can sense immediately upon entering this building that the culture here is special," said Jenny Mitnick, a Grade 8 civics and economics teacher at the school, during a reception held to celebrate the award.

Some of the 14 elements on which the school was judged included high expectations for every member of the learning community; students and teachers engaged in active learning; schoolwide efforts and policies that foster health, wellness and safety; school-initiated family and community partnerships; curriculum that is relevant, challenging, integrative and exploratory; and assessment and evaluation programs that promote quality learning.

People of the Seneca Valley School District have many reasons to feel proud of what is being accomplished in their schools. The Eichhorn Award ups that pride of accomplishment another significant notch.