Spotlight on Pennichuck

Pennichuck Middle School has been named a “spotlight school” by the New England League of Middle Schools.

What does that mean? Principal Paul Asbell said the organization has determined that what’s being done in the school should be used as a model for other middle schools.

“There’s a lot of schools that have a sign out front that says ‘middle school,’ but they’re not,” he said.

Criteria included a review of curriculum, instruction, qualified level teachers, teaming practices, democratic governance, appropriate school environment and the level of involvement of parents and community, according to a press release from the organization.

Pennichuck is one of six middle schools in the state and 40 in New England to receive the award.

Asbell said the school applied for the honor by conducting a self-analysis.

He said the purpose is to open up schools such as Pennichuck to visitors from other middle schools to come and learn from.