It only took a few seconds for Shaler Area Middle School principals and students to accept a banner Friday from Bruce Vosburgh, director of Pennsylvania Schools to Watch, recognizing the school’s accomplishments.

But Principal Shannon Howard noted that the time, effort and energy to make the school a positive, academically rigorous and welcoming place took years of work from every teacher and student involved.

“We’ve built an amazing school community together,” Howard said during an assembly where Shaler Area Middle School was officially recognized as a Pennsylvania Schools to Watch. “This banner represents who we are right now and where we’re going.”

The Schools to Watch recognition program was developed in 1999 by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform to identify exemplary schools. Through an application process, interview and site visit, schools are designated only if they meet criteria focused on academic achievement, developmental responsiveness, innovation, strong leadership and a positive school culture.

Shaler is one of 12 schools in the state being recognized by the Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools: Schools to Watch program this school year.

“Our students are engaged in meaningful learning experiences, our teachers and staff work tirelessly to support the whole child, and our leadership team continually strives to create a school environment where students feel connected, challenged and empowered to succeed,” Superintendent Bryan O’Black said.

Eileen Phillips, vice president of the Shaler Area School Board, said the recognition was an “incredible achievement.”

“Our students are engaged in the meaning of learning, our educators empower students to grow and our school community continues to excel,” Phillips said.

The assembly featured performances from the school’s band, chorus and orchestra, and an art show of students’ work was on display in the auditorium lobby.

State Rep. Lindsay Powell, state Sen. Lindsey Williams and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato spoke during the event.

Williams said Eichhorn, of whom the recognition is named for, grew up in Etna, one of the communities that make up the Shaler Area School District. Eichhorn studied how middle school students learn and helped develop best practices for educators to teach them.

“Being recognized as a school to watch is a big honor, and it comes from a lot of work from everybody in this auditorium today,” Williams said.