Banning USD Middle School Named Distinguished 'School To Watch' In 2026

BANNING, CA — Banning Unified School District is proud to announce that the California Schools to Watch (STW) Committee has officially recommended Nicolet Middle School for the distinguished School to Watch designation following its December 5 review, according to a recent news release.

"This achievement positions Nicolet among the top middle schools in California and the nation for excellence in academics, student support, school climate, and organizational practices," a district spokesperson said.

"Schools to Watch is a national network of high-performing middle schools across 20 states, with California serving as the most significant participant. Schools submit a comprehensive application in the fall, which is reviewed by local middle-grades experts — educators, teachers, and administrators whose own schools have previously been named California Schools to Watch.

"This year’s review team included representatives from neighboring districts such as Beaumont USD and Palm Springs USD. After visiting Nicolet and evaluating the school’s programs, culture, and student supports, the committee officially recommended Nicolet for presentation at the state level in March and for national recognition in June.

"Nicolet Middle School has completed this rigorous multi-step evaluation. During the debrief following the committee’s visit, each reviewer shared why they believed Nicolet fully earned this recognition.

"One committee member reflected on the student panel interviews, noting how students described their school using words like 'great,' 'amazing,' 'mentored,' 'comfortable,' and 'a positive environment.” Students expressed pride in their school and confidence in the support they receive daily.

"Another committee member described Nicolet as “a home,” emphasizing that students welcomed them with genuine warmth and pride — a reflection of the strong sense of belonging cultivated on campus. Reviewers also highlighted the high levels of engagement and rigor they witnessed in classrooms, noting that middle schools can often feel unpredictable or disconnected, but at Nicolet students were actively engaged, and the environment was inviting and positive.

Committee members—ranging from teachers, assistant principals, and principals at other middle schools—shared that they plan to bring many of Nicolet’s practices back to their own campuses.

"They emphasized that what stood out most was the consistency of culture: students, teachers, classified staff, and administrators all understood their purpose and contributed to a shared vision of student success.

"Nicolet’s transformation was especially noteworthy to the committee. Historically, the school struggled with culture and climate, but under the leadership of Principal Dr. Cami Thomas, the school has experienced a powerful shift. Students want to attend school, they participate in programs, and they strive for academic achievement. Dr. Thomas has built a culture where every member of the school — teachers, instructional aides, library specialists, nutrition services, security staff — understands that they are role models and that everyone contributes to the success of each student.

"This culture is anchored in the school’s guiding acronym, TIE — Tradition, Integrity, Education.

"Dr. Thomas regularly asks, 'Is your TIE on straight?' as a reminder that these values shape every interaction at Nicolet.

“We are incredibly proud of Nicolet Middle School for achieving this milestone,” said Superintendent Terrence Davis. “This recommendation reflects the remarkable dedication of Dr. Thomas, the students, her administrative team, and every staff member who embraces our District’s mission. Nicolet is setting a new standard for excellence in our District.”

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush added: “Nicolet’s transformation demonstrates what is possible when strong leadership, supportive structures, and a unified staff culture come together. The intentionality behind their work is changing student lives, and this recognition is a powerful affirmation of that effort.”

"Principal Dr. Cami Thomas expressed gratitude for the recommendation and acknowledged the collaborative effort behind it. “This recognition belongs to our entire Nicolet family,” said Dr. Thomas. “Our staff, students, and families embrace our culture of Tradition, Integrity, and Education. I am especially grateful for the leadership and support of our Assistant Principals, Andrea Williamson and Byron Williams. Together, we have created a place where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve.”

"Dr. Martinrex Kedziora, Chairman of the Board of the California League of Middle Schools, also commended Nicolet. “Schools that earn this distinction demonstrate excellence, equity, and a deep commitment to young adolescents,” Kedziora said. “Nicolet Middle School represents the
best of middle-grades education, and we proudly welcome them into the Schools to Watch network.”

"With the official recommendation now secured, Nicolet Middle School will be honored at the California Schools to Watch Recognition Ceremony in Long Beach in March 2026, followed by national recognition at the Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C. in June 2026.

"Banning Unified School District congratulates Nicolet Middle School for this tremendous achievement and celebrates its role in setting the benchmark for middle school excellence across the state and nation."