Two Desert Sands Unified School District middle schools were recently named to the 2025 California Schools to Watch List for demonstrating academic excellence and equipping teachers with the necessary tools to support student success.
Also in this week's education roundup: Rancho Mirage High School dedicated a bust and plaque to honor Jerry Argovitz; College of the Desert's Roadrunner Radio won three national broadcasting awards in New York City; and COD's College Corps paid fellowship program is now accepting applications for 59 students to reduce their debt through public service.
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Two Indio middle schools from Desert Sands Unified School District are among 2025 Schools to Watch in California
Indio Middle and John Glenn Middle schools at Desert Sands Unified School District have re-earned a spot on the 2025 California Schools to Watch list by demonstrating academic excellence, advancing social equity, meeting young adolescents' needs and cultivating a collaborative leadership.
California Schools to Watch is a statewide program by the California League of Middle Schools, California Department of Education, California Middle Grades Alliance, National Forum and the California Schools to Watch model schools.
Statewide, 46 middle schools received recognition from the program and 44 others re-applied, showing continued progress, for a total of 90 California Schools to Watch. Schools must complete an extensive application and host a site visit by a middle grades expert to become a School to Watch. To retain this designation, each school undergoes reevaluation every three years.
IMS first earned a spot on the list in 2018 and received re-designation in 2025. JGMS originally received designation in 2004 and has been re-designated seven times from 2007 to 2025.
In a statement to The Desert Sun, IMS' principal, who took the helm this school year, said that the recognition showcases the commitment of the staff, students and community to the school's success.
"Through our 'Every Tiger, Every Day' mantra, we ensure that each student is supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. Our teachers and staff create engaging learning experiences, our students demonstrate resilience and leadership, and our families and community provide unwavering support," Robert Cullinan, who goes by Cully, said. "This honor is a testament to our collective commitment to academic growth, innovation, and student well-being."
At the March 18 board meeting, board members Beto Alvarez and Kailee Watson took a moment to recognize IMS for its recognition.
"I want to thank Indio Middle School because you, this year, are a completely different school. This is a 180-degree difference," Watson, the board president, said, attributing the change to Cullinan and Assistant Principal James Adkins.
Most recently, Palm Desert Charter, James Workman and Nellie Coffman middle schools received their first California Schools to Watch designation in 2023.
Jerry Argovitz’s legacy celebrated at Rancho Mirage High School with bust and plaque unveiling
Rancho Mirage High School recently honored the late Jerry Argovitz, founder of the Jerry Argovitz Sports Institute, with a dedication ceremony for a bust and plaque.
Argovitz, a former NFL agent and team owner, established JASI in 2015 with a $1 million endowment. The institute guides student-athletes by offering a curriculum that emphasizes balancing academics and athletics — fostering leadership and exploring career opportunities in sports. He personally mentored students until his death in May 2024, instilling values like integrity, responsibility and teamwork.
The program, which meets weekly at RMHS, has expanded to Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs high schools, continuing to impact the local community.
In 2016, RMHS hosted a small gathering to dedicate its football stadium to Argovitz, who gave $1 million to the school. His wife, Loni, also donated $250,000 to fund the Coachella Valley's first video scoreboard.
College of the Desert's Roadrunner Radio wins three national broadcasting awards in New York City
College of the Desert's award-winning online radio station, Roadrunner Radio, earned three Gold Mic Awards, continuing its streak of excellence for another year. The prestigious honors were announced on March 8 at the 2025 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System conference in New York City.
“I am not surprised. These students come to us eager and ready to learn, dedicating hours to perfecting their skills and creating relevant content for the station," said COD Roadrunner Radio Manager Scott Colwell, in a press release. "Their hard work has been rewarded; they truly deserve this honor.”
The categories for which COD Roadrunner Radio was nominated include, with asterisks indicating first place:
Since 2013, COD's media students have consistently excelled at the IBS Awards, winning multiple Golden Mic Awards and earning numerous nominations for Best Community College Radio Station over the past decade. The station serves as a training ground, offering hands-on experience in broadcasting and production.
Program Spotlight: College of the Desert is recruiting for its fourth College Corps cohort fellowship
College of the Desert is accepting applications for the 2025-26 College Corps fellowship, offering 59 students an opportunity to reduce college debt through public service.
Launched in the 2022-23 school year, the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps is a statewide, paid service program that provides meaningful work to college students in exchange for serving their community through partnerships with select community colleges and four-year public and private universities.
The fellows tackle one of the state's biggest issues — food insecurity — through a yearlong service in partnership with FIND Food Bank.
For their 450 hours of work and training, the College Corps Fellows will receive up to $10,000, a combination of a monthly living stipend and scholarship. Students who are offered a seat will start as early as Aug. 1.
For more information: Visit collegeofthedesert.edu.
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected].