POTSDAM -- Music, awards, athletics and a cookout will be part of the celebration June 12 to mark the third time A.A. Kingston Middle School has been designated as an Essential Elements “School to Watch.”

Activities include school music performances, aerial photograph of students and staff, Why is A.A.K. a School to Watch T-shirt contest awards, a barbecue, an ice cream sundae stand, and grade level field event competitions. The school-wide celebration will take place from l0 a.m. until 2 p.m.

In a formal event, speakers from the New York State Middle School Association and representatives from the New York State Department of Education will announce the school's recognition and present a banner marking the achievement.

AAK is one of only 27 middle schools in New York State and 388 across the United States to receive this distinction of being named a “School to Watch.”

The designation means AAK is a high-performing middle-level school noted for academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social

equity, and good organizational structure. This is the third time the school has received the designation, having been so named in 2009 and 2012.