The Connecticut Association of Schools on Thursday announced Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School as its middle school of the year.

The nonprofit group recognized the grade six-through-eight school for its focus on involving the community and providing exceptional educational and emotional support for students.

The association cited the school’s National History Day Showcase, Career Day, Wellness Day, and Spring into the Arts as examples of events through which parents and community members are invited to participate.

The recognition also called out the school’s counseling services, daily recess, and Pursuit program for fully addressing social needs. The Pursuit program assigns students to multi-age groups by interest for shared activities such as wood burning and reading books to preschool students.

Principal Mark Ambruso said school staff, students and the wider community work together to make sure students in Lyme and Old Lyme get the highest quality education.

"We strive to provide a middle school experience that meets the needs of the whole child in an environment that emphasizes kindness and hard work,” he said.

e.regan@theday.com