5 area schools honored for excellence
Submitted by School District 51
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) awarded five District 51 schools for their academic achievement and growth for the 2011-2012 school year. New Emerson Elementary School was awarded the 2012 John Irwin Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award for excellence in academic achievement. New Emerson Elementary also earned a 2012 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement award along with three other schools-Scenic Elementary, Gateway School and Palisade High School-for demonstrating excellence in student growth. This was the second time winning the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement award for both Scenic Elementary and Palisade High. Nisley Elementary was recognized for the second year in a row with a Centers of Excellence award. The awards were announced during a ceremony held at the Colorado Department of Education in Denver on Dec. 18.
According to the CDE, the John Irwin awards are given to schools that demonstrate the highest levels of achievement not just for some students but also adequate performance across all student groups. These schools “exceed” expectations on the academic achievement indicator of the school’s performance framework and “meet or exceed” expectations on the indicator related to academic growth gaps. For more information about the award, visit www.cdestate.co.us/cdeawards/johnirwin.htm.
The Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Awards are given to schools that demonstrate exceptional student growth for all student groups. These schools “exceed” expectations on the indicator related to longitudinal academic growth on their performance framework and “meet or exceed” expectations on the indicator related to academic growth gaps. Visit www.cde.state.co.us/cdeawards/govdistinguishedimprov.htm.
The Centers of Excellence awards are earned by schools that enroll a student population of which at least 75 percent are at-risk pupils (defined by English Language Learners and Free and Reduced Lunch status) that also demonstrate the highest performance on the academic growth indicator of the school’s performance framework. For information, visit www.cde.state.co.us/cdeawards/ctrsofexcellence.htm.
“We are extremely proud of the efforts of the teachers, faculty, students and parents of all five schools for their continued hard work and dedication to the academic success of all students,” said Superintendent Steven D. Schultz. “Recognition by the state is a positive indicator of the success we are making as a district.