Fourteen Poudre School District schools have been selected for Governor’s Distinguished Improvement awards or John Irwin Schools of Excellence awards for their achievements in the 2021-22 school year. One PSD elementary school was recognized with both.
The Colorado Department of Education recently honored schools and districts across the state that won 2022 performance awards for outstanding academic student growth and/or achievement.
Traci Gile, assistant superintendent of elementary schools, said PSD is proud of the schools who were recognized for their growth and achievement and credited the PSD community for its dedication to student success.
“Our educators, leaders, and students strive every day to pursue greater heights of academic excellence. Strong schools make us a stronger community, and these awards show our persistence in working to meet and exceed state expectations for all students,” said Gile.
Six PSD schools earned the Colorado Governor’s Distinguished Improvement award, which is given to schools that demonstrate exceptional student growth. On the school performance framework used by the state to evaluate schools, these schools “exceed” expectations related to academic growth and “meet or exceed” expectations related to academic growth gaps. A total of 139 schools earned this award, including these PSD schools:
- Cache La Poudre Elementary School
- Johnson Elementary School
- Lopez Elementary School
- McGraw Elementary School
- O’Dea Elementary School
- Zach Elementary School
Nine PSD schools received John Irwin Schools of Excellence Awards, an award given to schools for excellent academic achievement. On the school performance framework, these schools “exceed” expectations on the indicator for academic achievement. This award was given to 182 schools including these schools in PSD:
- Bethke Elementary School
- Fort Collins Montessori School
- Fossil Ridge High School
- Kinard Middle School
- Liberty Common Charter School
- PSD Mountain Schools
- Traut Elementary School
- Werner Elementary School
- Zach Elementary School
The 2022 CDE awards ceremony was the first one held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colorado Education Commissioner Katy Anthes said they were thrilled to recognize the remarkable achievements of schools and districts.
“This is a testament to the hard work by students, teachers, administrators and the community who persevered under the extreme challenges brought by the pandemic,” she said. “As we celebrate the success of these schools and districts, I want to extend my gratitude to their entire staff for their resilience and dedication to supporting students.”
For more information, visit the CDE Colorado School Awards Program web page.