Local schools recognized for excellence
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) recently named several Douglas County School District (DCSD) schools on its annual list for showing excellence in academic achievement and student growth. Many of our local schools were included.
Timber Trail Elementary School (TTE) received the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award, which shows exceptional student growth schoolwide. “On the school performance framework that is used by the state to evaluate schools, TTE exceeded expectations on the indicator related to longitudinal academic growth and ‘met or exceeded’ expectations in the indicator related to academic growth gaps,” stated the DCSD website.
American Academy, Buffalo Ridge Elementary, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), and TTE all received the John Irwin Schools of Excellence award. This award is given yearly to schools that show exceptional academic achievement over time. These schools received an Exceeds Expectations rating from the Academic Achievement indicator of the School Performance Framework reflecting exceptional performance in math, English language arts and science, according to the DCSD website.
RCHS was the only high school in Douglas County to receive the High School Academic Growth Award. This award recognizes high schools that demonstrate the highest levels of student academic growth in reading, writing and math. RCHS Principal Andy Abner said, “Our growth award is a direct result of our special education students making more than a year’s growth in reading, writing and math.”
Abner was thrilled by both recognitions. He stated, “I am very proud that RCHS continues our excellent performance in academics. Our students, staff and parents have shown an unparalleled commitment to academic success year after year and it is most evident with the matriculation of our graduates into various post-graduate successful endeavors. We have maintained our status of being the premier high school in Douglas County and within the state of Colorado. I could not be prouder of all of our students, staff and parents who continue to make RCHS a top-tier public high school that prepares our graduates for a successful future.”
By Celeste McNeil
