NEWS RELEASE # 35
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2012
Montview and Tollgate Recognized for Outstanding Success
Montview Math and Health Sciences Elementary and Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning received awards today for outstanding success in improving academic performance. The schools are winners of the Foundations for Great Schools 2012 grant awards program, which focuses on recognizing and encouraging success among schools serving high proportions of low-income students.
“Many of the metro area’s public district and public charter schools that serve high numbers of low-income students are doing remarkably well,” said Tom Kaesemeyer, President of the Fox Family Foundation and spokesperson for Foundations for Great Schools.
“Given the significant number of students from low-income families in metro Denver, we believe it is important to identify and reward high performing schools that serve these students, and to share the strategies that helped them achieve strong results in academic growth and performance,” added Kaesemeyer.
Award winners were selected based on a variety of factors, including academic performance and growth, percentage of students qualifying for the Federal free and reduced lunch benefit, school culture, leadership, and instructional effectiveness.
Common success factors found among the 2012 winners range from principals with exceptional leadership skills; to a school culture with high expectations, values, accountability, and consistency; to data-driven teaching strategies; to success in English language acquisition.
A total of $500,000 in grant awards will be distributed among 16 award winners.
About Foundations for Great Schools
Foundations for Great Schools mission is to recognize, reward, and encourage outstanding success among public schools serving low-income families in metro Denver. A partnership of five private Colorado foundations comprises the Foundations for Great Schools: The Anschutz Foundation, Daniels Fund, Fox Family Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, and The Piton Foundation.
The group collectively selects annual award winners from among a 12-district area, including, Denver, Aurora, Jefferson County, Cherry Creek, Mapleton, Sheridan, Westminster 50, Adams 14, Brighton, Englewood, Littleton, and the Charter School Institute. Elementary, Middle, High School, Public District, and Public Charter are all considered.
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Paula Hans at 303-326-2755 for more information
