Wyatt-Edison Charter School has been chosen by the state of Colorado as the 2003 Title I School winner that has made the most significant progress in raising standardized test scores and closing the achievement gap. The Department of Education presented Wyatt-Edison with this award and $10,000 for achievement at a special ceremony and assembly that took place last week at Wyatt-Edison. Principal Kay Frunzi and three faculty members were honored for their contribution to the success of the school.

Each year the National Association of Title I Directors promotes a Title I Distinguished School Recognition Program, and every state has the opportunity to select two Title I schools to receive this national award. High academic student achievement results and significant progress in closing the achievement gap over a period of three years constitute the major criteria used in the selection process.

"We are so thrilled to be receiving this award," said Principal Kay Frunzi. "It is heartening to be recognized for all of the hard work and commitment that has been taking place at Wyatt-Edison since its inception six years ago. This award is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the many individuals who have been working very hard, every day, to make sure that each and every student is learning and progressing."

Wyatt-Edison has shown a strong record of improving achievement, gaining an average of 9 percentage points across all grades and subjects since Spring 2001 -- compared to state and district average gains of 2 percentage points across the same grades, subjects, and period of time. Wyatt is also rated highly by its parents, a full 80 percent of parents at Wyatt rated the school an A or B -- compared to only 68 percent nationally.

Board Secretary Mary Gittings-Cronin commented, "We are delighted to receive this award and are so very proud of our hard-working students. We gratefully accept this award on their behalf. We would also like to take this opportunity to commend the outstanding leadership at the principal level, thank our wonderful and involved parents, our committed and hard-working faculty, and the caring and responsive community that have together helped bring our school to this level of achievement."

In his letter of commendation to the school, Assistant Commissioner William Windler, Office of Special Services from the Colorado Department of Education wrote:

"Wyatt-Edison Charter School serves as a beacon of hope and a shining example of how hard work by staff and students alike can result in exemplary accomplishments. Despite significant obstacles, [Wyatt] has made great progress in making sure that no child will be left behind."

"The distinguished accomplishment will result in an award of $10,000.00 for Wyatt-Edison Charter School. In addition to the financial award, the school will be presented with a special banner to be displayed in [the] school as a symbol of this accomplishment."

"Wyatt-Edison Charter School was selected after reviewing 2003 CSAP data utilizing six or more areas of student disaggregation to determine top schools for closing the achievement gap."

The Department of Education will present Wyatt-Edison with the award and $10,000 for achievement at a special ceremony and assembly that will take place today at Wyatt-Edison. Principal Kay Frunzi and three faculty members will be honored for their contribution to the success of the school.