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School District 49

Remington Named National ESEA Distinguished School

Remington Named National ESEA Distinguished School
Peter Hilts, Cassi MacArthur and Susan Cordova hold big check

Peter Hilts, Cassi MacArthur and Susan Cordova hold the "big check."

 

Remington Elementary School is one of only two schools in the state to earn a 2024 National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished Schools award. 

Susan Cordova, Commissioner of Education for the Colorado Department of Education, spoke directly with the students on Thursday, Jan. 16, at an RES assembly. 

“I’ve heard some amazing things about all of you,” Cordova said. “I know, for example, that you have amazing teachers. And your teachers go out of their way to make sure that you have what you need so you can be learning and growing. Your school is doing an amazing job helping students whose families are in the military or whose families speak another language other than English at home.” 

“But I’m here today to tell you that not only do I know this, and you know this, but the entire United States knows this,” she said. “In fact, your school is being recognized in Colorado and the United States of America. Because Remington has done an amazing job, so much hard work, so much great growth, so much excellence, you are getting the 2024 ESEA Distinguished School Award. Way to go Mustangs.” 

Susan Cordova, Commissioner of Education for the Colorado Department of EducationThe students responded with a round of cheering. 

Susan Cordova

Susan Cordova, Commissioner of Education for the Colorado Department of Education

 

The Colorado Department of Education named RES as a top performer of the ESEA program in Category 3, which recognizes excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g., homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.). This is the first time a D49 school has received this honor in the nearly 20-year history of the program. 

“We have a lot of students in special populations here at Remington. Despite the barriers and challenges that come with that, we are making continued progressive growth, year over year,” said Cassi MacArthur, who is in her third year as RES principal. 

“I was lucky to take over a school that was heading in the right direction,” she said “Lisa Fillo (former principal and current Director of Learning Services) really got this school on track for solid reading interventions. I was happy to come in and take it from there and add the things that I could. We’ve been able to expand that to math interventions and hire additional personnel to do math tutoring and interventions. We target instruction based on our ongoing assessments so we know what those kids need so they can make that continued growth. I’m excited to see where we go next.”

Cassi MacArthur speaks at assembly

Principal Cassi MacArthur

 

Dustin Horras, Sand Creek Zone Superintendent, said, “This national recognition supports what we have been seeing for several years, the sustained performance that Remington has had. For example, Remington has scored at least 70 points on our school performance framework every year since 2017. (Distinguished level is 74 points.) Lisa started that sustained success and Cassi has taken that on and run with it. There is an expectation in the culture of Remington that the teachers do what they need to do instructionally.”

According to the CDE, schools are selected based on a combination of academic achievement of the students in the school and the creative and innovative programs that contribute to their success. 

In addition, RES has demonstrated a wide array of strengths, including team approaches to teaching and learning, focused professional development opportunities for staff, individualized programs for student success, and strong partnerships between the school, parents, and the community. 

Students present big check

Remington students present the 'big check."

 

A surprise for MacArthur, the award also comes with a $10,000 prize. 

Cordova announced the prize to the students and brought out a “big” check to another round of cheering. 

“I was so excited for the kids,” MacArthur said. “You could just hear and feel their energy in the room. It’s infectious, that’s why I love doing this job every day. They fill me with energy, which I can pour back into them and the teachers.”

MacArthur was not sure what the money will be used for, but one idea was to help support Title I programing. 

“We might use that money to leverage staff members for additional interventions and supports for students,” she said. “It could possibly help us sustain those interventions so we can keep learning and growing.” 

Before the assembly ended, District 49 Superintendent spoke with the students.

“Mustangs, what do you do when someone gives you a gift,” Hilts asked. “What do you say?”

The student body began shouts of “thank you.”

Hilts said, “I want to say thank you to you students, to the teachers and educators because this award recognizes your hard work.”

 

Cassi MacArthur smiles with big check

Principal Cassi MacArthur having fun celebrating the award and "big check."

 

Remington elementary assembly in gym