Richardson ISD’s Stults Road Elementary School in Lake Highlands Friday morning celebrated being named a National Title I Distinguished School, one of only two in Texas. The honor is the highest level of recognition available to a Title 1 school in the United States.
It’s a really big deal.
The award is reflective of superior levels of student achievement coupled with innovative programs and practices, district representatives say. Despite a student population that is 80 percent economically disadvantaged, Stults Road has been an Exemplary-rated school for four consecutive years, with high numbers of students reaching commended status (mastery) on state tests.
Students and staffers put on a parade and gathered for an award presentation by state officials to principal Darwin Spiller. Then they engaged in much deserved celebration for the remainder of the day.[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw9VD-t62pI[/youtube]
After hanging around the school for a while, I can understand why it is special. The staff is wonderful and they have a ton of support from the neighborhood. For example, Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Lake Highlands adopted the school and offers a mentorship program for students. I met a couple from Rowlett, TX who drives in a few times a week because they love the church and cherish the opportunity to mentor students at Stults and other RISD schools.
