Rocky Mountain Elementary is among 21 schools across the state to receive the Governor’s Bright Spot Award. The award recognizes schools who have demonstrated strong growth in student achievement since 2019, as well as excellence and the ability to advance learning through challenging times. “This recognition is a direct tribute to our teachers, staff, students, families, and the support we have received from our entire Rocky Mountain community during the past couple years,” said James Garcia, Principal of Rocky Mountain Elementary School. Rocky Mountain Elementary will also receive $50,000 of GEER funds to go towards investments such as expanding student resources, faculty development, and other opportunities that will benefit students’ learning experiences. 

“Congratulations to these schools that have shown strong improvements in results despite the pandemic, and to all those that worked to advance students’ learning over the last three years,” said Governor Polis. “The unprecedented challenges schools faced through the pandemic were difficult to navigate but, your schools, teachers and communities showed incredible resilience and I am honored to highlight you all. I look forward to seeing how you utilize the funding to keep uplifting your students and advance learning.”

The award criteria was developed to highlight schools across the state that excelled through challenges caused by the pandemic and ensured their students progressed. To qualify for the award, schools must have advanced more than two bands on their performance framework since 2019.