Colorado Department of Education Honors Two Pueblo Schools for Academic Growth
The Colorado Department of Education has recognized two elementary schools in Pueblo for their significant academic growth. Irving Elementary School received the Center of Excellence Award for the second consecutive year, acknowledging its high student growth rates despite a majority of students being at-risk. Haaff Elementary School was awarded the Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award for the first time, highlighting its exceptional student growth across all grade levels. The awards were presented in Denver, where school principals Jaime Schwab of Irving and Betsy DeCesaro of Haaff, along with Superintendent Barbara Kimzey, accepted the honors. The Center of Excellence Award is given to schools with at least 75% at-risk students that demonstrate the highest growth rates, while the Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award recognizes schools exceeding expectations in longitudinal academic growth. 
