Amid the busyness of preparing for their annual Christmas program last week, Parkside Elementary staff and students received exciting news: Parkside is one of only about 100 schools in the country to be named a 2015 National Title I Distinguished School.

The award recognizes qualifying Title I schools for students’ exceptional academic achievements over the past two or more school years.

“Schools aren’t this successful without the work of everyone,” said Jason Hillman, Parkside principal. “It’s really a community award.”

Parkside is the only school in Wyoming to receive the honor this year, according to the Wyoming Department of Education.

“It’s a pretty prestigious award,” Hillman said.

Hillman, who was hired earlier this year to replace longtime Parkside principal Kenny Jones, commended the school’s staff, district leaders and Jones.

“I think this is really a reflection on Mr. Jones and the work that the staff did,” Hillman said Friday. “They’ve done a great job finding ways to help kids who need extra help.”

He also praised Parkside students for their accomplishments.

“They’re demonstrating that they are learning,” he said. “That’s what we want — that’s our focus.”

Hillman also recognized Parkside parents for their support, saying they work hard with their kids.

The distinction is based on Parkside’s demonstration of high academic achievement and its success in meeting/exceeding criteria determined by the state. The Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students (PAWS) and state report card were used to measure the school’s success, Hillman said.

“Parkside has been a high-achieving school for quite some time,” he said.

The Wyoming Department of Education selected Parkside for the honor, and the school will be officially recognized by the National Title I Association at a conference in Houston in January.

Title I is the largest federally funded pre-college education program in America. School districts across the country receive Title I funding to aid in the education of students who are economically disadvantaged.

Southside Elementary School was named a National Title I Distinguished School in 2013.

In addition, all three elementary schools in Powell — Parkside, Southside and Westside — have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education in recent years.

Hillman said the awards are a reflection of the good educators and leadership in Park County School District No. 1. He also noted the overwhelmingly positive accreditation report the school district recently received.

“It’s really neat that you look at small, rural Powell, Wyoming, and our educational system is getting recognized nationally,” Hillman said.