Russellville Elementary School has been named a School of Distinction by the 2021 Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

“I’m so proud of our school and our incredible teachers,” said RES Principal Kristie Ezzell.

RES earned the honor in recognition of its Bilingual Team-Taught Science Program, implemented during the 2020-2021 school year to meet the educational needs of students with limited and interrupted formal education.

“The success of the program was observed not only during daily classroom learning but also through data and an increase in testing scores that same school year,” explained Ezzell.

The CLAS School of Distinction Award recognizes school programs that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama.

“This is a very well-deserved honor that has been bestowed on RES and its administrators,” said RCS Superintendent Dr. Heath Grimes.

“This is an excellent example of doing something outside the box in order to provide what’s best for our students through effective and innovative methods.”

At a reception later this month, the school will find out whether it will receive the top honor of being a CLAS Banner School.

“It’s a huge honor to get this far,” explained Grimes. “I am extremely proud of all involved.”