Clegg, DeMille, Fryberger, Hayden, and Schroeder Elementary Schools Earn National Recognition for Student Literacy Achievement

September 8, 2026

Every year on September 8, educators, schools, and communities around the world recognize International Literacy Day, a global observance dedicated to celebrating the power of reading and learning. Established by UNESCO in 1966 and observed annually since 1967, the day serves as a reminder that literacy creates opportunities, opens doors, and helps shape futures. This year marks the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day, making the occasion especially meaningful.

This year, Westminster School District has an extra reason to celebrate.

Five WSD elementary schools have been recognized as national "Bright Spots" in literacy achievement by The 74, a nonprofit education news organization that identifies schools where students are outperforming expectations in reading. Clegg Elementary School, Fryberger Elementary School, Hayden Elementary School, Demille Mỹ Việt Language Academy, and Schroeder Elementary School were all included in this year's recognition.

For many families, The 74 and its Bright Spots Project may be unfamiliar. That's what makes this recognition worth a closer look.

Using literacy data from more than 40,000 schools across the country, The 74 identifies schools where third-grade students are achieving reading outcomes above what statistical models would predict based on factors such as poverty rates and
demographics. Rather than simply recognizing schools with the highest scores, the project highlights schools where students are exceeding expectations and demonstrating exceptional achievement.

In other words, this recognition is about students.

It is about young readers who are developing the skills and confidence to succeed in the classroom and beyond. It is about students who show up each day ready to learn, tackle challenges, and continue growing. And it is about the educators, families, and support staff who help make that growth possible.

Reading is one of the most important building blocks in a student's educational journey. By third grade, students are making the transition from learning to read to using reading as a tool to learn everything else. Whether they are exploring science, solving math problems, conducting research, or discovering new interests, strong literacy skills help students engage more deeply with the world around them. That is why literacy remains one of the strongest predictors of future academic success.

When viewed through that lens, the Bright Spots recognition becomes about much more than a single assessment or data point. It becomes a reflection of the daily work taking place in classrooms across Westminster School District.

Students do not become strong readers overnight. Literacy development begins with foundational skills, grows through consistent instruction and practice, and is strengthened by encouragement both at school and at home. Every lesson, every book, every conversation, and every opportunity to learn contributes to that growth.

That collective effort is what district leaders see reflected in this national recognition.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, support staff, administrators, students, and families who work together every day to support literacy and academic  success," said Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D. "We are incredibly proud of these schools and the commitment they have shown to ensuring every child develops the reading skills necessary for lifelong learning."

The recognition also highlights something that those within Westminster School District already know well: great things are happening in our classrooms every day.

Across WSD, educators work to provide high-quality instruction, targeted interventions, meaningful family engagement opportunities, and student-centered support systems designed to help every learner thrive. While the Bright Spots designation focuses specifically on third-grade literacy achievement, it reflects a broader commitment to creating learning environments where students can reach their full potential.

As International Literacy Day shines a spotlight on the importance of reading around the world, Westminster School District is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of its own students here at home. The recognition of Clegg, Fryberger, Hayden, Demille, and Schroeder as national Bright Spots is a testament to the hard work of students, the dedication of staff, and the partnership of families who support learning every step of the way.

Most importantly, it is a celebration of students who are proving that with strong support, high expectations, and a commitment to learning, extraordinary things are possible.

Visit the District Awards archive to learn more about other WSD awards.