By Carol Anders Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — Representatives from Webster Elementary School will have the honor of joining other educators who have been successful in raising the achievement levels of students at a national conference in February of next year.
Webster School was chosen to represent Indiana as a National Title I Distinguished School (NASTID). Only two schools in the entire state were chosen. Webster was specifically chosen for having made the most progress in significantly closing the achievement gap between student subgroups.

The conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas where only two schools from each state will be recognized. More than 50,000 public schools across the country use Federal Title I funds to provide additional academic support to help low-achieving children meet state standards in core academic subjects.
The selection process for the award was based on telephone interviews, on-site visits, supportive data, and a 500 word program description of the plan the staff has used to make the gains.
At a celebration at the school last week, State Director of Title I Lee Ann Kwiatkowski announced that the school would also receive a $50,000 grant to further their programs. Kwiatkowski told the audience of students, teachers, administrators, support staff, school board members, parents and other guests that the term “distinguished” means “excellence.”
She said the selection process started with 60 schools throughout the state.
To be eligible for the award, schools must have poverty data of 40 percent or higher. Webster has 53 percent of the students at that level.
Eighteen percent of the total student body is in the ENL (English as a Second Language) category.
According to Kwiatkowski, the selection committee felt that Webster Elementary offers a very caring environment.
She said, “Everyone holds high expectations for students.”
In terms of instruction, she pointed out the use of 90-minute reading blocks with additional 30-minute intervention instruction as one of the deciding factors in choosing Webster. She also spoke of the friendly office staff, the care of the facility and the good meals served.
Kwiatkowski said, “Web-ster is an inspiration for all schools.”
Kwiatkowski and Bill Luther of the state office presented a banner epitomizing the award that can be displayed for all to see.
Teachers Credit Union had also given the school a banner that hung on the entrance of the building.
Superintendent Dan Tyree opened the program saying, “We have made a commitment at all seven schools to raise achievement. Working as a team is the only way to get that done.”
He added, “Today the focus is for Webster.”
Principal Carrie McGuire extended the focus to all of the teachers at the school as she introduced each by name. She also acknowledged the contributions of the support staff.
An unexpected tribute to McGuire was presented by teacher Suzie Kreighbaum. Krieghbaum said, “I first started at Webster in 1959… in kindergarten.”
As she spoke of the generation-old traditions of the school, she said, “Webster has always been a team.”
Krieghbaums’ children were the fifth generation of her family to attend Webster.
Kreighbaum presented a bouquet from all of the staff to McGuire. She said, “We would publicly like to thank Mrs. McGuire for her leadership, supporting us, listening to our ideas and her hard work.”
McGuire is in her third year as principal at Webster. This is also her first position in administration.
After the celebration had ended, McGuire said, “When the state asked about our accomplishments, I told them they were due to the dedication and determination of the staff.”
Title I teacher Cathie Szklarek, who has been at Webster for 10 years, said, “I’m really happy for the kids and the staff. We had a master plan with baby steps in it and it is great to reach this point.”
Tyree said, “It’s exciting that our schools are doing what they are supposed to do, educate children. It’s also exciting to be honored by the state.”