CARRSVILLE—Carrsville Elementary School has been recognized by the state Department of Education as a 2009 Title I Distinguished School.

This designation recognizes schools for exceptional student performance or for showing significant progress in closing the achievement gap between student groups.

Said Carrsville Elementary Principal Jacqueline Carr: “I am so very proud. This is the first time our school has won this award, and the entire school deserves the credit.”

Carr said earning the honor was a team effort.

“We worked together, starting with the classroom teachers. Much credit also goes to the reading specialists, their assistants, the parents and of course, the students.’’

Carrsville is one of two Isle of Wight County elementary schools earning the award. Hardy Elementary also won the award last year. Carrsville and Hardy are among 124 schools statewide receiving the distinction.

“I am very pleased to have two of our schools selected for this honor,” said Dr. Michael McPherson, superintendent of Isle of Wight schools. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our teachers and students.”

Schools are recognized for this honor by maintaining full state accreditation under the Virginia Standards of Learning program for two consecutive years, meeting the “Annual Measurable Objects” for reading and mathematics, and having average test scores in both subjects at the 60th percentile or higher.

Associate Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Mary Mehaffey said both schools scored in the 90th percentile in every SOL subject this year.

“The schools are shining examples of the positive efforts being made across the country to provide excellent educational opportunities to our students.”

Title I is a federal distinction indicating that the percentage of economically disadvantaged students served qualifies a school for additional federal funds.