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DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION RECEIVES GRANT
FROM U.S. BANCORP FOUNDATION

DENVER, Nov. 28, 2007 – The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation received a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Bancorp Foundation for DPS Success, an after-school tutoring program that provides supplemental instruction in math and literacy to students in grades 3 - 10.

DPS Success is designed to help students improve their reading, writing, and math skills, and to help them prepare for taking the CSAP tests — the state’s standardized test. DPS Success maintains a ratio of no more than 15 students to 1 teacher. By learning in small groups, students receive the extra attention they need to practice and master new skills. Sessions are generally held after school, two to four hours each week for a period of eight weeks. These sessions are taught by DPS classroom teachers.

"DPS Success has been a great addition to our current after-school academic and enrichment programs,” said Barbara Berv, president and CEO of the DPS Foundation. “It gives students extra time to understand what they are learning during the school day as well as develop better test-taking strategies.”

"U.S. Bank wholeheartedly supports innovative programs like DPS Success. The program helps local youth learn critical skills that help them succeed in school and be the best they can be," said Hassan Salem, market president for U.S. Bank in Denver. “DPS Success contributes to a better educated workforce and a stronger community.”

The program was first introduced by DPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jaime Aquino in January of 2006, and was successfully implemented in the 2006-07 school year in 112 schools. Feedback from teachers has been very positive, with many commenting they value having the opportunity to provide additional instruction for students who need a little more time to embrace, practice, and master new concepts. Teachers have reported an improvement in students’ classroom work and an increase in their reading comprehension.

About U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank has 137 branches and more than 250 ATMs in Colorado. U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $228 billion in assets, is the 6th largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 2,512 banking offices and 4,870 ATMs, and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

About the Denver Public Schools Foundation

The DPS Foundation raises funds in support of the district’s ambitious education reform plan – The Denver Plan – to improve student achievement. The Foundation supports programs such as professional development for principals and teachers, improved curriculum and quality of instruction, after school programs, and community partnerships.

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