MENTONE - Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation announced Akron Elementary School, Mentone Elementary School and Tippecanoe Valley Middle School have been honored as 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools.
This accolade recognizes a select group of schools nationwide for their exceptional implementation of PLTW Launch, an elementary and middle school STEM curriculum, according to a news release from TVSC.
PLTW, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering STEM proficiency among PreK-12 students and educators across the United States, awarded this distinction to schools demonstrating significant commitment to transformative learning experiences. Akron Elementary, Mentone Elementary and TVMS stood out for their extensive student participation in PLTW programs and comprehensive integration of PLTW Launch modules across all grade levels during the 2023-24 academic year.
Inga Omondi, director of curriculum instruction and assessment at TVSC, said, "We are incredibly proud of our students and teachers at both of our elementary and middle schools for their hard work and dedication to STEM education. This recognition from PLTW highlights the impact of our commitment to providing high-quality STEM experiences. Our students are developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in their future academic and career endeavors."
The PLTW Distinguished School designation celebrates schools that actively promote student access, engagement and achievement through PLTW programs. Criteria for the award included a requirement for over 75% student participation and the offering of PLTW Launch modules across various grade levels.
Furthermore, TVMS's PLTW program, known as Gateway, serves as a foundational pathway for students preparing to enter advanced biomedical and engineering classes at the high school level.
Dr. David Dimmett, president and CEO of PLTW, commended Akron and Mentone Elementary Schools and TVMS for their dedication to empowering students. He said, "We are honored to recognize these schools for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences. By ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs, these schools are preparing students for success in STEM subjects and beyond."
For more information on PLTW's Distinguished Program Recognition, visit pltw.org/our- programs/program-recognition.
For inquiries regarding PLTW Launch programs at Akron Elementary School, Mentone Elementary School and TVMS, contact Omondi at [email protected].