WCS Recognized As Project Lead The Way Distinguished Schools
Posted
Staff Report-
Warsaw Community Schools announced Saturday that all WCS elementary schools and both middle schools have been recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW.
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
Abbi Richcreek, PLTW teacher, has 14 years of experience with both PLTW and STEM education in the classroom with students from grades 7-12. Representing Edgewood Middle School, Richcreek said, “Edgewood Middle School is one of just 176 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. It is hands-on, minds-on projects that inspire students to develop an interest in STEM-related fields. Our curriculum and staff are committed to offering valuable STEM integrative opportunities for our students.”
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs.
STEM coach David Burden said, “WCS pursue the application for PLTW Distinguished School because it was an opportunity to adopt a curriculum that established a high-quality STEM education.”
To be eligible for the designation, WCS elementary schools had to offer at least two PLTW Launch modules at each grade level and have more than 75% of the student body participating during the 2018-19 school year.
STEM coach Joh Wall praised the hardworking teachers who implemented the PLTW curriculum.
“They pour their heart and souls into it and truly make it their own in ways that bring it to life for their students,” Wall said. “This is a celebration of our teachers and how amazing they are.”
Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like and think they are good at math and science. Whether designing a machine to save a tiger or building houses to withstand the Big Bad Wolf, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
Fellow STEM coach Brock Rhodes agreed and added,?“The high student engagement with the PLTW Modules and that it is a true team effort from the students and teachers, to the administration and community. PLTW allows all Warsaw elementary and middle schools high-quality, hands-on STEM curriculum ensuring that every student at WCS can pursue a dream in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
“Claypool Elementary has greatly enjoyed PLTW and the manner in which it enables students to use problem-solving and communication skills,” Melissa Rees, Claypool Elementary School Principal, said. “These skills will enable our Knights to pursue all of their dreams, traveling down any path that they choose. I appreciate the continued dedication of our teachers and paraprofessionals in being life-long learners and making decisions based on what is best for our Knights.”
Edgewood, Lakeview, Claypool, Eisenhower, Harrison, Jefferson, Leesburg, Lincoln, Madison and Washington STEM Academy are part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges, universities and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging and empowering learning opportunities.
