Warsaw Schools Receive Project Lead The Way Distinguished School Recognition
Press Release
WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools recently announced that all WCS elementary schools and both middle schools have been recognized as Project Lead The Way 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. Abby Richcreek, PLTW teacher, has 14 years of experience with both PLTW and STEM education in the classroom with students from grades 7-12.
“Edgewood Middle School is one of just 176 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor,” said Richcreek. “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.
“WCS pursued the application for PLTW Distinguished School because it was an opportunity to adopt a curriculum that establishes a high-quality STEM education,” said David Burden, STEM coach.
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 percent of the student body participating during the 2018-19 school year.
“They pour their heart and souls into it and truly make it their own in ways that bring it to life for their students,” said Josh Wall, STEM coach. “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.
“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,” said Brock Rhodes, STEM coach.
“Claypool Elementary has greatly enjoyed PLTW and the manner in which it enables students to use problem-solving and communication skills,” said Melissa Rees, Claypool Elementary principal. “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 students.”