All eight Valparaiso elementary schools announced today that they have been recognized as Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW LaunchTM. They are 8 of just 214 elementary schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
“We are proud of the hard work of our students and exceptional educators. This accomplishment would not have been possible without their dedication and effort,” says Dr. Julie Lauck, Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent.
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, each of the VCS 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 2017-18 school year.
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 car safety belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
“It is a great honor to recognize the all of the Valparaiso elementary schools for their commitment to students,” said Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They are a model for what school should look like, and they should be very proud of ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”
Valparaiso Community Schools is part of a community of K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities.
For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org/our-programs/programrecognition.