El Dorado, Kan. – USD 490 announced today that all three elementary schools have been recognized as 2022-23 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. They are three of 492 schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
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 elementary school had to have more than 75 percent of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module at each grade level during the 2021-22 school year.
"Each year, USD 490 provides all elementary students access to STEM classes at least once per week as part of a "specials" rotation schedule,” USD 490 Superintendent Jenifer Davis said. “Our elementary students and staff have earned this Distinguished School honor because of their commitment to developing early Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills at all grade levels. This national recognition is certainly well deserved by our elementary students, staff, and families."
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.
“We are proud to recognize Blackmore, Grandview, and Skelly elementary schools for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their important work empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also more generally in life and career."
USD 490 is part of a community of PreK-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.