Warsaw Community Schools announced today that Edgewood Middle School has been recognized as a 2020-2021 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is one of just 158 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW Gateway. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
Edgewood Middle School offers Automation & Robotics, Design & Modeling, Medical Detectives, Computer Science for Innovators & Makers, and App Creators. Students really enjoy these hands-on classes. It is important that students get experience from a variety of careers early in their education. Students can continue these pathways at the high school level.
Abbi Richcreek, PLTW teacher at Edgewood Middle School added, “These programs really allow students to explore and find their interest.” Edgewood Principal JoElla Hauselman noted, "Edgewood is so proud to be honored as a PLTW distinguished school. Special thanks to Abbi Richcreek for all she does to make the PLTW classes engaging and fun! Many of our students take at least three PLTW classes during the time they are enrolled at Edgewood." 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, Edgewood had to meet the following criteria:
Have more than 50 percent of the student body participating during the 2019-20 school year;
Have 25 percent of students advancing to high school participate in two or more units;
Offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit at each grade level;
Have strategies and supports in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, gender and can support such claims with relevant data.
“It is a great honor to recognize Edgewood Middle School for their unwavering commitment to provide students with an excellent educational experience despite the unusual circumstances and unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented to the educational landscape this past year,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They should be very proud of their achievements in unlocking their students’ potential and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom no matter what career path they choose.”
Edgewood Middle School 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. Congratulations to leaders, staff, students, and families on this outstanding recognition.
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