Media Contact: Brent Schwanekamp, Assistant Principal 317.838.3629 bschwanekamp@plainfield.k12.in.us
May 1, 2020: For Immediate Release
PLAINFIELD HIGH SCHOOL RECOGNIZED FOR EMPOWERING STUDENTS
Named a distinguished school for STEM and career learning program
Plainfield, IN – Plainfield High School announced today that it has been recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW Biomedical Science and Engineering. It is one of just 143 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in over 12,200 schools across the U.S.
"Our PLTW programs provide students the opportunity to have immersive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) experiences that prepare them for high demand careers. They are constantly working through the Design Thinking Process in these courses, and as a result, graduate from Plainfield High School as strong problem solvers,” explained Mel Siefert. Principal, Plainfield High School.
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, Plainfield High School had to meet the following criteria:
Students enrolled in at least three PLTW courses;
A minimum of 25 percent of students participate in PLTW courses, or of those who enrolled in PLTW courses, at least 33 percent took two or more PLTW courses;
End-of-Course assessments completed by 95 percent of PLTW students;
Strategies and procedures support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, gender and can support such claims with relevant data.
Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.
PLTW Biomedical Science introduces high school students to medicine and human body systems, as well as the wide array of biomedical science careers. Throughout the program, students take on the same real-world challenges as biomedical science professionals, preparing them for careers in medical and health-related fields.
PLTW Engineering empowers high school students to step into the role of an engineer and adopt a problem-solving mindset. Students engage in collaborative, real-life activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, and exploring algae as a biofuel source.
“It is a great honor to recognize Plainfield High School for their commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They should be very proud of their work to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”
Plainfield High 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. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.
About Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
PLTW is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
About PCSC
Plainfield Community School Corporation (PCSC) is home to approximately 5600 K-12 students and more than 600 employees. Located just west of Indianapolis, Indiana, the district consistently ranks among the best in the state, has earned sequential Four-Star district awards, and most recently, a National Blue Ribbon School of Distinction. With four elementary schools feeding into one middle and one high school, students have many opportunities to explore a wide array of curricular and extra-curricular topics and activities.
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