For the fifth consecutive year, Wayside Elementary School has been named a Distinguished School in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM program. It is one of 535 elementary schools across the U.S. to receive the 2023-2024 honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW’s Launch modules in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides STEM curricula in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like and think they’re 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.
To be eligible, the school had to have more than 75% of the students participating in the STEM modules and to offer at least one module at each grade level. The Launch modules were initially funded by the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation and community partners. They are now supported by annual funding from ConocoPhillips as well as local bond issue allocations.
“We are proud to recognize Wayside Elementary School 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."
All six of the district's elementary schools, both middle schools, and the high school have earned Distinguished School status for five consecutive years, making it a Distinguished District in the program, one of only 17 across the nation.