Project Lead the Way Distinguished Launch Schools

Olalla Elementary and Sunnyslope Elementary Receive National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students

Both schools named as distinguished schools for STEM and career learning program

Port Orchard, Washington – South Kitsap School District announced today that Olalla Elementary and Sunnyslope Elementary have been recognized as 2020-21 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. They are two of just 310 schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities 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, Olalla Elementary and Sunnyslope Elementary had to have more than 75 percent of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least two PLTW Launch modules at each grade level during the 2019-20 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 Olalla Elementary and Sunnyslope Elementary 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.”
 

Olalla Elementary and Sunnyslope Elementary are 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.  
 

For more information on South Kitsap School District’s PLTW Launch program, contact Sara Hatfield, Director of Career & Technical Education at 360-874-6285. 

 

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About South Kitsap schools

South Kitsap School District has 16 schools and serves approximately 8,500 students in preschool through grade 12. South Kitsap School District is the largest employer in Port Orchard Washington with more than 1,300 employees. South Kitsap School District is committed to nurturing growth, inspiring achievement, and building community so that every student graduates ready for the future.

For more information, contact:
Amy Miller, Communication & Public Information Officer
360-874-7005, millera@skschools.org