Sandusky's RCAAS gets education grants

SANDUSKY — Sandusky Schools' Regional Center for Arts and Academic Studies received two important grants for educational programming and more. The free funding, from Project Lead the Way, will expand the school's PLTW Launch program and help cover annual program fees, teacher professional development and required classroom equipment and materials. RCAAS has received a $10,000 grant to grow the Project Lead the Way Launch program for students in grades 3-5. The second grant includes $15,000 to go toward the current school year and $15,000 for the next school year to implement the PLTW gateway program for sixth-grade students. Project Lead The Way is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of preschool through twelfth-grade students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW provides preschool through twelfth-grade schools, teachers and students with hands-on interdisciplinary STEM-based curriculum that uniquely prepares students for life beyond the classroom through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science. "RCAAS science teachers Amy Kromer (third grade), Karen Foss (fourth grade) and Renee Neyman (fifth and sixth grades) will be taking on this exciting challenge with our students," RCAAS principal Tara Toft said. "They will select the most appropriate PLTW modules for our students to prepare them for more advanced learning opportunities in subsequent years. These grants will serve to provide valuable resources and teacher training for the benefit of our students." Through PLTW programming, RCAAS students will have access to early opportunities to explore, develop a passion for and gain confidence in STEM subjects, while developing and applying critical language skills. Whether designing a car safety belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, students will practice critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills and become inspired problem solvers. "PLTW is proud to partner with The Regional Center for Arts and Academic Studies to inspire students to excel in math and science," said Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW president and CEO. "Together, we're empowering millions of young people to become inspired problem solvers. We're passionate about equipping the next generation of students with the in-demand, real-world knowledge and skills they need to go further whatever path they choose." PLTW programs also include professional development opportunities that provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students, as well as collaborative cohort-based opportunities that build lasting professional learning communities. Through PLTW core training, teachers will encounter best-in-class experiences that keep them at the forefront of how to prepare students for the demands of tomorrow.