May 25, 2022 – Baldwin Elementary School (BES) has been named a
2021-22 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for the third consecutive year. BES is just one of 282 schools across the U.S. and one of four schools in the Commonwealth to receive this recognition. The recognition celebrates schools for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through Project Lead the Way (PLTW).
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S. by providing innovative project-based learning that incorporates science, technology, engineering and math. PLTW empowers students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges in an exciting and engaging way.
“We are honored to recognize Baldwin Elementary for their unwavering commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience despite the last two years having been some of the most challenging in recent history for students and educators across the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. David Dimmett, interim president and CEO of PLTW. “Baldwin 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.”
Baldwin Elementary has been implementing PLTW into the curriculum since 2017, when the school became a PLTW Launch School. The program has proven successful in these past five years. Since 2019, BES has earned the title of a PLTW Distinguished School. PLTW Coordinator Susan Mayo was recognized as one of three Outstanding Teachers by PLTW in 2019 and former Baldwin Elementary Principal Dr. Laura Goldzung was named the 2021-22 PLTW National Administrator of the Year.
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, Baldwin had to have at least 75% of the student body participating in at least one PLTW Launch module and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module in each grade (K-5) during the 2020-21 school year.
Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like, and think they are good at, both math and science. Whether designing an action plan to help a local environment 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.
“I would like to congratulate the hardworking students, teachers and our PLTW coach Susan Mayo for their targeted commitment to this ongoing process,” said BES Principal Dave Rupert. “It is an honor for Baldwin Elementary to receive this distinction for the third year in a row and a pleasure to see the 21st- century and problem-solving skills our learners are immersed into on a regular basis “
Baldwin Elementary School is one of five elementary schools in Manassas City and serves approximately 660 students in Pre-K through grade 4.
