Skokie, IL – Fairview South announced today that it has been recognized as a 2022-23 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is one of 212 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Gateway. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
“We are proud to be acknowledged as a Project Lead the Way Distinguished School District again this year! This program allows our middle school students to be well prepared for the PLTW coursework offered at our local high school, Niles West. It is always our hope that our students have a passion ignited in elementary school that they can follow throughout high school and beyond!” - Dr. Whittaker | Superintendent
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, Fairview South had to meet a variety of criteria such as a certain percentage of the student body participating in PLTW Gateway, participate in two or more units during their time at school, offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit at each grade level, and have strategies in place to ensure equitable access to students.
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Have more than 50 percent of the student body participating during the 2021-22 school year;
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Have 25 percent of students advancing to high school participate in two or more units during their time at the school;
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Offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit at each grade level;
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Have strategies in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, and/or gender.
Research shows that the middle grades play a pivotal role in influencing high school, college, and career success. During this transitional time, it’s crucial to provide students with access to relevant, engaging, and real-world learning experiences that illuminate the range of career paths and possibilities available to them. Whether designing an automated robotics system or solving a mysterious disease outbreak, PLTW Gateway students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.
“We are proud to recognize Fairview South 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."
Fairview South 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.
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About School
Fairview South is a K-8 school with approximately 800 students. The school has a long history in Skokie, Illinois. The district was founded in 1950. Originally the district had two schools named Fairview North and Fairview South. The schools then merged into one building at the Fairview South location. Over the years the school has gone through renovations and additions. In 2022 the District broke ground on an expansion that includes a new learning center, STEM classrooms, multi-purpose space, & 22 additional and renovated learning spaces. Additionally, the project includes preschool classrooms for a District first, a new preschool program that will begin in Fall 2024.
About PLTW
Project Lead The Way (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.