MADISON – Discovery Middle School and Rainbow Elementary School recently received the designation of a Project Lead the Way or PLTW Distinguished School.

PLTW labels the school with success in providing broad access for transformative learning opportunities through PLTW programs.

“We received exciting news today that Rainbow elementary has been selected as one of only five schools in the state of Alabama to be recognized as a PLTW Distinguished School for launch curriculum for elementary schools,” Rainbow Principal Brian Givens said. “Our STEM Zone offering for students is a fun and collaborative environment for all of our Rockets.”

“Mrs. Robin Bruyns and Mrs. Amy Walton have worked extremely hard creating a culture of excellence,” Givens said. “Our students engage in this science and engineering curriculum on a weekly basis. We have such a supportive community who has always helped donate to the classroom and help in any way.”

Discovery was the only school in Alabama to receive this honor for the 2017-2018 school year. Discovery offers PLTW classes in computer science, engineering, robotics and biomedical science.

This year marks the third consecutive year for Discovery to earn PLTW Distinguished School distinction. Kim Stewart serves as Principal at Discovery.

The PLTW Distinguished District recognition honors schools and districts committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, at least 20 percent of students in each grade, pre-kindergarten through 12, had to participate in a PLTW program during the 2019-2020 school year.

In PLTW programs, students develop in-demand knowledge and skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives and on any career path they take. As PLTW students advance, they build empowerment to engage in problem-solving and process thinking, develop technical knowledge and skills, build communication skills and explore career opportunities.