Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Several data sources, including local manufacturers, tell us that United States industries need more people to work in high-tech fields, especially engineering. According to PLTW literature "U.S. Industry needs more than one million engineers and technical workers. Middle schools and high schools can help supply them."

We have been exploring the PLTW curriculum for our middle school students that would address the interest in preparing more people for these occupations. This curriculum would take the place of what has been previously taught in 8th grade industrial technology. Our teachers would be re-trained to teach these classes.

The startup costs for equipment and supplies would be approximately $36,000. There are some grant monies available from the Kern Foundation that would assist with this cost. We will be looking for community partners that have an interest in science, technology, engineering and math to partner with for at least some of the cost beyond what the grant does not cover.

Our high school students can access PLTW through Wright Technical Center in Buffalo. The middle school curriculum would be a good lead up to that.

Click here to see a video on PLTW.

Surplus Property Auction

The school district will hold a surplus property auction on April 4th beginning at 12:00 noon at the Community Education Center, 140 Elm Ave. For a complete listing of sale items click here.

Calendar for 2009-10

The school board has adopted the calendar for 2009-10. The state does not allow schools to start before Labor Day. Labor Day this year falls on September 7 so the earliest school can start is September 8. Some people like a longer winter break and some want school to be out as early as possible in the spring. These two interests were taken into consideration when setting up the calendar. This calendar does have a shorter winter break.

Presidents Day will be used as a snow makeup day if a day is used on or before January 22. The reason for the January 22 date is that families need notice if school is going to be held on a day originally scheduled as a vacation day.

Two bills have been filed in the legislature that would allow schools to start anytime before Labor Day. They are HF195 (in the house) and SF23 (in the senate). If your interested in lobbying for this idea contact legislators. You can find information on contacting legislators and other information here