Tusky Valley Middle School announced today that it has been recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW GatewayTM. It is one of just 110 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of K-12 students and teachers in over 10,500 schools across the United States.

Tusky Valley Middle School is extremely honored to receive this award.  Project Lead the way teacher, Mrs. Janet Cornell, has done a great job of developing a program that is engaging, interesting and challenging for all students.  She teaches 7 different courses each day to the middle school students. All of our students are taking course work in the engineering field with the hope that they will be sparked to continue in math and sciences and they move to the high school. Tuscarawas Valley Local School district offers PLTW course to all students in K-8 and a vigorous program at the high school.

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, Tusky Valley Middle School had to meet the following criteria:

• Offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit at each grade level;
• Have more than 50 percent of the student body participating during the 2016-17 school year;
• Have 25 percent of students advancing to high school participate in two or more units.

Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. PLTW Gateway empowers students to lead their own discovery and uncover a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.

“It is a great honor to recognize Tuscarawas Valley Middle School for their commitment to students,” said Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They are a model for what school should look like, and they should be very proud of ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”

Tuscarawas Valley Middle School is part of a community of K-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/our-programs/program-recognition