By Dave Fidlin
CORRESPONDENT
With weeks to go before the school bell resumes ringing, officials within Washington-Caldwell, as with all school districts across the state, are putting the final touches on details for the 2016-17 school year.
But Washington-Caldwell has a notable addition to this year’s curriculum, which has resulted in vigorous planning during the off-season months. This year, the K-8 district is adding programs from Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to its menu of educational offerings.
Kelli Vogt, the district’s library media and technology specialist, briefly discussed the PLTW rollout at a School Board meeting Aug. 15. Vogt said she and other district staffers have been organizing supplies for the program. Late this fall, she said plans are in motion to offer a component of the program to 4-year-old kindergarteners.
The board in February approved bringing PLTW to Washington-Caldwell through a gradual rollout process. PLTW is a national program used in schools across the U.S.
From robotics-type activities to team-building, problem solving exercises, PLTW curriculum revolves around the subjects of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Educators have frequently supported adding STEM to curriculum because it hones in on skills wrapped around emerging career options.
In addition to the PLTW planning, Washington-Caldwell staffers have been involved in other behind-the-scenes planning exercises before the doors open Sept. 1.
The district is updating its supply of student-issued iPads with new software and has been making enhancements to the schoolwide wireless network, which in the past has had areas of weak spots within the facility.
On a related note, the board has approved a student handbook, outlining policies and procedures for iPad usage. The document is reviewed annually. This year, only a few minor tweaks were integrated into the handbook.
Superintendent Mark Pienkos also briefly discussed the district’s school safety plan at this week’s board meeting. Pienkos said he is been in contact with Police Chief Tom Ditscheit, who will be on hand for a walk-around during the first day of school.
Pienkos said Washington-Caldwell has held a series of safety meetings in an effort of ensuring security precautions are put into place this school year.
Throughout the summer, district officials have been working with contractors on a series of capital projects, which are expected to clock in at less than $25,000 when the work is completed.
Pienkos said most of the items on the list have been completed, though he hinted that the tail end of the work might extend early into the school year without any disruption to classroom instruction or activities.
“The building is in very good shape for the start of school,” Pienkos said.
The improvements include a new furnace, placing wood chips on the school playground, seal coating the parking lot, re-seeding the east playground area and replacing window shades in kindergarten classrooms.
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