01/14/13 Parents of students who might be interested in signing up for Project Based Learning classes (PBL) offered at the Plymouth Schools are still able submit an application for the Washington Discovery Academy (K-4), Weidner School of Inquiry (PHS), and a combined New Tech program that will be offered for the 2013-2014 school year for Riverside Intermediate and Lincoln Junior High.

Applications had been closed prior to the winter break; however, several members of the PBL team reviewed all of the applications over the break and have determined that there are some openings yet to be filled. According to Director of PBL Grades K-8. Amy Gerard, the applications were opened up on January 7 and will continue to be open until all of the spots are filled.

The Weidner School of Inquiry held classes for the first time this school year with approximately 100 students. Plans are to add about 100 students each year until the maximum number of 400 is reached. Ken Olson assumed the director position of the school.

Also opening this school year was the Washington Academy with Andy Hartley at the head. The Academy is the only PBL facility of the four elementary schools in the Plymouth School system.

During the January 8 School Board meeting, Superintendent Daniel Tyree said the New Tech School that combines Riverside and LJH will be renamed at some point. LJH Principal Reid Gault said they will take 108 students the 7th grade and the same number in 8th grade. The LJH program will be only one of three in the state, according to Gault. Renovations will be done at both buildings to accommodate the New Tech programs.

Gerard said applications are still being taken for grades K, 1, 3 and 4 for Washington Academy. She said, “In grades 5-9, there are still 9-16 spots available in each grade.”

The applications are currently open on the PCSC website. Gerard said, “Parents wishing to apply should go to www.plymouth.k12.in.us and click on the PBL block letters on the top right hand side of the website.” She added, “Parents should remember to apply to the school and grade that their students will attend in August of 2013.”

Anyone wanting more information on PBL, is encouraged to contact Gerard at 936-3113 or by email at agerard@plymouth.k12.in,us. Gerard said, “Once students are in a PBL environment, they will continue learning in PBL throughout their PCSC education. Parents will be given an option each year to have their learner continue in PBL or return to the traditional classroom for instruction.”

Carol Anders Correspondent