12/26/12 Applications for the project-based learning (PBL) classes for the 2012-2013 school year in the Plymouth Schools officially ended at 2:45 p.m. on December 21; however, there may still be room for a few more students.
According to Amy Gerard, director of PBL for grades K-8, the response from parents and guardians enrolling their children in the PBL classes has been overwhelming. Gerard said “We will be reviewing all of the applications over the holiday break to determine what openings remain.” Gerard said, “There could be applications that are duplicated.”
Classes for students entering kindergarten through fourth grade are held at Washington Discovery Academy. This was the first year for the program. For next year, there is a maximum of 75 students per grade levels K-4.
Next year PBL classes will be offered for the first time for students at Riverside Intermediate and Lincoln Junior High. Grade 5 will be limited 75 and each grade 6-10 can hold 100 students.
Classes were offered this school year at Plymouth High School in the Weidner School of Inquiry. Next school year, the program will be opened up to approximately 100 incoming freshman and to those that that will be sophomores that are currently in the classes. Ken Olson serves as the director of the school.
Olson and Gerard both indicated that if it is determined that there are openings applications will open again at 8:30 a.m.on January 7. Gerard said, “Applications will be taken on a “first come- first served” basis. Olson said, “We will have a “wait list” for students who have applied in case students move or decide not to enroll in the Weidner School of Inquiry”.
Carol Anders Correspondent
