FRANKFORD — John M. Clayton Elementary School has been recognized as a 2020-21 Project Lead the Way Distinguished School.

It is one of just 310 schools nationwide to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities through PLTW Launch. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of pre-K-12 students and teachers across the U.S.

The PLTW Launch initiative at Clayton Elementary began during the 2016-17 school year. Jaime Swartz has been the teacher for the program since its inception. All students at JMC participate, and the 2021-22 school year will mark the first group of students to have participated for all six years of their elementary schooling.

This is the third consecutive year that JMC has been honored with the distinction of being a PLTW Launch Distinguished 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, Clayton Elementary School had to have more than 75% of the student body participating and had to offer at least two PLTW Launch modules at each grade level during the 2020-21 year.

Studies show that students decide as early as elementary school whether they like, and think they are good at, math and science. Whether designing a seat belt or building digital animations based on their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.

“It is a great honor to recognize John M. Clayton Elementary School for its unwavering commitment to providing students with an excellent educational experience despite the unusual circumstances and unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented to the educational landscape this past year,” Dr. Vince Bertram, president and CEO of PLTW, said in a prepared statement. “They should be very proud of their achievements in unlocking their students’ potential and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom no matter what career path they choose.”

John M. Clayton Elementary School is part of a community of schools, colleges, 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, go online.

For more information on John M. Clayton Elementary School’s PLTW Launch program, contact Ms. Swartz or Bennett Murray at 732-3808.