Project Lead the Way, a national nonprofit organization that develops science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education curriculum, has named Floyd L. Bell Elementary, A.F. Palmer Elementary, and C.R. Weeks Elementary 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools.

Windsor’s three elementary schools have earned this distinction for the second consecutive year. This recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs.

“PLTW transforms classrooms into launchpads for innovation. Students don’t just learn STEM—they experience it firsthand by solving real-world problems, collaborating like engineers, and discovering their potential—it turns curiosity into capability,” said Windsor elementary science teacher Will Marcotte.

To be eligible for the designation, Windsor’s three elementary schools each had to have more than 75 percent of the student body participating in the program and had to offer at least one PLTW Launch module at each grade level during the 2023-24 school year.

According to PLTW, research indicates that students form opinions and develop interest in math and science as early as elementary school. Through activities like designing a car safety belt or creating digital animations inspired by their own short stories, PLTW Launch students engage in critical and creative thinking, enhance teamwork abilities, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.

“The program equips them with technical skills, but more importantly, it fosters resilience, creativity, and a mindset to thrive in any career. Every day, I see students light up when they realize, ‘I can design this. I can fix that.’ That’s the power of PLTW,” said Marcotte.