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Students showcase prosthetic prototypes and SEL gains; district backs PLTW
Summary
Teachers and students presented Project Lead The Way (PLTW) design projects and a grade 5 Ramblewild field trip; the district reported support and parents discussed fundraising for a requested turbidimeter to support hands-on science instruction.
Hoosac Valley students and staff used the Oct. 21 meeting to showcase applied learning projects and a recent grade-5 field trip.
Kristen Palatt and Scott Krzanik brought fourth-grade PLTW prototypes — student-designed prosthetics for animals — and four students (Gregory, Aleigha, Cassandra and Colton) described their projects. Mr. Krzanik said the classroom would benefit from a turbidimeter; parents and committee members discussed fundraising and district commitments to support PLTW resources. Palatt said the district has committed to PLTW funding and noted partnerships and grant funding are also available.
Grade 5 teacher Sue Garcia and paraprofessional Jen Gageant summarized an Oct. 3–4 Ramblewild trip organized through an eight-year partnership with Feronia Forward that included 91 fifth-graders. Presenters highlighted social-emotional learning outcomes — students supporting each other, problem solving and perseverance — and noted plans for an aerial park visit in spring. Committee member Mike Henault said the committee supports PLTW but emphasized the need for community support at town budget hearings to sustain program funding.
"Where we invest our time and energy we see payouts every time," Palatt said in framing the school-improvement plan context for these programs.
