Brummitt Elementary Receives National Recognition from Project Lead The Way for Commitment to Student Achievement
Named a distinguished school for excellence in STEM education

Brummitt Elementary School announced today that it has been recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This honor is given to a select number of elementary schools across the U.S. for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Launch, an elementary STEM curriculum. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.   

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, Brummitt Elementary 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. 

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.  

“We are proud to honor Brummitt Elementary for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences through PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "This achievement celebrates their dedication to student achievement and their focus on empowering students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in school and a wide range of post-secondary opportunities.”

On Monday, March 17, both Brummitt and Jackson Elementary received a heart safe school designation from Project ADAM. Chesterton High School, Liberty and Westchester Intermediate/Middle School campuses received their designation earlier this school year. 

Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory) is a nationally recognized program dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in schools.  Named in honor of Adam Lemel, a high school student who tragically lost his life to SCA, the initiative focuses on raising awareness, training staff, and providing schools with necessary tools to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.  

CHS Nurse Brittany Smith coordinated the program at Brummitt and Jackson Elementary. The initiative was supported by the school district to be implemented throughout all Duneland schools in the next two years. Smith stated, “Implementing this initiative throughout the district promotes cardiac awareness and provides a strategic plan in the event of a cardiac emergency for Duneland’s staff, students, and community.” Nurse Smith reported, “We are currently ahead of schedule with our initiative and will have all of the district certified as heart safe schools, placing the district one full year ahead of the initial projected timeline.” Liberty, Bailly and Yost Elementary Schools are scheduled to conduct their heart safe school designation drills on May 5. 

New directional signs have been placed at both elementary campuses to guide visitors and staff to AED locations. Teams have been trained in cardiac awareness and staff will have ongoing education regarding sudden cardiac arrest.