Lynn English whizzes award finalists

LYNN – Lynn English High School has been named one of 18 finalists for the Intel Schools of Distinction Award in mathematics excellence, the computer software company announced last week.The annual program honors U.S. Schools that demonstrate “21st century teaching and learning environments” and implement innovative programs that “inspire students to excel in the areas of math and science.”If chosen as a winner, the school will receive part of $1 million in grant awards from the Intel Foundation and sponsoring companies.For being named a finalist, the school will receive $2,500 from the foundation.”Improving math and science education is one of the critical issues we see facing the United States if it is to compete effectively in a global economy,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. “It is encouraging to see examples of such excellence from across the country. These schools launch their students on a path to lifelong learning with programs that are rich, exciting and demanding.”Six winners, one elementary, one middle and one high school in both the math and science categories, will be chosen May 5 and honored with $10,000 cash from the Intel Foundation and an award package that includes curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software valued at more than $100,000 per school.Representatives of the winning schools will also attend a series of events in Washington, D.C. this September, beginning with a black tie gala and concluding with an awards night at which one of the six schools will be named a “star innovator.”The star innovator school will receive and additional $15,000 grant from the foundation as well as additional products and services.The star innovator school must have a comprehensive program incorporating innovative and effective use of technology, engaging parents and the community in students’ education, fostering professional development and teamwork and delivering consistent high academic standards.The 18 finalists were chosen from both public and private schools. The math finalists, including Lynn English, were chosen because they offer students a rigorous, challenging and engaging curriculum that teaches skills and how to apply them to real life problems both in and out of the workplace.The schools’ mathematics test scores and overall academic achievements were also taken into account.All ninth-graders at English enroll in algebra and 10th-graders enroll in geometry. According to Intel, the school was chosen because the learning environment challenges students to assume active roles as self-directed learners, with teachers functioning as “coaches,” providing guidance and direction.Upperclassmen enroll in a variety of math courses ranging in skill from college prep to honors, including advanced algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus and statistics.Students also have an opportunity to select courses in biotechnology, computer-aided design and drafting or technology certification programs within the Cisco Networking Academy.Relationships with area businesses, parents, alumni and local colleges have produced new math and technology programs at the school and provide grants to expand current programs.