Lynn English honored by Intel

LYNN – Lynn English High School has been named a 2009 Intel School of Distinction in mathematics excellence, the computer software company announced Thursday.English was one of six winners chosen from 18 finalists in elementary, middle and high school in both math and science categories. Representatives of the school will attend an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. this September, with the chance to win an additional $15,000 in grant money if it is named an Intel Star Innovator.Along with the distinction from Intel, LEHS will receive $10,000 in cash from the Intel Foundation and a prize package that includes $100,000 worth of technology materials in the form of curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software.The 18 finalists were chosen from both public and private schools. Lynn English was 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.”This feels as good as beating Classical,” said English High Principal Andy Fila. “We’re pleased and excited for the students, faculty and the parents.”Fila said the Intel Foundation considered math test scores in addition to technology available at English High, including the UNIX operating system and CAD/CAM (or computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) software systems.”We were going to apply for the award last year, but held off a year to make sure we were where we needed to be. Intel looked not only at test scores but also how our courses in mathematics and technology combine to educate our students,” Fila said. “It’s been an amazing year – for me an amazing 10 years – for athletics and academics.”Fila said the cash grant and computer technology awards come at a good time for the school.”With the budget hearings going they way they are, this is a big help and we’re going down to Washington to win again in September.”Joining English as mathematics award winners are Cedar Park Elementary School in Trumann, Ark. and the Urban Assembly for Applied Math and Science in Bronx, N.Y. Science award winners are Oakcliff Elementary School in Doraville, Ga., Palm Desert Middle School in Palm Desert, Calif. and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Ill.