Vex Robotics Information

VEX Robotics will ship a Tool Supplement Kit to all schools that previously
ordered a kit for their POE or AE courses or GTT program.
Registration is now open for schools with a GTT or PTE program to offer a
Gateway Academy Summer Youth Program.

Also, the Fall/Winter Assessment Period is almost upon us so please read this
week's reminders and contact our School Support Team with any questions.

We want your feedback on the Action Bulletin. Are you receiving the
information you need in a timely fashion? What are the topics you would like us
to cover? Send your comments to Trevor Sparks at tsparks@pltw.org.

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End of Course Assessment Reminders

The Fall/Winter Assessment Period opens next month. Please review the
following reminders to prepare for the upcoming testing cycle.

Reminders

All high school teachers were emailed their login credentials for the
assessment system on October 17.
Teachers will have access to the assessment system beginning November 1.
Teachers who did not receive their logins should contact our School Support
Team at schoolrelations@pltw.org.
The Fall/Winter testing cycle runs from November 7 through March 15.
+ All IEP/504 accommodation request forms need to be sent to PLTW
four weeks in advance of the testing date. Go to the Materials section of the PLTW Extranet
(http://extranet.pltw.org) for details on this policy.
This year's online assessments have a computer-controlled stop after 60 minutes. It is no longer the teacher's responsibility to control the allotted
time for the assessment. PLTW will be responsible for all time extensions.
+ The Spring Student Enrollment Process will open on November 15 and
run through
February 7. Guidelines for submitting your files were provided in an
email last month
(http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs017/1102771162287/archive/1107667269071.html).
Please review these instructions to help eliminate errors and delays.
+ If you have any questions or need more information about PLTW's End
of Course
assessments, contact our School Support Team at schoolrelations@pltw.org.

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VEX Robotics to Ship Tool Supplement Kits

Beginning in early November, VEX Robotics will ship a Tool Supplement
Kit with
each PLTW-VEX kit. The Tool Supplement Kit will include higher
strength tools,
as well as replacement set-screws for the VEX Shaft Collars (higher
strength and with improved hex geometry).

VEX Robotics will ship this kit with all new PLTW-VEX kit orders and to ALL
schools that previously purchased a PLTW-VEX POE Kit, PLTW-VEX GTT Kit or
PLTW-VEX AE Kit.

VEX Robotics is committed to supporting PLTW schools and ensuring
they have the best possible experience with VEX Robotics equipment. Any questions
or comments for VEX Robotics can be directed to support@vexrobotics.com.

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Offer a Gateway Academy Summer Youth Program

Sign up now to offer a 2012 Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education
Foundation (SME-EF) Gateway Academy Summer Youth Program. Any school
with PLTW's
Gateway To Technology (GTT) program or Pathway to Engineering (PTE)
program may
offer this day camp, which is designed to engage middle school students in
hands-on STEM projects and introduce them to the GTT program.

Students come together in a fun, exciting environment to sample STEM
disciplines like robotics, aeronautics, rockets, eco-design, manufacturing and
alternative energy. They use leading-edge technologies and work on their
critical-thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills. Teachers trained in PLTW's STEM education program provide expert instruction in small group settings.

Gateway Academy uses the same software and equipment as the GTT program and is
designed to take place in the same classroom. Enrollment is typically 20-25
students per session.

Eligibility

Open to schools currently offering the GTT or PTE program.
Teachers who have completed training in GTT or any PTE course may lead a
Gateway Academy program.

Costs

The total cost to deliver a one-week Gateway Academy is approximately $2,000.
This total is based on one instructor hired for the week at a district's
rate-of-pay and $500 to $700 of consumable materials, based on the projects
chosen from the curriculum.
If funding allows we encourage hiring an additional instructor or a high
school volunteer to assist with the program.
The costs associated with Gateway Academy may be offset by student tuition,
school district funding or other available grants and funding sources.

How to Register

Complete the registration form
(http://www.pltw.org/sites/default/files/Gateway_Academy_Registration_Form.xls)
Email the completed form to gatewayacademy@pltw.org before May 1, 2012.
Once a school's eligibility is confirmed, a key to access the curriculum
through the Virtual Academy will be emailed to the Gateway Academy
contact named on the registration from.

If you have any questions, or need more information about the Gateway Academy
Summer Youth Program, contact gatewayacademy@pltw.org.