“Our students can be globally competitive,” said Monique Pierangeli, Webster Schools Superintendent, “and our newest educational programs help get them there. It’s about giving all our students the opportunity for jobs if they’re not college-oriented.”

The inspirational enthusiasm displayed by not only Ms. Pierangeli but also by BHS Principal Ryan Collins and Project Lead The Way (“PLTW”) Coordinator Michele Bigelow is enough to make you jump crazy. It’s the real thing alright and if anyone’s got the juice to do it, it’s this group and their fellow educators at Bartlett High School and Webster Middle School as it feeds the local students into the new, challenging, and rewarding programs that the high school now offers. As a PLTW student they have exclusive access to a variety of recognition opportunities including college credit, scholarships, preferred admission at colleges and universities, internships, apprenticeships, and other avenues to highlight their unique skills according to the PLTW website.

“Our students can choose college or hands-on careers,” said Mr. Collins, “these particular courses give them the opportunity and access to high-level machinery for white-collar manufacturing positions.” In 2021 a former principal had approached Ms. Bigelow, who is a certified engineer as well as educator, regarding the PLTW’s Introduction to Engineering Design course. Then, with additional assistance from Ms. Bigelow, Biomedical Sciences courses were introduced. 

“My students are freakin’ awesome,” said Ms. Bigelow, “they are learning how to generate concepts. They’re given a problem to solve and get into teams to brainstorm ideas, build and test prototypes, and then present their final product. They use Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to build their prototypes along with a 3D printer to make their creations. Our middle school students (grades 5-8) are also aligned with our modules for manufacturing and health care.”

Mr. Collins stated that “It’s great to give students all opportunities for career pathways. It’s a double-dose of preparation knowing that all our students have exposure to all aspects of future educational prospects. Our two pathways have never seen a decreased enrollment even during Covid.” 

Said Superintendent Pierangeli, “We didn’t just pick these two pathways out of a hat. We studied and researched these areas to learn what was needed in our geographical area. Our state has acknowledged that not all students are going to college. Teaching to our students’ needs is essential.” 

Ms. Bigelow explained that 21% of the student population (grades 9-12) took one of the Pathway courses. “We hope to inspire all our young ladies and men to reach for the stars,” said Ms. Bigelow. 

“Michele Bigelow came to us and asked us to review our students with multiple handicaps and all Life-Skills students can now do Pathways this year for the first time,” said Mr. Collins. “Townspeople should know all that we’re offering here. You don’t have to go to a trade school. Not every school can have a vocational program but we can show our offerings to students who are not all college-bound. We want to meet the needs of our student community,” said Superintendent Pierangeli.

Ms. Bigelow also elaborated on obtaining industry-recognized certification such as in Six Sigma (a quality level that is nearly perfect), OSHA-10 (general industry and construction), CIM (Course Inventory Management System) in areas like dementia care, and MACWIC third-level certifications (shop math, blueprint reading, metrology, safety, and work readiness). 

“We couldn’t do any of this without the support of the administration,” said Ms. Bigelow, “there are many behind-the-scenes personnel involved in both our Middle School such as Principal Heidi Peterson and our BHS Principal, Ryan Collins. We have one full-time instructor in Engineering and one full-time instructor in Biomedical Sciences. We’ve established one 85-minute block per day for instruction along with grant writing and establishing business relationships with local companies such as Mapfre, Gentex, Swissturn/USA, Omni Control Technology, and the Blackstone Valley Educational Foundation which has the Career and College Ready Program. Our curriculum is state-adopted with HQIM (High Quality Instructional Materials that provide a variety of relevant assessments to support and present teacher guidance using professional tools to evaluate and offer deeper student comprehension of the standards).”

The PLTW students have access to CNC Machines (Computer Numerical Control devices) including a robotic arm CNC as well as the aforementioned 3D printer for which Bartlett High School received grants for purchase. 

With the dedicated staff and administration in the Webster School System, all students are in the right place at the right time. Shooting for the stars seems like it’s there for the taking!   

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Albert Einstein  

Contact Janet:  [email protected]