Angleton ISD’s Central Elementary School joined the Southwest Adopt-A-Pilot. Pilot Jo Giles from Southwest Airlines taught four lessons to the 4th and 5th grade APAWLO classes. This engaging initiative included a tie design contest for Southwest Airlines. Students submitted drawings, and winning designs were worn by Southwest Airlines pilots. Consequently, this inspired students to dream big and explore their creative potential.
Moreover, Southwest’s Adopt-A-Pilot Program encourages fifth-grade students to explore aviation careers through STEM activities led by pilots. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the program has impacted over half a million students and brought aviation-themed curriculum to thousands of classrooms. Furthermore, teachers can register for the program and supplement their lessons with resources from Women in Aviation, Southwest K-12 Resources, OBAP, and AOPA. This program offers students unique insights into aviation careers and STEM fields.
Meanwhile, the A.P.A.W.L.O. program at Central Elementary caters to gifted and talented students, providing challenging and differentiated instruction. Kindergarten students are automatically considered for the gifted and talented program and receive specialized instruction from GT-trained teachers during the spring semester.
The TAG Academy for grades 4 and 5 offers advanced learning opportunities with GT teachers at selected elementary schools. For grades 6-12, differentiated instruction continues, preparing students for high school credit courses in middle school and rigorous advanced courses in high school. This promotes deep thinking, language skills, and college readiness.
Source: Angleton ISD’s Instagram
Blog by: Heidi Melgar, Intern, UT Austin
