Two Linden Public Schools have been given recognition as Apple Distinguished Schools for their continuous innovation in teaching with technology.
School No. 6 and School No. 8 have been recognized as centers of innovation, leadership and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching and school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment.
“It is an honor to have two of our elementary schools recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools,” said Dr. Danny Robertozzi, superintendent of schools. “We put a great priority on giving all of our schools the tools they need to teach for tomorrow, and this recognition for School 6 and School 8 highlight the results of that districtwide effort. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Dr. Robertozzi praised the work of Assistant Superintendent Denise Cleary, who oversees the district’s curriculum, and Director of Technology Michael Walters, both of whom elevated the district’s effort to use technology in the classroom.
Linden’s Technology One-to-One initiative is key to the success of students at all the Linden Public Schools, and Schools No. 6 and 8 are models of that success. From Grade 3 through high school graduation, each student is provided with MacBook Air, and technology is infused into the curriculum in math, language arts, social studies and science.
All Linden Public Schools have wireless 2GB bandwidth in every classroom, to allow access to websites and videos without delay or disruption. The administration also works with staff to provide appropriate professional learning opportunities and to plan effective implementation of the Technology One-to-One program in the classroom.
Technology is a key tool for inspiring students to becoming leaders of tomorrow, said School No. 6 Principal William Mastriano.
“It is amazing to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School,” Mastriano said. “This is a testament to the faculty and School 6’s collective hard work, collaboration, and the journey we have been on since our district launched our Technology One-to-One program four years ago. We are so proud of our teachers who integrate technology into the curriculum and make it a priority to stay up-to-date with the latest technology to teach our students.”
School No. 8 Principal Michelle Rodriguez targeted technology in the overall goals for the school and has worked closely with staff to achieve success.
“To be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School is a huge accomplishment and recognition,” Rodriguez said. “The district prides itself on the use of technology as an instructional tool and for School 8 to serve as an exemplary model for that goal is an honor. I’m so proud of my entire staff for their work in communicating the district’s and school’s vision of academic success in the 21st century.”
Each principal praised the hard work of their designated technology teams, which attend certified Apple trainings and pass information along to the rest of the staff. At School No. 6, this team is Melissa Higgins, Nicole Dades and Marissa Nigro; and at School No. 8, Heather Astalos, Mike Stevens, Daria Wells and Christa Weiss.
School No. 6 and School No. 8 both serve Grades pre-K through 5, each with about 350 students.