Elizabeth Forward School District Named Apple Distinguished Program

PITTSBURGH - Jan. 13, 2014 - PRLog -- PITTSBURGH, PA – The Elizabeth Forward School District is pleased to announce that is has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program through 2015.

The Elizabeth Forward School District’s program is titled “Inspiring Innovation.” For the past three years, the district has created exciting learning spaces and infused technology in these environments to improve student learning. Formal recognition by an Apple Inc. representative will occur at 7:00 p.m. on January 15, 2014 at the Board Room of the District Offices located at 401 Rock Run Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037.

“To be recognized by Apple as a Distinguished Program is a tremendous honor for the school district,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bart Rocco. “We have been working very hard over several years to provide our students with technology that will prepare them for the 21st Century and this distinction validates the hard work of all the staff in the district.”

By installing alternative learning spaces and utilizing creative and innovative technologies, students are provided with another way to learn. The district recognizes that in order to engage otherwise unengaged students it must apply the students’ outside environment within the classroom. Its newest effort is its 1:1 program that puts iPads in the hands of each student in the district. The district is the first in Pennsylvania to provide an iPad to every student in its district. Students are utilizing the iPads in the classroom and home to help with homework.

“Elementary students who are learning about constellations are able to pull up an app on their iPad and see the constellations that would be visible from their school at night,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bart Rocco. “Middle school students are using an app to draw items that will eventually be fully realized and printed on a 3D printer.”

The Apple Distinguished Program is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments. To qualify for the program, a school must not only provide Apple products for student’s use, but provide the curriculum and training for students to experience advanced learning in coordination with the technology.

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Elizabeth Forward School District is composed of the Borough of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Township and Forward Township. Located approximately 35 minutes south of the city of Pittsburgh, the district lies between the scenic Yough and Monongahela river valleys in the southernmost region of Allegheny County. The mission of the Elizabeth Forward School District is to establish a collaborative working relationship with its families and communities to create learning environments for all students that nurture the academic, social and emotional skills of each student through high expectations of excellence that produce life-long learners, world ready leaders and citizens who are prepared to meet the ever-changing challenges of a global society. The district currently has a student population of approximately 2,400 students.