We are proud to be recognized as an
Apple Distinguished School
Strong learners are strong leaders.
As a school community, our teachers are equipped to provide a robust learning environment that fosters academic growth and leadership opportunities. Students are given the tools to develop the necessary skill set to form their unique identity and gain a deeper understanding of the physical and digital world in which we live. Our students are empowered to think critically, communicate ideas creatively and persevere with a growth mindset. Gator Strong is who we are!
1:1 iPad Program
21st Century Learning
Tech Squad
Innovation Lab
ISTE & Apple
Certified Teachers
Apple Distinguished School
What It Means to Be an Apple Distinguished School
Being named an Apple Distinguished School places our school among a select group of schools recognized for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. This distinction highlights our commitment to:
- Empowering student voice and choice
- Designing creative, student-centered learning experiences
- Using technology to deepen, not replace, learning
- Preparing students with the skills they need for the future
Only a small number of schools in California have received this honor, making Old River a model for what’s possible when creativity and technology work together. Learn more about the award.
Creativity Powered by Technology
At Old River, technology amplifies learning. It empowers students to think deeply, create boldly, and share their voice with purpose. With iPads as a tool for learning across all content areas, students engage in meaningful experiences that go far beyond consumption.
We are committed to developing learners who are not only prepared for the future but ready to shape it:
Strong Learners
Our students take an active role in their learning by leveraging the use of Apple technologies to achieve their learning goals.
Strong Leaders
We are driven to continually strengthen, evolve and engage in our quest to be our best selves by encouraging, motivating and inspiring each other.
Strong Communicators
Through our commitment to providing students with a voice and choice, our students learn to communicate, connect and express themselves clearly for multiple purposes using a variety of tech tools to meet their goals.
Tech Squad
Our Gator Tech Squad is a team of student digital leaders who promote creativity and inspire and teach our staff and students strategies for communicating ideas using a variety of tools. In the spirit of innovation, Gator Tech Squad’s roles continue to grow, as they create entertaining videos for Gator TV, connect with the community as Tech Squad Buddies to the feeder schools and create challenges and tutorials for their peers to use.
Innovation Lab
Old River’s Innovation Lab is a place where creativity is powered by technology. The purpose of our Innovation Lab is to provide a space where students can create, explore, investigate, and build. These spaces have been designed to spark curiosity and inspire our students to engage in learning opportunities built around STEAM. Regular lab visits help students further develop the 21st-century skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Learning opportunities our Innovation Labs include robotics, coding, computer programming, engineering design, Lego-design wall activities, broadcasting, creating music, and engineering and design utilizing 3D printing. Students are involved in inquiry and problem-solving based on relevant and engaging topics. Our fun and colorful Innovation Lab is a place to think outside the box and give our students voice and choice and enhance their learning!
Our Commitment to Innovation
— Jennifer Robbins, Director of Elementary Education
Ready to Get Started?
Forging Responsible & Aware Digital Citizens
We cannot properly prep our students for the future without lessons in digital citizenship. It is vital in the world we live in today. At Downey Unified, we teach our students how their words online have real-world effects and the permanence of their digital footprint, along with key online safety skills.
Be a Good Citizen
- Be safe on and offline
- Help protect “safe spaces”
- Posts must be directly related to course
- Only participate in meetings/chat rooms related to your classes and set up by your teachers
Be Trustworthy
- Be honest
- Use school appropriate and scholarly language
- Use the chat feature to post questions/respond
Be Responsible
- Prioritize time appropriately
- Own your words and actions
- Treat your device/equipment with care
Be Fair
- Be inclusive
- Allow others to share their views
Be Respectful
- Think before you post, speak or act
- Act and speak as if you were talking to your teacher or peer face to face
- Respect classmates and teachers
Be Caring
- Be patient with each other
- Help those in need
- Ask for help when needed