We proudly share that Ward has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2024-2027 program term. Each recipient is selected for their unique and innovative implementation of Apple technologies that fostered tech-rich environments that ultimately enhance students’ learning opportunities.
What is an Apple Distinguished School?
An Apple Distinguished School is described as a hub of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. Being awarded this recognition signifies these recipients use technology to connect students to the world, fuel creativity, deepen collaboration, and make learning personal for each student.
“We are very proud and excited about this recognition… Our teachers, Instructional Technology team, and administrators have worked cohesively and pushed themselves to showcase our students’ creative use of technology in all subjects,” shared Jennifer Robbins, Director of Elementary Education. “Each school’s written and video application for this recognition reflects how our teachers have introduced technology, through the use of iPad devices and educational online applications, to help students gain the confidence and skills necessary to present their learning in new and creative ways.”
The road to becoming an Apple Distinguished School includes significant upgrades to digital technology access and implementation before the school can even receive an invitation to apply. Our school has an established 1:1 (one-to-one) Apple device program. Additionally, our educators have completed the Apple Teacher training, and shown documentation of positive results of the integration of Apple Apps and numerous other digital resources into the curriculum to create opportunities for student learning.
Innovators in creating compelling learning environments
There are currently 889 such schools in the world—ranging from elementary to college – 338 in North America, 37 in California – 11 of which are in our district alone. Ward, Price, and Carpenter Elementary join the previously designated Gallatin, Gauldin, Imperial, Lewis, Old River, Rio San Gabriel, Unsworth, and Williams elementary schools. The selection of 11 Downey Unified schools as Apple Distinguished Schools highlights the campuses’ success in creating innovative and compelling learning environments that engage students and provide tangible proof of academic achievement.
We are so proud to share that our elementary school was recognized and will receive a plaque and banner to signify this distinguished honor.
You can learn more about our technology here: https://web.dusd.net/ward/technology/