Quaker Valley Middle School proudly hosted a landmark event on December 1, welcoming 42 educators from 16 school districts across Western Pennsylvania for an engaging Apple Distinguished Schools visit. The event showcased Quaker Valley Middle School's innovative educational practices, technology integration, and commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
The day kicked off with a formal presentation by the Quaker Valley Middle School’s Apple Distinguished School application team, led by Principal Dr. Anthony Mooney and Karyn Dobda, Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives. Attendees were provided with valuable insights into the school's journey as an Apple Distinguished School, highlighting the successful integration of Apple technologies in the curriculum to enhance student engagement and achievement.
“We are looking forward to collaborating with the school districts that visited Quaker Valley Middle School today,” said Dr. Mooney. “There is limitless potential in these partnerships.”
Following the presentation, participants were treated to immersive classroom tours, offering firsthand experiences of innovative teaching methodologies and technology integration in various subjects. The tours provided a glimpse into the dynamic learning environment that Quaker Valley Middle School has cultivated, demonstrating the impact of technology on student collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
The highlight of the event was the Tech Playground sessions, where attendees had the opportunity to explore and interact with cutting-edge educational technologies from Apple and many other iPad-based apps in hands-on settings. From livestreaming to graphic design activities, participants engaged in activities that showcased the versatility of online apps and resources in transforming the educational experience.
“It is a privilege and an honor to showcase the incredible teaching and learning that occurs daily at Quaker Valley Middle School. Our students, faculty and staff are simply outstanding!” reflected Dr. Mooney. “Our students are amazing ambassadors! They led technology sessions, answered questions posed by our visitors, and represented QVMS with distinction and pride!”
The day concluded with a panel question and answer session, allowing attendees to engage in a dialogue with the Quaker Valley Middle School team as well as representatives from Apple. The panel discussion provided a platform for addressing inquiries and opening the door to future opportunities to collaborate.
Tom Forrest, Library Media Specialist and application team member shared the pride he felt for the work students and teachers at Quaker Valley Middle School have done as they completed the application process: “Today was such a great cap to the Apple Distinguished School experience. It was wonderful to have our teachers and students showcase what makes Quaker Valley Middle School so special by showcasing what they do in the classrooms every day,” he reflected. “I don’t think that our kids and teachers really appreciate how extraordinary they are, because they do these things on a daily basis.”
Quaker Valley Middle School is honored to have hosted this Apple Distinguished Schools visit, welcoming and Apple officials. The success of the event underscores the school's commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and the advancement of educational practices that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world.