Apple Distinguished Program
On October 28, 2015, Rochester Public Schools’ Longfellow 45/15 District-Wide Elementary School was recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program for 2015–2017 for its digital learning journey. The journey began in the spring of 2012 as a pilot program for Rochester Public Schools. Since that time, Longfellow has become a completely 1:1 iPad school that is transforming the educational experiences for all students and staff.
The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments. “The passion from our staff, and the belief in all of our students, drives our programming at Longfellow,” said Principal Kris Davidson. “We are community and relationship focused. Technology is a large focus at Longfellow, but our success comes from our leadership, innovation, and relationship with our families.”
The selection of Longfellow 45/15 district-wide school as an Apple Distinguished Program highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment. Students use a variety of creation apps and tools that can be applied across curriculum. These are engaging at all instructional levels and empower students to express their unique identities. As they become fluent, students take ownership of their learning and achieve beyond expectations.
For years teachers have been able to create and deliver amazing lessons using new technology like the internet and SMARTBoards, and use email to communicate with parents. However, becoming a 1:1 iPad school has truly revolutionized daily processes such as curriculum planning, instruction, student tasks, staff collaboration and parent involvement.