Story by Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Marlowe Elementary School became an Apple Distinguished School after showing others how it inspires students, encourages them to imagine new things and impacts the community.
Through this program, Apple Inc. has encouraged schools across the world to work hard and use technology to create better learning environments for students. A total of 728 schools across 36 counties have earned the honor of being an Apple Distinguished School.
In order to become an Apple Distinguished School, the school must complete four main objectives: establish a 1:1 program, have an innovative use of the Apple platform, show leadership and faculty proficiency with iPad or Mac and show continuous innovation within the leadership team.
For five years, Marlowe Elementary has worked toward completing these objectives and completed the application. It became the second school in Berkeley County to become an Apple Distinguished School, the first being Inwood Primary School. The school was recognized for its hard work and dedication during the Berkeley County Board of Education meeting on Monday.
“The journey to get to this moment – and let me tell you it was a journey – would not be possible without the dedication the Marlowe staff has for doing what is best for kids, their deep passion and love for teaching and, most importantly, their unwavering desire to provide our Marlowe students with the greatest education,” Marlowe Elementary Principal Katherine Worthington said during the meeting.
Worthington explained how the school started its journey five years ago as it was determined to use professional development opportunities to enhance the use of technology in the classroom. The school used iPads, not as a substitute for a teacher, but as a tool to help students.
As more schools around the world move to 1:1 technology, where all students receive their own device for learning purposes, Marlowe Elementary wanted to be prepared. Through the professional development training, the staff learned to work together and support one another.
“The overall amount of work it takes for the entire school to be eligible for this award is incredible,” Berkeley County Schools Superintendent Ronald Stephens said. “We know that this is our second school in the county. We are very proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
“It’s just amazing the community spirit that you can only see at Marlowe and the love that you see from the staff for the children,” Berkeley County BOE President Patrick Murphy said. “It’s just a compliment to Marlowe, specifically. We deeply appreciate what you did and what you accomplished. I know that the children will benefit for life.”
To watch the videos made by Marlowe Elementary staff during the application process, visit https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/marlowe/page/apple-distinguished-school.