Recognized by Apple
HPU and Montlieu Academy unveil iPads to elementary students.
2011 High Point University Magazine
July 2012
August 2011
One final accolade was presented to Montlieu for its achievements from an important source – Apple, Inc., the maker of the iPads. When the company heard about how the school had utilized the iPads to engage its students in learning and preparing for the future, it honored them in a special way. Representatives from Apple visited Montlieu, and a celebration was held to welcome them. During a packed pep rally, the representative presented Montlieu with the Apple Distinguished School
“
”
– Ged O’Donnell, president of Montlieu Academy of Technology award and banner. The banner now hangs proudly in their hallways. “This is the day we’ve been working toward for the last few years,” O’Donnell told his students during the celebration. “Students, this is an award for you and the hard work you’ve done.”
A thriving partnership The relationship between the HPU family and Montlieu continues to grow along with the iPad Project. Lasting friendships between all – faculty and teachers, education majors and students – have been created. To continue to celebrate the work of elementary students who succeed, the student-led Volunteer Center at HPU brings more than 100 Montlieu students to
One school year after using the iPads, Montlieu Academy
boosts its EOG scores by 13 percent.
$
campus each semester for a Fall Festival and a Spring Carnival. HPU students commit the day to interacting with the elementary students through fun and educational experiences. At the 2012 Fall Festival, the students participated in writing thank you notes to Hoboken, N.J. firefighters and troops overseas, took part in a scavenger hunt with their iPads and had their faces painted. “All of the students were so excited to come,” says O’Donnell. “The festival is a great way to recognize and reward students who have shown excellence in their learning.” ROTC members helped the students color flags and write a note to troops. Sophomore ROTC member Matt Miller colored pictures with Jaylin, a first grade student. “Meeting Matt has been the best part of today!” said Jaylin. Sophomore communication major Kyli Gillard led another group of first graders through the festival and helped Montlieu student Kaitlyn color a picture for a firefighter. “If I could talk to [the firefighter], I would say ‘Thank you!’” said Kaitlyn. Gail Tuttle, vice president for student life, said the event brought joy to both groups of students. “The festival is special; we’ve had a wonderful collaboration with Montlieu and it’s great to be able to give the children an opportunity to come to a place of higher education and interact with our students. It is also great for our students to give back to the community and impact CONNECT these children’s’ lives.” ■
Guilford County Schools receives a $30 million grant to implement iPads in middle schools thanks to Montlieu’s success.
HPU
Apple Inc. February 2013
The beauty behind HPU’s iPad Project is that its success benefits not only Montlieu, but the entire school district of Guilford County. The project allowed Montlieu to serve as a prototype school for technology that attracted the attention of state officials and led to the entire school district receiving $30 million in funding from the Race to the Top program. This grant will give all middle school students in the district their own electronic tablets for learning. O’Donnell says that the school could not have succeeded without the commitment from community partners like HPU. “The time that HPU’s I.T. Department and faculty took to train our teachers one-on-one to implement this technology effectively in the classroom is most important to us. We are grateful for the unique and close partnership HPU has provided through this process.”
The time that HPU’s I.T. Department and faculty took to train our teachers one-on-one to implement this technology effectively in the classroom is most important to us. We are grateful for the unique and close partnership HPU has provided through this process.
December 2012
Creating a legacy
recognizes Montlieu Academy as an Apple Distinguished School.
2013 highpoint.edu
I
85