An Apple Distinguished School

Second Baptist School is proud to announce that it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2019-2022. This recognition is our fifth consecutive as an Apple Distinguished School spanning 10 years. Head of School Dr. Don Davis sees this distinction as “reinforcing SBS’ commitment to encouraging our students to engage in a digitally based global community.”  

The Apple Distinguished program nomination is led by Hannah Claypoole who saw this nomination as an opportunity: “We were excited to share what we were doing with technology in our classrooms.” The application focuses on logistical and operational questions about the school and the technology program but the result is a self-created iBook. This iBook allows SBS to showcase the vision, planning, process and execution of the technology department as it relates to innovation and results in the classroom. 

As it relates to the SBS strategic plan, there is vertical alignment within our technology curriculum in order to propel students to be leaders in this growing field. Depending on the grade level, students interact with iPads and/or Macbook Air. Claypoole notes “When students have access to technology and are educated to harness its capabilities, a whole new world of possibilities and creativity emerges for them.” The goal at SBS is to equip our students with cutting-edge technological resources so they are prepared to impact the broader community.

The teachers at Second Baptist School utilize Apple technology in their classrooms each day. As an Apple Distinguished School, teachers are granted access to unique professional development opportunities with other Apple Distinguished Schools. An added benefit is that full-time teachers receive their Apple Teacher Distinction within one year of working at SBS. 

The technology department benefits greatly from the support offered by being part of the Apple Distinguished Program. Collaboration with other Apple Distinguished schools, support with system infrastructure, leadership event opportunities, and access to experts in the educational field are invaluable resources provided by being a part of this unique program. 

The truth of the matter is, most schools in the community have access to technology on a daily basis, but only a few have a distinction that credits the purpose and vision behind the technology. The administration at Second Baptist School is committed to maintaining the Apple Distinguished School distinction and strives to be a center of leadership and educational excellence by reinforcing the importance of technology in the classroom.