For efforts to support equitable and effective uses of technology in classrooms, the Richmond County School System has recently received three awards from the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) initiative.
“We are proud of our schools and project leaders who have been instrumental in providing our students with laptops, at-home Internet connectivity, and training for our teachers and students,” said Dr. Malinda Cobb, associate superintendent of academic services at the Richmond County School System. “We believe this work can transform learning and inspire our students.”
In Feb. 2021, Richmond County joined the Verizon Innovative Learning initiative with five participating schools, including: A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, Hephzibah Middle School, Tutt Middle School, Langford Middle School and Spirit Creek Middle School.
Two Richmond County School System employees were also recognized for their achievements and the school system received the “Model for Sustainability” award, according to a press release from the school system.
“In addition to the school system, two employees were recognized. Langford Middle School VILS coach Tangayika Bouttry was named “Stellar Coach” for her leadership within the initiative and innovative approaches to engaging with students, including a digital learning café that introduces technology in a relaxed setting and a student technology team,” said the educational system’s press release.
Out of 94 districts in the initiative, Richmond County was one of three school systems that received the award. The county also received recognitions for its collaborative team structure at the district level and the ongoing impact of the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM), which is a framework used to enhance learning through targeted usage of technology.
For her strong implementation support, her ability to resolve problems quickly and her efforts to build a cohesive instructional technology infrastructure across schools, county technology support specialist Crystal James was named “Stellar District IT Leader.”
The initiative provides schools and staff with free technology access, extensive training and support, as well as opportunities to network with other information technology professionals in order to develop engaging and sustainable teaching and learning plans for students. Richmond County joins more than 560 schools from across the country as a member of the initiative.
