ELIZABETH — The White House and the U.S. Department of Education selected Olga Hugelmeyer, superintendent of the Elizabeth Public Schools, to participate in the Nov. 19 ConnectED to the Future Convening at the White House in recognition of the district’s commitment to Future Ready schools.
Hugelmeyer and more than 100 other exemplary district leaders from across the United States were recognized for their leadership in helping transition their districts to digital learning, and brought together leaders to share promising approaches for using technology to impact teaching and learning.
“School districts across the country are helping teachers harness the power of technology to create personal learning environments for all students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
In June 2013, President Obama announced the ConnectED Initiative, setting a goal of connecting 99 percent of students to high-speed Internet within five years. Model schools and districts across the country are using technology to create personalized learning environments; technology will play an increasingly crucial role in the future.
Starting in September 2014, Elizabeth Public Schools initiated the installation of ‘Leap to the Future,’ a 1:1 computer initiative to provide every student in grades three through 12 the tools to access, create and collaborate.
School Board President Tony Monteiro stated, “‘Leap to the Future’ is a direct representation of the Elizabeth Board of Education’s commitment to provide our students with the latest in technology and instruction so that they are college and career ready.”
According to Hugelmeyer, the ‘Leap to the Future’ initiative will have a significant impact on the way children learn and perform academically.
“I am extraordinarily proud to lead the dedicated instructional and support team members that are a part of the Elizabeth Public Schools family. Our initiative to provide computer access for all students from third through 12th grade helps to highlight our commitment to ensure that every child achieves excellence,” said Hugelmeyer. “This is a deep reflection of our commitment to equity.”
For more on the work of the Department’s Office of Educational Technology, including resources for students, parents and educators, visit tech.ed.gov. For further information on Elizabeth Public Schools, visit www.epsnj.org.