Bartlett High School Attains Apple Distinguished School Status
After undergoing a $60 million renovation just a few years ago, Bartlett High School now stands as a beacon of innovation in the educational world. The institution has recently earned the prestigious title of an Apple Distinguished School due to its commitment to fostering a technology-rich environment and its groundbreaking advancements in the realm of education.
This recognition places Bartlett High School among an elite group of 728 Apple Distinguished Schools across 36 different countries. Within the Bartlett City Schools (BCS) district, it joins the ranks of Elmore Park Middle School as the second Apple Distinguished School. The only other Apple Distinguished School in the Memphis area is Collierville Elementary School, with a mere six such schools in the entirety of Tennessee, as per Apple’s list published in January of this year.
It’s worth noting that the Bartlett High Ninth Grade Academy held the distinction from 2019 to 2022, but now the entire school will bear the Apple Distinguished School designation until 2026.
Bryan Woodruff, the chairman of the district’s Board of Education, expressed the importance of providing students with access to technology for educational purposes, emphasizing that technology is not just for entertainment but also a tool for personal growth and development.
The journey toward integrating technology and innovation at Bartlett High School began in earnest in 2020, under the leadership of Principal Chris Maley, who is in his first year in the role. He credited the exceptional work of technology support technician Josh David and instructional technology coach Amy McCloskey, who collaborated with teachers and staff to incorporate technology into the curriculum.
To earn the Apple Distinguished School designation, the school achieved a 1:1 status, ensuring every student and staff member had access to a MacBook, amounting to nearly 2,300 computers. They also submitted an application to Apple, formed a committee at the school, and held meetings with Apple officials.
Bartlett High School’s commitment to technology is fundamental to their educational philosophy, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for both higher education and the workforce. Innovative student-led initiatives include the Genius Bar, a technology support team staffed by tech-savvy students. Maley commended the Genius Bar, where students assist with troubleshooting technology issues on campus during their study hall.
Moreover, culinary students create innovative food truck concepts and menus, digital arts students contribute designs for various campus activities, and criminal justice students craft stop-motion videos to illustrate police and emergency protocols. These initiatives seamlessly infuse technology into their educational experiences, enhancing the overall learning environment.