Holly Springs STEM Academy Named Microsoft Showcase School

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Holly Springs, GA -- Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy has been touted as a global leader in successfully integrating technology with teaching and learning.

The school has been selected by Microsoft as a 2015-2016 Microsoft Showcase School in recognition of excellence in “transforming its learning environment to deliver more personalized education to students, effectively using mobile and cloud technology and better preparing students for success in the workplace,” the Cherokee County School District said.

Only 400 schools worldwide have earned this recognition.

“Being selected as a Microsoft Showcase School is an amazing honor and recognition of the passion our teachers and staff have for creating the best learning environments possible,” Principal Dr. Dianne Steinbeck said. “We look forward to sharing our experiences with other schools in our community and the world to continue finding innovative ways to equip our students with the proper tools needed for success inside and outside of the classroom.”

Last school year, Holly Springs ES STEM Academy became the first whole school ever to be Microsoft Innovative Educator certified.

As a Showcase School, Holly Springs ES STEM Academy will work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education and communicate a vision for education enabled by technology through the hosting and mentoring of other schools in the community on transformational educational practices.

“Microsoft Showcase Schools are shining examples of those applying purpose driven innovation in a variety of ways to build connection, motivate students and to create community in and out of school, ” said Anthony Salcito, vice president of Worldwide Education for Microsoft. “These schools are truly transforming learning and providing more personalized education to students empowering them to achieve more.”

As well as being recognized on a global scale for their innovative approach to educating tomorrow’s workforce, Showcase Schools also receive the following benefits from Microsoft as part of the program: collaboration with an international group of thought leaders; special pricing on SteelCase Education learning classroom furniture; MIE Experts on staff to help drive innovation and to support staff, peers and students; access to professional development for Educators within their school; invitations to regional and global events; monthly community webinars and Yammer group discussion, exclusive to Showcase Schools; and email signature and digital signage.

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Photo: Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy has been selected by Microsoft as a 2015-2016 Microsoft Showcase School in recognition of its excellent use of technology. Students use Microsoft Surface tablets during a recent class as, from left to right, teacher Lauren Pittman, CCSD Technology Project Specialist Sandi Adams and Principal Dr. Dianne Steinbeck look on. Credit: Cherokee County School District