Indian Knoll Elementary Named Microsoft Showcase School

CANTON, GA — Indian Knoll Elementary School has earned global recognition for its dedication to effectively using technology for teaching and learning.

The school has been selected by Microsoft as a 2021-22 Microsoft Showcase School in honor of its successful integration of educational technology in the classroom to benefit students and teachers. Only 38 schools were selected as Showcase Schools, and Indian Knoll Elementary School is the only school in Georgia named to the list.

Principal Kim Cerasoli said the effort was led by technology lab teacher Marissa Williams and media specialist Jennifer Lewis. They will be recognized for their roles in achieving this honor by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent Brian Hightower at the School Board’s September meeting.

“Technology will never replace our experienced, talented and caring teachers, but it’s a critically important and incredibly powerful tool to advance instruction and student learning,” Hightower said. “We’re so proud of the teachers and staff of Indian Knoll Elementary for investing in their instructional technology skills - an investment that not only earned this significant recognition, but, more importantly, benefits their students.”

As a Showcase School, Indian Knoll Elementary School will have access to additional Microsoft resources and support and the opportunity to share innovative best practices with other top schools.

“Showcase Schools are an elite group of schools that exemplify the best of teaching and learning in the world today,” said Anthony Salcito, Microsoft’s vice president for worldwide education. “Only a few institutions earn this designation … and you can take pride in knowing that Microsoft recognizes your impact on the future of education.”

In addition to earning the Showcase honor, Microsoft also named five Indian Knoll Elementary School educators as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts – the highest designation awarded: Lewis, Williams and teachers Chelsea Leming (who is the current Cherokee County Teacher of the Year), Rebecca Moore and Afton Roberts.

Cherokee Schools Chief Information Officer Bobby Blount praised Indian Knoll Elementary School for its efforts to improve instructional technology use.

“This not only speaks to the fact that IKES worked for and applied for this designation, but it also speaks to the commitment by the school, as a whole, that obviously recognizes the importance of continuous education, skill enhancement and improving how we teach our students,” Blount said.

In addition to the efforts by Lewis and Williams, Cerasoli thanked the school’s Digital Transformation Team, made up of teachers and instructional support staff, for its efforts to improve that earned the designation. The other team members are: Lauren Abrams, Morgann Anderson, Kristen Brooks, Alyson Counts, Allison Eubanks, Ashlyn Grummer, Leeanne Hartman, Ms. Leming, Katie Malcolm, Megan Malecek, Carli Marinelli, Ashley Miller, Ms. Moore, Peggy Rein and Cayla Williams.

Holly Springs Elementary School STEM Academy, during the 2014-15 school year, became the world’s first whole school ever to be Microsoft Innovative Educator certified, and the following year was the first Cherokee County school selected for the Showcase. Clark Creek Elementary School STEM Academy earned the international Showcase recognition during the 2018-19 school year.