Middletown Commended By State As A 'Future Ready' School District

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown school district was recognized by the state Department of Education last month as one of only a select number of districts in the state that are "Future Ready" when it comes to technology. Future Ready Schools is a coalition of the New Jersey School Boards Association, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the New Jersey Department of Education.

School districts were recognized by the state for not only providing technology to students, but also teaching them how to use technology and incorporate it into their everyday lives. For example, the Middletown school district provides every student in grades 3-12 with a Chromebook laptop. Middletown also teaches students how to stay safe online as part of the curriculum.

"It's about establishing an expectation of how we use technology and teach Middletown students how use it," said Middletown schools superintendent Dr. Bill George. "We are using these devices in a way that is both purposeful and meaningful. Middletown Township public schools had the largest number of certified schools included in the initial cohort of Future Ready Schools - NJ."

In total, 63 schools or school districts across the state were recognized; Dr. George is pictured above with other winning superintendents with New Jersey Dept. of Education commissioner Kimberley Harrington, the woman pictured in the center.

Middletown and Howell were the only two districts in Monmouth County to receive the Future Ready Schools distinction from the state; it's an initiative that started at the federal level under the Obama administration. Clark Mills school in Manalapan was also recognized, but not the entire district.

A formal celebration of Middletown's recognition from the state will occur at 6:00 p.m. prior to the November 20 Board of Education meeting at Middletown High School North.

"This achievement was the result of the collaborative effort made possible by the innovation, passion, and leadership of our students, technology staff, educators, and administrators," said Dr. George. "The district is empowering our students to take an active role in their own education and inspiring life-long learning."