Hill School, a Fort Worth college preparatory full-service school for students who learn differently, has been selected to join the Microsoft Schools Program, an exclusive community of 2,000 premier schools from around the world. The program celebrates the pioneering efforts and innovation in rethinking teaching, learning and assessment at schools. Hill School was recognized for its dedication to discovering state-of-the-art programs, exploring new resources, and pushing professional learning tracks further.
“Becoming a part of the Microsoft Schools Program is an amazing way to connect and engage with leaders in education from around the world,” said Roxann Breyer, head of school at Hill School. “This honor is a reflection of our faculty and students’ hard work and desire to be responsible digital citizens, and we will continue to identify innovative ways to equip our students with the proper tools needed for success inside and outside of the classroom.”
As well as being recognized on a global scale for its innovative approach to educating tomorrow’s workforce, as a certified Microsoft School, Hill School will join collaboration programs with schools around the world, gain access to professional development initiatives, and build its staff capacity as Microsoft Innovative Educators Experts (MIE Experts).
In 2009, Hill School began its 1:1 Technology Initiative to equip students for the opportunities and challenges they would encounter after graduation. Today, Hill School students in grades 7-12 utilize Microsoft Surface Pro slate technology at school and home, and students in grades K-6 have access to touch-screen laptops during the school day.
Since the technology was implemented, Hill School has observed an increase in the frequency and quality of assignment completion, improved motivation, an ease in frustrations with the mechanics of reading, writing and organization and improvement in overall productivity, school officials said.
Oakridge School adds new technology, modern learning director
The Oakridge School has named Michelle Vaughn to its administrative team as the new Director of Technology and Modern Learning.
Michelle Vaughn – photo – joins The Oakridge School after 10 years at Houston Christian High School, most recently serving as the Director of Educational Technology. With an education career spanning 28 years, Vaughn has taught at the elementary level, led educational technology for a school district, and served as an adjunct professor at the university level. She holds a BS in Elementary Education and an MEd in Instructional Technology from Texas Tech University and the University of Houston respectively. A true independent school educator, Vaughn can add many more titles to her resume: engineering teacher, debate sponsor and outdoor expedition leader among others.
“We are delighted to welcome Michelle Vaughn to The Oakridge School,” said Head of School Jon Kellam. “She is a seasoned educator who truly understands the importance of innovation in a student-centered, experiential learning environment. The addition of her breadth and depth of experience to our team will be a huge benefit for our school and our students.”
In addition, The Oakridge School welcomes two new members to its board of regents for the 2017-18 school year. Michael P. Heiskell is an attorney with the Fort Worth firm of Johnson, Vaughn & Heiskell. He is a board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and currently serves on the State Bar of Texas’ Executive Director Search Committee. Heiskell was inducted into the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Hall of Fame in 2015, and continues to serve on the Association’s board as one of its former presidents. He is also a past president of the Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and a former member of the board of trustees of the Texas Bar Foundation. Heiskell earned his BA and JD from Baylor University. He is father to current Oakridge senior Michael Jr., and sophomore Mason, and Oakridge (’96) and Stanford (’00) alumnus Marin.
Also added is Ron Widup is the CEO of Shermco Industries. Founded in 1974, the company provides maintenance, repair, testing, and analysis for industrial electrical systems and equipment. With a corporate location in Irving, a sales office in Brussels, and service centers in Austin, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Houston, Sweetwater and Tulsa, Shermco Industries has more than 450 full-time employees and is a five-time recipient of a “Best Places to Work” award. Widup is the president of the International Electrical Testing Association (NETA), and holds a position on both the NETA board of directors and the NETA Standards Review Council. He is a past member of the Texas State Technical College Regent’s Circle, where he received his degree in electrical power distribution. Widup is father to current Oakridge junior Dylan and fifth grader Cody.