Schools

NMHS Selected 'School Of The Month'

eSchoolNews recognizes NMHS as 'School of the Month' for its commitment to using technology as an effective tool in the classrooms

eSchoolNews, the nation's leading publication on technology in education, has selected New Milford High School as 'School of the Month' for November/December.

In announcing NMHS's designation, eSchoolNews writes, "Through efforts to create a paperless environment, a bring-your-own-device initiative, and the use of social media, NMHS teachers and administrators are integrating technology into all aspects of the school day—and these efforts are paying off. For these reasons and others, we’ve chosen NMHS as our “eSchool of the Month” for November/December."

Acknowledging that the further society moves into the 21st century, the more embedded technology is becoming as an essential tool in our daily lives, New Milford High School Principal Eric Sheninger's initiative has been to leverage social media in the classroom to engage students in learning.

Find out what's happening in New Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sheninger told eSchoolNews, "New Milford High has become a role model for schools across the country on how to innovate with technology. We routinely host visitors who want to learn more about our use of social media, as well as our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative."

In developing this initiative, the school administration has supported Sheninger in providing his staff of educators with the resources, professional development and the latitude to determine how to effectively integrate a variety of tools in their classrooms.

Find out what's happening in New Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In announcing the news to his educational staff, Sheninger said, "This is a great testament to the work that all of you are doing. Thank you for embracing technology as a tool on a needed basis to enhance teaching and learning."

Sheninger's efforts have resulted in being recognized as an emerging leader by PDK International, a global association of education professionals, and the recipient of the 2012 NASSP Digital Principal Award recipient. 

Sheninger was named to the National School Boards Association "20 to Watch" list in 2010 for technology leadership. His blog, "A Principal's Reflections," was selected as Best School Administrator Blog in 2011 by Edublogs.

Sheninger is also the co-creator of Edscape, an annual workshop-rich conference for innovative educators who believe that change is essential to meet the diverse needs of all learners in the 21st Century.

Sheninger told eSchoolNews that schools should commit to finding a way to bring technology safely into the schools instead of keeping it at bay. 

"Fear is very powerful and often inhibits change and innovation. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, 'Do something every day that frightens you.' Unlimited access to technology can be a frightening endeavor. Find a way to make it work."

Sheninger believes that educators owe it to students to allow them to function and learn in the technology-rich world they know.

"We owe it to them to provide them with the opportunity to create more, research responsibly, behave ethically, think divergently, and evolve consistently. We need to learn and evolve with them."

Click here to read the full eSchoolNews article.


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